University of lausanne international scholarships

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The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is one of Switzerland’s most historic and respected universities, founded in 1537 and consistently ranked among Europe’s top universities. It attracts students and researchers from around the world due to its research‑intensive environment, interdisciplinary approach, and location on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva. Around 16,951 students study at UNIL, including thousands of international students from more than 120 countries.

If you’re considering studying at UNIL as an international student, understanding the scholarship landscape is crucial. Living and studying in Switzerland can be costly, and while many opportunities exist, most require excellent academic performance, strong motivation, and careful preparation.

1. UNIL Master’s Grants / Excellence Scholarships

The UNIL Master’s Grants — sometimes referred to as excellence scholarships — are the institution’s main financial support program for international degree‑seeking students at the Master’s level.

1.1 Overview of the Scholarship

  • Level: Master’s degree only.
  • Target applicants: International students with a bachelor’s degree earned outside Switzerland (or equivalent).
  • Purpose: To attract academically outstanding students to pursue a Master’s at UNIL.
  • Competitive nature: Only a small number (around 10 awards per year) are offered, making selection highly competitive.

1.2 Scholarship Benefits

The UNIL Master’s Grants provide:

  • Monthly stipend: CHF 1,600 per month for 10 months per academic year (usually from around mid‑September to mid‑July).
  • Duration: The award is provided for the minimum statutory period of the chosen Master’s program (often 1.5 or 2 years, depending on the discipline).
  • Tuition fee exemption: Recipients are exempted from fixed registration fees, although they typically still must pay a modest semester administrative fee (around CHF 80 per semester).
  • Living support: The monthly stipend helps with living expenses in Lausanne, although students are not fully covered by this stipend alone due to Switzerland’s relatively high cost of living.

Note: The stipend amount is not expected to cover all living costs in Switzerland; applicants should plan for additional personal or external resources to support housing, health insurance, transportation, and other daily expenses.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the UNIL Master’s Grants, international applicants typically need to meet several requirements:

2.1 Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s degree requirement: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a foreign university (i.e., one completed outside Switzerland) that is regarded as equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree.
  • Not currently enrolled: Students should not have previously been registered at UNIL at the same level of study.
  • Strong academic record: The scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, so candidates need to demonstrate high performance in their prior studies.

2.2 Language Proficiency

Because UNIL programs may be taught in French or English, candidates must generally demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction:

  • French: For programs taught in French, a level of B2 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is often required.
  • English: For programs taught in English, a C1 level is commonly required (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
  • Equivalency: Some exemptions may be allowed if applicants have previously completed a degree fully taught in the required language.

2.3 Programs That Are Not Eligible

While most Master’s programs at UNIL are covered, some programs are explicitly excluded from the scholarship:

  • Master’s from the School of Medicine.
  • Master of Education Sciences and Practices.
  • Most law programs (with a few exceptions for some international law specializations).
  • Programs such as Master of Science in Physical Education and Sport Didactics.
  • Master of Science in Health Sciences.
  • All MAS and equivalent third‑cycle or advanced professional degrees.

3. Application Process — Step by Step

3.1 When to Apply

  • Application period: Scholarship applications usually open each year in early September and close on 1 November for entry in the next academic year (e.g., academic year 2026–2027).
  • Deadline: The typical closing date for applications is 1 November 2026 for programs commencing in autumn 2027.
  • Note: It’s crucial to check UNIL’s official website for exact dates, as deadlines may vary slightly or be updated yearly.

3.2 Application Submission

  • Dual application: In many cases, the scholarship application doubles as the admission application to your chosen Master’s program, meaning you apply only once for both admission and funding.
  • Submission method: Typically, applications must be sent by post to UNIL’s scholarship office — not submitted online — and the form should be completed on a computer and signed before mailing.
  • Address:
    Université de Lausanne
    Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME)
    Bâtiment Unicentre
    CH – 1015 Lausanne
    Switzerland
    (Confirm exact address on official UNIL resources.)

3.3 Required Documents

Although exact requirements vary slightly by year, commonly required materials include:

  • Completed scholarship/Admission application form (signed).
  • Passport‑style photograph (JPEG or printed as specified).
  • Copy of passport or national identity card.
  • Official academic transcripts and diploma (from bachelor’s degree), along with certified translations if not in English, French, German, or Italian.
  • Curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Motivation letter or personal statement explaining your study intentions and goals.
  • Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, DELF/DALF).
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic referees.
  • Proof of payment of any applicable administrative fee (usually around CHF 200).

4. Scholarship Selection & Notification

4.1 Highly Competitive Selection

Since only around 10 scholarships are awarded per year, competition is intense. Applicants are assessed on:

  • Academic excellence demonstrated through grades, honors, and rigor of previous studies.
  • Language proficiency and readiness to undertake the program in the required language.
  • Compelling motivation letter and academic goals.
  • Research interests or alignment with UNIL’s priorities (where relevant).

4.2 Decision Timeline

  • Scholarship decision notifications are typically released several months after the application deadline — often in early spring — giving students time to make travel, housing, and visa arrangements.
  • Applicants should monitor email and the UNIL portal for any updates or requests for additional documents.

5. Other Scholarships & Financial Support Options at UNIL

5.1 Solidarity and Additional Grants

In addition to the core Master’s Grants, UNIL may offer other forms of support — including solidarity scholarships or grants for students who otherwise struggle to cover study costs. These are often need‑based and aimed at supporting stay abroad programs, living expenses, or specific project costs.

5.2 Swiss Government and External Scholarships

Although UNIL’s main scholarship is the Master’s Grant, international students can combine it with other funding sources:

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: These are competitive, federal scholarships for international students (especially at postgraduate and research levels). Applicants apply through Swiss embassies and national bodies.
  • Mobility grants: Programs like SEMP (Swiss participation in Erasmus+) offer monthly support for students studying abroad within Europe.
  • External foundations and trusts: Other organizations such as foundations or international scholarship programs also provide funding that students can potentially use while studying at UNIL. (Always check eligibility and compatibility with UNIL enrollment.)

6. Practical Tips for Applicants

6.1 Start Early

Begin preparing your documents, transcripts, language certificates, and motivation materials well in advance — ideally several months before the deadline.

6.2 Quality of Application

Since selection is competitive, a strong motivation letter, clear academic goals, and excellent recommendations significantly improve your chances.

6.3 Language Preparation

Ensure you meet the language requirements for your chosen program — it’s often a decisive factor. If required, plan language tests (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL for English or DELF/DALF for French) ahead of time.

6.4 Understand Living Costs

Living in Lausanne is relatively expensive. Even with a scholarship stipend, students should budget carefully and consider additional funding, part‑time work permitted under student visa rules, or family support.

6.5 Verify Latest Requirements

Check the official UNIL scholarship website and faculty pages frequently because criteria, deadlines, and eligible programs may change from year to year.

7. Living and Studying in Lausanne

While not strictly a scholarship detail, understanding the context of life in Lausanne adds perspective to financial planning:

  • Lausanne is a vibrant, multicultural university city on Lake Geneva with a rich academic culture.
  • The region has a high cost of living, particularly for housing and health insurance — factors you should include when planning finances.
  • Many students engage in part‑time work or seek additional support via external scholarships or mobility funding to bridge budget gaps.

Conclusion

The University of Lausanne’s international scholarships, especially the UNIL Master’s Grants, offer a valuable opportunity for first‑class academic training in Switzerland for outstanding international students. These awards provide monthly stipends and tuition exemptions, enabling scholars to pursue a wide range of Master’s programs at a globally recognized institution based on merit.

Because these scholarships are highly competitive, prospective applicants should prepare thoroughly — with strong academic records, language proficiency, and compelling application materials — and consider combining this scholarship with other external funding as needed to manage living costs in Switzerland.