If you are an international student with an excellent academic record and you want to study for a master’s degree in Switzerland, the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 could be an opportunity worth considering.
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) awards around 10 Master’s scholarships each year to outstanding students who graduated from universities outside Switzerland. Successful recipients receive CHF 1,600 per month for the statutory minimum duration of their master’s programme.
However, this is not a fully funded scholarship. The monthly award is intended to help with living expenses in Switzerland, but applicants should have additional financial resources because the scholarship does not cover the full cost of living.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, the online application is expected to open in September 2026, with the application deadline set for 1 November 2026.
UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 at a Glance
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | UNIL Master’s Scholarship |
| University | University of Lausanne (UNIL) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Target applicants | International students with a foreign university degree |
| Number of awards | Around 10 per year |
| Scholarship value | CHF 1,600 per month |
| Duration | Minimum statutory period of the selected Master’s programme |
| Tuition benefit | Exemption from standard course registration fees |
| Remaining semester fee | CHF 80 |
| Application opens | September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| 2027/2028 intake | Yes |
| Application method | Online |
| Application fee | CHF 200 |
| Recommendation letters | 2 |
| Language requirement | C1 in the language of instruction |
| Host university | University of Lausanne |
| Country | Switzerland |
What Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship?
The UNIL Master’s Scholarship is a competitive scholarship offered by the University of Lausanne to high-achieving international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree at the university.
UNIL awards approximately ten scholarships each year. The programme is specifically designed for students who have completed their previous university studies outside Switzerland and demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
The scholarship provides CHF 1,600 every month during the minimum statutory period of the Master’s programme.
Recipients are also exempt from the standard course registration fees. However, they must still pay the applicable semester fees, currently listed as CHF 80.
It is important to understand that the scholarship is not fully funded. CHF 1,600 per month may help significantly with living expenses, but students are expected to have enough additional money to cover costs that exceed the scholarship.
UNIL also advises applicants to consider the cost of living in Switzerland before applying.
Who Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship For?
The scholarship is primarily aimed at international students who:
- Have graduated from a foreign university.
- Hold a degree equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s degree.
- Have excellent academic results.
- Want to begin an eligible Master’s programme at UNIL.
- Meet the required language level.
- Are not currently enrolled at UNIL.
- Can demonstrate that they meet the university’s admission requirements.
The scholarship is highly competitive because only around ten awards are made each year.
Having a strong academic record is therefore important.
Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship Fully Funded?
No.
This is one of the most important points applicants should understand before applying.
The UNIL Master’s Scholarship provides CHF 1,600 per month, but UNIL explicitly indicates that this amount does not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland.
Therefore, applicants should not rely exclusively on the scholarship to finance their entire stay.
You should prepare a realistic financial plan covering accommodation, food, insurance, transportation and other personal expenses.
UNIL’s student-support services also indicate that the university has financial-support mechanisms for students facing financial difficulties, although these are separate from the Master’s Scholarship and are subject to their own conditions.
Eligibility Requirements for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must satisfy several requirements.
1. Hold a Foreign University Degree
You must have completed a university degree outside Switzerland.
Your qualification must be recognised as equivalent to a Swiss university Bachelor’s degree before you begin your Master’s programme at UNIL.
The equivalent Bachelor’s qualification is generally expected to represent 180 ECTS credits.
The Admissions Office ultimately determines whether your academic qualification satisfies the formal admission requirements.
2. Have Outstanding Academic Results
The scholarship is intended for students with academic results of a very high standard.
UNIL does not publish a single minimum grade requirement applicable to every country.
This means applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academic performance relative to their university and academic system.
A strong transcript is therefore one of the most important parts of your application.
3. Meet the Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate at least C1 proficiency in the language required by their chosen Master’s programme under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
For programmes taught in French, applicants need the required level of French.
For programmes taught in English, applicants need the required level of English.
Because language requirements can vary by programme, applicants should carefully check the specific Master’s programme they intend to study.
4. You Must Not Already Be Enrolled at UNIL
The scholarship is intended for prospective students.
Applicants who are already enrolled at UNIL are generally not eligible.
Students who have already started a Master’s programme at UNIL or are undertaking the university’s preparatory year are also not authorized to apply.
5. Pay the CHF 200 Administrative Fee
Applicants must pay the required CHF 200 administrative fee as part of the application process.
Proof of payment is included among the application requirements.
Which Master’s Programmes Are Eligible?
UNIL offers a wide range of Master’s programmes, but not every Master’s programme is eligible for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship.
Applicants should therefore check their intended programme before preparing their application.
The scholarship cannot be used for the following programmes:
- Master’s programmes from the School of Medicine
- Master in Sciences and Practices of Education
- Master of Law, except for:
- International and Comparative Law
- Legal Theory
- International Tax Law and Policy
- Master of Science in Physical Education and Sport Didactics
- Master of Science in Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Sustainable Management & Technology
- Master of Science in Human Taphonomy
- All MAS programmes and other third-cycle/further-education programmes
Important: Some Programmes Have Additional Requirements
Applicants interested in Master’s programmes in areas such as:
- Finance
- Psychology
- Arts
- Nursing
may have additional admission conditions.
These requirements must be checked carefully because meeting the general scholarship requirements does not automatically mean you meet the admission requirements for your chosen programme.
UNIL also warns that admission conditions for some Master’s programmes may change for the 2027/2028 academic year.
How to Apply for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028
The application process requires careful preparation.
Your scholarship application also serves as your application for the selected Master’s programme.
Therefore, you generally do not need to submit a separate application to the Admissions Office for the Master’s degree.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Programme
Start by identifying the Master’s programme you want to study at UNIL.
Check:
- Programme eligibility
- Admission requirements
- Language requirements
- Academic prerequisites
- Additional programme-specific requirements
Do not assume that every UNIL Master’s programme qualifies for the scholarship.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents
You must prepare your application as a single PDF file containing the required documents.
Make sure the PDF is complete before submitting it.
An incomplete application can be rejected without being considered.
Step 3: Register Online
The online application for the 2027/2028 academic year is scheduled to open in September 2026.
You must complete the online registration and upload your application PDF.
The deadline is:
1 November 2026
Do not wait until the final day if you can avoid it.
Step 4: Arrange Two Recommendation Letters
You need two letters of recommendation from teachers who are familiar with your past or present university studies.
The letters must be sent directly by the authors to:
The recommendation letters should be submitted after you have completed your online registration.
Only letters sent after online registration will be considered.
Step 5: Submit Certified Academic Documents if Required
Some applicants must submit certified true copies of their academic documents by post.
This requirement applies to candidates whose diplomas were obtained in a country that has not ratified the Lisbon Convention.
If this applies to you, the relevant university or institution must certify and seal your:
- University diploma
- University transcripts
- Provisional certificate of achievement, where applicable
The documents must be sent to the University of Lausanne at the address specified in the official application instructions.
The postmark deadline is 1 November 2026.
Do not send certified copies before completing the online registration.
Step 6: Check Everything Before the Deadline
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- Completed the online application
- Uploaded the required single PDF
- Paid the CHF 200 administrative fee
- Arranged both recommendation letters
- Prepared certified copies if required
- Met the language requirement
- Selected an eligible Master’s programme
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Documents Required for the UNIL Master’s Scholarship
Your application should include the required documentation in the format requested by UNIL.
The main components include:
Single PDF Application File:
Your application file must be submitted as one PDF containing the required documents.
Two Recommendation Letters
Two recommendation letters are required.
They must come directly from teachers familiar with your university studies.
Certified True Copies: These are required only for applicants who fall under the relevant country/documentation requirement.
Check the Lisbon Convention requirement carefully before sending documents by post.
UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 Deadline
The key deadline is:
1 November 2026
The application is expected to open in September 2026.
Applicants should begin preparing before the application portal opens because some documents, particularly recommendation letters and certified academic copies, can take time to arrange.
UNIL Scholarship Selection Timeline
According to the published process, the selection generally follows this timeline:
September 2026: Online application opens.
1 November 2026: Scholarship application deadline.
November–December 2026: Applications are processed by SASME and the Admissions Office.
December 2026–January 2027: Applicants with incomplete applications or applications that have not been accepted by the Admissions Office are informed.
January–February 2027: Complete applications are forwarded to the relevant faculties for consideration of admission to the selected Master’s programme.
February–March 2027: Applicants whose applications have not been accepted by the faculty are informed.
March 2027: The Master’s Scholarship Selection Board makes its final selection.
Early April 2027: Applicants are informed of the Selection Board’s decision.
The university notes that scholarship decisions cannot be appealed.
Does Applying for the Scholarship Also Apply You for the Master’s?
Yes.
This is an important advantage of the UNIL process.
Your application for the Master’s Scholarship also serves as your application for the selected Master’s programme.
Therefore, you do not need to submit another separate Master’s application to the Admissions Office.
However, you still need to meet the admission requirements of the specific Master’s programme you select.
Can Students From Nigeria Apply?
Yes, Nigerian students can apply if they satisfy the scholarship and Master’s admission requirements.
However, applicants should pay particular attention to the academic-document requirements.
If your qualification was obtained in a country that has not ratified the Lisbon Convention, you may be required to provide certified true copies of your academic documents by post.
Nigerian applicants should therefore check the official country/documentation instructions before submitting the application.
The scholarship is not restricted to students from a particular continent or nationality; the central requirement is that applicants hold a qualifying foreign university degree and meet the academic and programme requirements.
Is There an Age Limit?
The scholarship information does not specify a general age limit.
Therefore, applicants should focus on satisfying the academic, programme, language and application requirements.
If you have concerns about your particular circumstances, check the current UNIL FAQ and admissions instructions before applying.
Can I Apply Without Having My Bachelor’s Degree Yet?
Applicants must hold a foreign university degree recognized as equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s degree before starting the Master’s programme.
Students who are still completing their Bachelor’s degree should carefully check the current admission rules to determine whether their expected graduation date makes them eligible.
Do not assume that being close to graduation automatically makes you eligible.
Can I Apply If I Already Have a Master’s Degree?
Having an existing Master’s-level qualification may affect your eligibility depending on the circumstances.
Applicants who already hold a qualification equivalent to a Swiss Master’s degree should carefully check the current UNIL admissions rules and FAQ before applying.
The important point is that eligibility is assessed in relation to the chosen Master’s programme and your previous qualifications.
What Are Certified True Copies?
A certified true copy is a copy of an academic document that has been officially verified by an authorized institution or authority as being a genuine copy of the original.
For applicants who are required to submit them, UNIL asks for certified copies of relevant academic documents, such as:
- University diplomas
- University transcripts
- Provisional certificates of achievement, where applicable
Do not send these documents unless the requirement applies to your country and situation.
What Happens If My Application Is Incomplete?
An incomplete application will not be considered.
This can include situations where:
- The PDF application file is incomplete.
- Recommendation letters are missing.
- Required certified copies have not been submitted.
- Other required application documents are missing.
This is why applicants should prepare their application well before the deadline.
Why Is the CHF 200 Administrative Fee Required?
The application requires payment of a CHF 200 administrative fee.
Applicants should keep proof of payment because it forms part of the application documentation.
Failure to provide the required proof may result in an incomplete application.
How to Make Your UNIL Scholarship Application Stronger
Meeting the requirements is only the beginning.
Because the number of awards is limited, you should make your application as convincing as possible.
Focus on Academic Excellence
Your academic record is one of the most important parts of this scholarship.
Make sure your transcripts are clear and properly presented.
If your grading system is unfamiliar internationally, ensure that your documents contain enough information for the university to evaluate your results.
Choose Your Master’s Programme Carefully
Do not choose a programme simply because it sounds interesting.
Consider whether your Bachelor’s degree, academic experience and career plans align with the Master’s programme.
A strong academic fit can make your application more coherent.
Choose Strong Recommenders
Your recommendation letters should come from lecturers or teachers who genuinely know your academic abilities.
A detailed recommendation from someone who taught and supervised your work is generally more useful than a generic letter from someone who barely knows you.
Start Early
The 1 November deadline may appear far away, but several parts of the application require coordination.
For example:
- Academic documents may take time to obtain.
- Recommendation letters depend on other people.
- Certified copies may require additional processing.
- Language documents may take time to arrange.
- The CHF 200 administrative fee must be paid.
- Your single PDF must be prepared correctly.
Starting early gives you time to correct mistakes.
What Happens After You Apply?
Submitting the application does not mean you automatically receive the scholarship.
The process involves several stages.
First, the application is checked administratively.
The Admissions Office then determines whether the applicant meets the formal admission requirements.
Eligible applications are forwarded to the relevant faculty for consideration of admission to the selected Master’s programme.
After faculty consideration, the scholarship applications proceed to the Master’s Scholarship Selection Board.
The Selection Board makes the final scholarship decision.
Applicants are expected to receive the final decision around early April 2027.
FAQs
When is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 deadline?
The application deadline for the 2027/2028 Master’s Scholarship is 1 November 2026.
When will the 2027/2028 application open?
The online application is scheduled to open in September 2026.
How much does the UNIL Master’s Scholarship pay?
Successful recipients receive CHF 1,600 per month for the minimum statutory duration of their Master’s programme.
Is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship provides CHF 1,600 per month, but UNIL states that this amount does not cover the full cost of living in Switzerland.
How many scholarships are awarded?
UNIL awards approximately 10 Master’s scholarships each year.
Who can apply?
International students who have graduated from a foreign university, achieved outstanding academic results and meet the admission and language requirements can apply.
Do I need a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You must hold a foreign university degree recognized as equivalent to a Swiss university Bachelor’s degree before beginning your Master’s programme.
What language level is required?
A minimum C1 CEFR level is required in the language of instruction of the chosen programme, according to the applicable programme requirements.