University of Lausanne (UNIL) International Scholarships 2026, Switzerland
The University of Lausanne (UNIL), one of Switzerland’s leading public universities, places internationalization at the heart of its academic mission. Through a strong global strategy, international partnerships, and participation in major European initiatives such as CIVIS and Erasmus/SEMP, UNIL actively promotes student, researcher, and staff mobility. Its international framework enhances research excellence, global employability, and cross-cultural learning, making UNIL a top destination for international academic collaboration.
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a leading public research university located in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Founded in 1537, UNIL is known for its strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary teaching, particularly in life sciences, social sciences, environmental studies, business, law, and humanities. The university hosts a diverse international community and collaborates closely with institutions such as EPFL and international organizations based in the Geneva–Lausanne region. With its modern campus, high academic standards, and strong global outlook, UNIL offers students an excellent environment for study, research, and innovation.
UNIL International Strategy – Key Objectives
UNIL’s internationalization strategy is built on five core goals:
- Strengthening research and teaching through international collaboration
- Enhancing UNIL’s global reputation to attract top international talent
- Facilitating student access to foreign higher education and international recognition of UNIL degrees
- Developing international and intercultural skills among students
- Actively contributing to global developments in higher education and research
CIVIS European University Alliance
UNIL is a proud member of CIVIS, a European Civic University Alliance composed of 11 leading universities across Europe. CIVIS focuses on:
- Multilingual and multicultural education
- Tackling major societal challenges of the 21st century
- Joint degrees, short programs, and research collaboration
- Enhanced student and staff mobility across Europe
Degree Level
UNIL’s international strategy and mobility programs support:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral (PhD) Studies
- Postdoctoral Research
- Faculty & Staff Exchanges
Available Subjects
International opportunities at UNIL are available across all faculties, including:
- Law, Criminal Justice & Public Administration
- Arts & Humanities
- Social & Political Sciences
- Business & Economics (HEC Lausanne)
- Geosciences & Environment
- Biology & Medicine
- Theology & Religious Studies
Benefits
Participants in UNIL’s international programs benefit from:
- Access to world-class partner universities
- Financial support through SEMP and bilateral grants
- Academic credit recognition
- Enhanced international employability
- Multicultural academic experience
- Support services for mobility and administration
Organization & Support Services
UNIL ensures strong institutional support through:
- Service des relations internationales (SRI) – oversees international strategy
- Faculty Mobility Coordinators – academic guidance for exchanges
- Service des affaires sociales et de la mobilité étudiante (SASME) – administrative and practical support
- Regular coordination meetings such as “Midi-mobilité” sessions
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to Swiss and international students
- Mobility programs available for European and non-European nationals
- Participation depends on bilateral agreements and exchange frameworks
- International researchers and faculty from partner institutions are eligible
Eligibility Criteria
International Partnerships & Exchange Programs
UNIL maintains a broad network of strategic international partnerships, including:
Partner Universities & Networks
- Privileged partnerships with selected global universities
- Membership in international university networks
- Bilateral exchange agreements for students and faculty
Erasmus+ & Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)
- Switzerland participates in Erasmus+ as a partner country
- UNIL students and staff benefit through SEMP, offering:
- Study exchanges
- Traineeships
- Teaching and staff mobility
- Managed nationally by Movetia, Switzerland’s mobility agency
Application Procedure
Identify an exchange opportunity through your faculty or partner university
- Consult your faculty mobility advisor
- Apply through UNIL’s mobility platforms
- Complete academic and administrative requirements
- Receive support from SRI and SASME before and during mobility
Note: Application procedures and deadlines vary depending on the program and destination.
