Switzerland is a popular spot in front of the global forum because of its delicious chocolate, extravagant watches, Swiss Alps, and rhine falls, which is the largest waterfall in Europe. Apart from all these things, one more thing that makes Switzerland very unique is its education system. Swiss universities are quite prominent in the world. Although there are only 12 universities which are public, the majority of them find their spot in the QS world ranking every year for sure. As per the latest data, ETH Zurich and EPFL come under the top 20 universities in the world.
Since Switzerland provides top-quality education and universities are well reputed, there is always a misconception amongst international students that it is a very expensive study destination, but it is not the reality. If the student takes admission in any public university, their fee structure starts with only CHF 500 per semester, and there is a reasoning behind it: the swiss education system is highly backed by the government. Every year the government allots a huge fund for these public universities, which not only provide affordable education but also have so many programmes which are also offered in the English language. Another best path to make the tuition fee free or affordable is by being aware of these scholarships, which can make your swiss dream possible.
Scholarships To Study in Switzerland
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
This amazing fully funded scholarship is offered by ETH Zurich, which is ranked 7th in the world as per the QS world ranking for 2025. ETH Zurich is popular for biological sciences, Engineering & Technology, Architecture and built environment programmes. ETH zurich is a merit-based scholarship designed in a way to provide proper support to international students entering a new master’s programme.
Overview of ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Living cost allowance: CHF 12,000 per semester.
- Program Level – Master’s program only.
- Almost 60 scholarships are offered per intake.
- Applicable to all disciples of the master.
- A minimum A grade in a bachelor’s to be eligible to apply for the scholarship.
- Mentorship and the ETH Foundation’s professional connections are available, encouraging both intellectual and personal development.
- Students who have already obtained master’s degrees are not eligible to apply
Application Window – 1st Nov – 30th Nov
Selection Process – Initial screening by phone/video call interview in february. The Admissions Committees of the individual Master’s programmes review the applicants. The Rector at ETH Zurich has the final vote in scholarship distribution under the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program. The final decision is shared by the end of March.
For more info/update, please check the link – https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
The Swiss government scholarship is also one of the kinds of scholarships which invite students from around 180 countries to participate and avail themselves of the full tuition fee waiver and monthly living expenses (if applicable). The main aim of the scholarship is to promote academic exchange and international research collaboration between Switzerland and the rest of the world. The scholarship is offered to postgraduate research (with master’s degrees) and young artists completing further studies in Switzerland.
Overview of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
- Research scholarship – The research scholarship, which includes research fellowships, PhDs, and post-doctorates, is open to postgraduate researchers in any field who intend to visit Switzerland to conduct research or further study at the doctoral or post-doctoral level (a master’s degree is the minimum requirement needed).
- Art scholarships – Art students who want to pursue an initial arts master’s degree in Switzerland are eligible for art scholarships. Art scholarships for studies at any Swiss university or conservatory of the arts are given out. Only students from a select few nations are eligible for this grant.
- This scholarship covers the full tuition fee of the candidate.
- Swiss government excellence scholarship provide monthly living allowance of CHF 1,920
- health insurance for non-EU candidates.
- Swiss public transportation pass discounts
- housing allowance
Application Window – Usually published in Aug/Sep and deadlines in Sep and Dec (Depend on the country
Selection Criteria – The initial screening is done by preliminary selection by the concerned national authorities or swiss diplomatic representatives. The federal commission for scholarship for foreign students, or FCS, uses three factors to evaluate scholarship applications.
- Profile of the candidate
- The calibre of the artistic or scholarly project
- Potential for future research collaboration and synergies
The FCS announce the final decision by the end of may.
To know more about Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship – https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html
EPFL Excellence Scholarship
It is also one of the reputed scholarships which is offered by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, which is one of the top-notch institutes not only in Switzerland but also in Europe. The EPFL scholarship allows an amazing opportunity for international students to pursue the degree programme at this reputed institution. The main objective of this scholarship is to attract the smartest minds of the world and give them proper recognition and monetary benefits they deserve.
Overview of EPFL Excellence Scholarship
- It cover CHF 10,000 per semester, up to 4 semesters.
- EPFL is open to all nationalities and Swiss individuals applying to any EPFL master’s programme.
- Assistance on reservation of student housing on campus also under the scholarship
- Proper certification is provided upon graduation, which adds value to the students’ profiles.
- Candidates already having a master’s degree are not eligible for the scholarship
Selection Process – The fellowships are given out by the Excellence Fellowships Committee following an initial assessment by the sections. Notifications of the chosen applicants are sent out in early to mid-June for the second round and at the start of April for the first.
For more information about EPFL Excellence Scholarship – https://www.epfl.ch/education/master/master-excellence-fellowships/
Switzerland is also home to some of the big and great world organisations headquarters , such as the World Health Organisation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Trade Centre, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. These organisations regularly offer training and internship programmes to the international students, which makes it an ideal location for networking as well as a career advancement platform. Switzerland also comes under one of the top countries for minimum wage.
Looking for affordable universities in Switzerland which offer English-taught programs, check the link below now
