University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships 2025-26
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
If you’re among the highest achievers eager to pursue a Master of Science—and ready to take your academic and professional trajectory to the next level—the Excellence Master Fellowships offered by the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva may be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. With interdisciplinary Master’s programs taught in English and/or French, and rigorous, competitive fellowships supporting your studies, the Fellowship invites outstanding candidates from around the world to join a world-class research environment. Read on for details.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Switzerland
Study Level: Master of Science degree across disciplines including astronomy, biology, chemistry & biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, earth & environmental sciences
Target Group: Outstanding and highly motivated students from any university, including international applicants—those among the top echelons of their Bachelor’s cohort
Value & Coverage: CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year (no teaching duties); first year guaranteed, renewable for the full Master’s duration (3–4 semesters) subject to academic performance
Award Duration: Initially one year; extended through regular Master’s duration (3 or 4 semesters) if first-semester results are successful
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026—for Master’s starting in September 2026
Start Date: Master’s program beginning September 2026
Eligible To: Bachelor’s graduates or final-year students with excellent academic records (approx. top 10%) who meet specific Master’s admission criteria
💡 Fellowship Overview
The Excellence Master Fellowships are merit-based awards for top performers in the sciences who wish to pursue their Master’s degree at one of Switzerland’s leading research institutions. Selection hinges on academic merit and excellence.
Fellowship Highlights:
Generous financial support—from CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year—with no obligation for teaching duties. Renewed based on academic success after the first semester
Full access to cutting-edge research environments and Master’s programs conducted in English or bilingual formats
Remote or international students are welcome, regardless of nationality or prior institution; offers inclusive academic opportunity
🎁Benefits
Financial Freedom: Receive substantial support to focus fully on your graduate studies without the burden of duties or teaching expectations.
Extended Support: Eligible to retain funding for the full duration of the program, incentivizing consistent academic excellence.
Research-Intensive Environment: Engage in high-impact disciplines within internationally recognized research centers, including NCCRs such as SwissMAP and Planets .
Language Flexibility: No formal requirement for French proficiency, and many programs are fully in English—broadening accessibility .
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic Excellence: Be among the top-performing students of your cohort (often considered top 10%) and meet general Master’s admission requirements .
Bachelor’s Completion: Either hold a bachelor’s degree or expect to complete it within approximately 6 months prior to enrolment .
Fresh Candidates: Those already enrolled in a Master’s at the Faculty of Science are not eligible .
📝 Application Procedure
You must first complete the UNIGE Master’s enrollment process. If you are already a UNIGE student, submit a scan of your student card; otherwise, include proof of Master’s application to UNIGE (e.g., confirmation email) .
Submit one single-PDF file (in English or French) containing:
Scan of national identity card or passport
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Bachelor’s transcript with all grades
Motivation letter: articulate your scientific interests and reasons for choosing the Faculty of Science at UNIGE
Two reference letters from professors attesting to your suitability for the Fellowship—and academic excellence
Optional: GRE, TOEFL, or other language test results (if available)
Incomplete application packets will not be evaluated .
Why This Fellowship Matters?
Stepping Stone to Excellence: The University of Geneva stands among the world’s best, and this Fellowship delivers both prestige and an academic edge.
Support Without Strings: Zero teaching obligations, a generous stipend, and hope for renewal provides both financial ease and motivation.
Inclusive and Diverse: Open globally to top performers regardless of nationality or prior institution.
Ideal for Young Researchers: Whether aiming for academia, industry, or beyond, this Fellowship sets the stage for transformative professional growth.
