Fully Funded University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Excellence Scholarship in Switzerland
Organization: University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Host country: Switzerland
Degree level: Masters
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: November 1, 2026
Fields of study: Biology, Medicine, Law, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Business, Economics, Geosciences, Environment
The UNIL Master's Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based grant offered to about ten international students annually. It is intended for students who have obtained a Bachelor's degree from a foreign university and wish to pursue a Master's at the University of Lausanne. The scholarship covers the statutory duration of the program (1.5 or 2 years) and provides a monthly living allowance. Applicants are exempt from registration fees, though they must pay a small administrative fee each semester. This program is highly selective, rewarding students who demonstrate both academic brilliance and a strong motivation for research in their respective fields.
Benefits
Monthly stipend of CHF 1,600 (approx. $1,800 USD) for 10 months per year
Exemption from fixed registration fees for courses
Access to international research networks
Support for the minimum statutory duration of the Master's program
Eligibility
Must hold a university degree from a foreign institution equivalent to a UNIL Bachelor's degree
Excellent academic results (brilliant grades)
Language proficiency of at least C1 in French or English (depending on program language)
Must not already be registered at the University of Lausanne
Must have paid the CHF 200 administration fee
Requirements
Demonstrated high potential for research and academic success
Clear motivation letter explaining the choice of program at UNIL
Evidence of completing the Bachelor's degree before the start of the Master's
Ability to fund remaining living costs not covered by the stipend
Required Documents
Completed and signed UNIL scholarship application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a passport photo
Letter of Motivation
Copy of university diploma(s) and full transcripts
Syllabus of the last year of Bachelor's (if not yet graduated)
Language certificate (C1 level)
Proof of payment for the CHF 200 administrative fee
Copy of passport
Programs of Study
Master of Science in Geosciences
Master of Arts in Public Management
Master of Law in International and Comparative Law
Master of Science in Economics
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Application Process
Submit the online registration and application through the UNIL portal
Upload the complete application file as a single PDF
Have two teachers send recommendation letters directly to mastergrants@unil.ch
Send certified hard copies of academic documents by post (if your country has not ratified the Lisbon Convention)
Pay the CHF 200 administrative fee and include proof of payment
How to Apply
Visit the official UNIL Master's Scholarship page to access the portal
Prepare all documents in a single, high-quality PDF file
Ensure recommendation letters are sent from professional teacher emails
Submit the online application before the November 1st deadline for the following academic year
Selection Process
Initial administrative check of eligibility and documents
Faculty review of academic potential and program fit
Final selection by the Scholarship Selection Board
Announcement of results via email usually in March or April