Are you searching for a fully funded Master’s in Switzerland to study at a top-tier European university? The UNIL Master’s Grants offered by the University of Lausanne Scholarship program give international students the opportunity to earn a postgraduate degree in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. This Study in Switzerland scholarship awards CHF 1,600 per month alongside fixed tuition fee exemptions for high-achieving international graduates.
In this guide, you will find all the details regarding eligibility requirements, application steps, required documentation, and tips to apply before the deadline.
Overview: UNIL Master’s Grants
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) awards around 10 Master’s Grants each academic year on a competitive basis. The scholarship covers the official duration of the Master’s program (1.5 to 2 years).
- Host University: University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland Scholarship Roar
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Financial Value: CHF 1,600 per month (paid from Sept 15 to July 15) + Tuition Fee Exemption
- Target Audience: International students with foreign Bachelor’s degrees Scholarship Roar
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 (for entry in 2027)
Financial Benefits & Coverage
Winning a scholarship to study in Europe helps reduce education costs. Recipients of the UNIL Master’s Grants receive:
- Monthly Living Allowance: CHF 1,600 per month for the duration of the program (10 months per academic year).
- Tuition Fee Exemption: Complete waiver of course registration fees (students only pay a CHF 80 administrative fee per semester).
- Housing Assistance: Assistance in securing student housing via the Lausanne Student Housing Foundation (FMEL).
Student Note: Living costs in Switzerland are higher than the European average. UNIL recommends combining this grant with personal savings or external funding, as living expenses typically range from CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,000 per month.
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Eligible & Excluded Programs
Most Master’s degree programs at UNIL are eligible for the scholarship. However, specific exceptions apply:
- Eligible Master of Laws Specializations: Only International and Comparative Law and Legal Theory are open for grant applicants.
- Excluded Programs: Master’s degrees in Medicine, School of Advanced Studies in Education, Executive Master’s, and joint degree programs with other universities (unless UNIL is the primary degree host).
Eligibility Criteria (Explained Simply)
To qualify for the UNIL Master’s Grants, applicants must meet these straightforward requirements:
- Foreign Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a university degree issued outside Switzerland that is recognized as equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s degree before starting your Master’s at UNIL.
- Academic Excellence: You need a strong academic record with high grades in your undergraduate studies.
- No Prior Enrollment: You must not have been previously registered at UNIL. Tutopiya
- Language Proficiency: You need at least a B2 level (CEFR scale) in French or English, depending on the instruction language of your selected program.
- Processing Fee: Pay a non-refundable application administrative fee of CHF 200.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before beginning your application package:
- Application Form: Completed online, printed, and signed.
- Passport Photo: Inserted in JPEG format on the application form.
- Academic Diplomas & Transcripts: Certified copies of your university transcripts and degrees. (Include notarized translations if not originally in French, English, German, or Italian).
- Secondary School Diploma: Copy of your high school completion certificate.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: Official proof of language skills (TOEFL/IELTS for English, DELF/DALF for French).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date academic and professional resume.
- Cover Letter / Statement of Purpose: Detailing your academic goals and motivation.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two original recommendation letters from academic lecturers in sealed envelopes.
- Identification: Copy of valid passport or national identity card.
- Proof of Fee Payment: Receipt confirming the CHF 200 administration fee payment.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
Applying for the UNIL Master’s Grants automatically serves as your application for admission to the university.
- Select Your Course: Browse the eligible Master’s degree programs offered at the University of Lausanne.
- Pay the Administrative Fee: Wire the CHF 200 fee using the official UNIL bank details provided on their website.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the scholarship form accurately.
- Mail the Physical Package: Post your completed application form along with all hard-copy documents to the Admissions Office (Social Affairs and Student Life Department) before November 1.
- Results Announcement: Successful candidates are typically notified between January and February.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does the UNIL Master’s Grant cover full tuition?
Yes, selected scholars are exempt from fixed registration fees, paying only CHF 80 per semester.
Q2: Can I apply if I haven’t graduated yet?
Yes, if you expect to complete your Bachelor’s degree before the Master’s program begins at UNIL, you can apply by submitting your current transcripts and course descriptions.
Q3: Is IELTS or TOEFL compulsory?
If your chosen Master’s program is taught in English and you are a non-native English speaker, you must provide proof of English proficiency (minimum B2 level, though C1 is preferred for competitive scores).
Official Links & Resources
For application forms, detailed course catalogs, and payment details, visit the official university pages:
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