The University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships 2027 offer an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving international students to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Switzerland with substantial financial support. Awarded by the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), this prestigious fellowship is designed to attract outstanding students from around the world who demonstrate academic excellence and strong research potential.

UNIGE is internationally recognized for its advanced research infrastructure and interdisciplinary approach, covering fields from physical sciences and life sciences to mathematics and computer science. Graduates benefit from strong career prospects in academia, industry, public administration, and international research institutions.

About the Excellence Master Fellowship

The Excellence Master Fellowship is a merit-based scholarship awarded solely on academic excellence. Nationality, country of residence, and previous institution do not influence the selection process.

Fellowship Value

• Annual funding of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000

• No teaching or assistantship obligations

• Initially awarded for one academic year

• Renewable for the standard Master’s duration of three or four semesters, subject to satisfactory academic performance

This funding enables recipients to focus entirely on advanced scientific training and research-oriented master’s studies.

Degree Level

• Master of Science (MSc)

Available Fields of Study

The fellowship applies to Master’s programmes offered by the Faculty of Science, including:

• Astrophysics

• Biochemistry

• Biology

• Biomedical Sciences

• Chemical Biology

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Earth Sciences

• Environmental Sciences (MUSE)

• Mathematics

• Mathematics, Computer Science, and Numerical Sciences

• Neuroscience

• Pharmacy

• Physics

• Prehistoric Archaeology

• Bidisciplinary Master of Science

Programmes are taught entirely in English or in English and French, depending on the discipline.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates receive:

• CHF 10,000–15,000 per year financial support

• Renewable funding for the full MSc duration

• Opportunity to study in a top-tier research environment

• Access to internationally visible research projects and facilities

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to international students of all nationalities

• Applicants may apply regardless of their home university

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold or be completing a high-performing bachelor’s degree

• Rank among the top students in their academic cohort

• Meet admission requirements for the selected MSc programme at UNIGE

• Complete the official enrolment process through the UNIGE Admissions Office

• Must not have already started a Master’s programme at the Faculty of Science, UNIGE

Selection is highly competitive and based exclusively on academic merit.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme

All applicants must first submit an application for a Master’s programme through the University of Geneva Admissions Office.

• UNIGE students: Upload a scan of your UNIGE student card

• Non-UNIGE students: Upload the confirmation email titled “UNIGE-Candidature: Dépôt de votre dossier”

Step 2: Prepare Fellowship Documents

Applicants must submit one single PDF file (English or French) containing:

• Copy of passport or national ID

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)

• Bachelor’s transcript with complete grades

• Motivation letter outlining scientific interests and study goals at UNIGE

• Two academic reference letters from professors

• Optional documents such as GRE, TOEFL, or other language test results

Step 3: Online Submission

• Applications are submitted online

• After registration, applicants receive a personal application link via email

• Incomplete applications are not reviewed

Application Deadline

• 28 February

• Master’s programmes begin in September

Note: Deadlines may vary by programme. Applicants are advised to consult the official UNIGE website for updates.

Why Study at the University of Geneva?

• Internationally renowned Faculty of Science

• Host institution for Swiss National Centres of Competence in Research, including SwissMAP and Planets

• Strong participation in European and international research projects

• Multicultural and multilingual academic environment

• Excellent employment outcomes in research, industry, and public service

Additional Information

Applicants seeking programme-specific guidance should consult:

• Master’s programme coordinators

• Faculty academic advisors

A complete list of available MSc programmes is accessible through the Faculty of Science Master’s listings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowship fully funded?

The fellowship provides substantial funding of CHF 10,000–15,000 per year but does not cover tuition fees directly.

Can students from any country apply?

Yes, the fellowship is open to students of all nationalities.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes, funding is renewable for the full Master’s duration, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Are teaching duties required under this fellowship?

No, recipients have no teaching or assistantship obligations.

Can I apply if I have already started a Master’s at UNIGE?

No, applicants must not have already started a Master’s programme at the Faculty of Science, UNIGE.