The Université de Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland offers a prestigious opportunity for international students through its Masters Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships aim to recognize and support academically outstanding students from foreign universities who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at UNIL.
Each year, UNIL awards around ten excellence scholarships. Therefore, the program is highly competitive. Its main goal is to attract talented individuals from around the world so they can study in Switzerland and actively contribute to the academic and research environment at the university.
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Scholarship Overview
UNIL Master Scholarships 2026 covers the minimum statutory duration of the selected program. Recipients receive CHF 1,600 per month during their studies. However, this award is only partially funded. While the monthly allowance helps with living expenses, it does not fully cover the cost of living in Switzerland.
In addition, students benefit from an exemption from fixed registration fees. Nevertheless, they must still pay a small semester fee of CHF 80.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Institution: Université de Lausanne (UNIL)
- Study Level: Master’s degree programs
- Scholarship Value: CHF 1,600 per month + exemption from fixed registration fees (except CHF 80/semester)
- Number of Scholarships: Around 10 per year
- Deadline: 1 November 2025 (for academic year 2026–2027)
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Eligible Master Programs
Most Master’s programs offered at UNIL are open to scholarship applicants. However, some programs are excluded from this scholarship:
- Master from the School of Medicine
- Master in Sciences and Practices of Education
- Master of Law (exceptions: International and Comparative Law, Legal Theory, International Tax Law and Policy)
- Master of Science in Physical Education and Sport Didactics
- Master of Science in Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Sustainable Management & Technology
- Master of Science in Human Taphonomy
- All MAS programs (3rd cycle, continuing education)
Additional Requirements for Specific Programs
- Master’s in Psychology: Students with a foreign bachelor’s degree must first secure admission to a master’s psychology program in their home country.
- Master’s in Finance: Students must show proof that they have obtained a place in a finance master’s program in their home country.
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General Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UNIL Masters Scholarships 2026, applicants must:
- Hold a foreign university degree equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree before the start of the master’s program.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance in their previous studies.
- Have a C1 level in French or English, depending on the language of instruction for the chosen master’s program.
- Not be already registered at UNIL.
- Pay the CHF 200 administrative fee when submitting the application.
Please note: withdrawing from the program after being accepted will lead to the suspension of the scholarship.
Application Procedure
Applying for the UNIL Master Scholarships 2026 is a straightforward, single-step process. This is because the scholarship application also serves as your admission application to the selected master’s program. Therefore, applicants do not need to apply separately to the Admissions Office. In other words, one application fulfills both requirements, which makes the process much easier..
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Online Registration
- Fill in the application form online.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Required Documents
- Completed scholarship application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of passport or ID card
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Motivation letter
- Proof of language proficiency (French or English, C1 level)
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Receipt of CHF 200 administrative fee payment
- Certified Copies (if required)
- If your bachelor’s degree is from a university in a country that has not ratified the Lisbon Recognition Convention, you must send certified documents in a sealed envelope from your university by postal mail to:
Université de Lausanne
Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME)
Bâtiment Unicentre
CH – 1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
Deadline
The application deadline is 1 November 2025 for studies starting in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Online applications must be submitted by this date, and postal documents (if applicable) must be postmarked no later than November 1.
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Selection Timeline
The selection process for the UNIL Master Scholarships 2026 is highly structured:
- 1 November: Application deadline
- November–December: Applications reviewed by SASME and Admissions Office
- December–January: Candidates with incomplete or ineligible applications are notified
- January–February: Faculties evaluate complete applications for academic eligibility
- February–March: SASME informs candidates who were not accepted by the faculty
- March: Final selection of scholarship recipients by the Selection Board
- Early April: Candidates are informed of the decision
Important Considerations
- The scholarship does not cover all living costs in Switzerland Therefore Students must budget additional funds for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
- UNIL provides a reference budget for students to help estimate the cost of living in Lausanne.
- Moreover, Scholarship holders must maintain continuous academic progress and comply with university regulations.
Why Choose UNIL?
The Université de Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s most respected research universities. Moreover, it provides students with a diverse and stimulating academic environment. In fact, studying at UNIL offers a wide range of benefits. For example, students gain access to internationally recognized professors and cutting-edge research facilities. Additionally, the university encourages cultural exchange, since it welcomes students from all over the world. Therefore, pursuing a degree at UNIL not only enhances academic knowledge but also builds global connection
- Firstly, students will enjoy a multicultural environment with peers from around the world.
- Moreover, the university offers high-quality academic programs across diverse fields.
- In addition, learners have the opportunity to live and study in Lausanne, one of Switzerland’s most vibrant cities.
- Finally, they gain access to world-class research facilities and experienced faculty.