Switzerland Scholarships For International Students 2024-2025/26 without IELTS : Fully FundedAugust 14, 2024 by Digital Vaults Editorial Team
The Swiss Government and several Swiss universities have opened their doors to deserving students with their scholarship grants for this 2023 school year. If you have the qualifications, this is a great opportunity you should take advantage of. Plus, the Switzerland Scholarship does not require an IELTS score.
The Fully-Funded Switzerland Scholarships this 2024-25 are now open for admission applications for the 2024 academic year. International students who wish to study in Switzerland can now pursue their Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. Degree in one of the leading Swiss universities. Plus, students from overseas do not need IELTS when they apply for free education in Switzerland.
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Most of the universities in the Switzerland Scholarship program offer Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Animation, Arts and Design, Business Management, Computer and IT, Engineering, Films and Media, Hotel Management, Science and Technology.
The Switzerland Scholarship program is fully funded; accepted students will acquire several scholar privileges, including waived tuition fees, monthly allowance, Internship opportunities, and more.
So, how to apply for the scholarship program?
The Fully-Funded Switzerland Scholarship program is established by the Swiss Government and the Swiss universities themselves. So, choosing from several options can be overwhelming, especially for aspiring international Swiss scholars.
If you are interested in applying for the scholarship program, this article will help you choose the right program and the application process.
This article includes the following:
Top Colleges and Universities with no IELTS
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Fribourg
Government Scholarships to Study without IELTS
The Government of Switzerland offers scholarships to deserving students, both local and international.
#1.Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
The Government of Switzerland has recently announced its scholarship program, allowing 500 international students to apply for Master’s and Ph.D. programs, which are fully funded.
The duration of the Scholarship depends on the program applied;
- Research scholarships have 1 year of maximum duration.
- Ph.D. scholarships would take 1 to 3 years, based on the student’s academic results.
- Post-Doctoral scholarships are granted with 1 study duration.
This year the Swiss Government will choose more than 500 eligible international students from over 180 countries under two categories:
- Research Scholarships (Post-Graduates and Master’s Degree)
- Art Scholarships (Bachelor’s Degree Students)
The eligibility will differ from every country, as well as the application deadline. If you want to ensure your post is on the list of eligible students, apply for the Scholarship as early as Sep-Dec 2024 (Depending on country).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Awarded by
- Deadline: December 15, 2024
- Level: PhD Post Doc Postgraduate
- Type: Fully Funded
University Scholarships to Study without IELTS in Switzerland
Several colleges and universities in Switzerland offer fully-funded scholarships. While it is excellent news, international students are overwhelmed with information on which school to apply to for the scholarship program. So, to help deduce the options available, check the following list of top colleges and universities in Switzerland with their good attributes.
#2.University of Geneva Scholarship
One of the top schools in Switzerland is the University of Geneva. They are known for their quality education and facilities.
Local and international students, candidates for scholarships can apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Research degree programs. The scholarships offered in this school are as follows:
- University of Geneva Excellence Masters Scholarships
University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowship
Awarded by- Amount: CHF 15,000
- Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Partially Funded
Country: Switzerland Scholarship Type: Merit-based Offered by: University of Geneva Institutions: University of Geneva Required Language: English or French Degree Program: Postgraduate Scholarship Amount: Up to CHF 15,000 Application Deadline: 28th Feb, 2025 Join our Telegram Channel to Get the Latest International Scholarship Alerts and Tips. Have you or someone close to you dreamed of obtaining a Master of Science degree from the University of Geneva (UNIGE)? This is the ... Read more - Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- ACI Foundation Richard D. Stehly Memorial Scholarships
Highlights:
- Eligible scholars are granted monthly stipends, travel allowances, fee waivers, rewards, and more.
- You must pay CHF 65 for the admission application fee to apply for the University of Geneva’s Scholarship.
- The acceptance rate is 21 percent.
Language proficiency: The interested students must take language tests, including GRE, TOEFL, and CAE scores.
#3.University of Lausanne Scholarship
The University of Lausanne is the second oldest institute in Switzerland. They are currently at 11th rank for the best university in Europe.
UNIL Master’s Grants for Foreign Students
The University of Lausanne offers UNIL Masters Scholarship this 2024 for the academic school year 2024-2025. International students who wish to continue their Master’s Degree in Switzerland may apply for the Scholarship. Candidates with outstanding academic results may receive several awards from the school. They offer 10 awards each year.
Highlights:
- Eligible students are awarded several benefits, including registration fee exemptions, airfare, house and living costs, and more.
- You must pay CHF 200 for the admission application fee to apply for the University of Lausanne’s Scholarship.
- The acceptance rate is 39 – 41 percent.
Language proficiency: Interested students must submit language tests with TOEFL and C1 scores.
The application deadline is on 1st November.
- Amount: CHF 1,600 for 10 months
- Deadline: November 1, 2024
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Partially Funded
#4.University of Basel Scholarship
Another reputable school in Switzerland is the University of Basel. They offer scholarships for eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students in several fields. These scholarships include:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Cantonal scholarships
- Start-up Scholarships for Social Studies and more.
Highlights:
- Eligible students are awarded several benefits, including training, awards (academic grants), teaching opportunities, and more.
- To apply for the University of Basel’s Scholarship, you need to pay CHF 100 for the admission application fee.
- The acceptance rate is medium.
Language proficiency: The interested applicant is not required to take the IELTS but must have TOEFL.
#5.University of Bern Scholarship
Another known university in Switzerland to offer quality education is the University of Bern.
The University of Bern offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorate degrees. The students may apply for the following scholarships:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Scholarships Canton of Bern
- Fulbright Scholarship and more.
Highlights:
- Eligible students are awarded several benefits, including scholarship rewards, living allowance, fee waivers, and free accommodations.
- To apply for the University of Bern’s Scholarship, you need to pay CHF 100 for the admission application fee.
- The acceptance rate is at 32 percent.
Language proficiency: Interested international students must submit TOEFL scores.
#6.University of Fribourg Scholarship
The University of Fribourg, one of the reputable schools in Switzerland, has recently announced generous scholarship schemes for both local and international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.
The university offers the following scholarships:
- Scholarship for research placements
- Scholarship for the complete doctorate.
- Nordmann Scholarship
Highlights:
- Eligible students are awarded several benefits, including scholarship rewards, financial aid and grants, and more.
- The university’s acceptance rate is 64 percent, higher than other universities mentioned.
- To apply for the University of Bern’s Scholarship, you need to pay CHF 50 for the admission application fee.
Language proficiency: Interested international students must submit B1 level and TOEFL scores.
#7.Excellence Masters Scholarships at ETH Zurich
- Funded by: ETH Zurich
- Type: Fully Funded
- Education level: Master’s degree
- Duration: 3 or 4 semesters
- Deadline: 15 December
- Official Website: https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html
The Excellence Masters Scholarship program enables outstanding students worldwide to obtain a Master’s degree in their chosen field of study at ETH Zurich. The program is designed to attract talented students with high academic achievements, provide them with the best possible education and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in their careers. Finalists are selected based on merit alone, regardless of nationality.
- The Excellence Masters Scholarship is a selective and prestigious one-year program for international students.
- It offers full funding for a globally recognized Master of Science degree from a top institution.
- All tuition fees and additional education expenses are paid by the scholarship.
- Scholars gain professional experience through internship opportunities with partner companies.
- Past participants have consistently secured positions at leading global employers after graduation.
- The program provides both a world-class education and strong support for success in postgraduate careers and employment.
- It removes financial barriers to earning a master’s degree while connecting students with career advantages and opportunities at top companies worldwide.
In summary, the Excellence Masters Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship that allows top international students to earn a respected Master of Science, gain work experience through internships, and enhances post-graduate prospects at elite global employers.
- Amount: Fully Funded
- Deadline: November 30, 2024
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Fully Funded
#8.EPFL Excellence Fellowship
Fellowships for students with outstanding academic records financed directly by EPFL or through partners
- Host institution: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Bachelors/Masters degrees at EPFL in Switzerland
- Fields of study: Eligible Masters programs at EPFL
- Number of awards: Limited
- Target group: All students, including international students
- Deadlines : 15 Dec/30 April
- Scholarship value:
- CHF 10,000 per semester
- Student residence room reservation
- Duration:
- Bachelors: 3 years
- Masters: 4 semesters (50 ECTS credits and 5.0/6 average required for renewal)
- Eligibility: Remarkable academic results and activities
- Official guidelines and website : https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/ https://www.epfl.ch/education/bachelor/bachelor-excellence-fellowships/
Excellence and Diversity
- Fellowships available to students from EPFL and other institutions
- Allows students to pursue activities enriching their professional and interdisciplinary skills
Application and Fellowship Renewal
- Students check box on Master’s application and provide file
- Academic background is crucial but experiences also considered
- Experiences include research, entrepreneurship, societal commitment
- Fellowship renewed with 50 ECTS credits and average of 5.0/6
- Amount: Fully Funded
- Deadline: November 30, 2024
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Fully Funded
#9.Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
Master’s Programme Tuition and Fees
- For Swiss residents, the tuition fees for a Master’s programme are 5,000 Swiss Francs per year.
- Non-resident students will be charged tuition fees of 8,000 Swiss Francs per year for a Master’s programme.
Financial Aid for Masters Students
- Masters students may be awarded scholarships that are either partial (10,000 CHF per year) or full (20,000 CHF per year) to help cover costs.
- Another option is receiving a reduction in tuition fees to make the programme more affordable.
- Paid employment opportunities are also available such as working as a teaching or administrative assistant at the Graduate Institute.
- Students may apply for educational loans through the Swiss organization EducaSwiss if additional financing is required.
Types of Financial Aid
- In addition to scholarships, other forms of support include reductions in tuition fees and paid employment positions at the Institute.
Applying for Financial Aid for Masters
- Master’s applicants seeking financial aid must document their full financial situation as part of the application process.
- Support is awarded based on both financial need and the overall excellence of the application within the constraints of available funding.
- If a student’s financial circumstances remain unchanged, any aid given will be renewed to cover the entire two-year program.
PhD Programme Tuition and Fees
- The Graduate Institute strives to fully fund all PhD students, including both a stipend to cover living expenses and a substantial contribution toward tuition fees.
Financial Aid for PhD Students
- All doctoral students admitted to the Graduate Institute are eligible to receive financial support.
- PhD candidates do not need to submit information about their personal finances in their application.
- Starting in September 2023, any offer of admission will automatically include a support package for all four years of study.
- This package covers both a living stipend and a significant portion of tuition costs.
- Students may supplement this support through limited paid employment such as teaching or research work.
Specific Scholarships
- Individual scholarships tied to specific partners or donors cannot be directly applied for.
- The Financial Aid Committee will assign any eligible students to appropriate named scholarships based on the funding criteria and restrictions of each.
#10.IMD MBA Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: MBA program
- Offered by: IMD
- Type: Partially/Fully funded for 1 year
- Degree Program: Masters in Business Administration
- Scholarship Amount: CHF 85,000 award
- Deadline: January 15, 2024 (Earlybird application payment waiver), February 15, April 15, and June 15, 2024.
- Official website: https://www.imd.org/degree/mba/financing/imd-mba-scholarships/
| Scholarship | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Young Leaders Scholarships | Up to CHF 50K | Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and be aged 24-27 years old |
| Swiss Resident Scholarship | CHF 25 – 50K | Be currently living in Switzerland with a valid work permit or Swiss passport |
| Forté Women Scholarships | CHF 20K | Women applicants who apply for the 15 April and 15 June admissions deadlines |
| Leadership Scholarships | CHF 30K | Demonstrate exceptional leadership experience or potential |
| Entrepreneur Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Demonstrate strong entrepreneurial experience |
| Sustainability Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Demonstrate exceptional sustainability impact |
| Healthcare Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Demonstrate strong work experience in the healthcare industry |
| Military Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Have a professional military background with strong achievements |
| Sports Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Demonstrate a strong professional sports background |
| Tech Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Demonstrate strong work experience in the tech industry |
| German Engineer Scholarship | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of Germany and demonstrate a strong engineering background |
| Africa Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
| Asia Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
| Europe Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
| Latin America Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
| Middle East Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
| North America Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
| Oceania Scholarships | Up to CHF 30K | Be a citizen of this region |
List of Other Scholarships
The Hilti Scholars Program – Up to CHF 50K
Open CO-RO scholarship for Danish nationals- CHF 97.5K
Open The Staton Scholarship – CHF 50K
Open The BackPack-Excellence Scholarship for Women – Full scholarship & living expenses
Open The Jebsen Family Global South MBA & EMBA Scholars Program – Up to CHF 50K
Open The Nestlé Scholarship for Women – CHF 25K
- Deadline: January 15, 2025
- Level: Postgraduate
- Type: Fully Funded Partially Funded
Scholarship Coverage
The coverage of the Scholarship will depend on the scholarship program applied. Typically, it includes the following:
- Scholarship rewards
- Tuition fee waivers
- Free air tickets
- Study material costs
- Food and living costs or free accommodations
- Monthly stipends
- Free access to Swiss University Libraries
- Allowed to work part-time, even on a student visa
- The internship is also offered to eligible international students.
Scholarship Requirements
The requirements for the Swiss scholarship program will depend on the program you wish to apply. If you are interested in pursuing your studies in Switzerland, but taking advantage of the scholarships available, try to check the school you want to attend or the government scholarship application process by visiting their websites.
