University of Lausanne Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland | UNIL Master’s Scholarship. Apply for fully funded scholarships from here. Are you searching for a fully funded scholarship in Switzerland, master’s scholarships in Europe for international students, or a study abroad opportunity leading to high-paying global careers? The University of Lausanne (UNIL) Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious European master’s scholarships for students aiming to study in business, finance, data science, law, economics, public administration, environmental science, healthcare management, and technology fields, sectors known for highest-salary jobs, global employment demand, and high CPC industries. This Swiss scholarship for international students allows talented students to pursue a master’s degree in Europe’s top education system, offering a pathway to international job opportunities, multinational careers, financial sector roles, and high-income professions.
UNIL Scholarship 2027 — University of Lausanne Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland | UNIL Master’s Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- University: University of Lausanne (UNIL)
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Program Duration: 2 Years
- Eligible Applicants: International Students
- Final Deadline: November 1, 2026
These Swiss government-supported scholarships attract students interested in top European education, research excellence, global business careers, and high ROI degrees.
United Nations Graduate Study Program in Switzerland
Program Summary & Financial Overview
The University of Lausanne scholarship represents one of the most prestigious academic awards in higher education across Europe. Granted annually by the University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland, this fully funded scholarship targets foreign graduates who have achieved exceptional academic excellence during their undergraduate studies. The UNIL Master’s Grants scheme attracts top-tier global talent to the shores of Lake Geneva, offering financial stability alongside world-class research opportunities.
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| Program Metric | Official Details |
| Host Institution | University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland |
| Degree Level | Master’s degree (1.5 to 2 years) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Monthly stipend: CHF 1600 + Tuition fee waiver |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities (Non-Swiss foreign degree holders) |
| Annual Awards Granted | Approximately 10 competitive master grant awards per year |
| Application Fee | CHF 200 fee (Non-refundable administrative fee) |
| Fixed Semester Fee | CHF 80 semester fee (Paid directly by the student) |
| Next Deadline | Application deadline: November 1, 2026 (For Autumn 2027 entry) |
Program Summary & Financial Overview
Navigating college admissions and securing financial aid at prestigious global institutions requires strategic planning and precise timing. The Swiss university grant managed by SASME UNIL is awarded strictly on a merit-based scholarship framework. Recipients gain direct entrance into their chosen graduate program while receiving structured financial assistance throughout the official statutory duration of their curriculum.
This academic excellence grant covers the complete duration of the master’s degree program, spanning either 18 or 24 months depending on the specific faculty regulations. By alleviating the burden of tuition fees and providing living assistance, UNIL allows international scholars to focus entirely on advanced research and career development in an innovative European academic environment.
For international students looking to study abroad, securing this European master grant serves as an incredible gateway to the Swiss education system. The institution maintains high global rankings across law, business, environmental sciences, and humanities, making graduate studies in Lausanne a high-value investment for future leadership roles.
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Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria for International Students
To qualify for the University of Lausanne scholarship, candidates must satisfy strict admission requirements established by the central mobility office. Applicants must hold a foreign bachelor’s degree obtained from an accredited institution outside of Switzerland. This diploma must undergo foreign diploma evaluation to confirm its complete Swiss bachelor equivalence before the degree program starts at UNIL.
Candidates must demonstrate a brilliant academic record with marks significantly above average across all previous university coursework. Academic evaluation boards carefully review grade transcripts to verify consistent top-tier performance. Furthermore, candidates must be new applicants who have never been previously matriculated or registered as students at UNIL.
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| UNIL SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST |
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| [✓] Foreign Bachelor's Degree (Equivalent to Swiss Bachelor) |
| [✓] Outstanding Academic Record & Top-Tier Transcripts |
| [✓] No Previous Registration or Matriculation at UNIL |
| [✓] Language Proficiency: B2 or C1 (English or French) |
| [✓] Payment of Non-Refundable CHF 200 Processing Fee |
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Language competence forms a core component of the eligibility criteria. Depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program, candidates must show a minimum language level of B2 or C1 on the European Language Portfolio scale. For an English-taught master’s, valid certificates like English proficiency IELTS or TOEFL are mandatory. For a French-taught master’s, applicants must submit official French proficiency DELF/DALF certification. Finally, proof of payment for the administrative processing fee of CHF 200 must accompany the initial submission file.
Financial Benefits, Monthly Stipends, and Fee Exemptions
The primary benefit of the UNIL Master’s Grants scheme is its structured financial package designed to defray cost-of-living expenses in Switzerland. Selected scholars receive a monthly stipend of CHF 1600 distributed over a 10-month annual payment cycle running from September 15 to July 15. This monthly allowance continues for the minimum statutory duration of the academic program, provided the student passes all first-year examinations.
In addition to the monthly stipend, scholars benefit from a complete registration fee exemption that eliminates standard tuition fees for course modules. However, students remain responsible for paying a small mandatory fee of CHF 80, a semester fee, directly to the university administration. This fee covers basic campus utilities, sports facility access, and student union services.
While this fully funded scholarship offers tremendous financial support, applicants must understand that Switzerland maintains a high cost of living. The total living allowance in Switzerland provided by the grant is often supplemented by personal savings or need-based scholarship awards. However, scholarship recipients are granted priority access to reserved rooms through FMEL student housing, significantly reducing monthly rental overheads.
Eligible and Ineligible Master’s Degree Academic Programs
The University of Lausanne scholarship covers the vast majority of master’s degree courses offered across UNIL faculties, but specific exclusions exist. Candidates working with a study abroad or graduate admissions counselor must carefully review the list of eligible master programs before preparing their file to ensure their chosen field qualifies for funding.
Faculty of Arts: All Master of Arts programs (literature, history, philosophy, and modern languages).
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences: Political Science, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Public Administration.
Faculty of Geosciences and Environment: Environmental Sciences, Geography, Biogeosciences.
Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne): Management, Finance, Economics, Information Systems.
Faculty of Law (Specific Streams): Only “International and Comparative Law,” “Legal Theory,” and “International Tax Law and Policy.”
School of Biology: Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences, Behavior, Evolution, and Conservation.
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| EXCLUDED UNIL MASTER PROGRAMS (NO GRANTS) |
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| [X] All Master's Programs from the School of Medicine |
| [X] Master in Education Sciences and Practices |
| [X] Master of Law (Standard tracks outside specified exceptions) |
| [X] Master of Science in Physical Education & Sport Didactics |
| [X] Master of Science in Health Sciences |
| [X] Master of Science in Sustainable Management & Technology |
| [X] All MAS Programs (Executive Education / Master of Advanced) |
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Notable School of Medicine exclusions prohibit medical degree students from receiving this specific grant. Additionally, joint master’s programs such as the Master of Science in Sustainable Management & Technology or executive online degree programs and distance learning modules (MAS cycle) are ineligible. Careful selection of an eligible academic path is vital for university application portal validation.
Complete Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the UNIL Master’s Grants serves a dual-purpose application function. Applying for the scholarship automatically acts as an application for formal admission to the chosen master’s degree program. Therefore, candidates do not need to submit a separate portal entry through the general UNIL Admissions Office (SII).
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| UNIL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WORKFLOW |
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| STEP 1: Verify Program Eligibility & Gather Documents |
| STEP 2: Pay the Non-Refundable CHF 200 Administrative Fee |
| STEP 3: Complete the Official Online Application Form |
| STEP 4: Upload Compiled Single PDF Dossier to SASME Portal |
| STEP 5: Ensure Referees Submit Recommendation Letters directly |
| STEP 6: Submit Completed Application before Nov 1 Deadline |
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Applicants must complete the digital online application portal submission hosted by SASME UNIL. All supporting files must be compiled cleanly into a single certified PDF dossier. Files must not be password protected or compressed into ZIP archives. Precision during document upload ensures smooth processing by the central administrative board.
The entire procedure must be completed prior to the annual deadline of November 1 for entry in the following academic year. Candidates are urged not to wait until the final hours to submit, as server traffic on the UNIL admissions portal can cause unexpected delays. Early submission gives the admissions committee ample time to review candidate credentials thoroughly.
Required Documentation and Certification Package
Preparing an impeccable application package is crucial when competing for a fully funded scholarship in Europe. Every document included in the dossier must be legible, up to date, and formatted according to official SASME guidelines. Incomplete dossiers or files submitted without proper certification are rejected without administrative review.
Application Form: Duly completed on a computer and signed by the applicant, featuring an embedded passport photo in JPEG format.
Cover Letter: A compelling statement of purpose (1–2 pages) detailing academic goals, research interests, and reasons for choosing UNIL.
Curriculum Vitae: A structured academic CV in Europass format including education history, work experience, and academic publications.
Degree Diplomas & Transcripts: Certified academic transcripts and degree copies. Non-English/French/German/Italian documents require notarized translations.
Secondary School Diploma: Copy of the high school leaving certificate validating basic university entrance qualifications.
Language Proficiency Certificate: Official proof of language skills (TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, or DALF) meeting B2 or C1 standards.
Recommendation Letters: Two confidential recommendation letters sent directly by academic referees to mastergrants@unil.ch.
Fee Payment Proof: Official receipt confirming the completed transfer of the CHF 200 fee processing payment.
Ensuring all notarized translations match official university transcripts protects applicants against administrative disqualification. Academic referees must send their letters from official institutional email addresses before the application deadline November 1. Personal or non-academic email addresses for references are strictly rejected by the scholarship committee.
Admission Deadlines, Verification, and Selection Timeline
The University of Lausanne scholarship operates under a rigid selection timeline. Applications for the 2027/2028 academic year officially open in September 2026, with the final deadline fixed for November 1, 2026. The selection process involves multiple levels of academic evaluation by SASME and individual faculty admission boards.
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| UNIL SCHOLARSHIP ANNUAL TIMELINE |
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| SEPTEMBER 2026 :: Online Application Portal Opens |
| NOVEMBER 1, 2026 :: Strict Final Application Deadline |
| NOV - DEC 2026 :: Administrative Screening by SASME |
| JAN - MAR 2027 :: Faculty Evaluation & Candidate Shortlisting |
| LATE MARCH 2027 :: Official Award Decisions Communicated |
| SEPTEMBER 2027 :: Semester Starts on Lake Geneva Campus |
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Between November and January, SASME performs administrative screening to verify eligibility criteria, diploma recognition, and fee payments. Validated dossiers pass to faculty scientific committees for detailed evaluation of candidate motivation and academic merit. Final award decisions are communicated to candidates via email by late March or early April.
Successful applicants receive formal award letters, allowing them to initiate the Swiss study visa application process immediately. Non-EU/EFTA students must allow at least three to four months for consular processing and visa requirements clearance. Early notification ensures scholars have adequate time to secure accommodation and arrange international student insurance prior to arrival in September.
Living in Lausanne: Budgeting and Accommodation Advice
Relocating to Switzerland to pursue higher education requires careful financial planning. Although the monthly stipend of CHF 1600 offers significant financial support, Lausanne is among Europe’s most expensive academic cities. The official student reference budget estimates monthly living expenses between CHF 1,800 and CHF 2,100, covering housing, food, insurance, and study materials.
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| ESTIMATED MONTHLY STUDENT BUDGET (LAUSANNE) |
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| Accommodation (FMEL Housing) :: CHF 600 - CHF 900 |
| Food & Groceries :: CHF 450 - CHF 600 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance :: CHF 100 - CHF 200 |
| Public Transport (Mobilis Pass) :: CHF 70 - CHF 100 |
| Study Materials & Incidentals :: CHF 100 - CHF 150 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES :: CHF 1,320 - CHF 1,950 |
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Securing affordable housing is the most critical step for new international scholars. UNIL scholarship recipients receive guaranteed housing placement through the FMEL student housing association, providing fully furnished rooms near the campus. This accommodation guarantee saves students from navigating the competitive local private rental market.
Mandatory healthcare insurance is required for all foreign residents in Switzerland. International students can apply for discounted student health insurance policies that fulfill Swiss legal requirements while remaining affordable. In addition, students holding valid study permits are permitted to work up to 15 hours per week during the semester after completing their first six months of study, offering opportunities for extra income through campus jobs or an internship.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google People Also Ask)
What financial coverage does the UNIL Master’s Grant provide to international students?
The grant provides a monthly allowance of CHF 1,600 paid over 10 months per year (September 15 to July 15) for the official duration of the program. Recipients are also exempt from course registration fees, paying only an CHF 80 semester fee.
Can students holding a foreign bachelor’s degree apply before formal graduation?
Yes, candidates may submit their application during their final undergraduate year. However, the foreign degree equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s must be officially awarded before the master’s program begins at UNIL in September.
What language proficiency certificates are accepted for UNIL Master’s Grants?
Applicants must provide proof of B2 or C1-level proficiency. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL test results are accepted. For French-taught programs, DELF or DALF diplomas are required.
Is the CHF 200 administrative application fee refundable if the scholarship is rejected?
No, the CHF 200 administrative fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. It covers the administrative costs of reviewing both the scholarship file and the university admission application.
Are all master’s degree programs at the University of Lausanne eligible for funding?
No, certain programs are excluded, including all degrees from the School of Medicine, the Master in Education Sciences, MAS executive programs, and specific law specializations.
Does the UNIL scholarship automatically grant a Swiss study visa?
No, the scholarship award does not replace official immigration procedures. Awardees must independently apply for a Swiss study visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country using their official UNIL admission letter.
Can I renew the UNIL Master’s Grant if I fail my first-year examinations?
No, the scholarship is maintained for the second year only if the student successfully passes all first-year academic examinations. Definitive failure after the first year results in immediate termination of the monthly grant.
Conclusion
The University of Lausanne scholarship is a premier award for ambitious students seeking world-class higher education in Switzerland. Offering a monthly stipend of CHF 1600 alongside tuition waivers, this fully funded scholarship opens doors to exceptional research on Lake Geneva. Prepare your documents early and submit your application before the November 1 deadline to take the next step in your global academic journey.
Official Scholarship & University Resources
Official University of Lausanne Master’s Grants Portal — Application period opens annually in September; Deadline: November 1, 2026 (Currently open for the 2027/2028 intake).
UNIL Master’s Degree Programs Directory — Official course catalog and language requirements for foreign applicants.
UNIL Admissions Office (Services aux étudiants) — Matriculation criteria and foreign diploma recognition guidelines.
UNIL Social Affairs and Student Mobility Service (SASME) — Official grant administration office (Contact: mastergrants@unil.ch).
FMEL Lausanne Student Housing Foundation — Partner housing association providing reserved rooms for grant recipients.
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