Summary

The University of Bern Scholarships 2027 offer outstanding international students from all over the world the chance to pursue higher education in Bern, Switzerland’s federal capital. This comprehensive scholarship portfolio includes both fully funded and partially funded pathways, allowing students to focus on academic excellence without financial strain. Students have access to world-class research facilities, mentorship, and part-time on-campus work opportunities.  

  • 🇨🇭 University of Bern Scholarships 2027 offer fully funded and partially funded opportunities for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students from all countries to study in Switzerland.
  • 🎓 The University of Bern is renowned for its academic excellence, world-class research facilities, distinguished faculty, and welcoming international community.
  • 💰 Scholarships are designed to reduce financial burden and may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and research support, depending on the program.
  • 🌍 International students can also work part-time at the university to gain professional experience and help manage living expenses.
  • 📋 Quick Overview:
    • 🇨🇭 Host Country: Switzerland
    • 🏛️ Host University: University of Bern
    • 🎓 Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
    • 💵 Scholarship Types: Fully Funded & Partially Funded
    • 🌎 Eligibility: International students from all countries
    • ⏰ Deadline: Varies by scholarship program
  • ⭐ Swiss Study Foundation Scholarship provides full financial support, living stipend, mentorship, and networking opportunities for outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements.
  • 🏅 Canton of Bern Scholarship is a merit-based award offering tuition support and a monthly living stipend for high-achieving students with leadership potential.
  • 🏛️ Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship supports Master’s and postdoctoral students with tuition, stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and return airfare.
  • ✈️ Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarship helps academically strong international students by covering tuition fees, travel expenses, and other academic costs.
  • 🌐 Swiss European Mobility Program (SEMP) enables exchange opportunities with partner universities across Europe and beyond.
  • 🎁 Scholarship benefits may include:
    • 💸 Full or partial tuition fee waiver
    • 🏠 Monthly living allowance
    • ✈️ Travel allowance
    • 🔬 Access to research labs and libraries
    • 👨‍🏫 Academic mentorship
    • 🩺 Health insurance
    • 🤝 Networking and professional development
    • 💼 Part-time work opportunities
  • ✅ Eligibility Requirements:
    • 🌍 Open to applicants from all nationalities
    • 📚 Strong academic record
    • 🎓 Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants
    • 🎓 Master’s degree for PhD applicants
    • 🗣️ English or German proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
    • 📌 Additional criteria may apply for individual scholarships

Job/Scholarship Details

FeatureDetails
Host UniversityUniversity of Bern
Host CountrySwitzerland
Eligible NationalityInternational students from all countries
Financial CoverageFully Funded & Partially Funded (varies by program)
Degree LevelsUndergraduate, Master’s, and PhD

Designation

Scholarship Recipient / Research Fellow / Exchange Student (dependent on the specific pathway chosen).


Research Area

Open to all academic fields and research areas offered at the University of Bern, spanning undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral programs.  


Location

Bern, Switzerland.


Eligibility & Qualifications

To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:

  • Academic Background: Must demonstrate an outstanding academic track record in previous studies.
  • Degree Requirements:
    • Master’s Applicants: Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree.
    • PhD Applicants: Must hold a recognized Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
  • Language Proficiency: Must prove proficiency in English or German (via IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent recognized certification), depending on the chosen program’s language of instruction.
  • Specific Program Criteria: Individual scholarship schemes (e.g., Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship) have distinct age, supervisor support, or nationality requirements.  

Scholarship Portfolio (Job Description & Benefits)

The University of Bern utilizes five primary scholarship pathways to support international students:

1. Swiss Study Foundation Scholarship

  • Description: A highly prestigious, privately funded program designed for the most academically exceptional students.
  • Benefits: Full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, and access to an exclusive network and mentoring programs.

2. Canton of Bern Scholarship

  • Description: A regional, merit-based scholarship backing students with proven leadership potential.
  • Benefits: Full or partial tuition fee waivers combined with a consistent monthly living stipend.

3. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

  • Description: Switzerland’s flagship state-funded program targeting Master’s and PhD-level researchers.
  • Benefits: Monthly stipend, accommodation allowance, mandatory health insurance coverage, and return airfare.

4. Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarship

  • Description: An external foundation grant supporting academically strong students to help manage relocation and study-abroad expenses.
  • Benefits: Assistance with tuition fees and international travel costs.

5. Swiss European Mobility Program (SEMP)

  • Description: Switzerland’s version of the Erasmus program, facilitating student exchanges with partner institutions.
  • Benefits: Travel and living allowances for short-term study periods.

How to Apply

  1. Research Programs: Visit the official University of Bern Scholarships Portal to review the exact admission and scholarship requirements for your chosen department.
  2. Find a Supervisor (For PhD/Research): For research-based pathways like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, you must independently secure a host professor at the University of Bern to supervise your project before applying.  
  3. Prepare Required Documents:
    • Completed official application form.
    • Academic transcripts and degree certificates.  
    • Copy of Passport/National ID.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
    • Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose.
    • Two academic or professional letters of recommendation.
    • Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or German certificate).
    • Detailed research proposal (only for PhD/Research applicants).
  4. Submit Application: Complete and upload all materials via the specific application portal indicated for your chosen scholarship type.

Last Date to Apply

The application deadline varies significantly by scholarship type:

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship: Applications typically open on August 20, 2026, with country-specific deadlines falling between September and December 2026.  
  • Other Institutional and Foundation Scholarships: Deadlines are program-specific. Applicants are highly encouraged to check the official University of Bern Open Calls page early to secure their timelines.