√Study in Switzerland for Free: Fully Funded Opportunities

Switzerland is often described as the heart of Europe, famous for its breathtaking mountains, cutting-edge research, and world-class education system. But for many international students, studying in such a prestigious country seems like an expensive dream.

Here’s the good news: you can study in Switzerland for free—or nearly free—through a range of fully funded scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about how to study in Switzerland without paying tuition fees, including the best fully funded scholarships, universities offering financial support, eligibility criteria, and tips to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.

Why Study in Switzerland?

Before diving into scholarships, it’s important to understand why Switzerland is one of the most attractive destinations for higher education:

• Top-ranked universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL consistently rank among the best in the world.

• Multilingual environment – students can study in English, German, French, or Italian.

• Strong research and innovation culture, with Swiss universities collaborating closely with global industries.

• High employment rate for graduates, both in Switzerland and internationally.

• Safe, clean, and high-quality lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.

Switzerland doesn’t just offer education—it offers a transformative experience.

Can You Really Study in Switzerland for Free?

Yes, it’s possible. While Switzerland is known for its high living costs, many universities charge very low tuition fees, and fully funded scholarships can cover almost all expenses, including tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and living costs.

Several Swiss universities and the Swiss government offer scholarships for international students at bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels.

Let’s explore the top opportunities that allow you to study in Switzerland for free.

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SGES)

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in Switzerland, offered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Who Can Apply

• Postgraduate students (Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral researchers)

• Applicants from over 180 eligible countries

What It Covers

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (approx. USD 2,100)

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• Housing allowance (one-time payment)

• Research and networking events

How to Apply

1. Find a research supervisor at a Swiss university.

2. Prepare a strong research proposal.

3. Submit your documents to the Swiss Embassy in your home country.

This scholarship is ideal for those who want to engage in advanced research and represent their country abroad.

2. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP)

ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading science and technology universities, offers the Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Program (ESOP) for outstanding international students pursuing a Master’s degree.

What It Covers

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Living and study expenses (CHF 12,000 per semester)

• Mentorship and career support opportunities

Eligibility

• Excellent academic record (top 10% of your class)

• Strong motivation and leadership potential

• Bachelor’s degree recognized by ETH Zurich

Application Deadline: Usually December to mid-December each year.

Tip: This scholarship is highly competitive, so make sure your motivation letter clearly shows your long-term goals and contribution to innovation.

3. EPFL Excellence Fellowships

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) also provides merit-based fellowships to international students applying for Master’s programs.

What It Covers

• CHF 10,000 per semester

• Housing assistance and visa support

• Full tuition fee coverage

EPFL’s fellowship allows recipients to study at one of the most research-intensive institutions in Europe—especially ideal for students in engineering, life sciences, and computer science.

4. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

The University of Geneva offers scholarships to top-performing students enrolling in Master’s programs, especially in science, law, or international relations.

Benefits

• Financial support up to CHF 10,000 per year

• Recognition from one of Europe’s most respected research universities

Eligibility

• Excellent academic performance

• Motivation letter showing research interests and career plans

This scholarship is perfect for students passionate about international diplomacy, given Geneva’s role as a hub for global organizations.

5. University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants

The University of Lausanne provides UNIL Master’s Grants for students who have completed a degree abroad and wish to pursue a Master’s program at UNIL.

What It Covers

• CHF 1,600 per month for the entire duration of the Master’s program

• Tuition fee exemption

Note: Some programs such as medicine or executive MBAs are not eligible.

6. University of Zurich Scholarships

The University of Zurich (UZH) offers limited but generous scholarships for outstanding students through collaborations with foundations and donors.

Types of Support

• Partial or full tuition waivers

• Research assistantships

• Grants for doctoral candidates

PhD students at UZH often receive paid research positions, effectively allowing them to study and earn at the same time.

7. Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships

Located in the diplomatic capital of the world, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) offers several fully funded opportunities for students passionate about global affairs, economics, and international law.

Available Scholarships

• Excellence Scholarship: Full tuition + CHF 20,000/year

• Full Financial Need Scholarship: Covers tuition + living expenses

• Partial Scholarships: Based on academic merit

If your goal is to work with the UN, World Bank, or NGOs, this institution provides excellent exposure and networking.

8. CERN Fellowship Program

Though not a traditional university, CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva offers fully funded fellowships for international researchers, engineers, and physicists.

Benefits

• Generous monthly allowance (CHF 5,000–7,000)

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• Access to world-class laboratories

It’s a life-changing experience for anyone in physics, computer science, or engineering.

Cost of Living in Switzerland (and How to Manage It)

Even with free tuition, living costs in Switzerland can be high—ranging from CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,500 per month. However, many scholarships include living stipends, and there are several ways to reduce expenses:

• Student jobs: Up to 15 hours per week are allowed during the semester.

• University housing: Cheaper than private apartments.

• Public transport discounts: Students receive half-fare travel cards.

• Budget wisely: Cook at home, use student canteens, and share apartments.

With smart financial planning, you can comfortably study in Switzerland without financial stress.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

1. Start Early: Research scholarships at least 6–12 months before deadlines.

2. Craft a Strong Motivation Letter: Show your purpose, goals, and how your field benefits from studying in Switzerland.

3. Secure Strong Recommendations: Academic or professional references add credibility.

4. Prepare a Solid Research Proposal (if applicable): Clearly outline your project objectives, methods, and expected results.

5. Meet All Requirements: Submit complete, error-free documents on time.

6. Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on just one—apply to several programs to increase success odds.

Top Universities in Switzerland for International Students

1. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

2. EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

3. University of Geneva

4. University of Lausanne

5. University of Zurich

6. University of Basel

7. Graduate Institute Geneva

All these universities are highly international, offering programs in English and maintaining global academic partnerships.

Conclusion

Studying in Switzerland for free is not a far-fetched dream—it’s a realistic goal for ambitious students worldwide. With numerous fully funded scholarships and low-tuition universities, you can earn a world-class degree while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful and innovative countries in Europe.

Whether you’re a researcher, artist, or future diplomat, Switzerland offers opportunities to learn, grow, and connect on a global scale.

Start researching now, prepare your documents, and take the first step toward your Swiss education journey. Your future in Switzerland awaits!