SWITZERLAND · LAUSANNE
University of Lausanne
public · Founded 1537 · Languages: fr, en
In short
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) in Switzerland offers a wide range of Bachelor's to Doctoral programs across its seven faculties with low tuition fees for all students. It provides a research-intensive environment in a vibrant city with a significant international community.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1537
- Students
- 16,919
- International students
- 3,900
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–1k/yr
- Languages
- FR, EN
- Location
- Lausanne, Switzerland
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a prominent university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It offers a wide range of study programs across its seven faculties, including Theology and Sciences of Religions, Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, Arts, Social and Political Sciences, Business and Economics, Geosciences and Environment, and Biology and Medicine. UNIL is dedicated to fostering a vibrant research environment, with staff actively involved in national and international research networks and interdisciplinary collaborations. The university emphasizes cutting-edge material and ideas in its course offerings, informed directly by ongoing research. Established with a strong commitment to education and societal transformation, UNIL focuses on preparing future adults to contribute to more secure, equitable, and stable societies, both environmentally and economically. The university provides diverse educational opportunities from Bachelor's to Doctoral levels, alongside continuous education programs, accommodating both full-time and part-time study options. The university campus and its affiliated research facilities are spread across several sites in and around Lausanne, including the main Dorigny campus, CHUV, Epalinges, and other specialized institutes. These locations are well-connected by public transport, offering students a comprehensive and accessible university experience.
Why study here
- Engage in a research-active environment with internationally recognized experts and cutting-edge research projects.
- Benefit from a wide array of Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs, offering specialized and interdisciplinary options.
- Experience a strong sense of community with diverse departmental events, guest lectures, and opportunities for student engagement outside of academics.
- Study in Switzerland's picturesque Lausanne, with campuses well-integrated into the city's transport network and offering access to cultural and sporting facilities.
- Contribute to research in strategic areas such as physical activity and health, sustainability in sport, and globalization and governance of sport, supported by dedicated funding opportunities.
Student life
Student life at UNIL unfolds on the lakeside Dorigny campus, where students have access to extensive sports facilities, cultural events, guest lectures and dozens of student associations. The campus is connected to central Lausanne by metro, putting the city's restaurants, museums and the shores of Lake Geneva within easy reach. With a sizeable international community and proximity to neighbouring EPFL, UNIL offers a lively, multilingual environment alongside outdoor opportunities in the nearby Alps and Lavaux vineyards.
Fees
InternationalTuition at the University of Lausanne is the same for Swiss and international students: approximately CHF 580 per semester (around CHF 1,160 per year), one of the lowest rates among major European research universities.
HomeSwiss and international students pay the same low public tuition of about CHF 580 per semester.
LivingLiving costs in Lausanne are high by international standards; students should budget roughly CHF 22,000 to 28,000 per year for accommodation, food, insurance and personal expenses.
A one-time CHF 200 admission examination fee applies for certain applicants. Tuition figures are set by the canton and may be adjusted; confirm current rates with the registrar before enrolling.
Admissions
Application DeadlineApril 30 (for matriculation)
Admission Exam FeeCHF 200 (for Summer and Autumn sessions)
Account ActivationMyUnil account details sent within 10 days of registration; must be activated.
Language RequirementFrench proficiency (typically B2/C1) for French-taught programs; recognised English test for English-taught Master's.
IELTS6.5 or above for English-taught Master's programs
TOEFL90 or above (iBT) for English-taught Master's programs
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026212
Times Higher EducationTop 200 worldwide
Shanghai Ranking (ARWU)Top 150 worldwide
University scholarships
UNIL Master's GrantsMerit-based grants of around CHF 1,600 per month for selected international Master's students
Swiss Government Excellence ScholarshipsFederal scholarships for international postgraduate researchers and PhD students
CIRSport Early-Career Funding—
CIRSport Seed Funding—
CIRSport Visiting Fellowships—
Accreditation
The University of Lausanne is a recognized public university accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act and supervised by the Swiss Accreditation Council, with degrees recognized across Europe under the Bologna framework.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Lausanne · Switzerland
BA in English Studies (First Year Propédeutique)
This program is the first year of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Studies at the University of Lausanne. It is designed to provide a strong foundation in English language, literature, and linguistics. The program emphasizes the development of academic writing skills and critical analysis. Students are expected to have an upper-intermediate level of English proficiency (B2) to succeed in this program. Regular attendance and consistent work are crucial for validating the year and earning credits.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Lausanne · Switzerland
BA in English Studies (Years 2 & 3)
This program covers the second and third years of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies, building upon foundational knowledge from the first year. It is designed to deepen and broaden your understanding of English literature and linguistics, with opportunities for specialization in your final year. The curriculum includes a mix of compulsory modules to reinforce core concepts and elective seminars allowing you to explore specific interests. Across these two years, you will complete 50 credits. Level 2 modules focus on expanding your knowledge base, while Level 3 modules encourage specialization. The program emphasizes critical analysis, textual interpretation, and independent research, culminating in specialized essays and exams that demonstrate your mastery of chosen domains within English studies.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Lausanne · Switzerland
Bachelor in Cinema Studies
The Bachelor's program in Cinema Studies at the University of Lausanne offers a comprehensive introduction to the history, theory, and analysis of film. It is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in cinematic understanding and critical thinking. The program is part of the Faculty of Arts and is delivered by the Department of Cinema Studies.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Lausanne · Switzerland
Bachelor of Arts in Cinema History and Aesthetics
The University of Lausanne offers a Bachelor of Arts (Baccalauréat universitaire ès Lettres) in Cinema History and Aesthetics through the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Cinema History and Aesthetics. This program provides a foundational understanding of the historical development and aesthetic principles of cinema.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Lausanne · Switzerland
Doctoral Program in Cinema Studies
The Doctoral Program in Cinema Studies at the University of Lausanne provides a foundational training focused on the practical aspects of writing and defending a doctoral thesis. It serves as a collaborative platform for doctoral candidates to engage in national and international events, offering opportunities to participate as speakers, organizers, or students. This program is structured not as an extension of Bachelor's or Master's degree coursework, but rather as a research laboratory that integrates participants into the ongoing scholarly discourse and practice within the field of cinema.
PhD
Level
Free
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Lausanne · Switzerland
Doctoral Program in Film Studies
The Doctoral Program in Film Studies at the University of Lausanne, offered by the Section of Cinema History and Aesthetics, is a research-focused program designed for students wishing to pursue advanced academic work in the field of cinema. The program emphasizes in-depth research and contributes to the academic community through scholarly publications and participation in research projects.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Switzerland
full fundingCYD Campus, EPFL and armasuisse Science and Technology
Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships
Open to Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates of all nationalities pursuing or planning to pursue research in cyber-defence in Switzerland. Master Thesis Fellowship applicants must be enrolled Master's students at a Swiss institution; Doctoral Fellowship applicants need a Master's degree and admission to a Swiss PhD programme; Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applicants must hold a completed PhD with a strong publication record. All candidates need strong academic performance and a research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
19d left
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel – eikones Center for the Theory and History of the Image
University of Basel NOMIS Fellowships
Open to junior and senior scholars of any nationality who hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, have published either one scholarly monograph or three peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, can propose a research project on the theme 'Images as Models', and are fluent in German or English.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Sep 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCyber-Defence Campus (armasuisse Science and Technology)
CYD Doctoral Fellowships
Open to applicants of all nationalities who are enrolled, or plan to enrol, in a PhD programme at a Swiss university and have a confirmed endorsement from a Swiss professor who will supervise the doctorate. All PhD stages are eligible, though early-stage applicants are preferred, and there is no age restriction. Research must fall within cyber defence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, cryptography, computational and data science and engineering, systems security, or security technologies.
full
Funding
€85k
Max
19d left
Deadline
full fundingCERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics
Researchers who hold (or are about to defend) a PhD in theoretical physics with no more than six years of research experience after the PhD. Open to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States, with a limited number of places under the Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme. Current CERN staff members are not eligible.
full
Funding
€78k
Max
Nov 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel
University of Basel PhD Positions in Advanced Data Management
Open to candidates worldwide who hold an MSc in Computer Science or a related field with software-development experience, show a clear interest in research toward a PhD in advanced data management, have practical or theoretical expertise in databases, multimedia data management or information retrieval, are proficient in English, and can work effectively in a team.
full
Funding
€49k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingETH Zurich
Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
For students with an excellent academic record applying for a master's programme at ETH Zurich, of any nationality. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it as part of your ETH master's admission application, by the December deadline, and selection is by ETH.
full
Funding
€35k
Max
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Lausanne?
+
Tuition fees are the same for Swiss and international students, costing approximately CHF 580 per semester or CHF 1,160 per year. This is considered a very low rate among major European research universities.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Lausanne?
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Living costs in Lausanne are high compared to international standards. Students should plan for approximately CHF 22,000 to CHF 28,000 per year to cover accommodation, food, insurance, and personal expenses.
Does the University of Lausanne offer programs taught in English?
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Yes, the University of Lausanne offers English-taught Master's programs. Applicants for these programs typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or above.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
+
Admission requirements vary by program and level of study. International students applying for English-taught Master's programs need to meet specific language proficiency scores. An application deadline of April 30 for matriculation and a CHF 200 admission exam fee are also noted.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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The University of Lausanne offers several scholarship opportunities, including UNIL Master's Grants for selected international Master's students and Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for postgraduate researchers and PhD students.
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