The Scholarships in Switzerland For International Students present the key for students to access funding opportunities. The majority of Swiss scholarships covers tuition fees, living expenses, and many other cost of study. Likewise, Switzerland offers more than just a degree. Here, you can connect with experts in your field, receive mentorship from the best, learn it various languages and widen your horizons.
Similarly, Switzerland is located in central Europe, making it easy to explore neighboring countries, and make your study all encompassing! Some of the most prestigious institutions in Switzerland include ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, and the University of Geneva. These universities are notable for academic excellence, with vast alumni network that includes world leaders.
All these makes Switzerland an ideal place to further your study. In this post you’ll learn about the various types of scholarships available in Switzerland. We also answer key questions related to the scholarships in Switzerland for international students. Hence, ensure to carefully read through, so you won’t miss any critical information.
About the Hosts of the Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students
Scholarships in Switzerland are sponsored by the Switzerland Government through the Federal Commission For Scholarship for foreign students(FCS aka ESJAS,CFBE). This scholarships are offered for the main purpose of research in public universities, university of applied sciences, schools of music and arts, etc in Switzerland.
Additionally, the scholarships are intended for competitive, creative and motivated minds. The Switzerland government aims at formulating international exchange between themselves and one hundred and eighty countries. It is important to note that this is one of the top free programs to study abroad as an international student.
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Why Apply For Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students?
There are numerous benefits of getting scholarships in Switzerland for international students. One of them is that Switzerland has a higher educational system. If you end up being accepted into a Swiss university then you are guaranteed the best education possible. Secondly, there is cultural diversity in Switzerland. So, you don’t need to worry about fitting in because there is a place for everyone, it’s one of the exclusive things you can find in only a few countries and Switzerland is one of them.
Finally, if you’re a lover of outdoors activities and events, scholarships in Switzerland will present you an opportunity to join parades, carnivals, city days and concerts. It’s definitely an amazing city that will present you with a lot of amazing opportunities.
How Much is the Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students Worth?
Typically, the majority of the full scholarship in Switzerland for international students covers tuition fees and living expenses in Geneva for a duration of 10 months. Most scholarship awards are around CHF 25,000 – 50,000 which is approximately $27,059-$54,118
How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
The number of applicants that are selected for scholarships in Switzerland may vary according to scholarship programs. Hence, it ranges between 100- 500 but depends on their budget and available funding. The best thing for you is to apply to as many scholarships as possible so as to increase your chances of winning a scholarship award.
Eligible Nationality
The scholarships in Switzerland for international students are open to all countries. In fact the Switzerland government has given scholarships to students from about 180 countries around the world.
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How Much Does It Cost To Study In Switzerland?
Well, this is something you might have to carry out your personal research on. Switzerland tuition fees may differ in each university but the average tuition fees at Switzerland public universities are: Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes: 400 – 3,700 EUR/year. PhD degrees:100-900 EUR/year. At private universities the tuition fees are at 43,000 EUR/per year. However, financial aid programs are offered to offset the cost of study for students. Hence, you might be offered a discount.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Scholarships in Switzerland?
The scholarships in Switzerland for international students are mainly meant for young researchers who have completed a master’s degree or Ph.D or foreign artists holding bachelor degrees. There are several kinds of scholarship programs such as research scholarships and arts scholarships, depending on what you want to study.
Which Level of Study is Eligible for the Switzerland Scholarships?
The majority of the scholarships in Switzerland are for Master’s degree, PhD, post-doctoral and postgraduate studies. This, if you are willing to further you study in any of these levels of study, there will always be a program for your level.
How to Apply for Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students?
Typically, the first step in applying for any scholarship is to carry out your due diligence. Hence, you should check the list of universities and programs under the scholarship scheme you want to apply to. Make sure you meet their requirements and language preference. Once you know what university, field of study you want. You can proceed to the next step.
Below are the general steps in applying for scholarships as a student in Switzerland:
Select Program
Select a program that aligns with your goals. This means choosing a school to attend, which could be an international university abroad or in Switzerland. Every university and scholarship program has an admission requirement. It might differ according to the universities and scholarship programs, so it’s important you select one that aligns with your desires. This way you have a high probability chance of getting selected.Applying for the Scholarship
Once you have fulfilled the guidelines above, go ahead to fill the scholarship form with every necessary detail. Provide all the certificates and drop every recommendation you might need to drop. All of this information will determine your application’s Fate. So, it is necessary to take your time and put down every necessary information needed.Submit Application
Fill out the scholarship application form accurately. Once satisfied, submit your application through the scholarship portal.Review and Notification
After submitting your application, the scholarship committees will review all applications and announce selected applicants. The scholarship recipient will be notified of their offer, with instructions on how to prepare and apply for visa.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
What are The Scholarships In Switzerland Requirement?
The scholarships in Switzerland for international students are offered by various organisations. Thus, they all have different requirements. But generally, you’ll need:
Are the Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students Application Ongoing?
The majority of scholarships in Switzerland for international students are currently ongoing and applications have already begun. Likewise, more will still open as the year proceeds. Hence, the best course of action will be to research the program you would like to join and watch when their application windows will be open.
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What Can I Do to Win This Year?
Winning isn’t guaranteed but we strongly suggest, you apply early for the scholarship programs. You fill the forms accordingly and submit them with all the requirements. Be sure to get quality references from professors and tutors in your school. If you have no criminal record too, it will certainly give you a boost. All this will give you a very high possibility of winning a scholarship in Switzerland.
Top 20 Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students
Methodology
The list of scholarships in Switzerland for international students was curated based without any chronological style. Thus, it doesn’t follow any specific preference.
#1. WIPO Global Awards Competition for Entrepreneurs
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Visit Website
Eligible Courses:
Not specified
Eligible Students:
Young Entrepreneurs
Scholarship Study Type:
Mentorship program
Application Deadline:
March 13th
WIPO simply stands for World Intellectual Property Organisation. From the name you could easily tell their mention. The global awards has launched since 2022 and they’re aimed at ensuring that a wold full of creativity and innovation is created to support intellectual properties of people from all around world. This way they can build a more innovative ecosystem that better harness the huge innovative and creative Entrepreneur spirit of young people.
#2. Ashesi-ETH Master’s Scholarship in Mechatronic Engineering for African Students
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Ghana
Schools Available:
Ashesi University
Eligible Courses:
Mechatronic Engineering
Eligible Students:
African students
Scholarship Study Type:
Master’s degree
Application Deadline:
July 31st
The Ashesi-ETH Scholarship is a fully funded program covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and a monthly stipend for African students pursuing a Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering. The program is a collaboration between Ashesi University in Ghana and ETH Zurich, one of the world’s top engineering schools. What makes this scholarship unique is its focus on addressing Africa’s engineering challenges by combining technical expertise with leadership training. Similarly, the program includes a research internship at ETH Zurich, providing students with global exposure and hands-on experience.
#3. CERN Summer Student Internship Program for International Students
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Not specified
Eligible Courses:
Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, and related fields
Scholarship Study Type:
Bachelor or Master degree
Application Deadline:
January 30th
The CERN Summer Student Internship Program present an opportunity for international students to study at world’s leading universities in Switzerland. The program covers travel, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of about CHF 3,500. What makes this program to rank on the scholarships in Switzerland for international students is that scholars will have the chance to collaborate with top scientists and engineers on notable projects. Therefore, if you’re passionate about physics and engineering you should consider this scholarship program.
#4. University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships for International Students
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
University of Geneva
Eligible Courses:
Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics
Scholarship Study Type:
Master’s degree
Application Deadline:
March 15th
The University of Geneva’s Excellence Masters Fellowships are fully funded, covering the basic cost of studying as well as a monthly stipend of CHF 10,000 per year. The scholarship offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading researchers. This make it a unique opportunity for students aiming to excel in science and technology.
#5. St. Gallen Symposium Leader of Tomorrow Essay Competition | CHF 20,000+ Funded to Switzerland
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Not specified
Eligible Courses:
Not specified
Scholarship Study Type:
Postgraduate
Application Deadline:
February 1st
The St. Gallen Symposium’s Leader of Tomorrow Essay Competition awards CHF 20,000 to winners. This scholarship covers travel expenses to the symposium in Switzerland and the program challenges postgraduate to propose innovative solutions to global issues. Hence, winners gain access to a network of global leaders and decision-makers, making it a platform for young thinkers to showcase their ideas on an international stage.
#6. ETH Student Summer Research Fellowship Programme – Switzerland
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
ETH Zurich
Eligible Courses:
Data Management, Machine Learning, Information Security, Networked Systems, Parallel Computing, Programming Languages, Software Engineering, Algorithms, and Visual Computing
Eligible Students:
College students
Scholarship Study Type:
Undergraduate and Master’s
Application Deadline:
December 15th
The ETH Summer Research Fellowship is another fully funded scholarship program in Switzerland. It provides a monthly stipend of CHF 1,750 and covers travel and accommodation. If you’re passionate about fields like machine learning, software engineering or cybersecurity, this program is design for people like you.
#7. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships for Postgraduate Students – Switzerland
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
ETH Zurich
Eligible Courses:
Not specified
Scholarship Study Type:
Postgraduate
Application Deadline:
December 15th
ETH Zurich’s Excellence Scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend of CHF 12,000 annually. This scholarship is unique because it attracts top-tier students from around the world to pursue advanced studies at one of the most prestigious technical universities.
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The program also offers mentorship and networking opportunities, making it an ideal platform for students aiming to excel in research and innovation.
#8. Lucerne Summer University Ethics in a Global Context
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Lucerne Summer University
Eligible Courses:
Ethics and related fields
Eligible Students:
College students
Scholarship Study Type:
MA students of all disciplines
Application Deadline:
Visit Website
The Lucerne Summer University offers a partially funded program for students who want to explore ethical issues in a global context. The brings together students and faculty from diverse disciplines to discuss pressing global challenges. Thus, participants will have access to workshops and networking events, making it a valuable experience for those interested in ethics and global affairs.
#9. EPFL Summer Fellowship for International Students
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Eligible Courses:
Engineering, Computer Science, and related fields
Eligible Students:
College students
Scholarship Study Type:
2nd year Bachelor Programme
Application Deadline:
January
Every year, the EPFL Summer Fellowship provides funding that covers travel, accommodation and a monthly stipend. This program offers second-year Bachelor students the chance to conduct research at EPFL. Interestingly, participants will have the chance to learn and work on innovative projects in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
#10. Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
IMD in Switzerland
Eligible Courses:
MBA
Eligible Students:
Women from developing countries
Scholarship Study Type:
MBA
Application Deadline:
September 30th
The Nestle MBA Scholarship is another unique scholarship program in Switzerland. It provides partial funding, covering up to 25% of tuition fees for women from developing countries. This scholarship focuses on empowering women to become leaders in business and society. Typically, IMD is known for its rigorous MBA program, and scholarship recipients will gain access to a global network of alumni and industry leaders. Therefore, if you’re a woman who want to pursue an MBA Switzerland, you can apply for this scholarship program.
#11. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Young Researchers
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Various Swiss universities
Eligible Courses:
Any decipline
Eligible Students:
Postgraduate researchers
Scholarship Study Type:
Postgraduate
Application Deadline:
Visit Website
If you’re a young researcher who is looking for funding opportunity to study in Switzerland, here is an opportunity for you. Every year, the Swiss Government offer fully funded Scholarships to international students from various parts of the globe. Through this program, the Swiss government support young researchers from around the world to conduct research in Switzerland.
#12. United Nations Graduate Study Programme for Graduates Worldwide
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Not Specified
Eligible Courses:
Not specified
Eligible Students:
Masters, doctorate, postgraduate students
Scholarship Study Type:
College school
Application Deadline:
March 1st
The United Nation graduate programme provides the opportunity to engage with UN professionals and discuss global issues like peace, development, and human rights. Likewise, the program includes workshops and panel discussions, making it a valuable experience for aspiring global leaders. The UN program offers partial funding, covering accommodation and travel expenses for a two-week seminar at the United Nations in Geneva.
#13. FIFA Master Scholarships and Financial Aid for Study in Switzerland
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Scholarship Available:
Not specified
Eligible Courses:
Sports Management
Eligible Students:
Postgraduate
Scholarship Study Type:
Master’s degree
Application Deadline:
Visit website
The FIFA Master Scholarship provides partial funding, covering tuition fees and living expenses for students pursuing a Master’s in Sports Management. The program is based in Switzerland, the home of international sports organizations like FIFA and the IOC. This make it to stand out among the scholarships in Switzerland for international students.
#14. Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for International Students
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Germany, Switzerland
Schools Available:
German, Swiss, and other EU universities
Eligible Courses:
Any decipline
Eligible Students:
International students
Scholarship Study Type:
Master/PhD degree
Application Deadline:
Visit website
If you’re looking for scholarship to further your education in Master’s or PhD degrees, you can apply for this program. The scholarship is committed to promoting liberal values and academic excellence. Hence, it offers mentorship and networking opportunities with like-minded scholars. The program also includes seminars and workshops on leadership and policy-making.
#15. University of Bern Masters Grants for International Students
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
University of Bern
Eligible Courses:
All approved master programmes
Eligible Students:
International students and alumni of partner universities
Scholarship Study Type:
Bachelor degree
Application Deadline:
May 1st
The University of Bern Masters Grants provide partial funding, covering tuition fees and living expenses. The University of Bern is known for its research excellence. Students will have access to it modern facilities and a vibrant academic community. This program supports international students and alumni of partner universities, fostering global collaboration.
#16. Cantonal Scholarships
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
University of Fribourg
Eligible Courses:
The University approved courses
Eligible Students:
International students
Country to be Taken:
Bachelor, & Master degree
Application Deadline:
Visit website
Cantonal Scholarships is a notable program that supports both undergraduate and graduate students, promoting access to quality education in Switzerland. The University of Fribourg is known for its bilingual programs and strong focus on research and innovation. Hence, studying in this university will grant to access to mentorship from it professionals as well as the opportunity to connect with other experts.
#17. Caux Scholars Program in Switzerland
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Not specified
Eligible Courses:
Peace and conflict resolution
Eligible Students:
Alumni
Scholarship Study Type:
Scholars who have impacted society
Application Deadline:
April 15th
The Caux Scholars Program offers partial funding to international students. This scholarship covers tuition and other basic cost of study for students studying peace and conflict resolution.
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This program focuses on practical solutions to global conflicts and provides students with the opportunity to engage with peacebuilding initiatives. Likewise, the program includes workshops and field visits, making it a transformative experience for participants.
#18. Alfred Werner Masters Scholarships in Chemistry or Biochemistry at Swiss Universities
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available :
Various Swiss universities
Eligible Courses:
Chemistry or Biochemistry
Eligible Students:
International students
Scholarship Study Type:
Master’s degree
Application Deadline:
January 15th
The Alfred Werner Scholarship is fully funded program. This scholarship provide tuition, living expenses, and research costs for international students who want to pursue Master’s degrees in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Meanwhile, scholarship was founded in honors of the legacy of Nobel laureate Alfred Werner.
#19. University of Lausanne (UNIL) Masters Scholarship for International Students
Award Type:
Partially Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available
University of Lausanne
Eligible Courses:
Any decipline
Eligible Students:
International students
Scholarship Study Type:
Master’s degree
Application Deadline:
November 1st
The University of Lausanne Masters Scholarship is another notable award on the scholarships in Switzerland for international students. This program supports international students in pursuing Master’s degrees at one of Switzerland’s top universities. Typically, UNIL is known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong focus on research, offering students a vibrant academic environment. The university also has various extracurricular actives that student can be part of while studying. Hence, there is never a dull moment at UNIL.
#20. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists
Award Type:
Fully Funded
Country to be Taken:
Switzerland
Schools Available:
Various Swiss universities
Eligible Courses:
Any decipline
Eligible Students:
All foreign students
Scholarship Study Type:
PhD, Postdoctoral, Research
Application Deadline:
September – December
If you’re a foreign scholar or artists looking forward to enhancing your skill, you should consider this fully funded program. The program was founded to support academic research and artistic projects in Switzerland. Switzerland’s reputation for academic excellence and its vibrant arts scene make this a unique opportunity for scholars and artists worldwide. Meanwhile, the scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only, hence, if you qualify for the program, you should hurry and apply before the deadline.
What are the Easiest Full Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students To Win?
Well, any scholarship will be easy to win, as long as you adhere to all their criteria. Hence, ensure to fill your forms correctly, pass all their requirements and turn in all your required certificates and letters. Likewise, you can enhance your chances of bagging scholarships if you have great grades, and recommendations.
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International Scholarships You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About Scholarships In Switzerland For International Students
How can I study in Switzerland for free?
Studying in Switzerland for free is challenging but possible through scholarships, tuition waivers, or low-cost public universities. You can apply for fully funded scholarships like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships or university-specific grants.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Switzerland?
The required CGPA for scholarships in Switzerland varies by program and university. But generally, a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is typically required for most competitive programs.
Is the Swiss government offering scholarships for international students?
Yes, Swiss Government has announced its call for applications for its Excellence Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. So, you can check out the programs on our list and apply before the deadline.
Can I study in Switzerland if I only speak English?
Yes, you can study in Switzerland if you only speak English, as many universities and higher education institutions offer English-taught programs, particularly at the master’s and PhD levels. However, the availability of English-taught programs at the bachelor’s level is limited, and many undergraduate programs are taught in the local languages (German, French, or Italian, depending on the region). In addition, living and working in Switzerland requires learning one of the official languages.
Can international students work in Switzerland?
Yes, international students can work in Switzerland, but there are restrictions.
What is the age limit for studying in Switzerland?
There is no strict age limit for studying at higher institutions in Switzerland. However, specific programs or courses might have their own requirements regarding the age of applicants. So, for undergraduate programs, students typically start around the age of 18. For postgraduate programs, students can be of any age, provided they meet other requirements.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a beautiful location for international students, renowned for its work class education system. The country offers a multilingual society, with courses often available in English, German, French, and Italian. Whether its fields like engineering, natural sciences, and hospitality management, you’ll find a program that’ll equip you with the requisite knowledge and expertise. So, if you’re ready to pursue your dream in this land of opportunities, go through our list and start applying for a program that you’re qualified for!
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Reference
Scholarships for international students,Switzerland – Scholarship 4 dev
Scholarships In Switzerland– Scholarship Air