Lake Zurich at golden hour with the Swiss Alps in the background and trees on the shoreline.

Switzerland Open for September 2026 entry — scholarship applications typically close around February/March 2026

University of Bern Master's Scholarship for International Students

The University of Bern, a leading Swiss public research university, runs a competitive Master's scholarship for talented international students, paying a monthly stipend of around CHF 1,600 (roughly LKR 590,000 per month) during the Master's programme. Because Swiss public-university tuition is very low (a few hundred francs per semester), this stipend effectively funds living costs in one of Europe's highest-quality — and highest-cost — study environments. Bern is strong in climate and earth sciences, space research, medicine, economics, and law, and offers a growing set of English-taught Master's. The award is highly competitive and merit-based, so it suits Sri Lankan first-class graduates with a clear research direction. Some Bern Master's are taught in German, so check the language of your target programme carefully.

University of Bern

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

savings

Value

CHF 1,600/mo (LKR 590k/mo)

school

Duration

Master's Programme (up to 2 yrs)

workspace_premium

Basis

Competitive Merit

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

school

Apply to a Bern Master's

You must apply to (or hold an offer for) a Master's programme at the University of Bern for September 2026 entry. Sri Lankan applicants need a strong, relevant Bachelor's degree — first-class or high upper-second equivalence is competitive.

workspace_premium

Outstanding Academic Record

The award is highly competitive. Excellent grades, a clear academic focus, relevant project or research experience, and strong references are what distinguish successful applicants.

public

International Student

Open to international applicants, including Sri Lankan citizens. The scheme targets students who would not otherwise be able to fund Swiss living costs — financial need may be considered alongside merit. Verify the current year's conditions.

translate

Language of Instruction

Some Bern Master's are English-taught (IELTS 6.5+ / equivalent), others German-taught (C1). Match your proficiency to the programme. English-medium Sri Lankan degree holders usually qualify for English-taught tracks via MOI waiver where Bern accepts it.

account_tree Application Process

Apply to the Master's programme

Submit your Master's application to the University of Bern with transcripts (certified translation), degree certificate, motivation letter, references, CV, and proof of language proficiency.

Submit the scholarship application

Complete the separate Master's scholarship application within its deadline window, including any required financial and motivation documentation.

Selection committee review

A university committee assesses academic excellence (and, where relevant, need) and awards the stipends to the strongest candidates. Outcomes are typically released in spring.

Enrol and apply for a Swiss student visa

Accept your offer and scholarship, enrol, and apply for the Swiss national (D) student visa via the embassy/VFS process. The stipend is paid monthly after registration.

Why University of Bern?

The University of Bern is a top Swiss research university — world-leading in climate science and space research (it built instruments flown on space missions), and strong in medicine, law, and economics. With near-free public tuition plus a living stipend, a funded Bern Master's gives a Sri Lankan graduate access to elite European research at a manageable real cost.