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Renowned for pioneering scientific research, international diplomacy, and academic innovation, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) offers one of Switzerland’s top postgraduate funding initiatives: the Excellence Master Fellowships. Offered by the prestigious Faculty of Science in collaboration with external partners, this competitive fellowship is designed to support high-achieving international and domestic students pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) degree.
If you hold an exceptional undergraduate record and aspire to study in Switzerland, this comprehensive application guide covers the funding value, priority scientific disciplines, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step roadmap for the 2027 intake.
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Program Overview & Financial Benefits
The UNIGE Excellence Master Fellowship provides a direct annual grant to cover living and study expenses in Geneva—one of Europe’s major scientific and international hubs. The fellowship is awarded initially for one year and is extended for the full duration of the Master’s program (3 or 4 semesters), provided the recipient maintains high academic standing after their first semester.
Financial Coverage Summary
| Funding Feature | Benefit Details |
| Annual Grant Value | CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year (paid in installments) |
| Award Duration | 1 to 2 years (3 or 4 semesters, contingent on semester 1 performance) |
| Teaching Duties | None—fellows focus 100% on coursework and thesis research |
| Application Fee | No separate fee required for the fellowship application |
| Career Prospects | Opens opportunities in scientific research, PhD tracks, and industry |
> Note: Tuition at Swiss public universities is very low compared to other countries (typically around CHF 500 per semester at UNIGE), allowing the fellowship grant to go primarily toward housing, health insurance, and daily living costs.
Eligible Academic Disciplines
The Excellence Master Fellowship applies specifically to Master of Science programs offered by the UNIGE Faculty of Science. Eligible graduate fields include:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Biology & Pre-clinical Medicine
- Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Computer Science & Data Analytics
- Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Physics
- Neuroscience
Eligibility Criteria for International Applicants
To qualify for nomination, candidates must fulfill strict academic merit standards established by the Faculty of Science:
1. Superior Academic Ranking
- Applicants must belong to the top 10% of their Bachelor’s graduating class.
- Candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree or be on track to complete it within 6 months of applying.
2. General Admission Eligibility
- Candidates must satisfy the general admission requirements for their chosen Master of Science program at the University of Geneva.
3. Open to All Nationalities
- The fellowship is open to outstanding graduate students from any recognized university worldwide, regardless of citizenship.
Language Proficiency & English Requirements
Most Master of Science programs at the Faculty of Science are conducted entirely in English or in a combination of English and French.
- English-Taught Programs: A standardized test report (such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT) or an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your undergraduate university is required if English is not your native language.
- No Mandatory French Test for English Tracks: French language proficiency is not compulsory for MSc tracks taught fully in English.
Required Application Documents
All application documents must be combined into a single PDF file (in English or French) and submitted via the UNIGE online platform:
- National ID or Passport Copy: Scan of your valid passport personal details page.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including contact details, academic achievements, awards, and work or research experience.
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Official records of all undergraduate courses and grades.
- Statement of Class Rank: Official certificate or letter from your home university confirming you are in the top 10% of your graduating class.
- Motivation Letter: A detailed essay explaining your scientific interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the University of Geneva.
- Two Academic Reference Letters: Recommendation letters from professors attesting to your scientific aptitude.
- Language Test or GRE Scores (If available): TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE test results supporting your academic profile.
Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
To apply successfully for the University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships 2027, follow this procedure:
- Enrollment at UNIGE Admissions: Start by completing the standard online enrollment procedure on the official University of Geneva Admissions Office website.
- Receive Personal Scholarship Link: After registering for Master’s admission, you will receive an email containing a personal, unique link to access the Excellence Fellowship application portal.
- Assemble a Single PDF File: Merge all required documents (CV, motivation letter, transcripts, class rank proof, and references) into one continuous PDF document.
- Submit Online: Fill out the fellowship application form via your personal link, upload your PDF dossier, and submit prior to the annual deadline.
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Important Application Timeline for 2027 Intake
| Milestone / Phase | Target Date |
| UNIGE Master Admissions & Scholarship Portal Opens | Early January 2027 |
| Strict Application Deadline | 28 February 2027 |
| Selection & Scientific Evaluation | March – April 2027 |
| Official Decision Notification | May – June 2027 |
| Academic Program Commencement | September2027 |
Official Links and Resources
Verify all requirements and updates directly on official UNIGE portals:
- Official UNIGE Excellence Master Fellowships Portal: University of Geneva Faculty of Science Fellowships
- UNIGE Admissions Office: University of Geneva Main Admissions
FAQs
Is French proficiency mandatory to win the Geneva Excellence Master Fellowship?
No. Most Master of Science programs within the UNIGE Faculty of Science are taught in English. As long as your selected MSc course is English-taught, French language proficiency is not required for admission or fellowship consideration.
Can I apply for the fellowship before completing my Bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Candidates in their final year of undergraduate study can apply, provided they complete their Bachelor’s degree within 6 months of applying (before starting the Master’s program in September).
How competitive is the UNIGE Excellence Master Fellowship?
The program is highly selective. Selection is based purely on academic excellence and research potential, requiring applicants to demonstrate that they rank in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When writing your motivation letter for the University of Geneva Faculty of Science, avoid generic statements about wanting to study in Switzerland. Highlight specific laboratories, research groups, or professors at UNIGE whose work directly aligns with your past undergraduate research or thesis ambitions. Demonstrating a clear alignment with the research focus of the Faculty of Science will significantly strengthen your application.
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