Top Universities in Switzerland Offering Scholarships for International StudentsJuly 29, 2024 by Digital Vaults Editorial Team
Switzerland isn’t just home to some of the world’s best chocolates and watches; it also boasts an impressive array of universities that attract international students with a blend of high-quality education and generous scholarship opportunities. If you’re a foreign student dreaming of studying amidst the stunning Alpine landscapes, here are five Swiss universities where you might just land a financial aid package to help make your educational dreams a reality.
| University | Scholarship Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship | Covers full study and living costs for the duration of the Master’s program. |
| University of Zurich | UZH Excellence Scholarship | Offers a full waiver of tuition fees and a monthly stipend for living expenses. |
| EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) | EPFL Excellence Fellowships | Provides financial assistance to outstanding students for Master’s programs. |
| University of Geneva | Excellence Master Fellowships | Offers scholarships for Master’s students based on academic excellence. |
| University of Lausanne | UNIL Master’s Grants | Provides a monthly stipend for students enrolled in Master’s programs. |
| University of Basel | Scholarships and Grants | Offers various scholarships for different levels of study, including Master’s. |
| University of St. Gallen | Excellence Scholarships | Provides financial support for both Bachelor’s and Master’s students. |
| University of Fribourg | Scholarships for International Students | Offers need-based and merit-based scholarships for international students. |
| Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies | Graduate Institute Scholarships | Offers a range of scholarships for Master’s and PhD students. |
| University of Bern | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Funded by the Swiss government, available for research, PhD, and postdoctoral studies |
1. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
ETH Zurich stands out not only for its academic excellence but also for its commitment to supporting international students. Known primarily for pioneering research in science and engineering, ETH Zurich offers a variety of scholarships like the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) which covers full study and living costs. Additionally, there’s the ETH-D Scholarship for those needing partial funding, making it an attractive option for talented students who aspire to innovate and lead in their fields. You need to know, though, that getting into this school can be hard. You will need a good admission essay to highlight your achievements and determination to join this prestigious school. You can consult some of the top essay writing services such as Academized to get personalized feedback on creating the perfect essay that will help improve your chance of acceptance. Their writing experts have ample experience writing essays that can “sell” a student to any college.
- Amount: Fully Funded
- Deadline: November 30, 2024
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Fully Funded
2. University of Zurich
As one of the largest universities in Switzerland, the University of Zurich prides itself on a broad array of programs ranging from the sciences to the humanities. For international students, the university offers the UZH Scholarship, which is aimed at top foreign students who wish to pursue their Master’s degree here. The scholarship covers living expenses and tuition fees for the duration of the program, providing a solid foundation for students to excel without financial pressures.
3. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
At EPFL, international students have access to the EPFL Excellence Fellowships program, which is designed to attract highly talented foreign students to its Master’s programs. This fellowship provides a significant financial package that includes a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend. Located in a region known for its vibrant scientific community, EPFL is an ideal choice for students eager to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation.
4. University of Geneva
The University of Geneva is renowned for its leading research and offers several scholarships for international postgraduate students, including:
- Focus Areas: Strong in medicine, natural sciences, and international relations.
- Excellence Master Fellowships: Offered by the Faculty of Science for students aiming to pursue a Master of Science in various scientific disciplines.
- Financial Support: The fellowship provides significant financial aid to cover study-related expenses.
- Research Opportunities: Fellows join a dynamic and internationally recognized research team, enhancing their academic and professional development.
University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowship
Awarded by- Amount: CHF 15,000
- Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Partially Funded
5. University of St. Gallen
Known for its prestigious business education, the University of St. Gallen offers Excellence Scholarships to foreign students enrolled in its Master’s programs. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and potential in various fields of study, providing a grant that covers tuition fees and living expenses. The University of St. Gallen is an excellent choice for aspiring business leaders looking to make a mark in the global marketplace.
Other Notable Scholarships
E4D Doctoral Scholarships
Awarded by- Amount: 200'000 CHF
- Deadline: April 30, 2024
- Level: PhD
- Type: Partially Funded
Franklin University Switzerland Graduate Merit Awards
Awarded by Franklin University Switzerland- Amount: from CHF 1’000 to CHF 6’250
- Deadline: June 15, 2024
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Partially Funded
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarship 2024-2025: Fully Funded Scholarship in Switzerland
Awarded by- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Fully Funded
- Deadline: December 15, 2024
- Level: Postgraduate Undergraduate
- Type: Partially Funded
Educational Excellence in the Heart of Europe
Switzerland’s commitment to educational excellence is clearly reflected in its universities’ efforts to make higher education accessible to international students through scholarships. These five institutions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to opportunities available in this beautiful country. With its diverse programs, cutting-edge research, and welcoming environment for students from abroad, Swiss universities continue to be a top choice for those looking to enhance their academic and professional journeys.
