International Students: Swiss Scholarships Available?

does switzerland offer scholarships for international students

Switzerland offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including those offered by the Swiss government, universities, and private groups. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, for instance, are awarded to international researchers with a Master's or PhD degree and foreign artists with a Bachelor's degree. Tuition fees at Swiss universities are relatively low compared to other European countries, ranging from CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per semester. However, the cost of living is high. Scholarships, grants, and loans are available to help international students with tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. These opportunities are provided by the Swiss government, private foundations, universities, and companies.

Characteristics Values
Scholarships offered by Swiss Government, Private groups, and Universities
Types of Scholarships Monthly stipends, Full-ride, Tuition fees, Living costs, Health insurance
Eligibility Academic merit, Research potential, Applicant's country of origin, Financial need
Scholarship providers Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students, University of St. Gallen, ETH Zurich, University of Geneva, Franklin University Switzerland, Nestlé

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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded each year by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. The scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master's degree or PhD, and foreign artists holding at least a bachelor's degree.

The scholarships are decided on the basis of academic and scientific excellence by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). The FCS is composed of professors from Swiss public universities and announces its scholarship decisions by the end of May each year. The scholarships are offered exclusively via Switzerland's official diplomatic representations in the applicants' countries of origin.

The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) is available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline who plan to pursue research or further studies in Switzerland at the doctoral or post-doctoral level. Scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, and the four research institutes.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet certain requirements, including an acceptance letter from a Swiss university professor, a mandatory letter from an academic host professor, and a research proposal with a timeframe. Applicants must also have been born after 31 December 1989 and have completed a master's degree or equivalent before 31 July 2025.

Art scholarships are also available for students wishing to pursue an initial master's degree in Switzerland at any Swiss conservatory or university of arts. These scholarships are only available to citizens of countries with which Switzerland has a reciprocity agreement for art scholarships.

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Scholarships for international researchers

Switzerland offers a range of scholarships for international researchers, including those offered by the Swiss government, universities, and private organisations. Here are some of the scholarships available for international researchers:

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered annually by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) to promote international exchange and research cooperation. These scholarships are aimed at international researchers who have completed a Master's or PhD and foreign artists holding a Bachelor's degree. The scholarships are available for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and research institutes. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

University Scholarships

Many Swiss universities offer scholarships for international researchers, including the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, the University of Geneva, and the University of St. Gallen. These scholarships often have competitive selection criteria and may require invited applications. They can provide financial support for international researchers studying at the undergraduate, master's, or PhD levels.

Private Organisation Scholarships

Private organisations in Switzerland also offer scholarships for international researchers. For example, the Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women in Developing Countries are awarded to individuals who demonstrate ambition, leadership potential, and a commitment to enriching the learning experience. Other private organisations, such as the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Ernst Göhner Foundation, also provide scholarships and grants in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

International Organisation Scholarships

International organisations like the European Union and non-governmental organisations also provide scholarships for international researchers in Switzerland. These scholarships typically aim to promote global cooperation and development and often cover full tuition and living costs.

It is important for international researchers to research and apply for scholarships that align with their qualifications, research interests, and financial needs. The availability and specific requirements of these scholarships may vary, so it is essential to refer to the official websites and sources for the most up-to-date information.

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Art scholarships

Switzerland offers a range of scholarships for international students, including art scholarships. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to international students pursuing a master's degree in Switzerland or a PhD at one of the Swiss public universities, federal institutes of technology, or the Graduate Institute. These scholarships are offered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) and are available to students from a limited number of countries. The Art Scholarship is one of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, offering a monthly stipend of 1,920 CHF (US$2,173) to cover living costs. This scholarship is available to students pursuing a master's degree in the arts at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent and must be citizens of countries with which Switzerland has a reciprocity agreement for art scholarships.

In addition to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, there are other scholarships and financial aid options available to international students in Switzerland. Many Swiss universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students with outstanding academic records. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition and sometimes even living expenses. For example, the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and the University of Geneva all offer scholarships or financial support to international students pursuing a master's or PhD degree.

Furthermore, international students can also apply for grants and loans to help with tuition, living, and study-related expenses. Grants are available from the Swiss government, international organisations, and universities, while loans can be obtained from banks and other financial institutions. The Swiss Programme for Erasmus+, or SEMP, is another option for incoming students, offering a mobility grant of CHF 380 to CHF 440 per month depending on the student's country of origin.

Overall, Switzerland offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for international students, including those pursuing degrees in the arts. By researching and applying for these programs, students can take advantage of the funding opportunities available to help with the costs of studying and living in Switzerland.

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University scholarships

Switzerland offers a range of scholarships for international students, including those offered by the Swiss government, universities, and private groups.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to international researchers who have completed a Master's or PhD and foreign artists holding a Bachelor's degree. These scholarships are available for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and research institutes. The scholarships are highly competitive and based on academic merit, research potential, or the applicant's country of origin. They can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

Additionally, several Swiss universities offer scholarships and grants to international students. For example, the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and the University of Geneva offer financial support to international students pursuing Master's or PhD degrees. The University of St. Gallen also offers scholarships through the Starr International Foundation for Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Other scholarships include the Franklin Honours Programme Scholarship, awarded by Franklin University Switzerland to students with exceptional academic performance, and the Legat Grobe, which supports students pursuing degrees in biology with a focus on zoology or botany.

International students can also explore funding opportunities provided by private foundations, such as the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Ernst Göhner Foundation, as well as corporate sponsorships and student loans.

It is important for students to research and apply for these scholarships early, as many have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

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Private foundation grants and scholarships

Switzerland offers a range of scholarships for international students, including those offered by private foundations and organisations. These scholarships and grants can help support students in various fields and educational levels, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and the humanities.

Some examples of private foundation grants and scholarships include:

  • The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), mandated by the federal government, supports science in all academic disciplines, from history to medicine and the engineering sciences. It finances over 3,200 projects and 14,800 researchers annually.
  • The Ernst Göhner Foundation, which offers scholarships in various fields.
  • The Legat Grobe, which is specifically for students pursuing degrees in biology with a focus on zoology or botany, offering monthly support ranging from 200 to 600 CHF (approximately US$226 to US$679).
  • The Franklin Honours Programme Scholarship, awarded by Franklin University Switzerland, recognises students with exceptional academic performance and a rigorous secondary school curriculum. To retain the scholarship, students must maintain strong academic standing and participate in Honours Society events.
  • The ETH Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and Master Scholarship Programme (MSP).
  • The University of St. Gallen Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Additionally, international organisations like the European Union and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as UNESCO provide scholarships and financial aid to promote global cooperation and development. These scholarships typically cover full tuition and living costs. Many Swiss universities also offer merit-based scholarships, which may cover partial or full tuition and, in some cases, living expenses.

Students interested in applying for private foundation grants and scholarships in Switzerland should research and review the requirements and application processes for each opportunity.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Switzerland offers scholarships for international students. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to international researchers who have completed a Master's or PhD, as well as foreign artists. Scholarships are also offered by private groups and universities.

The scholarships are aimed at young researchers or artists. Researchers must be planning to pursue research or further studies at Swiss universities. Artists must be enrolled in an arts programme at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.

Scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and other study-related expenses. Some scholarships also offer monthly stipends.

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