UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland – CHF 1,600 Monthly Grant

Looking for a scholarship to pursue your master’s degree in Europe? The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland offers an opportunity for outstanding international graduates to continue their studies at the University of Lausanne.

Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) awards a limited number of master’s scholarships each year to students who graduated from a university outside Switzerland and achieved excellent academic results. Successful applicants receive a monthly grant of CHF 1,600 for the minimum official duration of their selected master’s programme.

The scholarship can help students manage living expenses while studying in Switzerland. However, it is important to understand its financial limits: the grant does not necessarily cover all living costs, travel expenses, or every fee associated with studying abroad.

Applications for the 2027 intake have a deadline of 1 November 2026, so interested students should begin preparing their documents as soon as possible.

UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027 at a Glance

• Host University: University of Lausanne (UNIL)
• Country: Switzerland
• Study Level: Master’s degree
• Eligible Applicants: International students with a foreign university degree
• Scholarship Type: Partially funded
• Monthly Grant: CHF 1,600
• Duration: Minimum official duration of the selected master’s programme
• Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
• Academic Requirement: Excellent results in previous studies
• Language Requirement: Depends on the language of instruction of the chosen programme
• Application Method: Online scholarship application with supporting documents
• Official University Website: https://www.unil.ch/

What Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship?

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is an award offered by the University of Lausanne to academically strong students who completed their previous university studies abroad.

The university awards around ten scholarships each year, making the opportunity competitive. Applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic performance and meet the admission requirements of their chosen master’s programme.

One important feature of this scholarship is that the scholarship application also serves as the application for admission to the selected master’s programme. Applicants therefore need to choose their programme carefully and prepare a complete application rather than treating the scholarship and university admission as two unrelated processes.

Benefits of the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027

The scholarship provides financial assistance throughout the minimum official duration of the selected master’s programme, subject to the scholarship conditions.

Main benefits include:

• Monthly financial grant: CHF 1,600 from 15 September to 15 July, covering ten months per year.
• Support throughout the programme: The grant can continue for the minimum official duration of the eligible master’s degree, usually one and a half or two years, depending on the programme.
• Exemption from fixed course registration fees: Scholarship holders are exempt from the standard fixed registration fees, although a semester fee of CHF 80 remains payable.
• Study in Switzerland: Recipients can pursue a postgraduate degree at a recognised Swiss university in Lausanne.

The scholarship is subject to academic progress and the university’s conditions. It may be discontinued in cases such as definitive failure after the first year.

Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship is best described as partially funded. Although CHF 1,600 per month is valuable support, students should budget carefully for accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, personal expenses, and any other costs not covered by the award.

Before applying, calculate your expected expenses in Lausanne and consider whether you will have additional financial resources if the grant does not cover your full budget.

Also check: Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded

Which Master’s Programmes Are Available?

Applicants can choose from eligible master’s programmes offered by the University of Lausanne. The scholarship does not cover every degree, so checking the programme list is an essential step.

The following programmes are excluded from the master’s scholarship:

• Master’s programmes offered by the School of Medicine
• Master of Education
• Most Master of Law programmes, with exceptions for specialisations in International and Comparative Law, Legal Theory, and International Taxation
• Master of Criminal Law with the magistracy specialisation
• Master of Science in Physical Education and Sports Didactics
• Master of Science in Health Sciences
• Master of Science in Sustainable Management and Technology
• Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes and PhD programmes

Applicants should review the university’s current list of eligible master’s degrees before selecting a programme.

Eligibility Criteria for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027

To be considered, applicants must meet the scholarship conditions and the admission requirements of their chosen degree.

1. Hold a foreign university degree

Applicants must have completed a university degree outside Switzerland that UNIL considers equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree. The degree must meet the university’s requirements before the master’s programme begins.

2. Have an excellent academic record

The scholarship is intended for students who distinguished themselves through particularly strong academic results. Meeting the basic admission requirements alone may not be enough to secure an award.

3. Meet the language requirements

Applicants must demonstrate the required level of proficiency in the language in which their chosen master’s programme is taught. Depending on the programme, this may involve English or French. Check the individual degree’s language requirements rather than assuming that the same test or score applies to every course.

4. Not already be enrolled at UNIL

Applicants must meet the scholarship’s condition concerning previous or current enrolment at the University of Lausanne.

5. Pay the application administration fee

The application requires a CHF 200 administration fee. Applicants should account for this cost when preparing their applications.

6. Meet the programme’s admission conditions

Each master’s programme may have specific academic prerequisites. A scholarship application does not remove the need to qualify for admission to the chosen degree.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare a complete application file and follow the university’s instructions for submitting each document.

Depending on their circumstances, the application may require:

• Completed online application
• Bachelor’s degree certificate or diploma
• Academic transcripts and records
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement or motivation letter, where required
• Evidence of language proficiency, if required
• Other supporting documents specified for the chosen programme
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of payment of the CHF 200 administration fee

Recommendation letters: Two letters must be provided by people familiar with the applicant’s previous or current studies, or by an employer. The authors must send the letters directly from professional email addresses after the applicant has completed the online registration. Letters sent before registration may not be accepted.

Certified academic documents: Some applicants must also send certified true copies of their diplomas and transcripts by post. This requirement depends on the country where the qualifications were obtained and the applicable document-recognition rules. Follow the university’s instructions to determine whether this step applies to you.

Missing documents or incomplete applications can result in rejection, so applicants should carefully review the requirements before submission.

How to Apply for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027

The application process involves selecting an eligible master’s programme, completing the online registration, and submitting the required documents.

Step 1: Explore eligible master’s programmes.

Visit the University of Lausanne website and identify a master’s degree that matches your academic background and future plans. Confirm that the programme is eligible for the scholarship.

Step 2: Check the admission requirements.

Review the programme’s academic prerequisites, language requirements, and any additional conditions. Make sure your previous degree qualifies you for the selected course.

Step 3: Prepare your application documents.

Organise your academic transcripts, diploma, CV, and other required materials. Arrange two recommendation letters and confirm whether certified copies of your academic documents are necessary.

Step 4: Complete the online application.

Register through the university’s application portal and submit the scholarship application for your selected master’s programme.

Step 5: Upload your application file.

Prepare the documents in the required format. The scholarship instructions require the application file to be submitted as a single PDF. Check that all required documents are included before uploading it.

Step 6: Arrange the recommendation letters.

Ask your referees to send their letters directly from professional email addresses after you have completed your online registration. Make sure they meet the stated deadline.

Step 7: Send certified copies if required.

If the university requires certified copies of your academic documents, arrange for them to be certified and sent by post according to its instructions.

Step 8: Submit everything before the deadline.

Complete the online registration and all required supporting steps by 1 November 2026. Do not wait until the last day to resolve document or technical problems.

What Is the Deadline for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027?

The application deadline is 1 November 2026.

Applicants should complete their online registration, upload the application file, and arrange for recommendation letters to be sent by the required deadline. Where certified academic documents are required, the university’s postal instructions and deadline must also be followed.

Because the application includes several steps, it is sensible to start well in advance rather than waiting until the final week.

When Will the Scholarship Results Be Announced?

The selection process takes place over several months.

After the application deadline, the university checks applications for completeness and reviews whether applicants meet the admission requirements. Eligible applications are then considered by the relevant faculties before the scholarship selection board makes its decisions.

Applicants are generally informed of the selection board’s decision in early April. The exact notification schedule may vary, so keep checking your email and any application account for updates.

Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship Competitive?

Yes. The university awards only around ten master’s scholarships each year, and selection is based on academic excellence and eligibility.

Applicants should not rely solely on meeting the minimum requirements. A strong academic record, a suitable choice of programme, complete documentation, and recommendation letters that support the application are all important.

Before applying, make sure you understand both the scholarship criteria and the admission requirements for your intended degree.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Choose your programme carefully. Confirm that your intended master’s degree is eligible for the scholarship.
• Present your academic achievements clearly. Make sure your transcripts and academic documents accurately demonstrate your results.
• Choose suitable referees. Ask teachers or employers who know your work and can provide a meaningful assessment of your abilities.
• Check language requirements early. If you need a language test or other evidence, allow enough time to arrange it.
• Prepare a complete PDF file. Review the application checklist and make sure no required document is missing.
• Plan for additional expenses. The monthly grant is financial support, but it may not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland.
• Apply before the deadline. Give yourself enough time to complete the online application and any postal requirements.

Before submitting your application, review the current master’s scholarship instructions, eligible programmes, application checklist, and general conditions through the university’s website.

Final Thoughts

The UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027 is an opportunity for academically outstanding international graduates who want to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland. With a monthly grant of CHF 1,600 and support for the eligible programme’s minimum official duration, it can help reduce the financial burden of postgraduate study.

However, the scholarship is competitive, covers only a limited number of students, and may not meet every recipient’s living expenses. Applicants should confirm their programme eligibility, prepare all required documents, and plan for any costs that remain uncovered.

Deadline: 1 November 2026. If you meet the requirements and are interested in studying at the University of Lausanne, begin preparing your application now.