Your Guide to Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland

Thinking about studying in Switzerland? It’s a fantastic choice, known for its world-class universities, stunning landscapes, and high quality of life. This guide provides clear, helpful information on fully funded scholarships available to international students, helping you understand how these programs can support your academic journey abroad.

What Does "Fully Funded" Mean in Switzerland?

Before we dive into specific programs, it’s important to understand what “fully funded” typically means in the context of Swiss scholarships. While the exact benefits vary by program, a comprehensive or fully funded scholarship often aims to cover the majority of a student’s expenses. This can include:

Full Tuition Waiver: The scholarship covers all university tuition fees.
Monthly Stipend: A regular payment to cover living expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.
Health Insurance: Mandatory for all residents in Switzerland.
Travel Allowance: A one-time payment to help with airfare to and from Switzerland.
Research Funds: For PhD and postdoctoral students, this may include funds for research-related expenses.

Always read the details of each scholarship carefully, as some might cover tuition and provide a generous stipend, while others might offer a fixed amount that requires you to supplement with your own funds.

Premier Scholarships for International Students

Switzerland offers several prestigious scholarships, primarily for postgraduate students. Competition is high, but the opportunities are life-changing. Here are some of the most prominent programs you should know about.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

This is the most well-known scholarship program offered by the Swiss government. It is aimed at young researchers and artists from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD. The primary goal is to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries.

Who is it for? Primarily postgraduate researchers in any discipline (PhD, postdoctoral, research fellows) and artists with a bachelor’s degree. It is generally not for undergraduate or master’s degree programs.
What it Covers: The scholarship provides a monthly payment (e.g., CHF 1,920 for PhD students), exempts you from tuition fees, covers mandatory Swiss health insurance, and provides a lump sum for airfare.
How it Supports Your Goals: This scholarship gives you the financial freedom to focus entirely on your research at one of Switzerland’s public universities or research institutes. It’s a mark of high academic distinction and opens doors to global research networks.

University-Specific Excellence Scholarships

Many top Swiss universities offer their own merit-based scholarships to attract the best international talent. These are often targeted at master’s degree students and are highly competitive.

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities for science and technology. Its ESOP scholarship is designed for outstanding students wishing to pursue a master’s degree.

Who is it for? Top-performing students from any country entering an ETH Zurich Master’s program.
What it Covers: ESOP is very generous. It covers the full cost of study and living expenses. This includes a full tuition waiver and a special stipend of CHF 12,000 per semester to cover living and study costs.
How it Supports Your Goals: By removing financial barriers, ESOP allows students to fully immerse themselves in a demanding academic environment. Recipients are mentored by professors and become part of a network of future leaders in their fields.

EPFL Excellence Fellowships

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is another world-class science and engineering institution. Its excellence fellowships are for master’s level students with outstanding academic records.

Who is it for? Exceptional international students applying to an EPFL Master’s program.
What it Covers: The fellowship includes a financial package of CHF 16,000 per academic year. For some students, accommodation in a student residence is also reserved.
How it Supports Your Goals: This financial support helps you manage the high cost of living in Lausanne, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your studies and research projects at a top-tier university.

University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

The University of Geneva offers Excellence Fellowships for a range of Master’s programs within its Faculty of Science, Faculty of Medicine, and other departments.

Who is it for? Outstanding students from any university applying for a Master’s degree at the University of Geneva.
What it Covers: The fellowship is a grant amounting to CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year. It is not a full salary but provides significant support for one year, extendable for the duration of the master’s program.
How it Supports Your Goals: This fellowship recognizes academic achievement and provides the financial boost needed to study in the international city of Geneva, home to many global organizations.

University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants

UNIL offers grants to international students who have graduated from a foreign university and wish to pursue a master’s degree at UNIL.

Who is it for? International students with excellent academic records applying to a UNIL Master’s program (with a few exceptions).
What it Covers: The grant is awarded for the full duration of the master’s program and amounts to CHF 1,600 per month.
How it Supports Your Goals: This consistent monthly stipend provides stability, allowing students to plan their finances and focus on achieving their academic potential without the stress of part-time work.

Tips for a Successful Application

Securing a scholarship in Switzerland requires careful planning and a strong application.

Start Early: The application process for both university admission and scholarships often begins a year before the start of the academic term.
Demonstrate Academic Excellence: A high GPA, strong reference letters, and a clear, compelling statement of purpose are essential.
Tailor Your Application: Do not send a generic application. Customize your motivation letter and research proposal for the specific program and university. Explain why you are a perfect fit.
Check Language Requirements: Programs are taught in English, German, French, or Italian. Ensure you meet the language proficiency requirements for your chosen course.
Contact Professors: If you are applying for a research-based program (PhD or postdoc), it is highly recommended to contact a potential supervisor at the Swiss university beforehand. Their support can be crucial for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students in Switzerland? Fully funded scholarships for bachelor’s degree programs are very rare for international students in Switzerland. Most of the major scholarship programs, especially those funded by the government and top universities, are focused on master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels.

Can I work while studying on a scholarship? It depends on the scholarship’s regulations and your student visa. For non-EU/EFTA students, work is often restricted to a certain number of hours per week (usually 15 hours) and may only be permitted after the first six months of residence. Some scholarships may have rules that prohibit paid work.

What is the average cost of living for a student in Switzerland? Switzerland has a high cost of living. Students should budget approximately CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,500 per month to cover accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses. This can vary significantly depending on the city, with Geneva and Zurich being the most expensive.