Lake Zurich at golden hour with the Swiss Alps in the background and trees on the shoreline.

Switzerland For September 2026 entry — Master's Grant round typically closes 1 November / 15 December 2025 (earlier than standard admission)

University of Lausanne Master's Grant

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master's Grant supports a small number of talented international students who hold a foreign Bachelor's degree and wish to pursue an eligible Master's programme at UNIL. The grant provides a monthly living stipend (commonly around CHF 1,600) for the standard duration of the Master's, plus a tuition waiver of the regular registration fees. It is genuinely competitive — only a handful of grants are awarded each year and most programmes participate, though some (e.g. certain professional or joint Master's) are excluded. For Sri Lankan students, a first-class Bachelor's in a field matching a UNIL Master's, plus a strong motivation, is the realistic baseline. UNIL is strong in life sciences, geosciences, business (HEC Lausanne), law, and social sciences. Confirm the current stipend figure, eligible programmes, and deadline before applying.

University of Lausanne (UNIL)

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Stipend

≈ CHF 1,600/month

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Duration

Standard Master's length

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Awards

Small Number per Year

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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International with a Foreign Bachelor's

Open to international applicants holding (or completing) a Bachelor's from a foreign university. Sri Lankan citizens with a Sri Lankan Bachelor's qualify. Applicants who already hold a Swiss degree are generally excluded.

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Strong Academic Record

Selection is highly competitive and merit-based. A first-class Bachelor's closely matching the chosen UNIL Master's, with strong references, is the realistic baseline for a Sri Lankan applicant.

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Eligible Master's Programme

You must apply to a Master's programme that participates in the grant scheme. Most UNIL Master's are eligible, but some specialised or joint programmes are excluded — check the current list before applying.

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Language of Instruction

Programmes are taught in French and/or English depending on the Master's. English-taught Master's typically require IELTS/TOEFL; French-taught ones require French proficiency. Confirm the requirement for your specific programme.

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Choose an eligible UNIL Master's

Identify a participating Master's programme that matches your Bachelor's, and check its language of instruction and prerequisites.

Submit the Master's Grant application

Apply directly to UNIL for the grant by its early autumn deadline, with transcripts, degree certificate, motivation letter, CV, references, and language evidence — this is a dedicated application, separate from ordinary admission.

Competitive selection

A UNIL committee assesses academic excellence and programme fit, and selects a small number of grant holders. Successful candidates are then admitted to the Master's.

Accept and apply for the Swiss permit

Accept your offer, enrol, and apply for the Swiss student residence permit at your local Swiss representation, showing your admission and grant confirmation plus proof of funds.

Why University of Lausanne?

UNIL is a leading Swiss research university on the shores of Lake Geneva, consistently inside the global top 200, with particular strengths in life sciences, geosciences, business (HEC Lausanne), and the social sciences. The Master's Grant turns a high-cost Swiss Master's into a funded opportunity for a small group of exceptional international students.