Scholarship in Switzerland
Scholarships in Switzerland are ideal for students studying in local languages—German in Zurich, French in Geneva, or Italian in Lugano—where tuition fees are lower. To qualify, you typically need strong language skills, a solid academic background, and research experience. Scholarships are offered at all levels, with top options available at universities like the University of Zurich.
For immigration to Switzerland or further questions, contact Malekpour Institution for free advice or ask in the comments section.
Conditions for Obtaining a Scholarship in Switzerland
Switzerland is a unique country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. University education in Switzerland is not free, and even local-language programs charge tuition—especially for international students.
Studying in German (Zurich), French (Geneva), or Italian (Lugano) is usually more affordable than studying in English, though not free. Most top universities also offer programs in English, the global academic language.
International students can receive scholarships for courses taught in the local language and in English to study in Switzerland. However, it is necessary for the student to meet the scholarship requirements. In general, obtaining a scholarship in Switzerland requires strong language proficiency (in the language of study), a suitable academic record, and research records. In the following, the scholarships for each level will be introduced and examined.
Free Education in Switzerland
Switzerland offers high-quality education, and some universities provide free or low-cost tuition for both domestic and international students. However, students must still cover living expenses like housing and food.
Scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce these costs, and some universities also offer work-study programs. Availability varies by university and program, so it’s important to research and contact institutions directly for details.
Scholarship in Switzerland for Bachelor’s Degree
In general, scholarships for a bachelor’s degree in Switzerland are limited. Most universities and institutions offer funding at higher academic levels. At the undergraduate level, only top-performing students—such as Olympiad winners or those with high school honors and strong language skills—may qualify. While rare, some scholarships are available for exceptional bachelor’s applicants.
- ETH Zurich Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to elite students, and students receiving this scholarship will have part of their tuition, dormitory, and living expenses covered up to a maximum of 2,000 CHF per month.
- University of St. Gallen Scholarship
This scholarship is allocated to certain fields at the prestigious University of St. Gallen. If granted to an international student, an annual stipend of about 6,000 Swiss Francs will be awarded. To receive this scholarship, the student must have an excellent language level and academic and research resume.
- Hyperhidrosis Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to some international students as a financial aid and will grant only 2,000 dollars to the student annually.
Scholarship in Switzerland for Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in Switzerland is a key pathway for international students seeking education and residency. Unlike bachelor’s programs, scholarships at the master’s level are more widely available. Students with strong academic records, research experience, and international publications have a higher chance of receiving funding.
Requirements often include B2 language proficiency for local-language programs or an IELTS 6.5 for English programs. While most scholarships come from institutions, some faculty funding is also available.
- University of Lausanne Scholarship
This scholarship is dedicated to international master’s degree students. The application deadline for this scholarship is usually until November of each year, and students require documents such as papers and recommendation letters from professors. If an international student receives this scholarship, they will receive up to 1,600 Swiss Francs monthly for their study.
- Geneva Academy Scholarship
This scholarship is specifically for law students, and elite students will have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship until November of each year. Students who receive this scholarship will have all tuition expenses covered, along with all living expenses for 10 months.
- ETH Zurich Scholarship
This scholarship covers more students at the master’s level, and students will receive 2,000 Swiss Francs per month.
- University of St. Gallen Scholarship
The University of St. Gallen, like for international undergraduate students, also provides scholarships to international master’s students, and if the student has an appropriate language level, they can receive up to 6,000 Swiss Francs annually.
Scholarship in Switzerland for PhD
A PhD in Switzerland offers excellent opportunities for international students focused on advanced research and scientific work. At this level, securing a supervisor is essential, as many scholarships and funding options depend on faculty approval.
Strong language skills (C1 in local languages or IELTS 7 in English) and published research are key requirements. Many PhD students receive full funding, including monthly stipends—sometimes up to 2,000 CHF at universities like the University of Zurich. Over 80% of scholarships in Switzerland are awarded at the PhD level.
- Geneva Academy Scholarship
The Geneva Academy, which is dedicated to legal studies, provides financial aid to master’s graduates who wish to study and enter the PhD courses in this country. This aid is only for a duration of 10 months, and the student can use it to cover all study costs (if not free and without a supervisor) and living costs.
- Swiss Government Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the government of Switzerland specifically for international PhD students. Students wishing to receive this scholarship must present a very high level of knowledge and have excellent academic and research conditions.
The student must have a very high language level (local language C1 and English IELTS 7.5 or higher). If successful and granted this scholarship, students can receive 1,920 Swiss Francs monthly for their PhD, 1,920 Swiss Francs monthly for research opportunities, and 3,500 Swiss Francs monthly for postdoctoral studies.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland
A fully funded scholarship in Switzerland covers all study-related expenses, including tuition, living costs, insurance, and even airfare. These scholarships are typically available at the master’s and PhD levels for students with strong academic and research backgrounds.
Offered by universities or the Swiss government, they aim to support international collaboration and academic excellence. One notable example is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, available for graduate students and researchers.
Medical Scholarships in Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its top-tier medical education and research. International students pursuing medical studies in Switzerland can access various scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and more. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a major program for graduate researchers, including those in medicine.
Additionally, many Swiss universities and medical schools offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or research focus. Scholarship availability and criteria vary by university and program, so candidates should research and contact institutions directly for details.
Top Universities in Switzerland
A high-ranking university often reflects strong academic quality and better scholarship opportunities. Switzerland is home to 11 universities ranked among the top 1000 globally.
The University of Zurich, ranked 103 worldwide, is the country’s top-ranked university, offering programs in both German and English. Another leading institution is ETH Zurich, consistently ranked among the world’s best alongside MIT, Harvard, and Oxford. Below is a list of the top 20 Swiss universities.
| Rank in Switzerland | World Rank | University Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 96 | ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich |
| 2 | 103 | University of Zurich |
| 3 | 122 | EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne |
| 4 | 151 | University of Geneva |
| 5 | 175 | University of Bern |
| 6 | 279 | University of Basel |
| 7 | 281 | University of Lausanne |
| 8 | 311 | University of Fribourg |
| 9 | 549 | University of St. Gallen |
| 10 | 985 | Università della Svizzera italiana (University of Lugano) |
| 11 | 989 | University of Neuchâtel |
| 12 | 1202 | Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) |
| 13 | 1717 | Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) |
| 14 | 1859 | Geneva Graduate Institute (Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies) |
| 15 | 2036 | University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
| 16 | 2142 | Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts |
| 17 | 2203 | Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research |
| 18 | 2402 | University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
| 19 | 2616 | University of Lucerne |
| 20 | 2677 | International Institute for Management Development (IMD) |
- University of Lausanne Scholarship, Switzerland
The University of Lausanne scholarships are prestigious scholarships that are exclusively intended for international students whose academic performance is at the highest level.
The scholarships from the University of Lausanne range from September 15 to July 15 (i.e., 10 months a year) for the entire master’s degree period (1.5 or 2 years depending on the chosen master’s program), amounting to 1,600 Swiss Francs per month (1,740 dollars).
To qualify for the University of Lausanne scholarship, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Have a university degree from outside Switzerland that is considered equivalent to a UNIL bachelor’s degree.
- Strong academic resume
- Have a language level of at least B2 in French or at least C1 in English.
- Have not previously enrolled at UNIL
Applicants can apply for the University of Lausanne master’s scholarship even if they have not completed their equivalent bachelor’s degree in Switzerland at the time of application. However, the degree must be completed before starting the selected master’s program at UNIL.
- ETH Zurich Scholarship
ETH Zurich offers scholarships to students who are unable to fund their education themselves. The ETH Zurich scholarship is based on the ability and academic progress of the applicant, and students must demonstrate that they are making sufficient academic progress.
ETH Zurich scholarships are always intended as supplemental funding. In other words, ETH Zurich scholarships do not cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses.
- University of Geneva Scholarship, Switzerland
International students applying for a master’s degree at the University of Geneva can apply for its scholarship by March 15. This scholarship offers between 10,000 and 15,000 CHF per year and is renewable for the full master’s program (3–4 semesters) based on academic performance. Applications are submitted online with required documents.
University of Zurich Scholarship, Switzerland
The University of Zurich does not offer scholarships for international undergraduates but provides research scholarships for master’s graduates. PhD students can apply for the Zurich University PhD scholarship, covering full tuition for up to 36 months. Applications are reviewed by Swiss authorities, university professors, and a federal commission. Applicants must secure a professor’s supervision to qualify. Here are key scholarship options at the University of Zurich:
- Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme
This scholarship is designed for exceptional students from around the world and covers tuition at the University of Zurich for the duration of the program. It also includes a stipend for living expenses.
- University of Zurich Research Scholarship
These scholarships are available for doctoral students and provide financial support for research projects. They are awarded competitively and are intended to support outstanding research activities.
- Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by the Swiss government to promote international exchanges and collaboration in research. They are available to postdoctoral researchers from more than 180 countries.
- Specific scholarships for each faculty
The University of Zurich offers various scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, often tailored to specific faculties, fields, or research areas. Eligibility, requirements, and deadlines vary, so applicants should check the official University of Zurich website and faculty pages for details. For personalized guidance, students can also contact the university’s international office.
Tuition and Living Costs in Switzerland
Switzerland is a top study destination but has high living and education costs. Undergraduate tuition ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 CHF per year, while master’s programs cost around 30,000 to 40,000 CHF annually. PhD students often study tuition-free or pay 10,000 to 15,000 CHF if without supervision.
Living expenses average 2,000 CHF per month, rising to over 2,500 CHF for off-campus housing. Scholarships can significantly ease these costs. Below is a breakdown of average living expenses in Switzerland:
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (CHF) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 – 1,200 | Dormitory or shared apartment |
| Food & Groceries | 400 – 600 | Includes cooking at home |
| Transportation | 70 – 100 | Public transport pass |
| Health Insurance | 100 – 150 | Mandatory for all residents |
| Study Materials | 50 – 100 | Books, supplies |
| Personal Expenses | 200 – 300 | Clothing, entertainment, phone |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 200 | Unexpected costs |
| Total | 1,720 – 2,650 | Typical range for student living |
Conditions for Receiving Admission and Study Visa in Switzerland
An international student must have student admission to enter the universities of this country. Admission to Swiss universities begins on specific deadlines, usually three months before the start of the terms in this country, i.e., September and January. An international student who wishes to receive a scholarship must apply for the Swiss scholarship depending on the specific scholarship, either when receiving admission or before or after obtaining a study visa. The required documents for receiving admission are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Recommendation letter
- Statement of purpose
- Application fee payment
- Academic and scientific CV
- Translation of educational documents
- Required language certification
After receiving study admission, students must go through the visa process. The visa is a legal and very specialized matter, and it is recommended that students seek assistance from international lawyers in this field. However, in general, the documents required for receiving a Swiss student visa are as follows:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Photo
- University admission confirmation
- Language certification
- Translation of educational documents
- Proof of financial capability for living expenses
- Payment of visa issuance fees
- Student insurance
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Receiving Scholarships in Switzerland
- Is studying in Switzerland free?
No, studying in this country is not free, but you can benefit from scholarships in Switzerland.
- Can students studying in the local language receive scholarships?
Yes, but the number of scholarships in English is more.
- Does a student receiving a scholarship have the right to work part-time?
Usually no, as scholarships are granted in exchange for conducting research tasks; however, this is not impossible.
Conclusion:
This article thoroughly covers Swiss scholarship laws, tuition, living costs, and scholarship opportunities at all levels. Switzerland is a top destination for students seeking education and immigration, but high expenses can be a barrier. Scholarships in Switzerland offer a key solution to reduce these costs. For free expert advice or help with your study plans, contact Malekpour Institute. You can also ask questions in the comments or on the site for quick answers.
