Your Complete Guide to Studying in Switzerland with a Scholarship

Thinking about studying in Switzerland? You’ve come to the right place. Known for its world-class universities, groundbreaking research, and incredible quality of life, Switzerland is a top destination for students from all over the world. This guide provides detailed information on educational programs and the key scholarships available to help you achieve your academic goals.

Why Choose Switzerland for Your Studies?

Switzerland offers a unique and enriching experience for international students. The country’s commitment to education and innovation is reflected in its globally ranked institutions. Beyond academics, its multicultural environment and central location in Europe provide countless opportunities for personal growth and exploration.

  • Academic Excellence: Swiss universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, life sciences, and hospitality. Institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL are renowned for their cutting-edge research and high academic standards.
  • Cultural Diversity: With four national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) and a large international population, Switzerland is a true cultural melting pot. This diversity enriches the student experience, fostering a global perspective and cross-cultural understanding.
  • High Quality of Life: The country is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, safe cities, and efficient public transportation. While the cost of living can be high, the exceptional quality of life makes it a rewarding place to live and study.
  • Career Opportunities: A Swiss degree is highly respected by employers worldwide. The country is home to many multinational corporations and international organizations, offering excellent internship and career prospects after graduation.

Understanding the Swiss Higher Education System

Before diving into scholarships, it’s important to understand the different types of higher education institutions in Switzerland. This will help you find the program that best fits your academic and career aspirations.

Types of Universities

  1. Traditional Universities (Cantonal Universities & Federal Institutes of Technology): There are 12 of these institutions, including the famous ETH Zurich and EPFL. They are research-focused and offer a wide range of subjects in fields like law, economics, science, and humanities. They are the only institutions that can award doctorate (PhD) degrees.
  2. Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (UASAs): These institutions provide more practical, hands-on education geared toward professional careers. They offer degrees in areas like engineering, design, business, and social work. They focus on applied research and development in partnership with industry.
  3. Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs): These specialized universities are responsible for the training and professional development of teachers at all school levels.

Top Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

Financing your studies is a key part of the planning process. Fortunately, Switzerland offers several scholarships specifically for international students. Here are some of the most prominent options.

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

This is the most prestigious scholarship program offered by the Swiss Confederation. It is aimed at postgraduate researchers and artists from over 180 countries.

  • Who is it for? Primarily for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and research fellows who want to conduct research at a Swiss university. It also offers a limited number of scholarships for master’s degrees in the arts.
  • What does it cover? The scholarship is very comprehensive. It typically includes a monthly stipend (around CHF 1,920), exemption from tuition fees, mandatory Swiss health insurance, a flight allowance, and a special lodging allowance.
  • How to apply: Applications are managed by the Swiss diplomatic representative in your home country. The application window is usually from early August to late November for the following academic year. You must first be accepted into a program or have a research supervisor at a Swiss institution.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Many top Swiss universities offer their own merit-based scholarships to attract talented international students. These are highly competitive and often require an excellent academic record.

  • ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP): This is one of the best-known university scholarships. It is for Master’s students with outstanding undergraduate degrees. The scholarship covers the full cost of study and living expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their education.
  • EPFL Excellence Fellowships: Offered by the École Polytechnique FĂ©dĂ©rale de Lausanne (EPFL), these fellowships are for Master’s students with exceptional academic records. The award includes a stipend of CHF 16,000 per academic year.
  • University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships: This program is for outstanding international students pursuing a Master’s degree in any discipline offered by the university’s Faculty of Science. The grant amounts to CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year.
  • University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants: UNIL offers around ten Master’s grants per year to international students who have graduated from a foreign university. The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of CHF 1,600 for the duration of the Master’s program.

3. Other Funding Sources

Beyond government and university scholarships, you can also explore private foundations or scholarships specific to your field of study. Websites like StudyinSwitzerland+ and the official Swiss university portals are excellent resources for finding these opportunities.

How to Apply for University and Scholarships

Navigating the application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable.

  1. Research Programs and Universities: Start by identifying the courses and institutions that align with your interests. Pay close attention to the language of instruction; while many Master’s and PhD programs are taught in English, undergraduate courses are often in German, French, or Italian.
  2. Check Eligibility Requirements: Carefully review the admission criteria for your chosen program. This includes academic qualifications, language proficiency tests (like TOEFL or IELTS for English; DSH, TestDaF for German; DELF/DALF for French), and any specific entrance exams.
  3. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, your CV, a letter of motivation, letters of recommendation, and a copy of your passport.
  4. Submit Your University Application: Apply directly through the university’s online portal, making sure to meet the deadline. Deadlines for international students are often earlier than for Swiss students.
  5. Apply for Scholarships: Remember that scholarship applications are almost always separate from university applications. They have their own deadlines, requirements, and selection processes. Start your scholarship search early and prepare a strong application that highlights your academic achievements and potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while studying in Switzerland? Yes, international students are generally allowed to work part-time. For students from non-EU/EFTA countries, you can typically work up to 15 hours per week during the semester, but only after you have lived in Switzerland for six months. You can work full-time during vacation periods.

What is the cost of living in Switzerland for a student? Switzerland has a high cost of living. While public university tuition fees are relatively affordable (ranging from CHF 1,000 to CHF 4,000 per year), you should budget for significant living expenses. On average, students need between CHF 1,800 and CHF 2,800 per month to cover accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance.

Are there many programs taught in English? Yes, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels. Many leading universities offer a wide variety of postgraduate programs entirely in English, particularly in science, engineering, and business. Undergraduate programs are more commonly taught in one of the national languages.