If you’re looking to study in Switzerland on a fully funded master’s degree, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants 2026 might be your best opportunity.
The UNIL Master’s Grants are prestigious scholarships offered to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and are eager to pursue postgraduate studies at one of Europe’s leading research universities — Université de Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland.
Each year, around ten students are selected to receive this generous scholarship to support their master’s studies in a wide range of academic disciplines. These awards are highly competitive and intended only for students who have obtained a university degree outside of Switzerland.
Benefits of the University of Lausanne Scholarship 2026
Students who receive the UNIL Master’s Grant enjoy the following benefits:
- CHF 1,600 per month from 15 September to 15 July (10 months/year) for 1.5 to 2 years (depending on the master’s program)
- Full exemption from fixed tuition fees, except CHF 80/semester
- Support throughout your program from UNIL’s international student office
⚠️ Note: The CHF 1,600/month stipend is not sufficient to fully cover all living expenses in Switzerland. Students are expected to plan accordingly and consult UNIL’s student budget guidelines.
Additional perks:
- Access to a multicultural academic environment
- Exposure to cutting-edge research and European networks
- Ideal location in Lausanne, a hub for innovation and academia
Eligibility Criteria for University of Lausanne Scholarship 2026
To be eligible for the UNIL Master’s Grants, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a university outside Switzerland
- Have never previously registered at UNIL
- Demonstrate academic excellence with particularly strong undergraduate results
- Possess language proficiency of at least B2 in English or French (depending on the language of instruction)
- Pay the CHF 200 administrative fee as part of the application
- Meet all admission criteria for the chosen master’s program
Note: Certain master’s programs are excluded from the scholarship:
- Masters in Medicine, Education, Criminal Law, Physical Education, Health Sciences, all MAS/PhD programs
- Master of Law (only “International and Comparative Law” or “Legal Theory” specializations are eligible)
Required Documents for UNIL Master’s Grants 2026
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- A passport-sized photograph (JPEG format)
- Completed and signed application form (typed on computer)
- Certified copies of all university diplomas and transcripts
- Copy of secondary school diploma
- Program description for final semester (if degree is pending)
- Copy of passport or national ID card
- Cover letter explaining your academic goals and motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, DALF, DELF — min B2 level)
- Two original recommendation letters in sealed envelopes
- Proof of payment of the CHF 200 administrative fee
All documents must be submitted in English, French, German, or Italian, or be officially translated and notarized.
Application Timeline for University of Lausanne Scholarship 2026
- Application Opens: September 2025
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2025 (fixed deadline)
- Program Start Date: September 2026
- Scholarship decisions are announced by early 2026
How to Apply for UNIL Master’s Grants 2026
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
- Download and complete the UNIL Master’s Grant application form
- Prepare all required documents (see list above)
- Compile your full application unbound and by post only
- Send the complete application to: Université de Lausanne
Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME)
Bâtiment Unicentre
CH – 1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
📌 The same application also serves as your admission request to the chosen master’s program. No separate application is required for admission.
Important Tip: Start your application early and ensure your recommendation letters and language certificates are ready well ahead of the deadline.
FAQs about the University of Lausanne Scholarship
Q: Is the CHF 1,600/month enough to live in Switzerland?
A: Not fully. Students are advised to supplement with personal funds. UNIL offers reference budgets online.
Q: Can I apply if I’ve already studied in Switzerland?
A: No. The scholarship is only for students with a foreign degree who have never been registered at UNIL.
Q: Is the application entirely online?
A: No. The application must be sent by post. No digital submissions are accepted.
Q: Can I apply for any master’s program?
A: Not all. Some are excluded — double-check your program’s eligibility.
Final Thoughts on the UNIL Master’s Grants 2026
The University of Lausanne Master’s Scholarship is more than just financial support — it’s an opportunity to study at a world-renowned institution in a vibrant academic and cultural environment.
If you’ve achieved academic excellence in your undergraduate studies and are ready to explore Europe’s academic excellence, this could be your launchpad.
Submit your application now before the deadline closes. Don’t miss this opportunity to study in Switzerland.