If you’re planning a Master’s in Switzerland and have your sights on the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the UNIL Master’s Grants (often called “UNIL Master’s Scholarships” or “UNIL Master Grants”) are one of the most valuable merit-based awards for international students. This long guide explains what the grant is, who’s eligible, how much it pays, how and when to apply, the documents you’ll need, realistic budgeting advice, selection tips, common pitfalls and an FAQ. Wherever helpful, I cite official and reliable sources so you can verify details and follow links to the original pages.
Quick summary (the essentials, up front)
-
What: Merit-based Master’s scholarships granted by the University of Lausanne to outstanding international students who graduated from foreign universities.
-
Money: A monthly allowance of CHF 1,600 paid for 10 months per year (typically from 15 September to 15 July) for the minimum statutory duration of the chosen Master’s programme (usually 1.5–2 years depending on the programme). Recipients are also generally exempt from the fixed registration fees except for a small semester administrative charge.
-
How many: About 10–12 scholarships are awarded per year (numbers vary slightly by year).
-
Deadline: The application period usually opens in September and closes 1 November (midnight Swiss time) for entry the following academic year (check the current year on UNIL’s official pages).
-
Competitiveness: Highly competitive — awarded to students with excellent academic records and a strong fit with the chosen Master’s programme.
Who is the UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland for?
The UNIL Master’s Grants are designed for international students (holders of a foreign bachelor’s degree) who wish to enroll in a Master’s programme at UNIL and who demonstrate academic excellence. The key conditions generally are:
-
You must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a foreign university that UNIL recognizes as equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree by the time you start the Master’s.
-
You must apply for admission to the Master’s programme at UNIL (the scholarship application is linked to the admission file — you usually apply online and upload the scholarship documents as part of the same dossier).
-
You must demonstrate outstanding academic results and meet language requirements (C1 or equivalent in the language of instruction unless your prior degree was fully in that language).
-
You must not have previously been registered in the same Master’s programme at UNIL.
Tip: Read the official UNIL Master’s Grants page (or the UNIL application portal) for the precise eligibility list for the year you apply — some programmes and professional tracks may be excluded.
Also check for : Opendoors Russian Scholarship
What the grant actually covers (and what it doesn’t)
What you can expect:
-
Stipend: CHF 1,600 per month for 10 months per year (i.e., roughly September–July each year) for the minimum duration of the programme (so if your Master’s is 1.5 or 2 years, the stipend continues for that statutory minimum).
-
Fee exemption: Scholarship holders are typically exempt from fixed registration fees, but they must still pay a small administrative/semester fee (for example, CHF ~80 per semester as frequently noted).
What it usually does not cover:
-
Full living costs: Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s pricier university cities. The CHF 1,600/month is generous as a scholarship but frequently insufficient to cover all living expenses alone — think housing, food, health insurance and transport. Plan additional funds or part-time work options.
-
Travel, one-off relocation expenses, or full tuition at private programmes unless specifically stated. Always confirm the fine print on the award letter.
How to apply – step-by-step in UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland
1. Check programme eligibility and language requirements
-
Confirm that the Master’s programme you want is eligible for the Master’s Grant in the current call (some programmes may be excluded). Check language of instruction and whether your bachelor’s degree meets equivalency rules.
2. Prepare your application documents (complete file is essential)
Commonly required documents include:
-
CV / résumé (academic and professional).
-
Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts (official, certified copies if required).
-
Proof of language proficiency (C1 if required).
-
Motivation letter explaining academic achievements and why you deserve the grant.
-
Letters of recommendation (typically 1–3 academic referees).
-
Research statement or study plan where requested.
-
Any required annexes (portfolio, GRE/GMAT only if specifically requested).
-
Payment receipt for the administrative application fee (often CHF 200).
-
UNIL generally requires the scholarship application to be uploaded online as a single PDF file during the application window. There may be a specific UNIL portal for Master’s Grants (login credentials sometimes provided on the portal page).
4. Submit by the deadline
-
The deadline historically has been 1 November for admission/scholarship applications for the following academic year. Postmarks for mailed certified documents may be accepted in some exceptional cases, but online submission by the deadline is critical.
5. What happens after submission
-
UNIL screens for completeness and eligibility. Incomplete files are typically rejected. Shortlisted files can be forwarded to faculty for further assessment. Final decisions are typically communicated in late winter / early spring (e.g., notifications in early April for some cycles).
Typical timeline (what to expect, month by month)
-
September — The online application form usually opens (confirm current year dates). Start preparing documents in August–September.
-
1 November — Application deadline (midnight Swiss time) – final day to submit your full dossier.
-
Nov–Jan — Administrative checks & initial screening; incomplete applications are rejected.
-
Jan–Mar — Shortlisting and faculty review.
-
Early April — Successful candidates usually get notified (dates vary by year).
Important: Always check the year’s official UNIL call for exact dates – the university can change timelines.
Also Check for: Saudi Arabia Scholarship
How competitive is UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland?
-
The scholarships are highly competitive — only around 10–12 awards per year and applicants come from across the world. Expect stiff competition from candidates with top grades, research experience or work that aligns with the Master’s programme. Faculty and programme fit matter a lot.
Budgeting: realistic living cost for Lausanne (planning your finances)
While CHF 1,600/month helps, here’s a realistic monthly budget range for a student in Lausanne (approximate):
-
Rent (shared flat / student housing): CHF 600–1,100
-
Food & groceries: CHF 250–450
-
Health insurance: CHF 100–250 (depends on policy)
-
Transport (student pass): CHF 40–100
-
Miscellaneous (books, clothing, phone): CHF 100–200
Total monthly estimate: CHF 1,100 – 2,100. This indicates the CHF 1,600 stipend may cover a modest lifestyle but many students supplement with savings, family support, or part-time work when allowed. Check Swiss regulations for student work (hours allowed for non-EU students can be limited).
Documents checklist (download-ready) for UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland
Make sure your final PDF contains, in this order (check the UNIL instructions for the required order and any page-limit rules):
-
Cover page with name, email, programme applied for, and application ID (if any).
-
Motivation letter (concise, targeted to the programme and scholarship).
-
Curriculum Vitae (academic highlights, research, publications, internships).
-
Bachelor’s degree certificate (scanned certified copy if required).
-
Official transcripts (detailed marks).
-
Language proficiency proof (degree certificate showing instruction language or test result).
-
Two-three recommendation letters (prefer academic referees).
-
Study plan / research proposal (if required by the Master’s).
-
Proof of payment of application fee (CHF 200 or as specified).
-
Any other certificates (prizes, publications, relevant professional certificates).
How to write a scholarship-winning motivation letter
Your motivation letter should not be generic. Make it:
-
Focused: explain why UNIL, why that Master’s, and how your background prepares you.
-
Impactful: highlight top 2–3 academic achievements (thesis, GPA, research projects).
-
Fit-oriented: mention supervisors, labs, or courses at UNIL that you want to work with — name-checking relevant faculty/research groups helps show fit.
-
Concrete outcomes: explain how the Master’s will take you to your next step (PhD, industry role, research impact).
-
Financial rationale: state briefly why the grant matters (if needed), without sounding needy — focus on enabling your academic success.
Faculty reviewers look for clarity of purpose, evidence of excellence, and a clear match between candidate and programme.
Common mistakes applicants make (avoid these) for UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland
-
Incomplete dossiers (missing transcripts, missing referee letters). UNIL often rejects incomplete files.
-
Late submissions (don’t rely on postal delays; prefer the online portal).
-
Generic motivation letters that don’t reference programme specifics or faculty.
-
Ignoring language requirements — submit appropriate proof.
-
Misunderstanding living costs — overestimating how far the stipend will go.
Special notes for applicants from Pakistan (or similar countries)
-
Degree equivalence: Ensure your bachelor’s degree is clearly documented and, if needed, provide course descriptions so UNIL can judge equivalence. Some applicants from non-Lisbon-Convention countries need certified originals mailed, so check the current instructions on the UNIL portal.
-
Language: If your instruction was in English but UNIL programme is in French, check whether UNIL accepts your prior English degree as fulfilment of the language requirement or if you must submit a French certificate. Always follow the programme’s specific language rules.
-
Funding backup: Swiss visa processes often require proof of sufficient funds. Even with the scholarship, keep additional funds or a sponsor ready for visa/residence permit applications.
After acceptance: obligations and tips
-
Confirm enrolment and follow instructions on residence permits and health insurance.
-
Read the scholarship award letter carefully: it contains conditions (e.g., the grant can be suspended for failing the programme or for withdrawing).
-
Keep grades strong — grants are sometimes conditional on maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
-
Engage with faculty early — scholarship holders who integrate into labs or groups may find additional research opportunities and networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland
Q: Is the UNIL Master’s Grant “fully funded”?
A: Not strictly. It provides a meaningful monthly stipend and registration fee exemptions, but does not cover all living costs or extra expenses. Plan additional funding accordingly.
Q: Can I apply for the grant if I haven’t received admission yet?
A: Yes. The UNIL application system allows simultaneous application for Master’s admission and the Master’s Grant — you submit one dossier for both purposes.
Q: How many scholarships are awarded each year?
A: Rough estimates and UNIL reports show around 10–12 awarded scholarships each year (numbers vary by cycle and faculty).
Q: Do I need to pay an application fee?
A: Historically there has been an administrative fee (commonly cited around CHF 200); check the official call for the current fee and payment process.
Q: When are results announced?
A: Notifications are typically communicated in late winter or early spring (some cycles cite early April for results), but dates can shift — check the yearly timeline on UNIL’s site.
Practical checklist you can use (short & printable)
-
Verify programme eligibility on UNIL portal.
-
Prepare degree certificates, transcripts, language proof.
-
Draft strong motivation letter & CV.
-
Request recommendation letters early.
-
Pay the administrative fee and assemble single-PDF dossier.
-
Submit before 1 Nov (confirm year).
-
Keep copies of everything; monitor email for UNIL correspondence.
Final tips to improve your chances in UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland
-
Show evidence of excellence: top grades, prizes, research projects, publications or relevant internships.
-
Demonstrate fit: name potential supervisors, specific labs or courses, and explain why UNIL’s programme is the best match for your goals.
-
Polish referees’ letters: ask referees to highlight concrete achievements (thesis, method skills, publications).
-
Prepare a clear study plan: especially if your Master’s has a research component — short, realistic, and targeted.
-
Budget realistically: have a backup plan for extra living costs and visa documentation.
Where to verify & follow up (official sources)
Because academic calls and dates change, always refer to UNIL’s official pages and the university’s Master’s Grants portal or contact the UNIL Social Affairs and Student Mobility office (SASME) for the current call. Some useful pages and reporting on the grants are available through UNIL service pages and official newsletters.
Closing — is it worth applying in UNIL Master’s Scholarship in Switzerland
Yes — if you are academically strong and your profile fits a UNIL Master’s programme, applying is worthwhile. The grant is prestigious, provides meaningful financial support, and opens doors at a research-focused Swiss university. However, apply only after ensuring your programme is eligible, your dossier is complete, and you have a realistic plan for supplemental funding because the stipend, while helpful, rarely covers all costs alone.
Also visit “nfconsultancy” to find information regarding immigration and more study visas.