Launched in 1460, the University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland. Its long history has witnessed several challenges for its existence as it tried to achieve autonomy. Overcoming these setbacks has helped the university grow and develop into the center of excellence that it is now. The university offers seven faculties: Law, Theology, Medicine, Science, Humanities, Business and Economics, and Psychology.
These faculties offer a wide array of options and opportunities for both domestic and international students. The university also employs competent faculty members who continuously aim for advancement. The management encourages and supports professional and personal growth among its faculty and staff.
Currently, the University of Basel offers 25 degrees in English. As a result, it has become a popular destination for international students, who comprise a quarter of its student population. One of the reason why the university has such a big international student population is that there are many Keio University scholarships available.
It also consistently ranks among the top 150 universities in global rankings. Moreover, the university makes it a goal to maintain its reputation as one of the best universities in the world. It will continue to make contributions to society and the world through research and medicine.
How do I apply to the University of Basel Scholarships?
Most foundation scholarships and funding at the University of Basel are dedicated to students of Swiss nationality. Degree-seeking international students aiming to study at the University of Basel are strongly encouraged to consult private organizations and government bodies in their home countries for available scholarships for a degree in Switzerland.
International students may apply for Swiss government-funded scholarships. They must, however, personally find and directly communicate with a research professor at the University of Basel. As an aspiring student at a Swiss university, you must select a professor whose specialization matches your project proposal. After reaching an agreement with your future mentor or supervisor, you may start processing your applications for government-funded scholarships.
Prepare a letter of motivation that would strengthen your chances of winning a scholarship. Thousands of applicants from all over the world send in their applications every year. Your letter of motivation, updated CV, and recommendation letters can help your application stand out. The government scholarship committee is highly likely to select applicants with excellent academic achievement. Pay careful attention to details when writing down academic and extracurricular involvement in your CV.
The University of Basel offers several courses and degrees in English. Applicants must show proof of proficiency with Level B2 or C1 in the English language. In the event, however, that your chosen program is taught in the German language, you may need to secure proof of Level C1 proficiency. Please refer to this page for language requirements.
While the University of Basel is an excellent choice for higher education, Switzerland is an expensive country to live in. International students who wish to apply to the University of Basel need to show proof of financial capacity to acquire a student visa. In addition to visa requirements, students who plan to work part-time to finance their studies need to secure a work permit. You may find more information about the financial challenges of studying in Switzerland and suggestions on how to overcome them by visiting this page.
If you are interested in working part-time to help finance your education and living costs, you can find job opportunities here.
Life as a student in Switzerland may pose several challenges financially and academically. Because of this, the university has designated a Social Welfare or Social Counseling office to address students’ concerns. You may reach them through this link.
However, once enrolled at the University of Basel, international students may apply for financial assistance from the Social Services department of the university. Check this page for updated information on funding opportunities and submission deadlines.
University of Basel Scholarships for International Students
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Research
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Varies depending on the program and country of origin
- Degrees Offered: Doctorate (Scientific Research)
International students interested in a doctorate in scientific research must have a minimum of a Master’s Degree. They must submit a research proposal to their prospective supervisor at the University of Basel. The supervisor will then provide a letter of recommendation to the applicant to apply for this University of Basel scholarship. Nominations from university professors are required for the applicants to be considered.
The FCS evaluates applicants based on three criteria: candidate profile, research quality, and potential for future research cooperation. Successful applicants will be notified of the results by May in preparation for Fall classes.
2. Legat Grobe
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: CHF200 – 600
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor / Master (Biology)
Students who major in Biology focusing on Botany or Zoology can apply for this funding. They can receive a scholarship amount ranging from CHF200 to CHF600 per month. The Social Services Office of the university may be able to provide more eligibility information.
3. University Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: CHF200 – 600 per month
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor; Master
The University Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to students who are struggling financially.
You may consult the Social Services Department of the University to confirm if you are eligible to receive this University of Basel scholarship. Please visit this page for the department’s updated contact information.
4. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Arts
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: varies depending on the country of origin
- Degrees Offered: Master’s in Arts
Art degree holders from other countries applying for a first Master’s degree in Switzerland can apply for this scholarship at the University of Basel. You may confirm if your country has an existing agreement with the Swiss Government that will allow you to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Basel. Please visit the Federal Commission for Scholarships for more details.
As requirements vary from country to country, interested applicants must carefully check the documentary requirements and application guidelines provided for their respective home countries.
For further studies, Ph.D. holders from the University of Basel may apply for postdoctoral research funding from the list of sponsors here.
More research or project funding details are also available on this page.
