Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students 2026–2027 – Fully Funded

Switzerland is a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education, global research exposure, and multicultural experiences. Many Swiss universities, government programmes, and private foundations offer scholarships for international students — covering tuition fees, living stipends, travel costs, or research funding. These awards support students at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as short-term study and research visits.

 Why Study in Switzerland

Switzerland’s education system is globally recognised for its academic excellence, multilingual culture, and strong research focus. Universities collaborate closely with industry leaders, especially in fields like engineering, life sciences, finance, data science, and sustainability. Scholarships make Switzerland more affordable and accessible for students from all regions.

 Key Scholarship Opportunities

🇨🇭 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Offered by the Swiss government, these competitive scholarships are available to international graduates and researchers. They often include monthly stipends, tuition coverage, health insurance support, and travel allowances, enabling students to pursue master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral research at Swiss institutions.

🎓 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme

Switzerland’s top engineering and science university provides generous excellence awards to outstanding international students entering master’s programmes. These include tuition coverage and a monthly living stipend for the duration of study.

🧠 EPFL Excellence Fellowships

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) supports high-achieving international students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees in science and engineering. Fellowship packages typically include financial support and access to cutting-edge research facilities.

🏅 University-Level Scholarships

Many Swiss universities offer their own scholarship programmes for international applicants, such as:

• Tuition fee reductions or waivers for high-performing students
• Living allowances or research stipends tied to academic performance
• Support for doctoral or professional research projects

Whether at the University of Geneva, University of Zurich, University of Lausanne, or other institutions, eligible students can find awards tailored to their level of study and field.

🌍 Foundation & Private Scholarships

In addition to government and university awards, foundation and private scholarships support specific regions, fields of study, or outstanding academic records. These may be offered by Swiss foundations, international organisations, or educational NGOs.

 Who Can Apply?

Scholarships in Switzerland typically welcome:

• International students with non-Swiss citizenship
• Applicants with excellent academic records
• Candidates meeting specific language requirements (English, French, German, or Italian depending on the programme)
• Students with strong proposals for research or study plans

Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules, so applicants should check specific requirements before applying.

 Typical Benefits

Swiss scholarships can include:

• Monthly stipends to cover living costs
• Tuition fee waivers or reductions
• Travel grants or allowances
• Research funding for doctoral or postdoctoral studies
• Accommodation support
  
• Access to world-class labs and mentorship opportunities

These benefits help reduce financial barriers and allow students to focus fully on their academic progress and research goals.

 Application Tips

Start early — deadlines often fall between late 2024 and mid-2025 for studies beginning in 2025–2026.
Prepare strong motivation letters, research proposals, and reference letters.
Demonstrate academic excellence and alignment with the scholarship’s goals.
Check language prerequisites — many Swiss programmes require proficiency in English or the local language of instruction.

 Why Switzerland Scholarships Are Valuable

Studying in Switzerland offers more than academic learning — it places students in a multicultural, multilingual, and innovation-driven environment. Scholarship recipients enjoy:

• Exposure to advanced research and industry collaboration
• Networking with global peers and professionals
• Access to international conferences and projects
• Lifelong personal and professional growth

For ambitious students seeking a globally recognised degree and impactful educational experience, Switzerland scholarships are among the most attractive options.