PhD Scholarships at University of Bern

The University of Bern offers a range of PhD scholarships and funded positions, particularly appealing to international students seeking advanced research opportunities in Switzerland. As a leading research university, it provides doctoral programs across various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and global collaboration. International applicants are encouraged to apply, benefiting from Switzerland’s high-quality education system and vibrant academic environment. Funding often comes through assistantships, grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), or university-specific scholarships, covering tuition and living expenses. The university supports foreign students with visa assistance, orientation programs, and access to international offices. PhD candidates engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to global challenges in fields like environmental sustainability and life sciences. With a focus on inclusivity, the University of Bern welcomes applicants from all countries, requiring a master’s degree and alignment with a supervisor’s research. Deadlines vary by faculty, but applications are typically rolling, allowing flexibility for global candidates. This makes it an accessible choice for aspiring researchers worldwide.

Navigation

Monthly Stipend	Eligibility Criteria	Application Process
Deadlines	Contacts	Official Website

Apply for Scholarship

Introduction to PhD Opportunities at University of Bern

University of Bern provides excellent PhD scholarships for international students, emphasizing research in natural and life sciences. With a commitment to global diversity, the university offers funded positions that include stipends and research support, making it accessible for candidates from around the world. Programs are designed to foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, ideal for foreign scholars aiming to advance their careers in Europe.

Fields of Study

University of Bern offers PhD programs in several agriculture-related fields, tailored for international students. These programs focus on sustainable practices and scientific advancement, with opportunities for global research collaborations.

Agricultural Sciences

PhD in Agricultural Sciences at University of Bern explores sustainable farming, soil management, and crop improvement. International students engage in projects addressing food security and climate resilience, with access to field stations and labs.

Biology

The Biology PhD program delves into molecular and ecological aspects, including biodiversity and genetics. Foreign applicants benefit from international partnerships, conducting research in diverse ecosystems.

Environmental Sciences

This field covers climate change, resource management, and ecology. PhD candidates from abroad participate in global initiatives, utilizing Bern's expertise in alpine and environmental research.

Plant Sciences

Focusing on plant physiology and biotechnology, this program supports international PhD students in studying plant responses to environmental stress, with collaborative projects across Europe.

Sustainable Development

PhD research in Sustainable Development integrates policy, economics, and science for global sustainability. It's highly accessible for non-EU students, emphasizing international case studies.

Plant Breeding

Through the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern's Plant Breeding PhD involves classical breeding tasks like field trials and variety release. International students work on cereal and wheat breeding, developing resilient crops via large-scale experiments.

‹

›

These fields align with University of Bern's research strengths, offering international students funded opportunities to contribute to agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD scholarships at University of Bern requires meeting specific academic and administrative standards, with a focus on international applicants. Criteria emphasize prior qualifications and supervisor approval, ensuring global accessibility.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university, with grades demonstrating strong academic performance. For international students, the degree should be comparable to Swiss standards, verified through the admissions office.

Supervisor Agreement

A key requirement is securing agreement from a University of Bern professor to supervise the PhD. International candidates should contact potential supervisors early to discuss research interests and alignment.

Matriculation Requirements

Candidates need to fulfill matriculation conditions, including submission of diplomas and transcripts. For non-Swiss qualifications, additional certification may be needed to confirm equivalence.

Funding Confirmation

Proof of funding or scholarship is required upon enrollment. International students can apply for university positions or external grants to meet this criterion.

Monthly Stipend for PhD Students

PhD positions at University of Bern often include a monthly salary of approximately CHF 4,000-4,700 (about USD 4,500), depending on the funding source and faculty. This stipend supports living expenses for international students during their studies.

Annual Research Funding

Additional annual funding of up to CHF 10,000 may be available for research expenses like equipment, travel to conferences, and materials. This is separate from stipends and supports international PhD projects in agriculture-related fields.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

Applying for PhD scholarships involves identifying a supervisor and submitting required documents through the official portal, with support for international applicants throughout.

Find a Supervisor: Identify and contact a potential supervisor from the faculty. Discuss your research interests and obtain their agreement to supervise your thesis.
Prepare Documents: Gather your master's diploma, transcripts, CV, and motivation letter. International applicants should ensure documents are translated if necessary.
Submit Online Application: Use the online portal to apply for matriculation. Upload all required documents and pay the application fee of CHF 105.
Await Admission Decision: The admissions office reviews your application, typically within 4-6 weeks. Upon approval, proceed with enrollment.
Secure Funding: Apply for scholarships or positions via the supervisor or university funding portals.

For assistance, contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or +41 31 684 39 11. Deadlines are rolling, but check specific faculty dates.

Application Deadlines

PhD applications at University of Bern are generally rolling, depending on the faculty and available positions. For the 2024/2025 academic year, many faculties accept applications until December 15, 2024, for spring semester and May 31, 2025, for fall. International students should apply early for visa processing. Check the official website for updates.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website: PhD Scholarships at University of Bern

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out via email at [email protected] or call +41 31 684 39 11.

Physical Address:
Hochschulstrasse 6
3012 Bern
Switzerland

Additional Information

International Student Services

University of Bern offers dedicated support for international PhD students, including visa guidance, housing assistance, and integration workshops. The International Office provides orientation sessions and language courses in German if needed.

Career Prospects

Graduates pursue careers in academia, industry, and international organizations. With a focus on agriculture, alumni often join research institutes or agribusiness firms globally.

Resource Links

Explore PhD programs at Doctoral Studies. For funding, visit Research Funding. International applicants can access International Services.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture

SNSF Doc.CH Grants

Offered by the Swiss National Science Foundation, these grants support PhD in humanities and social sciences, including agricultural policy. Eligibility: Swiss residents or equivalents; funding up to CHF 50,000/year; deadlines in March and September. Apply via SNSF website.

University of Bern Excellence Grants

Internal scholarships for outstanding international PhD candidates in sciences. Covers tuition and stipend; open to all nationalities; application through faculties with rolling deadlines. Details at University Funding.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

EU-funded program for PhD in agriculture research. Eligibility: Researchers with less than 4 years experience; funding includes salary and mobility allowance; annual calls. More info at MSCA site.

University Location