Quick Summary
Situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne) is a public established in 1537. Ranked #204 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 17100 students including 25% from outside Switzerland. Known for strengths in Life Sciences & Medicine, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Law & Legal Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UNIL offers a world-class education at a very low cost in one of the world's most scenic locations. It is a leader in Life Sciences and Forensic Science with a highly international research environment.
Subject Strengths
Life Sciences & MedicinePharmacy & PharmacologyLaw & Legal StudiesSports-related SubjectsForensic Science
Founded1537
TypePublic
Total Students17100
Intl Students25%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusSuburban
Campus Size222
Affiliated HospitalsCentre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV)
AccreditationAAQ,EQUIS,AMBA
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#204
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#143
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor,Master,Doctorate,Continuing Education,EMBA
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB),Lemanic Neuroscience Center,Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG),Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AAQ,EQUIS,AMBA
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTS7
TOEFL100
Min GPA4.5
GRERequired for some Master programs at HEC
GMATRequired for HEC Lausanne programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Non-Swiss degree holders must check the specific equivalence criteria for their country. French proficiency (B2/C1) is mandatory for almost all undergraduate programs. HEC Lausanne is highly competitive and requires strong quantitative scores.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Swiss Franc
UG Tuition
CHF1,160/yr
per year · CHF
Living Cost
CHF24,000/yr
per year · CHF
PG Tuition
CHF1,160/yr
per year · CHF
Application Fee
$230
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
CHF25,360/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CHF
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$18,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor,Master,Doctorate,Continuing Education,EMBA programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Forensic Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Management (HEC Lausanne) | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biology and Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Geosciences and Environment | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$85,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong, especially through HEC Lausanne and School of Criminal Justice
Industry Connections
NestléLogitechWorld Health OrganizationInternational Olympic Committee
Notable Alumni
Jacques Dubochet,Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands,Jean-Claude Biver,Pascal Couchepin
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Sports Centre (UNIL-EPFL),Sailing center,Tennis courts,Fitness rooms
Student Clubs
HEC Espace Entreprise,AEESEAP,Student Federation (FAE)
Library Resources
Cantonal and University Library of Lausanne (BCUL),Internef Library
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+,Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP),ISEP
Summer Programs
Available