The Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships give high-achieving science graduates a CHF 10,000–15,000 annual grant to support a master’s degree at the University of Geneva, with no teaching duties.
Applicants from any country can apply if they meet the admission requirements for an eligible Faculty of Science master’s programme, with selection based on academic excellence. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 28 February 2026, with applications opening online from the beginning of January each year. The catch is that this is a financial grant rather than a full-cost scholarship, it is initially awarded for one year and can be extended for the remaining duration of the master’s only if the student is academically successful after the first semester, and competition is strong.
Here is the official link for the University of Geneva Excellence Master’s Fellowship
Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
1. Benefits of the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
2. Eligibility criteria for the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
3. How to Apply for the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
4. Deadlines for the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
5. FAQs about the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
1. Benefits of the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
Recipients of the University of Geneva Excellence Master’s Fellowship receive the following benefits:
- The fellowship provides an annual grant of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000.
- No teaching or assistantship duties are required.
- The award is given for one year and may be renewed for the full duration of the selected Master’s program (three or four semesters), depending on the student’s academic performance after the first semester.
2. Eligibility criteria for the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
Required Language: English or French
Eligible Countries: Students from all countries worldwide are eligible
Eligible candidates include students who:
- Have completed or are currently completing an excellent bachelor’s degree at any university
- Rank among the top students in their graduating class
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen Master’s program
- Are selected based on the quality of their application for the Excellence Fellowship
Check the complete list of English courses in Italy for international students.
3. How to Apply for the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
Applicants should follow the steps below to successfully submit their application for the University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships.
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Program
Candidates must first apply for admission to one of the eligible Master’s programs at the University of Geneva Faculty of Science. The online application form becomes available during the official application period.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
The application must be completed in English or French and all required documents should be combined into one single PDF file.
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- A copy of your national identity card or passport
- A copy of your UNIGE student card, or if you are not currently a University of Geneva student, proof that you have started the enrollment process (such as the “accusé-réception de votre demande d’immatriculation”)
- A curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
- Academic transcripts from your bachelor’s studies, including all grades
- A motivation letter explaining your scientific interests and reasons for choosing a Master of Science program at the University of Geneva
- If available, recommendation letters from two professors (preferably sent directly by them to Excellence-Master-Sciences@unige.ch) confirming your suitability for the program
- Additional relevant documents, such as GRE results, TOEFL scores, or other language proficiency certificates
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
The complete application process is carried out online. After registration, applicants receive a personal link by email that allows them to access, complete, and submit the fellowship application form.
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4. Deadlines for the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
The deadline to submit an application for the University of Geneva Excellence Master’s Fellowship is February 28 for Master’s programs beginning in the following autumn semester.
5. FAQs about the Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
Q. Is the University of Geneva Excellence Master’s Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides substantial financial support of CHF 10,000–15,000 per year. However, it does not directly cover tuition fees.
Q. Can students from all countries apply?
Yes. The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities worldwide.
Q. Is the fellowship renewable?
Yes. The funding can be renewed for the entire duration of the Master’s program, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Q. Are teaching duties required for fellowship recipients?
No. Students who receive this fellowship are not required to perform teaching or assistantship duties.
Q. Can current Master’s students at UNIGE apply?
No. Applicants who have already begun a Master’s program at the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva are not eligible.
