The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) offers a variety of fully funded scholarships for Master’s programs in Switzerland. These scholarships are designed to support individuals from developing countries who have a strong commitment to international development and are seeking to advance their careers in the field.
Are you a high-achieving student who completed your undergraduate studies abroad? The University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland is offering an exceptional opportunity to support your academic journey with its distinguished Masters Scholarship. This program is designed to reward outstanding academic performance and provide financial assistance to help you pursue a master’s degree at one of Europe’s leading institutions.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Location: University of Lausanne, Europe
- Level: Postgraduate (Masters)
- Eligibility: Open to international students
- Scholarship Value: Full scholarship with a monthly stipend of CHF 1,600 (approximately CHF 19,200 annually)
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
What the Scholarship Offers
The UNIL Masters Scholarship is a comprehensive financial aid package that supports students throughout the duration of their master’s program. While the scholarship provides substantial financial assistance, recipients should be aware that it may not entirely cover living expenses in Switzerland. Key benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,600 paid over 10 months each year (from September 15 to July 15).
- Tuition Waiver: Exemption from most registration fees, with the exception of a nominal CHF 80 per semester.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 UNIL Masters Scholarship, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Academic Background: Must hold a foreign university degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from UNIL before commencing the master’s program.
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrate outstanding academic performance in previous studies.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program, applicants must have at least a B2 level in French (as per the European Language Portfolio) or a C1 level in English.
- Non-Registration: Applicants should not currently be enrolled at UNIL.
- Administrative Fee: A non-refundable CHF 200 administrative fee must be paid (refer to the required documents list for more details).
- Scholarship Terms: Withdrawal from the program will result in the termination of the scholarship.
Duration and Conditions
The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the master’s program, which typically spans 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the field of study. If a student fails definitively after the first year, the scholarship will be discontinued.
Application Timeline
- November 1: Application deadline.
- November-December: Processing by the Social Affairs and Student Mobility Office (SASME) and Admissions department (SII).
- December-January: Notifications sent to applicants with incomplete or unsuccessful applications.
- January-February: Eligible applications reviewed by respective faculties.
- February-March: Unsuccessful applicants notified by the faculties.
- March: Final scholarship decisions made by the selection board.
- Early April: Successful candidates are notified.
Please note that all decisions made by the selection board are final and cannot be contested.
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to take the next step in your academic career, follow these instructions to apply:
- Visit the Scholarship Webpage: Click the button below to access the official scholarship page.
- Complete the Online Application: Upload all required documents in PDF format as part of the application process.
- Application Submission: The same form serves as both your scholarship application and admission application to the master’s program at UNIL.
- Ensure that your complete application is submitted by the November 1 deadline.
Application Deadlines: 1 November 2024
Please note: Incomplete applications or those submitted via email will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The UNIL Masters Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for talented students to pursue their academic ambitions at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. Don’t miss your chance to apply and make your mark.
Apply now and invest in your future!