The University of Bern in Switzerland offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies. Known for its high academic standards, strong research profile, and global environment, the University of Bern attracts students from all over the world. For the 2026 academic year, several fully funded and merit-based scholarships are available to support talented students with outstanding academic records.
Scholarship Overview
The University of Bern provides funding through different scholarship schemes. These include fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses, as well as merit-based support that helps reduce the cost of study for international applicants. Scholarships are available at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, depending on eligibility and academic performance.
Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities
The main fully funded scholarship opportunities at the University of Bern for eligible international students include:
1. Excellence Master Scholarships
- Available for exceptional international students applying to eligible Master’s programmes.
- Covers tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance to help with living expenses.
- Awarded based on academic excellence and potential for future contribution.
2. PhD Funding and Doctoral Scholarships
- Offered to outstanding international students who plan to pursue research degrees (PhD) at the University of Bern.
- Full funding typically includes a doctoral salary or stipend, tuition coverage, health insurance contributions, and support for research activities.
- Often linked to specific research projects and departments.
3. Faculty and Departmental Scholarships
- Individual faculties may have their own funding schemes for international students with strong academic records.
- These awards can cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, or additional research support, depending on faculty resources and student qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria
While each scholarship has specific requirements, the general eligibility criteria for University of Bern scholarships include:
- Strong academic performance with excellent grades or research achievements.
- Admission to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme at the University of Bern.
- Proof of language proficiency (usually English or German), depending on the language of the programme.
- International applicants from any country are eligible, but specific nationality restrictions may apply for certain awards.
- For doctoral funding, a detailed research proposal and the acceptance of a potential supervisor are usually required.
Application Process
- Applicants must first apply for admission to their chosen degree programme at the University of Bern.
- Scholarship applications often require submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae (CV), and a motivation letter.
- For PhD funding, applicants may also need to submit a research proposal and secure a supervisor.
- Deadlines vary by scholarship and programme, but applications for the 2026 intake should generally be submitted well before the start of the academic year.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships
Students awarded fully funded scholarships at the University of Bern can expect the following benefits:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend or allowance for living costs
- Health insurance contributions
- Research funding support for graduate students
- Opportunity to study and conduct research at a leading Swiss university
- Access to academic mentoring and professional development opportunities
Why Study at the University of Bern
The University of Bern offers a vibrant and international academic environment in the heart of Switzerland. Students benefit from:
- High-quality education recognised worldwide
- Multilingual learning opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities
- Strong support for international students
- A safe, diverse, and culturally rich setting in Europe
Conclusion
The University of Bern Scholarships 2026 provide excellent opportunities for international students seeking fully funded support to study in Switzerland. With a variety of funding options available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels, motivated and academically successful students can pursue their educational goals with financial peace of mind. Interested applicants should prepare their academic documents early, understand specific eligibility criteria, and apply before the deadlines to maximise their chances of receiving support.
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