UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 – CHF 1,600 Monthly Scholarship in Switzerland

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 is an opportunity for outstanding international students who have graduated from a foreign university and wish to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland.

The University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship is awarded to around ten students each year. The scholarship is specifically intended for students with very strong academic results and provides CHF 1,600 per month for the minimum statutory period of the selected Master’s programme.

Applications for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 are currently open, with the application deadline set for 1 November 2026.

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UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 Overview

• Scholarship: UNIL Master’s Scholarship
• University: University of Lausanne (UNIL)
• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
• Study level: Master’s degree
• Target applicants: International students who graduated from a foreign university
• Scholarship amount: CHF 1,600 per month
• Number of scholarships: Around 10 per year
• Academic requirement: Outstanding academic results
• Language requirement: Minimum C1 level in the language of instruction
• Application fee: CHF 200
• Semester fee for scholarship recipients: CHF 80
• Application deadline: 1 November 2026
• Academic year: 2027/2028

About the University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a Swiss university based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It offers a range of Master’s programmes across different academic fields and faculties.

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is administered for international students seeking admission to eligible Master’s programmes. The scholarship is designed for students who have completed their previous university education outside Switzerland and have demonstrated outstanding academic performance.

For applicants interested in studying in Switzerland, the University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship provides an opportunity to combine Master’s-level study with financial support during the minimum statutory period of the programme.

What Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship?

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for students who have graduated from a foreign university and achieved very high academic results.

Approximately ten excellence scholarships are awarded each year.

Successful scholarship recipients receive CHF 1,600 per month for the minimum statutory period of their Master’s programme.

However, applicants should understand that the UNIL Master’s Scholarship is not a fully funded scholarship. The university specifically states that CHF 1,600 per month does not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland.

Scholarship recipients are also exempt from the standard course registration fees. However, semester fees of CHF 80 remain payable.

Who Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship Suitable For?

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is particularly relevant to international students who:

• Have completed or will hold a qualifying foreign university degree before starting their Master’s programme.
• Have achieved outstanding academic results.
• Want to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Lausanne.
• Meet the required language level for their chosen programme.
• Are not currently enrolled at UNIL.
• Can complete the required application process before the deadline.
• Can provide the required recommendation letters and academic documentation.

Students considering the University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship should carefully check whether their chosen Master’s programme is eligible before preparing their application.

Scholarship Benefits

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 provides several forms of financial support.

CHF 1,600 Monthly Scholarship

Successful applicants receive CHF 1,600 per month for the minimum statutory period of their Master’s programme.

Exemption From Standard Course Registration Fees

Scholarship recipients are exempt from the standard course registration fees.

Reduced Remaining Fees

Although scholarship recipients are exempt from standard course registration fees, they must still pay the CHF 80 semester fees.

Important: This Is Not a Fully Funded Scholarship

The University of Lausanne clearly states that the CHF 1,600 monthly scholarship does not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland.

Applicants should therefore research the cost of living in Switzerland and ensure they have sufficient financial resources for expenses not covered by the scholarship.

Eligible Master’s Programmes

Applicants can apply for Master’s programmes offered by the University of Lausanne, subject to the programme-specific eligibility rules.

The university states that applications are not accepted for the following programmes:

• Master’s programmes from the School of Medicine
• Master in Sciences and Practices of Education
• Master of Law, except for:
  • 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 programmes, including third-cycle and further education programmes

Applicants interested in Master’s programmes in Finance, Psychology, Arts, or Nursing must also meet additional requirements.

The University of Lausanne notes that admission conditions for some Master’s programmes may change for the 2027/2028 academic year. Applicants should therefore verify the latest programme-specific requirements before submitting an application.

UNIL Master’s Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship, applicants must meet several conditions.

Foreign University Degree

Applicants must hold a foreign university degree recognized as equivalent to a Swiss university Bachelor’s degree before beginning the Master’s programme at UNIL.

Outstanding Academic Results

The scholarship is intended for students with outstanding academic results.

Academic performance is therefore an important part of the scholarship application.

Language Requirement

Applicants must have at least a C1 language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The required language depends on the Master’s programme:

• French C1 for programmes taught in French
• English C1 for programmes taught in English

Applicants should check the individual Master’s programme page to confirm the applicable language requirement.

Current UNIL Students

Applicants must not already be enrolled at the University of Lausanne.

Administrative Fee

Applicants must pay the required CHF 200 administrative fee as part of the application process.

How to Apply for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship application process requires applicants to prepare their documents carefully and submit the application according to the university’s instructions.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

Applicants must prepare their application file as one single PDF containing the required documents.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

Applicants must complete the online application and upload their PDF application file.

The deadline for online registration and submission is:

1 November 2026

Applications sent by email instead of through the online system will not be considered.

Step 3: Submit Two Recommendation Letters

Applicants must arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly by the recommenders.

The recommendations may come from:

• Teachers familiar with the applicant’s previous or current studies; or
• An employer.

The recommendation letters must be sent directly by the author using a professional email address, rather than a private email address.

The letters should be sent to:

mastergrants@unil.ch

The deadline for the recommendation letters is also 1 November 2026.

Importantly, the letters must be sent after the applicant has completed online registration.

Step 4: Submit Certified Academic Documents When Required

Certified true copies of academic documents are required only for candidates whose diplomas were obtained in a state that has not ratified the Lisbon Convention.

Where applicable, applicants must have their university or college certify and seal:

• University diplomas
• University transcripts
• Provisional certificates of achievement, where applicable

These documents must then be sent by post to the University of Lausanne.

The postal deadline is 1 November, based on the postmark date.

Applicants should only send certified copies after completing the online registration.

What Should the Application File Include?

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship application must include the required documentation in the prescribed format.

The application consists of:

• One single PDF containing the required documents
• Two letters of recommendation
• Certified true copies of academic documents, where applicable

Applicants should carefully check their application before submission because incomplete applications will not be considered.

Missing documents, incomplete PDF files, missing recommendation letters, or missing certified copies where required can result in the application not being taken into account.

How Competitive Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship?

The University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship is selective.

The university awards around ten excellence scholarships each year, while applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic results.

This means applicants should treat the scholarship application as a competitive academic opportunity and prepare their application carefully.

A strong application should accurately demonstrate the applicant’s academic background, eligibility, motivation and suitability for the selected Master’s programme.

Applicants should not rely only on meeting the minimum eligibility requirements. They should also make sure every required document is complete, accurate and submitted according to the University’s instructions.

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How to Prepare Your Application

Applicants preparing for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 can take several practical steps.

Review the Master’s Programme

First, identify the Master’s programme you want to study and verify that it is eligible for the scholarship.

Check the Language Requirement

Confirm whether the programme is taught in French or English and make sure you meet the required C1 CEFR language level.

Verify Your Bachelor’s Degree

Check whether your foreign university degree meets the University’s requirements for admission to a Master’s programme at UNIL.

Prepare Academic Documents Early

Collect your:

• University diploma
• Academic transcripts
• Relevant certificates
• Other documents required by the application

Applicants who need certified true copies should arrange this process early.

Choose Appropriate Recommenders

Select two people who are familiar with your academic studies or professional experience and can provide the required recommendation letters.

Make sure they understand that their letters must be sent directly from a professional email address.

Prepare One Complete PDF

The application requires a single PDF containing the relevant documents. Check the file carefully before uploading it.

Common UNIL Master’s Scholarship Application Mistakes

Applicants should avoid common administrative mistakes that could result in an application being considered incomplete.

Submitting After the Deadline

The deadline for the 2027/2028 UNIL Master’s Scholarship is 1 November 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to complete the application.

Sending the Application by Email

The application must be submitted through the online application system. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Forgetting Recommendation Letters

Two recommendation letters are required.

Applicants should communicate with their recommenders early to ensure the letters are submitted on time.

Using Private Email Addresses for Recommendations

The recommendation letters must be sent directly by the authors from professional email addresses.

Missing Certified Copies

Applicants whose diplomas fall under the requirement for certified true copies must provide the documents according to the University’s instructions.

Applying for an Ineligible Programme

Not every Master’s programme at UNIL is eligible for the Master’s Scholarship. Applicants should verify their programme before applying.

Assuming the Scholarship Is Fully Funded

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is not a full-cost-of-living scholarship. The university states that CHF 1,600 per month does not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland.

UNIL Master’s Scholarship Selection Timeline

The University of Lausanne provides the following general selection timeline:

1 November: Application deadline.

November–December: Applications are processed by SASME and the Admissions Office.

December–January: Applicants whose applications are incomplete or who have not been accepted by the Admissions Office are informed that their scholarship application has been unsuccessful.

January–February: Complete applications are transferred to the relevant faculties for consideration of eligibility for the selected Master’s programme.

February–March: Applicants whose applications have not been accepted by the faculty are informed.

March: The Selection Board selects scholarship recipients.

Early April: Applicants are informed of the Selection Board’s decision.

The University also states that scholarship decisions cannot be appealed.

Career Opportunities After a Master’s Degree at UNIL

Completing a Master’s degree at the University of Lausanne can provide students with advanced academic training relevant to further study or professional careers.

Depending on the Master’s programme, graduates may pursue opportunities in areas related to their academic specialization, continue into further academic research, or seek employment in relevant professional fields.

Career outcomes will depend on the chosen Master’s programme, the student’s qualifications, experience and individual career goals.

Similar Scholarship Opportunities

International students searching for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship may also explore other Master’s scholarships and international scholarships offered by universities and institutions in Switzerland and other countries.

When comparing scholarship opportunities, applicants should carefully check:

• Eligibility requirements
• Degree requirements
• Language requirements
• Funding amount
• Tuition coverage
• Living-cost coverage
• Application fees
• Application deadlines
• Required documents
• Programme restrictions

Applicants should always rely on the official scholarship provider for the latest eligibility and application information.

Official Application Information

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 application is open, and the official deadline is:

1 November 2026

The scholarship application also serves as the application for the selected Master’s degree at UNIL. Applicants therefore do not need to submit a separate application to the Admissions Office for the Master’s programme.

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the University’s official scholarship information, FAQ, general conditions and Master’s programme requirements.

Final Thoughts

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 offers outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue an eligible Master’s degree at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

The scholarship provides CHF 1,600 per month for the minimum statutory period of the Master’s programme, while scholarship recipients are exempt from standard course registration fees. However, the scholarship is not fully funded, and recipients remain responsible for the CHF 80 semester fees and living costs not covered by the scholarship.

With around ten scholarships awarded each year, applicants should prepare their applications carefully and ensure that all eligibility requirements and documentation requirements are met.

For students interested in the University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship, the most important date to remember is 1 November 2026, which is the application deadline for the 2027/2028 academic year.