Scholarship Overview
The University of Bern welcomes international scholars to its Swiss campus through fully funded scholarships for the 2027 entry year. Funding is available for Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral research programmes, and the main deadline for most applicants is 1 December 2026, although embassy cut‑off dates may vary.
Financial Coverage
Successful candidates receive a comprehensive package that includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver or exemption.
- Monthly stipend to cover accommodation, food and personal expenses.
- Mandatory health and accident insurance as required by Swiss law.
- Travel subsidies for international air travel.
- Research and academic grants for conference attendance, fieldwork and material purchases.
Fields of Study
The University of Bern offers a wide range of English‑ and German‑taught programmes across several disciplines:
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Political Science, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Modern Languages.
- Business, Economics & Law: Applied Economics, Business Administration, Public Management, International Commercial Law.
- Medicine & Health Sciences: Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry.
- Natural & Exact Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Astrophysics, Climate Sciences, Biology.
- Computer Science & Engineering: Artificial Intelligence, Applied Data Science, Computational Mechanics.
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Open to all non‑Swiss international applicants.
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic record with top‑tier grades.
- Degree Prerequisites:
- Master’s: Recognised Bachelor’s degree (or graduation by summer 2027) in a relevant field.
- PhD: Accredited Master’s degree completed before the start of the programme.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English or German proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).
- Research Proposal: Required for PhD and postdoctoral candidates, aligned with a University of Bern supervisor’s research agenda.
Required Documents
- Completed scholarship application form.
- Official academic transcripts and graduation certificates (with certified translations if needed).
- Detailed CV or academic résumé.
- Statement of purpose / motivation letter.
- Two to three recommendation letters from professors or supervisors.
- Copy of a valid passport (identification page).
- Proof of language proficiency.
- Research proposal (for doctoral and postdoctoral applicants).
Application Process
- Explore programmes: Visit the University of Bern degree‑program portal to select an eligible course.
- Find a supervisor (PhD): Contact a faculty member whose research matches yours and secure endorsement.
- Apply for admission: Submit an enrolment application through the university’s official portal.
- Submit scholarship application: Complete the University of Bern scholarship form or the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship dossier via your national Swiss embassy.
Important Dates
- Application window opens: August/September 2026.
- Primary scholarship deadline: 1 December 2026 (embassy dates may range from 10 November to 1 December).
- Secondary foundation deadlines: 31 March 2027.
- Semester start: 1 September 2027.
Useful Links
- University of Bern official website: https://www.unibe.ch
- Student financing & scholarships page: https://www.unibe.ch/studies/organizational_matters/student_financing/scholarships/index_eng.html
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SERI): https://www.sbfi.admin.ch
Have questions about your research proposal or motivation letter? Leave a comment below or share this guide with fellow students aiming to study in Switzerland!
