Summary
The University of Bern provides various avenues for financial support to international students, ranging from government-funded excellence scholarships to merit-based and mobility grants. While the university itself does not award scholarships directly in many cases, it supports students in accessing prestigious funding opportunities to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Switzerland.
- 🎓 The University of Bern Scholarships 2026–2027 offer international students opportunities to study in Switzerland with full or partial financial support across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
- 🌍 These scholarships aim to promote global academic excellence and research innovation by supporting talented students from all nationalities.
- 💰 Key benefits include full or partial tuition coverage, monthly living stipends, accommodation support, health insurance, travel allowance, research grants, and access to university resources and networking opportunities.
- 🏛️ Multiple funding options are available, including Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Bern University merit/need-based scholarships, mobility programs like SEMP, and research grants from SNSF.
- 📄 Applicants must generally show strong academic performance, meet degree requirements, provide language proficiency proof, and submit documents like SOP, transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and a passport copy.
- 🗓️ Application deadlines vary depending on the specific scholarship, so students must check the official University of Bern website for exact dates.
- 📝 The application process involves selecting a scholarship, verifying eligibility, preparing documents, and submitting an online application through the official portal.
Scholarship Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Institution | University of Bern |
| Study Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully/Partially Funded (Varies by program) |
| Target Audience | International Students |
Research Areas
Scholarship support is available across multiple disciplines offered at the University of Bern, including but not limited to:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences and Biomedicine
- Law and Economics
- Doctoral research across various faculties
Eligibility & Qualification
- International Status: Open to international students from various nationalities.
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record.
- Degree Progression: Bachelor’s degree holders can apply for Master’s programs; Master’s holders can apply for PhD programs.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English or German language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) is generally required depending on the program.
Program Description
Funding at the University of Bern is primarily facilitated through external and government sources rather than direct university-awarded scholarships. Notable programs include:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: A highly competitive, prestigious program for Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral research.
- Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP): Funding for exchange students.
- Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Grants: Specifically for PhD students and research projects.
- Foundation Grants: Opportunities such as the Heyning-Roelli Foundation for students studying abroad.
How to Apply
- Research: Visit the University of Bern Official Website to identify which scholarship programs are currently open and applicable to your level of study.
- Verify Eligibility: Carefully review the specific requirements for each scholarship, as criteria vary significantly between government, institutional, and private foundations.
- Prepare Documentation: Typically, you will need academic transcripts, a CV/resume, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency.
- Application Submission: Submit your application through the portal designated by the specific scholarship provider or as directed on the university’s official page.
Last Date for Application
Open now
There is no single deadline for all scholarships. Deadlines vary by program and scholarship type (some occur as early as late autumn/winter for the following academic year). Applicants are advised to check the University of Bern’s official scholarship section regularly for precise and up-to-date deadlines.
Disclaimer: The University of Bern explicitly advises students to be cautious of “fake” scholarship offers circulating online. Always verify opportunities through the university’s official website.
