University of Lausanne UNIL Master’s Excellence Scholarships 2025–26 in Switzerland

If you're a high-achieving graduate from overseas aiming to pursue a master’s degree amid Switzerland’s natural beauty and academic excellence, the UNIL Master’s Excellence Scholarships 2025–26 are now open for your ambition. Hosted by the University of Lausanne, these competitive grants are designed to support outstanding students with exceptional academic records. Ready to add international acclaim to your journey? Read on.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

• Host Institution: University of Lausanne (UNIL)

• Study Level: Master’s degree (1.5 to 2 years)

• Target Group: Graduates from foreign universities with excellent academic results—open to all nationalities

• Fields of Focus: Most UNIL Master’s programmes, except those excluded (e.g., Medicine, Education, Law except specified specializations, Sports Didactics, Human Taphonomy, Sustainable Management & Technology, and all MAS programs)

• Value & Coverage:

  • Monthly stipend: CHF 1,600 for the minimum statutory duration of the programme

  • Exemption from fixed registration fees, except CHF 80 per semester

  • Not a full funding—applicants must secure supplementary resources to support living costs in Switzerland (~CHF 2,000/month recommended)

• Award Duration: Covers the minimum statutory duration of your chosen programme (typically 1.5–2 years)

• Application Deadline: 1 November 2025, for entry in the 2026–27 academic year

• Selection Timeline:

  • November–December: Initial processing by SASME and Admissions (SII)

  • January–February: Submission of eligible applications to faculties

  • March: Final selection by the Master’s Scholarship Board

  • Early April: Candidates are informed of the outcome

📚 Scholarship Overview

The UNIL Master’s Excellence Scholarships support some of the brightest minds worldwide. Though partial in funding, they substantially ease the academic journey—covering registration tuition, providing a monthly stipend, and potentially unlocking access to subsidized student housing through FMEL. No quotas, no pre-set nationalities—it's all about merit and readiness to engage in one of Europe’s leading research environments.

ℹ️ The list of all master’s degrees at UNIL for which it is possible to apply, can be found here.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of CHF 1,600

• Waiver of registration fees (students pay only CHF 80/semester)

• Partial financial support—not enough to live solely on it—so additional funding is essential

• Guaranteed recommendation for student housing via FMEL, offering more affordable rent than private options (you cover housing costs)

• Entry into UNIL’s vibrant campus life, steeped in culture and research

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a foreign degree equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s (180 ECTS), obtained before programme starts

• Exhibit exceptional academic performance 

• Meet language proficiency: C1 in French or C1 in English depending on your chosen programme

• Not be currently registered at UNIL, nor in a preparatory year

• Submit proof of payment for CHF 200 administrative fee

• Withdrawing from the programme after acceptance results in immediate suspension of the scholarship

📝 Application Procedure

1. Apply online via UNIL's Master’s Scholarships portal. This serves both as your scholarship and degree admission application—no separate SII application needed. (The application for the academic year 2026/2027 will open in September 2025)

2. Upload a complete PDF application—must include:

   • CV with photo

   • Motivation letter

   • University diplomas and transcripts (certified translation if required)

   • If degree pending, detailed final-year module list and progress description

   • Language certificate if applicable

   • Passport copy

   • Proof of CHF 200 administrative fee payment

3. Recommendation letters (at least two) must be emailed by the referees directly from institutional addresses to mastergrants@unil.ch after submitting the online application

4. Certified document submission by post if your institution is in a non-Lisbon Recognition Convention country: diplomas and transcripts must arrive in a sealed university-certified envelope by the postal deadline of 1 November

5. Ensure submission by the final deadline: 1 November 2025 (postmark if postal)

6. Await decision—you’ll be informed normally by early April

💡 Why This Opportunity Deserves a Spot on Your Radar

If you’re committed to academic excellence and global engagement, this scholarship offers more than money—it acts as a gateway to cutting-edge disciplines, multicultural collaboration, and intellectual growth at one of Europe’s premier institutions. While it may not fully bankroll your studies, it places you on the fast track with significant support, affordable housing, and the prestige of UNIL.

🔗 Official Link

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