The University of Basel has an international reputation of outstanding achievements in research and teaching. Founded in 1460, the University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland and has a history of success going back over 550 years.

As a comprehensive university offering a wide range of high-quality educational opportunities, the University of Basel attracts students from Switzerland and the entire world, offering them outstanding studying conditions as they work towards their bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degrees. Today, the University of Basel has around 13,000 students from over a hundred nations, including 2,800 PhD students.

Funding from the University of Basel

The University of Basel has its own fund to aid students with very limited resources and from low-income families. The following table provides an overview of the key eligibility criteria.

Scholarship funds from the university

The funds are awarded primarily in the form of partial scholarships during the final degree phase (BA/MA) and range from CHF 200 to 600 per person, per month.

Solidarity fund (Solifonds) from the student body

In addition to funds from the scholarship funds, these funds are awarded in an amount ranging from CHF 500 to 1000 per person, per semester.

Grant for studying abroad

Each semester, this scholarship fund is awarded to between three and five students with limited resources in order to finance a semester abroad (BA or MA level) at a partner university in another country.
The maximum award is CHF 2500 per person, per semester.

Legat Grobe

These funds are awarded to students who are completing their degrees (BA/MA) in biology degree programs with a focal area in zoology/botany and range from CHF 200 to 600 per person, per month.

Margarete and Walter Lichtenstein Foundation*

These medical department funds from the Margarete and Walter Lichtenstein Foundation are awarded to medical students with Swiss citizenship:

* Students enrolled in human and dental medicine at the University of Basel from the start of program
* Students enrolled in the degree program for nursing science at the University of Basel from the start of the program

Health and Accident Fund

The University of Basel has a fund which can cover costs incurred in the event of illness or accident and which are not covered by health insurance. Applications to the student welfare office are to be submitted, if possible, before treatment and with a cost estimate.

Refunding of tuition fees

From the second semester, students with very limited resources have the opportunity to request a refund of tuition fees. The eligibility criteria are in line with those for cantonal scholarships.