University of Bern Scholarships for International Students Query

I'm hoping to apply to the University of Bern and I'm curious about their scholarship options for international students. What kind of scholarships do they provide, and is there anything special in the application process I should be aware of?

The University of Bern, like many institutions in Switzerland, provides limited scholarships for international students due to legislation that primarily funds domestic students. However, there is some funding available.

The most notable is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists. These are academic year scholarships awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) on the basis of various criteria, such as academic excellence and research potential.

It's important to note that these scholarships tend to be highly competitive, so it's crucial to demonstrate strong academic records and potential for significant contributions to your field in the application.

For the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, you'll need to apply directly to the FCS. The application process typically includes submitting an application form, a research proposal or detailed study plan, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.

As for institution-specific funding, the University of Bern may offer some scholarships or grants, but these are usually oriented towards research and can vary greatly between departments. Therefore, reaching out to the department you’re interested in might be beneficial to explore potential funding possibilities.

Remember to also explore external scholarship opportunities that may be available from your home country or international organizations.

When applying for scholarships, always ensure to meet the application deadlines and requirements. It's also crucial to provide thorough, well-prepared application materials to increase your chances of being considered.

One last point - remember that living in Switzerland can be quite expensive, even with a scholarship. Be sure to calculate anticipated costs carefully when planning your studies abroad.