The University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland offers a limited number of excellence scholarships to outstanding international students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree. These highly competitive grants are awarded to students who have graduated from a foreign university with exceptional academic results.
Scholarship Summary at a Glance
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Host Institution: University of Lausanne (UNIL)
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Study Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
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Degree Level: Master’s Degree
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Program Duration: 1.5 to 2 years (the minimum statutory period of the chosen Master’s program)
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Number of Scholarships: Approximately 10 per year
Fields of Study
Scholarships are available for most Master’s programs offered at UNIL. You can find the complete list of eligible Master’s degrees on the official UNIL website (see link in the “How to Apply” section).
However, applications are NOT accepted for the following programs:
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Master’s from the School of Medicine
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Master of Education
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Master of Laws from the Universities of Zurich and Lausanne (with two exceptions: specializations in “International and Comparative Law” and “Legal Theory” are open)
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Master of Criminal Law, magistracy specialism
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Master of Science in Physical Education and Sports Didactics
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Master of Science in Health Sciences
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All MASs (Master of Advanced Studies, which are post-graduate/PhD-level programs)
Scholarship Coverage & Benefits
The UNIL Master’s Grant provides valuable financial support, though it’s important to note it may not cover all living expenses.
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Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,600 per month from September 15th to July 15th (10 months per year) for the entire duration of the Master’s program.
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Tuition Fee Waiver: Recipients are exempt from most course registration fees. They are only required to pay a reduced fee of CHF 80 per semester.
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Important Note on Living Costs: The scholarship stipend is not intended to cover the full cost of living in Switzerland. Candidates are strongly advised to research the average student budget at UNIL and secure additional funding if necessary.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a UNIL Master’s Grant, you must meet all the following requirements:
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Nationality: Open to students from all countries.
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Academic Excellence: Must have distinguished yourself with particularly brilliant academic results throughout your previous studies.
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Academic Background: Must have obtained a foreign university degree that is considered equivalent to a UNIL Bachelor’s degree before starting the Master’s program.
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UNIL Registration: Must not have been previously registered at UNIL.
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Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate a minimum level of B2 in either French or English, depending on the language of instruction for your chosen Master’s program.
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For English: TOEFL or IELTS.
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For French: DALF or DELF.
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Application Fee: Must pay a non-refundable administration fee of CHF 200.00.
Application Deadline
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November 1, 2026
How to Apply
The application is a two-part process: you apply for both the scholarship and admission to the Master’s program simultaneously by submitting a single physical application package.
1. Prepare Your Application Documents:
Assemble the following documents unbound:
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A completed and signed application form (to be filled out on a computer).
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A passport-sized photograph (JPEG format) inserted into the application form.
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A cover letter.
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A complete curriculum vitae (CV).
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A certified copy of your university degree(s) and official transcripts for all years of study.
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A copy of your secondary school diploma. (If not in French, German, English, or Italian, include a certified translation).
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If your Bachelor’s degree is not yet complete, include a program description for the final semester.
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A copy of your passport or national identity card.
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An official certificate of language proficiency (B2 minimum).
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Two original letters of recommendation from your university lecturers, in sealed envelopes.
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Proof of payment for the CHF 200.00 administration fee.
2. Mail Your Application:
Send your complete application package by postal service only to the following address:
Université de Lausanne
Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME)
Bâtiment Unicentre
CH – 1015 Lausanne
Switzerland
Key Reminders
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The application form must be completed on a computer and signed by hand.
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This single application serves as your request for both the scholarship and admission to the Master’s program.
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Ensure you meet the language requirements for your specific Master’s program before applying.