University of Lausanne Master Scholarships 2026

University of Lausanne Master Scholarships (also known as the University of Lausanne Excellence Scholarships) are highly prestigious awards designed to attract outstanding international students to Switzerland. Offered by the University of Lausanne (UNIL), these grants are specifically for students who have graduated from a foreign university and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. Unlike many standard financial aid programs, this scholarship is a mark of excellence, awarded to approximately 10 scholars each year who show the potential to contribute significantly to the university’s research and academic community. also check: Coca Cola Scholarship 2027

The University of Lausanne program serves a dual purpose: it acts as a gateway for global talent to access world class Swiss education and serves as the formal admission process for the university. By applying for the scholarship, candidates are simultaneously applying for their chosen Master’s degree. The scholarship is “last-mile” support intended to alleviate the financial pressure of living in one of Europe’s most expensive regions, allowing scholars to focus on their rigorous 1.5 to 2-year academic journey.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the University of Lausanne is a hub for innovation, particularly in the fields of life sciences, geosciences, and business. The scholarship is available for almost all Master’s programs offered by the university, with few exceptions. Beyond the financial stipend, scholars benefit from an exemption from the fixed registration fees, a dedicated support network through the Office for Socio-Cultural Affairs (SASME), and the opportunity to live in Lausanne, a city frequently ranked as one of the best for student life and sustainability.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

The University of Lausanne Master’s Grant provides a stable financial base for international students, though the university notes it may need to be supplemented due to Switzerland’s high cost of living:

• Monthly Stipend: A grant of CHF 1,600 per month for 10 months each academic year (from September 15 to July 15).
• Tuition Fee Waiver
• Simplified Admission
• Academic Integration
• Administrative Support

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2026/2027 entry cycle, an applicant must:

• Foreign Degree: Hold a university degree from a non-Swiss institution that is considered equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS).
• Academic Excellence: Possess an outstanding academic record (high GPA, honors, or top-tier ranking in their graduating class).
• Language Proficiency: Must meet a C1 level (CEFR) in the language of instruction (French or English, depending on the Master’s program).
• New Students Only: Must not have been previously registered at UNIL and must not currently be enrolled in a preparatory year.
• Course Selection: Must apply for a program compatible with the grant.
  • Excluded Programs: Medicine, Education, Criminal Law (Magistracy), Physical Education, and all MAS (Master of Advanced Studies).
  • Note for Law: Only specialisms in “International and Comparative Law,” “Legal Theory,” and “International Tax Law” are typically eligible.

Required Documents

All documents must be uploaded in a single PDF file during the online application process. If your documents are not in French, German, English, or Italian, a certified translation is required.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date and including a photo.
• Motivation Letter
• Transcripts and Degrees
• High School Diploma
• Language Certificate
• Two Recommendation Letters
• Copy of Passport
• Proof of Payment

Deadline

The timeline for the University of Lausanne Master’s Grant is strict. Documents sent by post (where required) must be postmarked by the deadline.

Step by step Application Process

1. Check Program Eligibility: Browse the [suspicious link removed] to ensure your desired field is not excluded from the scholarship.
2. Pay the Fee: Transfer the CHF 200 administrative fee to the university’s account (details are found on the official SASME page). Keep the receipt as proof.
3. Request Recommendations: Contact two professors early. They must send their letters from a professional email address directly to the university.
4. Complete the Online Form: Fill out the [suspicious link removed] on your computer and sign it.
5. Assemble the PDF: Scan all required documents (CV, transcripts, motivation letter, etc.) into one clearly labeled PDF.
6. Submit Online: Upload your application through the portal by November 1.
7. Postal Submission (If Required): Only if your degree is from a country that did not ratify the Lisbon Recognition Convention, you must send certified paper copies by post to the SASME office in Lausanne.
8. Wait for Evaluation: The SASME office first checks eligibility, then the specific Faculty reviews your academic fit for the Master’s program.