The University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland is inviting applications for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2026, a prestigious opportunity designed exclusively for international students with outstanding academic records. Each year, around ten excellence scholarships are awarded to foreign graduates who wish to pursue a master’s program at UNIL.
This scholarship provides a chance to study at one of Switzerland’s leading universities while being supported with financial assistance. However, applicants should note that this is not a fully funded scholarship and is meant to partially support living and study expenses in Lausanne.
Scholarship Value and Duration
The scholarship is granted for the statutory duration of the chosen master’s program. Successful candidates will receive CHF 1,600 per month for the duration of their studies. In addition, scholarship holders will be exempt from UNIL’s fixed registration fees, except for a CHF 80 fee payable each semester.
Applicants should be aware that the stipend is not sufficient to cover all living costs in Switzerland, and it is strongly advised to consult UNIL’s student reference budget to plan finances accordingly.
Eligible Programs
The scholarship is available for most master’s programs at UNIL, with the following exceptions:
- Master from the School of Medicine
- Master in Sciences and Practices of Education
- Master of Law (except: 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
- All MAS (3rd cycle, Further Education programs).
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship, candidates must:
- Hold a foreign university degree equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree before starting the program.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic performance during their studies.
- Have a language proficiency level of C1 in French or English (depending on the teaching language of the chosen program).
- Not already be registered at UNIL.
- Submit a complete application and pay the CHF 200 administrative fee.
Selection Timeline
The application deadline for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2026 is 1 November 2025. Following the submission, applications will be processed by SASME and the Admissions Office between November and December 2025. Candidates with incomplete or rejected applications will be notified during December 2025 to January 2026.
From January to February 2026, eligible applications will be evaluated by the respective faculties. Applicants who are not accepted by the faculties will be informed between February and March 2026. In March 2026, the Selection Board will review the shortlisted candidates, and the final results will be officially announced in early April 2026.