√Top Swiss Universities Offering Scholarships for Global Learners

Switzerland is one of the most attractive destinations for international students. Known for its high academic standards, global research opportunities, and multicultural environment, the country is home to some of the best universities in the world.

Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Switzerland offers a unique combination of quality education, innovative research, and strong industry connections — especially in fields like engineering, hospitality, finance, life sciences, and sustainability.

However, studying in Switzerland can be costly. That’s why it’s essential to explore scholarships offered by top Swiss universities. These scholarships help global learners reduce financial pressure while giving them access to world-class education.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top universities in Switzerland offering scholarships, what they provide, and how you can apply.

1. ETH Zurich – Excellence and Opportunity Scholarships

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) is ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide. It is globally recognized for programs in engineering, natural sciences, and computer science.

Scholarship Programs:

1. Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

   • For Master’s students with outstanding academic records.

   • Covers full tuition fees + CHF 12,000 per semester for living expenses.

2. ETH-D Scholarship

   • Includes partial funding with additional assistantship or research work.

Eligibility:

• Strong academic performance in a relevant Bachelor’s program.

• Admission into ETH Zurich’s Master’s degree.

• Motivation letter and reference letters required.

Why It’s Great:

ETH Zurich’s scholarships are highly competitive but provide complete financial coverage and access to cutting-edge research labs.

2. EPFL Lausanne – Excellence Fellowships

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is another top Swiss institution, known for innovation, technology, and scientific research. EPFL hosts over 120 nationalities on its campus, making it a true global hub.

Scholarship Program:

EPFL Excellence Fellowship

• Offered to students with exceptional academic achievements applying for Master’s programs.

• Funded by EPFL and various foundations.

Benefits:

• CHF 10,000 per semester (for up to two years).

• Support for housing and study expenses.

Why It’s Popular:

EPFL’s fellowship helps attract the brightest minds from around the world, encouraging them to contribute to research and innovation in Switzerland.

3. University of Zurich – Graduate and Doctoral Scholarships

The University of Zurich (UZH) is Switzerland’s largest university, offering a wide range of programs in law, business, medicine, and the humanities.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• University of Zurich Excellence Scholarship – for international graduate students.

• UZH Doctoral Grants – for PhD students conducting innovative research.

• Faculty-Based Awards – especially in law, economics, and life sciences.

Coverage:

Partial to full tuition waivers and monthly stipends (up to CHF 2,000/month).

Deadlines:

Applications usually align with admission cycles — check the UZH international office page for updates.

Why It’s Great:

The University of Zurich’s strong partnerships with ETH Zurich, IBM, and local research institutes make it a great place for interdisciplinary studies.

4. University of Geneva – Excellence Master Fellowships

Located in the heart of international diplomacy, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) offers strong programs in international relations, law, and sciences.

Main Program:

Excellence Master Fellowships

• Open to students of all nationalities applying for a Master’s degree.

• Supported by the Faculty of Science and other university partners.

Benefits:

• CHF 10,000–15,000 per year.

• Renewable depending on academic performance.

Eligibility:

• High academic standing (top 10% of your class).

• Admission to one of UNIGE’s eligible Master’s programs.

• Motivational letter and recommendation letters required.

Why It’s Ideal:

Geneva is home to the United Nations, WHO, and CERN, giving students direct access to international organizations and career opportunities.

5. University of Lausanne – UNIL Master’s Grants

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is known for its interdisciplinary programs and scenic campus by Lake Geneva.

Scholarship Program:

UNIL Master’s Grant

• For students who have completed their Bachelor’s degree outside Switzerland.

• Available for most Master’s programs except medicine and law.

Benefits:

• CHF 1,600 per month for the full duration of the program (usually 18–24 months).

Application Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swiss degree.

• Motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letters.

Why It’s Great:

The UNIL Master’s Grant allows international students to study in Switzerland for free while gaining exposure to diverse academic and cultural perspectives.

6. University of Basel – Research and Mobility Scholarships

The University of Basel, Switzerland’s oldest university, focuses heavily on research and global collaboration.

Scholarships:

• Basel Excellence Scholarship for International Students

• Research Mobility Grant for visiting researchers and exchange students.

Benefits:

• CHF 2,000–5,000 per semester.

• Support for short-term research projects and conferences.

Why It’s Unique:

Basel’s location near Germany and France makes it an excellent choice for students seeking international exposure and networking.

7. IMD Business School – MBA and Executive Scholarships

IMD Business School in Lausanne is a top-ranked global institution for MBA and executive education programs.

Scholarship Options:

• IMD MBA Scholarships for international professionals.

• Nestlé Scholarship for Women – for female candidates worldwide.

• IMD Merit-Based Awards based on academic excellence.

Benefits:

• Partial tuition waivers ranging from CHF 10,000 to CHF 50,000.

Why It’s Ideal:

IMD’s scholarships are perfect for professionals aiming to combine academic excellence with global leadership development.

8. University of St. Gallen – Excellence and Performance Scholarships

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is Switzerland’s top business and economics university, ranked among Europe’s best.

Scholarships:

• St. Gallen Excellence Scholarships – for Master’s students with exceptional achievements.

• HSG Financial Aid Programs – need-based support for international learners.

Benefits:

• CHF 6,000–15,000 per year.

• Some programs include paid internships with partner companies.

Why Choose St. Gallen:

HSG combines academic rigor with real-world business exposure, making it a leading choice for business students globally.

How to Apply for Swiss University Scholarships

Applying for scholarships in Switzerland requires careful preparation. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Target University – Visit official university websites to explore scholarship details.

2. Check Eligibility Early – Each scholarship has unique criteria (grades, nationality, or research area).

3. Prepare Required Documents – Academic transcripts, motivation letter, CV, and recommendation letters.

4. Submit Before the Deadline – Most Swiss scholarships close between December and March.

5. Follow Up – Some programs may require interviews or research proposals.

Pro Tip: Apply for multiple scholarships across different universities to improve your chances of success.

Conclusion

Switzerland offers a wide range of scholarships for global learners, from the world-renowned ETH Zurich to specialized universities like IMD and St. Gallen.

Whether you’re a researcher, engineer, business student, or future innovator, there’s a scholarship waiting for you. With careful planning and the right application strategy, you can study in Switzerland for free or with significant financial support.

So, explore your options, apply early, and take your academic journey to the next level — in one of the most advanced and beautiful countries in the world.