Scholarships in Switzerland: Switzerland Scholarships for International Students

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Scholarships in Switzerland

When it comes to studying abroad in one of the world’s top education hubs but without breaking the bank, scholarships in Switzerland offer a fantastic opportunity. Despite its low tuition fees at public universities, studying in Switzerland can be expensive for international students. Thankfully, several Switzerland scholarships for international students are offered by the Swiss government, universities, and private organizations. Depending on the type of scholarship and other facts, these scholarships can cover tuition fees and living expenses. If you are also planning to study in this European country, here are a few scholarships in Switzerland for international and Indian students.

ParametersDetails
Best Switzerland Scholarships for International StudentsSwiss Government Excellence Scholarships
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
General Eligibility Avail Switzerland ScholarshipsExcellent Academic Records
English Proficiency
Top Universities in Switzerland for International StudentsETH Zurich
University of Zurich
University of Basel
University of Bern
University of Geneva
Average Annual Cost of Studying in SwitzerlandCHF 11,000 to 17,000

Why Study in Switzerland?

The small European country of Switzerland welcomes foreign students from all over the world. It is a nation renowned for its outstanding schools, innovative research centres, and dedication to investing in the most promising sectors of the future. Apart from the various scholarships in Switzerland, here are some reasons why you should study in Switzerland:

  1. In the eight 8 that the Global Innovation Index has been running, Switzerland was called the most creative country. Three factors can be credited to much of its continued success: outstanding universities, massive investments in R&D, and world-class infrastructure.
  2. In 2015, Switzerland was the first country in the world to send a climate plan to the UN to cut carbon emissions by 2030, when several nations were still negotiating the Paris climate agreement. The nation then made a renewed pledge earlier this year to reverse climate change, making it a go-to destination for students and graduates who want to help create a greener future.
  3. Switzerland attracts people from all over the world as a global centre for banking, technology, and creativity, generating a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe within its major cities.
  4. Around 25% of Switzerland’s population, including a substantial number of former international students who have remained after graduation, are foreign nationals.
  5. Switzerland is home to 14 of the top Fortune 500 companies; that’s the largest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters anywhere in the world. In addition, companies such as Nestlé, the Adecco Company, and Glencore International have working relationships with the best universities in Switzerland.

Did you know that every year the Swiss Government awards Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries?

List of Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students

Switzerland offers numerous scholarships to help international students fund their studies. Here is a list of the top Scholarships in Switzerland:

  • Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students
  • Franklin Honors Program Award
  • ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships
  • University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students
  • EPFL Excellence Scholarships
  • Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
  • University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates 
  • Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships
  • Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries
  • Prima Grants
  • International Postdoctoral Fellowships
  • Nestle Scholarship for Women

Let us discuss the above-mentioned scholarships in further detail.

Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students

The Swiss Excellence Scholarships are some of the most popular scholarships in Switzerland. These are offered to promote international exchange and research between Switzerland and about 180 foreign countries. Moreover, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) is responsible for shortlisting the eligible students.

Particulars Details 
Scholarship NameSwiss Confederation Awards Government Excellence Scholarships
Offered BySwiss Government
Eligible CandidatesPostgraduate researchers (Doctoral and Post-doctoral levels)
CoverageTuition fees, health insurance, airfare, housing allowance, and monthly payment
Eligibility CriteriaMust hold a master’s degree and plan to conduct research in Switzerland

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships

Another notable scholarship in Switzerland is ETH Zurich Scholarships, also known as the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). It offers financial support to all students who wish to pursue their master’s degree at the institution. All the students who have completed their bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution are eligible for this scholarship program.

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships
Offered ByMust hold a Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic backgroun
Eligible CandidatesMaster’s students
CoverageFull Study and Living Costs
Eligibility CriteriaMust hold a Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic background

The University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students

The list of scholarships in Switzerland is incomplete without the University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students. The University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students offers scholarships to all those who have completed their bachelor’s and want to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University through the UNIL Master’s Grants. The scholarship program offers students an amount of CHF 1,600 per month (INR 1.32 lacs).

EPFL Excellence Scholarships 

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne offers scholarships in Switzerland to students wishing to pursue master’s at the university. The scholarship is only applicable to master’s students. However, you need excellent grades and other achievements in extracurricular activities to become eligible for such scholarships in Switzerland for international students.

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameEPFL Excellence Scholarships
Offered ByÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

The scholarship contains a financial package of CHF 16,000 per academic year(INR 13.21 lacs). It is split into 8,000 per semester and the cost of room accommodation.

Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships

The Graduate Institute believes in attracting talented scholars from all over the world and thus, invests a considerable amount of money in it. The institute offers a number of scholarships in Switzerland as opportunities for all students. It provides a full scholarship of CHF 20,000 and a monthly scholarship (INR 16.51 lacs) of CHF 10,000 (INR 8.25 lacs). It also awards a merit scholarship on the basis of academic excellence which might be an offer to be a teaching assistant or a need-based tuition reduction. 

University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates

With over 26,000 students, the University of Zurich is one of the biggest universities in Switzerland. They offer a lot of scholarships in Switzerland to international students on the grounds of outstanding academic merit. The scholarship program welcomes applications from all areas of discipline, however, preference is given to those whose research plans interest the UBS International Center of Economics in Society the scholarship covers living expenses along with other fees of approximately CHF 42,500 plus the tuition fees (INR 35.9 lacs).

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

The Geneva Academy offers scholarships to students in LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. They offer both full as well as partial scholarships. Full scholarships cover tuition expenses and living expenses whereas partial scholarships cover just the tuition fees. Candidates with a law degree and a strong academic record are eligible for this scholarship.

Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries

Nestle MBA scholarships in Switzerland are offered to women from developing countries who wish to pursue MBA studies at IMD, Switzerland. The scholarship program was started by a group of IMD MBA participants who wanted to encourage more women to pursue an MBA. The scholarship covers an amount of CHF 25,000 for the duration of the program (INR 20.6 lacs). In order to be eligible for the program, you must be a woman from a developing country and show the need for financial assistance by filling out a financial aid form.

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameNestle MBA Scholarships for Women
Offered ByIMD
ValueCHF 40,000

Prima Grants

Prima Grants focuses on female researchers with strong research backgrounds who aspire to become a professor in Switzerland. The scholarship program covers the candidate’s salary and project funds for a duration of up to five years. It is one of the most important scholarships in Switzerland.

International Postdoctoral Fellowships

The University of St. Gallen offers fellowship programs in the field of management, economics, law, social sciences and international affairs for researchers. The fellowship program provides the salary, indispensable research costs and subsidies of about CHF 2,500 per annum (INR 2.06 lacs). The duration of the fellowship program is 36 months and in order to be eligible for this program, you need to have a PhD degree.

University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

The University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Switzerland. The Faculty of Science of the University of Geneva has come up with an Excellence Fellowship Program. The aim of this program is to assist exceptional applicants who are highly motivated and who wish to pursue a Master of Science in any of the disciplines covered by the Faculty. The Excellence Fellowship is made up of an annual grant of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 (INR 8.30 – 12.46 lacs.)

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameExcellence Master Fellowships
Offered ByUniversity of Geneva
ValueCHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 (1 year only)

IMD MBA Scholarships

The IMD MBA scholarships also holds an important position in our list of scholarships in Switzerland. For foreign students from various countries and backgrounds, IMD offers a variety of scholarship programmes. These scholarships aim to provide financial support to those who have applied for or accepted an offer to join the IMD MBA program. There are 7 different types of IMD MBA scholarships which provide about CHF 25,000-50,000 (INR 20.76 – INR 41 lacs).

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameIMD MBA Scholarships
Offered ByIMD
Total Scholarships7
ValueCHF 30K – CHF 97.5K

Switzerland Scholarships for International Students (Undergraduate)

There are many other scholarships in Switzerland which are available to students who wish to pursue their studies there:  

  • University of Zurich Scholarships.
  • Alfred Werner Masters Scholarships.
  • Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships.
  • University of Basel Scholarships.
  • Scholarships by Aristotle College.

FAQs

Can I get a full scholarship in Switzerland?

Yes, it is possible to get full scholarships in Switzerland. However, getting them can be highly competitive even if you manage to fulfil the eligibility. Some of the fully-funded scholarships in Switzerland include the Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships.

Which country provides 100% scholarships?

Several countries offer full scholarships to international students. This include Germany, Norway, and Sweden, where education is either free or covered by government funding.

Is education free in Switzerland for Indian students?

No, education is not entirely free in Switzerland. However, it is relatively cheaper and affordable than many other popular study abroad destinations. For instance, public universities charge around CHF 1,000–CHF 2,000 per year. Moreover, there are many government and university-specific scholarships that cover your tuition fee, accommodation, and many other costs.

Can I study in Switzerland after 12th?

Yes, it is possible to study in Switzerland after 12th. You can apply for bachelor’s programs at Swiss universities after 12th grade. General requirements include good academic scores, English/German/French language proficiency, and financial proof. Some universities may also require entrance exams or additional qualifications, depending on the course.

How to study abroad with a 100% scholarship?

To get a full scholarship, start by researching universities and government programs that offer them. Next, ensure to maintain excellent academic scores to increase your chances. Secure strong recommendation letters, and write a compelling statement of purpose. Laslty, apply for multiple scholarships early.

Interesting Reads

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Universities in Switzerland and Their World RankingsStudy Abroad Scholarships for PG Programs
35+ Interesting Facts About SwitzerlandCost of Living in Switzerland: Updated Prices, Comparison 

Want to study in Switzerland with a scholarship? Leverage Edu can help you find the best scholarships in Switzerland, apply to top universities, and handle everything from paperwork to visas. Contact us today to get in touch with our study abroad experts. Get expert guidance for a hassle-free study abroad journey. Book a free consultation

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6 comments
    1. Hi, Shayan!
      Switzerland is a good place to study in. For how to proceed with application of the scholarships mentioned in the blog, take up the expert guidance of Leverage Edu and feel free to contact us at 1800572000! Also, visit our website and check our blog on Study in Switzerland for more clarity.

  1. I am from India.
    My Daughter wants to get an Admission for doing MBA or MIM course from Geneva or Zurich. So please Guide me.

  2. I just want to live my life freely and happy or want to make my future bright. work for people or helping them to make a peace on earth

    1. Hi, Shayan!
      Switzerland is a good place to study in. For how to proceed with application of the scholarships mentioned in the blog, take up the expert guidance of Leverage Edu and feel free to contact us at 1800572000! Also, visit our website and check our blog on Study in Switzerland for more clarity.