Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship – University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants 2026

Switzerland is one of the most favorable destinations for foreign students. Famous for boasting one of the finest education systems, research opportunities abroad, and standard of living, Switzerland is the destination for the world’s leading academics every year and every year. One of the first-class chances that exist is the Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship UNIL Master’s Grants by the University of Lausanne (UNIL).

UNIL Master’s Grants provide an opportunity for international students to pursue a Master’s degree on a Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship. Waiver of tuition fee payment, monthly stipend, and no application fee for most students, it is one of the most competitive and popular scholarships to be had in Europe.

This entry-by-entry guide has everything you need to know about managing the UNIL Master’s Grants 2026 — eligibility, benefits, documents required, application process, deadlines, and expert tips.

Why the University of Lausanne (UNIL)?

Established in 1537, the University of Lausanne is an old and highly respected Swiss university. Located in Lausanne, a French-speaking town on Lake Geneva, the university prides itself on the quality of its research and global orientation.

These are strong grounds for why UNIL is one of the best options:

Global Prestige: UNIL is consistently ranked in the best European universities, especially well placed in law, social sciences, business, geosciences, and life sciences.

Culture Open to Research: Students are offered access to cutting-edge laboratories, collaboration with research centers, and the opportunity to apply for real-world projects.

Multicultural Environment: With over 15,000 students and a high ratio of foreign students, the campus fosters a truly multicultural environment.

Ideal Location: Lausanne is a safe, student-friendly city highly renowned for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, natural setting, and the availability of Geneva, a world organization center with the UN, WHO, and WTO.

Career Prospects: Graduates of UNIL have excellent career prospects in view of the reputation of diplomas in Switzerland and professional contacts developed through study.

One gains not only intellectual success but also life-changing exposure to a network of international stature through studying at UNIL.

What Does UNIL Master’s Grant Entail?

UNIL Master’s Grant is a Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship to help alleviate the cost of undertaking studies abroad. The provision includes:

Monthly Allowance: The benefit of CHF 1,600 every month goes to all recipients. It’s for the whole statutory duration of the Master’s study, usually 1.5 to 2 years. That’s worth CHF 28,800–38,400, depending on the program duration.

Tuition Fee Waiver: The beneficiaries are fully waived from paying tuition fees. That is the case, as international students’ tuition in Switzerland is not for the faint-hearted.

Minimal Fees: The only fees that must be paid are CHF 80 per semester in registration fees and an administrative application non-recurring fee of CHF 200.

Whereas this grant package is very generous, it should be kept in mind that the stipend is not sufficient to cover living expenses in Lausanne. One might have to allocate an extra CHF 400–600 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation.

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Who is Eligible for the Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship?

It is quite clearly defined who is entitled to UNIL Master’s Grants. All these conditions need to be met to be entitled and not disqualified:

1. Nationality

The award is reserved solely for international students from non-Swiss institutions. Therefore, students from Africa, Asia, Europe (excluding Switzerland), and elsewhere in the world can apply.

2. Academic Qualifications

You must have a degree that is equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS). This is to ensure that you have met the academic standards to pursue a Master’s degree at UNIL.

3. Academic Performance

Your good performance in your studies is the primary requirement. This is a merit scholarship, and hence good grades, performance, and distinction in pursuing your undergraduate course are factors that lead towards your chance.

4. Admission Status

The candidates may not be current students at UNIL when applying. In this manner, the grant is limited to new admissions.

5. Language Proficiency

UNIL offers both French and English as modes of instruction, so language proficiency proof is needed.

English-language courses require a C1 level in English (TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English are accepted).

French-language courses typically need a B2 or C1 level in French (DELF, DALF, or equivalent).

6. Excluded Programs

Some Master’s programs are not eligible for the grant, including Medicine, Education Sciences, most Law degrees (except some specializations), Health Sciences, Sport Didactics, Sustainable Management & Technology, and all MAS programs.

What this means is that applicants ought to verify program eligibility before starting their application.

How Many Scholarships Are Awarded in a Year?

In contrast with a few of the better-known scholarship programs, UNIL Master’s Grants are very limited. An average of just about 10 scholarships are awarded each year.

This fairly modest number reflects the level of competition for the grant. Recipients must impress both in terms of academics but also by way of motivation letter, recommendation letters, and general profile if they are to stand any chance.

What is the UNIL Master’s Grants 2026 Deadline?

The 2026 admissions schedule of deadlines is quite clearly defined:

September 2025 – Applications open.
November 1, 2025 – Deadline for application submission.
December 2025 – January 2026 – First round of eligibility screening and reminders about missing documents.
February – March 2026 – Faculty review of the eligible applications.
Early April 2026 – Scholarship award announcements.

Applicants should apply well in advance to provide sufficient time to prepare documents and check referee submissions.

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What Documents Are Needed for the Application?

Upon applying for the Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship, the applicants need to make and provide the following crucial documents:

Application Form: Official UNIL Master’s Grant application form (also serving as admission request).

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Properly presenting academic record, awards, and related experiences.

Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts of all the universities attended. If the document is not written in English, French, German, or Italian, an official translation is required.

Motivation Letter: Well-written statement covering the reasons for desiring to study at UNIL, professional goals, and how the scholarship will be helpful to you.

Two Recommendation Letters: Employers or professors must send these directly to UNIL at mastergrants@unil.ch. The applicant cannot hand them in personally.

Proof of Proficiency in Language: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English for English; DELF or DALF for French.

Passport Copy: National ID or current passport.

Fee Receipt Proof: Proof of payment receipt of CHF 200 administrative application fee.

Automatic rejection if one of these proofs is not provided.

Step-by-Step Application Process

This is step-by-step step-by-step application process:

Gather Needed Documents – Get CV, transcripts, motivation letter, passport, and contact information for recommendation.

Pay the Administrative Fee – Pay CHF 200 via bank to UNIL and keep the receipt.

Online Application – Submit the entire PDF application package through the UNIL portal when it opens in September 2025.

Recommendation Letters – Following your submission, referees should email their letters directly to UNIL.

Eligibility Screening – Applications are reviewed by UNIL between December and January. Incomplete applications are not considered.

Faculty Review – Feb and March, the faculty review the best candidates.

Final Decision – Early April 2026, final results are released through official notification.

Admission Without Scholarship – You can also be admitted as a self-financing student if you are not given the scholarship but qualify academically.

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How Competitive is the UNIL Master’s Grant?

The Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship is extremely competitive because:

There are limited awards (10 per year).

High global demand for excellent students worldwide.

There are strict eligibility and document requirements.

Academic achievement, language proficiency, and the sincerity of your letters of recommendation and motivation are what will cut through.

Can You Study in Switzerland Without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in Switzerland without taking IELTS if you can provide alternative proof of your linguistic competence:

For English, TOEFL, Cambridge English, or previous degrees that were completely in English are accepted by UNIL.

For French, DELF or DALF certificates are accepted.

This flexibility makes Switzerland a convenient option for students in nations where IELTS is not usually offered.

How Much Will It Cost to Live in Switzerland as a Student?

Students should save even with a scholarship. Lausanne is one of the most beautiful but expensive cities in Switzerland.

Rent: CHF 600–900 for flat shares; CHF 1,200+ for solo flats.
Food: CHF 400–600 monthly.
Transport: CHF 70–100 with student discounts.
Health Insurance: CHF 250–400 (mandatory).
Other Expenses: CHF 200–300 for books, utilities, and personal items.

On average, students spend CHF 1,800–2,200 monthly. With the CHF 1,600 stipend, you’ll need additional funds.

What Are the Best Tips for a Strong Application?

To maximize your chances:

Focus on Academics – Showcase strong grades, honors, and research experience.

Write a Persuasive Motivation Letter – Be clear on why UNIL fits your professional path.

Select Good Referees – Select professors familiar to you.

Prepare in Advance – Begin gathering papers a few months before the deadline.

Avoid Defects – Minor errors on forms or incomplete papers result in rejection.

Emphasize International Exposure – The UNIL considers international exposure, so highlight relevant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the UNIL Master’s Grant completely funded?

Yes, it covers tuition fees and pays CHF 1,600/month. Living costs may require additional funds, however.

Do I have to pay for applying?

Yes, you have to pay an administrative fee of CHF 200.

How many scholarships are awarded annually?

Approximately 10 scholarships are awarded annually.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Yes, there is a substitute in English or French certificates.

Final Thoughts

The Switzerland Scholarship – UNIL Master’s Grants 2026 is an investment in yourself for students with excellent academic credentials. It’s free tuition, monthly stipend, and a chance to study at one of Europe’s top universities – an investment in your future.

However, because of the competition, the candidates must prepare themselves properly, submit a flawless application, and demonstrate ultimate motivation. If you are ready to conduct your studies in Switzerland and remove economic constraints, this scholarship should be your priority.

Fully Funded Switzerland Scholarship – University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants 2026

Why the University of Lausanne (UNIL)?

What Does UNIL Master’s Grant Entail?