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.
Open for September 2026 entry — scholarship applications typically close around February/March 2026
University of Bern
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
CHF 1,600/mo (LKR 590k/mo)
Duration
Master's Programme (up to 2 yrs)
Basis
Competitive Merit
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
University of Bern — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
CHF 1,600/month Stipend (during Master's). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHF 1,600
Monthly Stipend
Top
Swiss Research University
Low
Public Tuition
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat Switzerland actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for Switzerland, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne)
ETH Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme
ETH Zürich
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowship
University of Geneva