International students with strong academic records can apply for the University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 in Switzerland.
The scholarship is intended for graduates of universities outside Switzerland who wish to pursue an eligible master’s degree at UNIL. Selected scholars receive CHF 1,600 per month for the minimum statutory duration of their master’s programme.
Around 10 excellence scholarships are awarded each year, making this a competitive opportunity for students seeking postgraduate study in Switzerland.
The scholarship application is connected to the application for the selected master’s programme, meaning applicants do not need to submit a separate application to the university’s Admissions Office for the same degree.
University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholarship recipients receive:
- CHF 1,600 per month
- Financial support for the minimum statutory duration of the selected master’s programme
- Exemption from standard course registration fees
- The opportunity to study at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland
Applicants should understand that the scholarship is not a fully funded award. The monthly grant may not cover all expenses associated with living and studying in Switzerland.
Students are also required to pay the applicable CHF 80 semester fees and should have sufficient funds available for expenses that are not covered by the scholarship.
Who Is Eligible?
The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is aimed at students who have completed their undergraduate studies at a foreign university and have achieved excellent academic results.
Applicants generally need to:
- Hold a foreign university degree considered equivalent to a Swiss university bachelor’s degree before beginning the master’s programme.
- Have an outstanding academic record.
- Meet the required language level for their chosen programme.
- Demonstrate C1 French proficiency where the programme is taught in French.
- Demonstrate C1 English proficiency where the programme is taught in English.
- Not already be enrolled at the University of Lausanne.
- Pay the required CHF 200 application/administrative fee.
Because admission requirements can differ between programmes, applicants should check the specific conditions for their chosen master’s degree before applying.
Which Master’s Programmes Are Covered?
UNIL offers master’s programmes in several academic areas, but the scholarship does not apply to every programme.
The following programmes are among those excluded from the scholarship:
- Master’s programmes offered by the School of Medicine
- Master in Sciences and Practices of Education
- Master of Law, with certain exceptions including International and Comparative Law, Legal Theory, and 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
- MAS programmes and other further-education/third-cycle programmes
Additional admission requirements may apply to applicants seeking programmes in areas such as Finance, Psychology, Arts and Nursing.
Students should therefore confirm that their intended programme is both eligible for admission and covered by the scholarship.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before beginning the online application.
The scholarship application requires a single PDF file containing the relevant application documents.
- Applicants also need two recommendation letters from people familiar with their academic or professional background.
- Recommendation letters should be submitted directly by the referees using professional email addresses after the applicant has completed the online registration.
- Depending on the country where the applicant obtained their academic qualifications, certified copies of academic documents may also need to be sent by post.
- Applicants should follow the university’s document requirements carefully because incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027/2028 UNIL Master’s Scholarship is 1 November 2026.
Since the deadline is approaching, prospective applicants should begin preparing their academic documents, recommendation letters and other supporting materials as early as possible.
The UNIL application portal provides information on application procedures and study programmes.
How the Selection Process Works
After applications are submitted, they go through several stages.
During the initial stage, the relevant UNIL offices review applications and check whether applicants meet the administrative and admission requirements.
Complete applications are subsequently considered by the relevant faculties for admission to the selected master’s programmes.
The scholarship selection process takes place after the academic assessment, with the final scholarship decisions made by the Master’s Scholarship Selection Board.
Applicants are expected to receive notification of the final decision in early April.
The university indicates that decisions made by the scholarship selection board cannot be appealed.
Why Consider Studying at the University of Lausanne?
The University of Lausanne offers international students the opportunity to pursue graduate-level education in Switzerland while receiving monthly financial assistance through the Master’s Scholarship.
For successful applicants, the CHF 1,600 monthly grant can help reduce some of the financial burden associated with studying abroad.
However, students should carefully calculate their expected expenses before applying. The scholarship should not be treated as covering every cost of studying and living in Switzerland.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first identify an eligible UNIL master’s programme and review its admission requirements.
You should then:
- Confirm that your academic qualifications meet the programme requirements.
- Check the language requirements for your chosen degree.
- Prepare your academic and supporting documents.
- Arrange the required recommendation letters.
- Complete the UNIL online application.
- Submit the application and required documents before the deadline.
- Monitor your application for further communication from the university.
The scholarship application also functions as the application for the selected master’s programme.
UNIVERSITY OF LAUSANNE APPLICATION PORTAL
Disclaimer: OpportunityShape shares scholarship and study opportunities for informational purposes. We do not represent the University of Lausanne and cannot guarantee admission, scholarship selection, visa approval or any other outcome. Applicants should always verify eligibility, deadlines, programme availability and application requirements directly with the official university website before applying.
