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

Switzerland For autumn 2026 entry — grant applications typically close late 2025 / early 2026 (ahead of standard admission)

University of Fribourg Master's Grant for International Students

The University of Fribourg, Switzerland's only fully bilingual (French–German) university, offers a limited number of Master's grants to outstanding international students. The grant typically combines a monthly living allowance with exemption from the standard tuition/registration fees for the duration of the Master's. Fribourg is strong in law, economics, theology, the sciences, and the humanities, and its bilingual environment lets students study in French, German, or — for several Master's — English. For Sri Lankan applicants, a first-class Bachelor's matching the chosen programme, plus the relevant language ability, is the realistic baseline; awards are few and competition is high. Confirm the current grant amount, eligible programmes, language requirements, and deadline directly with Fribourg before applying.

University of Fribourg

University-funded

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Value

Monthly Living Grant + Fee Exemption

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Duration

Standard Master's length

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Awards

Limited Number per Year

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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International with a Foreign Bachelor's

Open to international students holding a Bachelor's from a foreign university. Sri Lankan citizens qualify. Applicants who already hold a Swiss degree are usually excluded.

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Academic Merit

Selection is merit-based and competitive. A first-class Bachelor's closely matching the chosen Fribourg Master's, with strong references and motivation, is the realistic baseline.

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Admissible to a Fribourg Master's

You must be admitted, or clearly admissible, to a Master's programme at Fribourg. Check which programmes participate in the grant scheme and any subject prerequisites.

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Language of Instruction

Fribourg teaches in French and German, with selected English-taught Master's. You must meet the language requirement for your programme — French/German proficiency, or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught tracks. Sri Lankan English-medium graduates may satisfy English requirements.

account_tree Application Process

Choose an eligible Fribourg Master's

Identify a participating Master's that matches your Bachelor's and confirm its language of instruction and entry requirements.

Submit the grant application

Apply for the Master's grant by Fribourg's deadline with transcripts, degree certificate, motivation letter, CV, references, and language evidence — this is separate from ordinary admission.

Competitive selection

A university committee evaluates academic excellence and fit, and awards a limited number of grants. Awardees are admitted to the Master's.

Accept and apply for the Swiss permit

Accept your offer, enrol, and apply for the Swiss student residence permit at your local Swiss representation, showing admission and grant confirmation plus proof of funds.

Why University of Fribourg?

Fribourg is Switzerland's bilingual university, where French and German coexist on one campus, giving graduates a rare cross-cultural and multilingual edge. With respected faculties in law, economics, and the sciences and a lower cost of living than Zurich or Geneva, it's a distinctive funded route into Swiss postgraduate study.