The University of Geneva Excellence Masters Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity provided by the Faculty of Science to support outstanding international candidates pursuing a Master of Science degree in Switzerland. The fellowship provides a substantial annual grant ranging from CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 and is extended for the regular duration of the chosen Master’s program (3 or 4 semesters), provided the student maintains academic success. Eligibility is highly competitive, requiring applicants to have very good performance in their studies, specifically belonging to the best 10% of their bachelor’s program. French proficiency is not a formal requirement, and the application must be submitted online as a single PDF file by the deadline of February 28, 2026.
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University of Geneva Excellence Masters Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Geneva, Faculty of Science |
| Study Abroad | Study in Switzerland |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | Top 10% of Bachelor’s program, Academic Excellence, Single PDF Application |
| Application Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
The University of Geneva Excellence Masters Scholarship is a highly competitive program established by the Faculty of Science, in collaboration with various sponsors, to attract outstanding international students to study in Switzerland. This grant is specifically aimed at highly motivated candidates with a record of academic excellence who wish to pursue a Master of Science degree in the Faculty’s diverse range of disciplines.
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Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Geneva Excellence Fellowship
The fellowship provides significant financial assistance designed to cover a substantial portion of living costs for top-performing candidates during their postgraduate studies.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award of Unige Geneva (Annual Grant of up to CHF 15,000)
This tier details the direct financial support provided to the accepted Scholars.
- Annual Grant Value: The fellowship consists of a grant amounting to CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year. This funding is intended to cover living expenses during the study period.
- Duration and Renewal: The grant is awarded for one year initially and is extended for the regular duration of the chosen Master’s programme (typically three or four semesters), provided the applicant is academically successful at the end of his/her first semester of studies.
Tier 2: Academic Program Focus and Scope of the graduate institute in geneva (Master of Science)
This tier highlights the disciplines covered and the international nature of the Master’s programs.
- Eligible Disciplines: The scholarship covers Master of Science programs in any of the disciplines covered by the Faculty of Science (e.g., Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology, etc.).
- Language of Instruction: The fellowship Masters are either entirely in English or in English and French, accommodating international students.
- Career Development: The Master’s degrees provide an ideal training base for academic and professional development, leading to careers in industry, teaching, and administration in sciences, communication, and media.
Tier 3: Selection Criteria Emphasis of the graduate institute geneva switzerland
Selection is strictly based on excellence, requiring verifiable proof of high performance during the applicant’s prior degree.
- Excellence Requirement: Selection of applicants will be based solely on excellence, evaluated by a panel based on the submitted documentation.
- Top Performance: Application is open to students from any university with very good performance in their studies (specifically, belonging to the best 10% of their bachelor’s program).
- Reference Letters: Letters of references from two professors, preferably sent directly to the Faculty, are highly recommended and attest to the applicant’s aptitude for the program.
Eligibility Requirements For The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026
To be considered for the Excellence Masters Fellowship, applicants must meet specific academic achievement criteria and application prerequisites.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Applicant must be a student from any university with very good performance in their studies (belonging to the best 10% of their bachelor’s program).
- Applicant must have completed the Bachelor degree or expect to complete it within 6 months of the application.
- Study Status:
- Students who have already started a Master programme at the Faculty of Science are no longer eligible to apply.
- Visa Status:
- Open to students from All Countries.
- Program Admission (Language):
- French proficiency is not a formal requirement for the Masters of the Faculty of Science.
How to Apply for the University of Geneva Switzerland Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires two distinct steps: fulfilling the general university enrollment procedure and submitting the scholarship application online.
- Fulfill Enrollment Procedure: Each student must first fulfill the enrollment procedure as described on the University of Geneva Admissions Office website.
- Prepare Single PDF File: Meticulously compile all required documents (CV, transcripts, motivation letter, passport scan, language test results if applicable) into a SINGLE PDF file (in English or French).
- Register Online: The application is made online, from the beginning of January of each year. After registering, you will receive an e-mail containing a personal link.
- Complete and Submit: Use the personal link to fill out the application form, attach your single PDF file, and submit before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 28 February, 2026 (for Masters starting September 15, 2026)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the value of the University of Geneva Excellence Masters Scholarship?
The scholarship provides a grant valued between CHF 10,000 and CHF 15,000 per year towards living expenses.
2. Is the scholarship a full tuition waiver?
No, the award is a grant/fellowship ranging from CHF 10,000–15,000 per year, which significantly helps with living costs but is not explicitly listed as a full tuition waiver.
3. How long does the grant last, and is it renewable?
The grant is awarded for one year and is extended for the regular duration of the Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters), provided the student is academically successful after their first semester.
4. What is the mandatory academic requirement for eligibility?
Applicants must have demonstrated very good performance in their Bachelor’s studies, specifically belonging to the best 10% of their program.
5. Do I need to be fluent in French to apply?
French proficiency is not a formal requirement for the Masters of the Faculty of Science, as some degrees are entirely in English or a mix of English and French.
6. What is the final application deadline for the September 2026 intake?
The final application deadline is February 28, 2026.
7. What is the key rule regarding the submission of application documents?
All application documents (CV, transcripts, motivation letter, etc.) must be combined into a SINGLE PDF file for the online submission.
8. Can I apply if I have already started my Master’s program at the University of Geneva?
No, students who have already started a Master programme at the Faculty of Science can no longer apply for the Excellence Master Fellowship.
9. Are recommendation letters mandatory?
Recommendation letters from two professors are highly recommended (“If possible”) to attest to your aptitude for the program.
10. Which degree level is covered by this scholarship?
The scholarship supports candidates intending to pursue a Master of Science degree in the Faculty of Science.
