University of Lausanne (Unil) Master’s Scholarship 2027/28: CHF 1,600/Month for International Students in Switzerland (Deadline: 1 November 2026)

Switzerland is one of the world’s most academically excellent countries for postgraduate study. It is also one of the most expensive. The Unil Master’s Scholarship at the University of Lausanne — approximately 10 awards per year- provides CHF 1,600 per month plus a waiver of standard course registration fees for international students with outstanding academic records.

The application deadline for the 2027/28 academic year is 1 November 2026. The online application opens in September 2026.

What the Scholarship Covers

Important: CHF 1,600 per month does not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland. Students are advised to consult Unil’s information on student living costs before applying — additional personal funding will typically be required.

At current exchange rates, CHF 1,600 is approximately €1,650 or $1,800 USD per month. Switzerland’s cost of living — particularly in the Lausanne/Lake Geneva region, typically requires €2,000–€2,500 per month for a comfortable student standard.

What Is the University of Lausanne?

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a research-intensive Swiss federal university located on the shores of Lake Geneva, between Lausanne and Morges. It has particular strengths in biological sciences, geosciences, social sciences, law, economics, and humanities. Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s most internationally oriented and beautiful university cities — home to major international organisations including the International Olympic Committee.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility

International graduates only: The scholarship is exclusively for students who have graduated from a foreign (non-Swiss) university.

Academic excellence: You must have achieved outstanding academic results — the scholarship is awarded to approximately the top 10 international applicants per year.

Language proficiency: A minimum C1 level in the instruction language of your chosen programme — French (for French-taught programmes) or English (for English-taught programmes).

Not currently enrolled at Unil: You must not be currently enrolled at the University of Lausanne.

Administrative fee: A CHF 200 application fee is required.

Excluded Programmes

The scholarship cannot be applied to:

• Master’s 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)
• MSc Physical Education and Sport Didactics
• MSc Health Sciences
• MSc Sustainable Management and Technology
• MSc Human Taphonomy
• All MASs (further education programmes)

Additional conditions apply for Finance, Psychology, Arts, and Nursing Master’s programmes — check the Unil Admissions Service page for details.

How to Apply: The Process

Important: Your scholarship application also serves as your Master’s degree application — you do not apply separately to the admissions office.

Step 1: Prepare your complete application as a single PDF containing all required documents.

Step 2: Register online and upload your PDF application by 1 November 2026.

Step 3: Have two letters of recommendation sent directly to mastergrants@unil.ch by your teachers by 1 November 2026. Only letters sent after your online registration and before the deadline are considered.

Step 4 (if applicable): If your diplomas were obtained in a country that has not ratified the Lisbon Convention — send certified true copies of your university diplomas, transcripts, and certificates by post to Unil’s Social Affairs and Student Mobility Service by 1 November 2026 (postmark date).

Applications sent by email and incomplete applications are not considered. Decisions may not be appealed.

Key Dates

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the University of Lausanne (Unil) Master’s Scholarship 2027