UNIL Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students 2026-2027 | Scholars4Dev

The UNIL Master’s Grants 2026–2027 are offered by the University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland to support outstanding international students pursuing eligible master’s degree programmes. Hosted at one of Switzerland’s leading public universities, the grants help reduce living expenses during study. Applications are open for the 2026–2027 academic cycle, giving talented graduates from around the world the opportunity to continue their education in a globally recognized academic environment. The programme is best suited for high-achieving students seeking financial support to study and build their careers through advanced education in Switzerland.

Scholarship Overview

• Host country: Switzerland

• Host institution: University of Lausanne (UNIL)

• Study level / opportunity type: Master’s degree only (eligible UNIL Master’s programmes) 

• Funding classification: Partially funded – provides CHF 1,600 per month (10 months per academic year) for the standard duration of the programme and includes an exemption from most fixed registration fees. It does not cover all study and living expenses. 

• Application deadline: 1 November 2025 for admission to the 2026–2027 academic year. 

• Current status: Applications are open for the 2026–2027 intake.

Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Scholarship recipients are exempt from most fixed registration (tuition) fees at the University of Lausanne. However, a semester administrative fee remains payable.

• Monthly Stipend / Living Allowance: A grant of CHF 1,600 per month is provided from 15 September to 15 July for the standard duration of the eligible master’s programme.

• Travel or Airfare: Not covered. The scholarship does not provide funding for international travel or flight expenses.

• Health Insurance: Not covered. Students are responsible for obtaining and paying for their own health insurance while studying in Switzerland.

• Accommodation: Not covered. The scholarship does not include free accommodation or housing assistance.

• Visa, Books, Research, or Settling-in Allowance: Not covered. There is no official provision for visa fees, books, research expenses, or settling-in allowances under the UNIL Master’s Grants.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Open to international students with a foreign bachelor’s degree.

• Academic Qualifications: Must hold (or complete before enrollment) a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree with strong academic results.

• Age Limit: No age limit specified.

• Work Experience: Not required.

• Language Requirements: Must meet the language requirements (French or English) of the chosen master’s programme.

• Admission Requirements: Must apply and be eligible for an approved UNIL master’s programme.

• Nomination Route: No nomination required; apply directly to the University of Lausanne (UNIL).

Available Fields or Programmes

The UNIL Master’s Grants are available for most Master’s degree programmes offered by the University of Lausanne (UNIL). However, some programmes are excluded from the scholarship. 

Eligible fields include:

• Arts

• Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne)

• Social and Political Sciences

• Law (selected specialisations only)

• Biology and Environment

• Geosciences

• Theology and Religious Studies

• Interfaculty Master’s programmes

Excluded programmes include:

• Master of Medicine

• Master in Sciences and Practices of Education

• Most Master of Law programmes (except selected specialisations such as International and Comparative Law, Legal Theory, and International Tax Law and Policy)

• Master of Science in Health Sciences

• Master of Science in Physical Education and Sport Didactics

• All MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) programmes.

How to Apply

1. Choose an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Lausanne (UNIL).

2. Check the admission and language requirements for your selected programme.

3. Prepare the required documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, and other supporting documents.

4. Complete the UNIL Master’s Grant application and submit it directly to the University of Lausanne (UNIL) before the application deadline.

5. Pay the required administrative fee (where applicable).

6. Wait for the selection results. Successful applicants will be notified by UNIL.

Application Route: Applicants apply directly to the University of Lausanne (UNIL). No embassy, nominating agency, or third-party organization is involved.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

• Completed UNIL Master’s Grant application form

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation letter

• Bachelor’s degree certificate (or proof of expected graduation)

• Official academic transcripts

• Copy of passport or valid identity document

• Language proficiency certificate (if required by the chosen programme)

• Recent passport-sized photograph

• Proof of payment of the application/administrative fee (CHF 200)

Note: Additional programme-specific documents may be required depending on the selected master’s programme.

FAQ ideas
1. Is this scholarship fully funded or tuition-only?
2. Which nationalities and study levels are eligible?
3. Is university admission required before the scholarship application?
4. What is the exact deadline and timezone?
5. Is there an application fee?