University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships 2027: Science Guide

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Full name	Excellence Master Fellowships, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva
Funded by	University of Geneva Faculty of Science with external partners
Host country	Switzerland
Level	Master of Science
Coverage	CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year; no teaching duties
2027 deadline	Official page currently lists 28 February 2026 for Sept 2026 start; next cycle is expected to follow the annual January/February pattern, but verify official update
Eligible applicants	Outstanding students applying to eligible Faculty of Science Master’s programmes
Official website	https://www.unige.ch/sciences/en/enseignements/formations/masters/excellencemasterfellowships

The University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships support strong applicants to science Master’s programmes in Geneva. The official Faculty of Science page lists a grant of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year, renewable for the regular duration of the Master’s programme if academic progress is strong.

For Switzerland comparisons, see `/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-2027-guide` and `/epfl-excellence-fellowships-2027-guide`.

What Does It Cover?

Benefit	Details
Annual grant	CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year
Teaching duties	None listed by the official page
Duration	One year, extendable for the regular Master’s duration of three or four semesters if successful
Fields	Faculty of Science disciplines including astronomy, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, earth sciences and environment
Selection basis	Excellence and application file
Tuition/living gap	The grant supports costs but applicants should verify tuition and Geneva living-cost budgets separately

This is best understood as a high-value excellence fellowship, not automatically a full cost-of-attendance package. Geneva living costs can be high, so budgeting matters.

Eligibility

✅ You Must:

• Apply for an eligible Master of Science programme at the University of Geneva Faculty of Science.

• Meet the admission criteria for your chosen Master’s programme.

• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and motivation.

• Complete the University of Geneva enrollment/admission procedure.

• Submit the fellowship application as a single PDF file in English or French.

❌ Not Eligible If:

• You have already started a Master’s programme at the Faculty of Science.

• You apply outside the Faculty of Science disciplines covered by the fellowship.

• You fail to begin the University of Geneva Master’s registration process.

• Your fellowship file is incomplete or not submitted through the official online process.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose an eligible Faculty of Science Master’s

Review the official list of Master’s programmes in the Faculty of Science and confirm language, prerequisites, and admission requirements.

Step 2: Start University of Geneva admission

The fellowship page says non-UNIGE students need the email titled “UNIGE-Candidature: Dépôt de votre dossier” after registering for the Master’s programme as proof that the process has begun.

Step 3: Prepare one PDF application file

The official page requires documents in a single PDF file. Do not upload scattered files if the portal requests one combined file.

Step 4: Include all required documents

Required items include passport/ID scan, CV of maximum two pages, Bachelor exam transcripts with all grades, motivation letter, two professor reference letters, and any other relevant information such as GRE, TOEFL or other language results.

Step 5: Apply online from January

The application is made online from the beginning of January each year. After registering, applicants receive a personal link to complete the form.

Geneva vs Other Swiss/European Science Awards

Scholarship	Host	Level	Value	Best for
Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships	University of Geneva	Science Master’s	CHF 10,000-15,000/yr	Strong science applicants seeking Swiss Master’s funding
EPFL Excellence Fellowships	EPFL	Master’s	CHF 10,000/semester + room reservation	Engineering/science applicants targeting Lausanne
ETH Zurich ESOP	ETH Zurich	Master’s	CHF 12,000/semester + tuition waiver	Top ETH Master’s applicants
Swiss Government Excellence	Swiss institutions	Research/PhD/Postdoc	Monthly stipend	Research-focused graduate/postgraduate applicants

Insider Tips

1. Start admission before the fellowship file

The fellowship requires proof that you have begun the University of Geneva Master’s registration process.

2. Build a science-focused motivation letter

The committee is selecting for excellence in Faculty of Science disciplines. Make your research interests, preparation, and programme fit specific.

3. Keep the CV to two pages

The official page says the CV should be two pages maximum. Do not submit a long academic biography.

4. Ask professors early

Two professor reference letters are required. Give referees your transcript, programme link, and motivation draft early.

5. Budget beyond the grant

CHF 10,000-15,000 is substantial, but Geneva living costs can exceed that. Check tuition, housing, insurance, and visa proof needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Geneva Excellence Master Fellowship fully funded?

The official page lists CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year. It does not describe the award as full cost-of-attendance funding.

What fields are eligible?

The Faculty of Science page lists disciplines including astronomy, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, earth sciences and the environment.

When does the application open?

The official page says applications are made online from the beginning of January each year.

What was the last official deadline shown?

The extracted official page lists 28 February 2026 for Master’s programmes starting September 14, 2026. Applicants should verify the updated 2027 deadline once posted.

Can current Geneva Master’s students apply?

The official page says students who have already started a Master’s programme at the Faculty of Science can no longer apply.

Timeline Table

Stage	Timing
Programme research	September–December 2026
Online fellowship application opens	Beginning of January 2027 expected; verify official page
Fellowship deadline	February 2027 expected from annual pattern; verify updated date
Selection/evaluation	Spring 2027
Master’s start	September 2027

Your Action Plan

1. Pick an eligible University of Geneva Faculty of Science Master’s programme.

2. Start the UNIGE admissions process and save proof of registration.

3. Request two professor reference letters.

4. Prepare one PDF with passport/ID, CV, transcript, motivation letter, references, and test scores if relevant.

5. Recheck the official page in January 2027 for the updated deadline and application link.

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Share this with someone in science who wants a Swiss Master’s fellowship but needs to prepare before January.