What the funding covers
- CHF 10,000 to 15,000 a year, with no teaching duties.
- Awarded for one year and extended for the regular length of the master's (three or four semesters) if your first-semester results are good.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Living costs in Geneva | You, helped by CHF 10,000 to 15,000 a year |
| University tuition and fees | You (the fellowship page does not say they are waived) |
Who can apply
- Outstanding students from any university who are among the best in their year, with a finished or nearly finished bachelor's degree.
- You must meet the admission criteria of the Faculty of Science master's you choose.
- Students who have already started a master's in the Faculty cannot apply.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- A scan of your passport or national ID
- A CV of up to 2 pages
- Bachelor's transcripts with all grades
- A motivation letter on your scientific interests
- Two reference letters from professors
- Optional: GRE, TOEFL or other test results
How to apply
- Register for your chosen master's on the Admissions Office website first, and keep the 'UNIGE-Candidature' email as proof.
- From early January, register for the fellowship online and follow the personal link sent to you by email.
- Upload one PDF with the documents below, in English or French.
- Meet the deadline published for the year; in 2026 it was 28 February.
Before you apply: things to know
- The 2027 deadline is not announced yet; the 2026 round closed on 28 February 2026.
- The grant alone may not cover living costs in Geneva, so plan for the rest.
- Incomplete files are not considered.
- Some programmes are taught partly in French; check each master's language.
Common questions
How much is the UNIGE Excellence Master Fellowship?
CHF 10,000 to 15,000 a year, for the regular length of the master's if you succeed in your first semester.
Can international students apply?
Yes. It is open to outstanding students whatever their home university.
When is the deadline?
The 2027 date is not announced yet. Applications open in early January; the 2026 deadline was 28 February 2026.