Types of Scholarships & Coverage

The University of Bern offers a variety of fully funded scholarship options for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students in the 2025/2026 academic year, such as:

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels — covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, travel, and research funds. EpoMag Opportunities OrgScholarships FutureKashmir Life

• University of Bern Merit- and Need-Based Scholarships — tuition waivers and living allowances for outstanding students. EpoMag Opportunities OrgBright Scholarship

• Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarships — designed for mobility/exchange students, covering travel and living costs. EpoMag Opportunities OrgBright Scholarship

• Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) — Switzerland’s Erasmus equivalent; supports exchange students with stipends and travel. EpoMag Opportunities OrgBright Scholarship

• Swiss Study Foundation Scholarships — for highly talented students within Switzerland; includes financial support and mentorship. EpoMag Opportunities OrgBright Scholarship

• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Grants — for PhD students and early-career researchers; covers research costs, travel, and conferences. EpoMag Opportunities OrgBright Scholarship

These scholarships typically provide full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, health insurance, accommodation support, travel allowances, and resources for research/study needs. EpoMag Opportunities OrgScholarships Futurewww.ndtv.comBright ScholarshipKashmir Life

Eligibility & Requirements

• Nationalities: Many programs are open to international applicants worldwide. Scholarships FutureKashmir LifeBright Scholarshipwww.ndtv.com

• Academic Standing:

  • For Master’s: A Bachelor’s degree equivalent.

  • For PhD: A Master’s degree required. Scholarships FutureEpoMag Opportunities OrgBright Scholarship

• Language: Proficiency in English or German may be required (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), depending on program. Scholarships FutureEpoMag Opportunities OrgKashmir Life

• Additional Requirements: Often include transcripts, CV, motivation or personal statements, recommendation letters; PhD candidates may need a research proposal. Scholarships FutureEpoMag Opportunities OrgKashmir Life

• Special Cases: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships require a host academic supervisor or affiliation in Switzerland. United Nations RecruitEpoMag Opportunities Org

Application Deadlines

• March 31, 2025: Deadline for many University of Bern Excellence Scholarships. United Nations Recruitwww.ndtv.comGrabScholarships

• December 1, 2025: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships deadline. Scholarships FutureBright ScholarshipGrabScholarships

• March 31, 2025: Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarship deadline. Bright Scholarshipmakeoverarenaedu.comGrabScholarships

• Varies: SEMP and other mobility-specific scholarships. EpoMag Opportunities Orgmakeoverarenaedu.com

• Note: Always confirm deadlines on the University of Bern’s official website for the most accurate, up-to-date information. Portal+1

Summary Table

Next Steps & Recommendations

1. Explore the official scholarship portal on the University of Bern website for complete details and open calls. Portal+1

2. Match your profile (degree level, nationality, intended study) with appropriate scholarships.

3. Prepare strong documents early — especially research proposals for PhD funding.

4. Contact target departments or supervisors if necessary (e.g., Swiss Government Excellence).

5. Monitor and note deadlines, and submit ahead of time.

6. Stay informed via official university announcements for new or updated funding calls.

Conclusion

The University of Bern Scholarships 2025/2026 offer international and local students a golden opportunity to study in one of Switzerland’s most respected universities without worrying about financial barriers. With a wide range of fully funded programs—from the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to University of Bern merit-based awards, Heyning-Roelli Foundation support, SEMP mobility grants, and SNSF research funding—students can find scholarships tailored to their level of study and academic goals.

These scholarships cover everything from tuition fees and living allowances to health insurance, travel costs, and research funding, ensuring that scholars can focus entirely on academic and personal growth. By combining rigorous academic programs with Switzerland’s vibrant cultural and professional environment, the University of Bern provides a unique platform for students to achieve global success.

If you are planning to apply for 2025/2026, now is the time to start preparing strong application materials—research proposals, motivation letters, recommendation letters, and language certificates. With early preparation and careful attention to deadlines, you could secure a place at the University of Bern and take the next big step in your academic journey.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the University of Bern offer fully funded scholarships?

Yes. The University of Bern, in partnership with the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship program and other foundations, provides fully funded scholarships covering tuition, stipends, living costs, travel, and research expenses.

2.Who can apply for the scholarships?

Scholarships are open to international and Swiss students across Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels. Each program has specific eligibility requirements.

3. What is the coverage of these scholarships?

Depending on the program, coverage may include:

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Monthly living stipend

• Health insurance

• Accommodation/travel allowance

• Research funding and conference support

4. What are the deadlines for 2025/2026 scholarships?

• March 31, 2025 – University of Bern Excellence & Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarships

• December 1, 2025 – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

• Varies – Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) and SNSF research grants

Always double-check official announcements on the University of Bern website.

5. Is IELTS/TOEFL required for application?

Yes, for most international programs taught in English, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is required. For programs taught in German, proof of German proficiency may be necessary.

6. Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?

For PhD and research-based scholarships (like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship or SNSF), you typically need to secure a host professor/supervisor at the University of Bern before applying.

7. Can exchange students apply?

Yes. Students coming through mobility programs such as SEMP or the Heyning-Roelli Foundation can apply for funding that covers travel and living costs.

8. How competitive are these scholarships?

Very competitive. Hundreds of applications are received worldwide each year, especially for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. Applicants with strong academic records, published research, or clear motivation statements stand the best chance.

9. How do I apply?

You must:

1. Choose the right scholarship program (Excellence, SEMP, SNSF, etc.)

2. Prepare all required documents (CV, transcripts, proposal, references, language proof)

3. Submit your application before the deadline via the official portal or Swiss Embassy (for Government Excellence Scholarships).

10. Can international students work while studying at the University of Bern?

Yes, international students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks, but those on fully funded scholarships often focus primarily on their studies and research.