Switzerland offers a diverse range of scholarships and financial aid options to attract talented international students at all levels—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral. These scholarships are funded by the Swiss government, individual universities, EU programs, private foundations, and international organizations, supporting academic excellence, global mobility, and cross-cultural exchange.
🎓 Types of Scholarships
| 🏷️ Scholarship Type | 🌐 Provided By | 🎯 Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Government Excellence Scholarships | Swiss Government (SEMP & Swiss Confederation) | Merit-based, for Master’s, PhD & Postdoctoral researchers from selected countries |
| Institutional Scholarships | ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Geneva, etc. | Based on academic achievement, nationality, and financial need |
| Erasmus+ Grants | European Union (via Erasmus+ Mobility Program) | Exchange students enrolled in a partner EU university |
| Research & Doctoral Fellowships | Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) | Doctoral and postdoctoral research students with approved proposals |
| Private Scholarships | Foundations (e.g., Swiss Study Foundation, DAAD, ThinkSwiss) | Field-specific, merit or need-based |
🌟 Popular Scholarships for International Students
🇨🇭 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Offered by: State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
Level: Master’s (in select cases), PhD, Postdoctoral Research
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (~CHF 1,920)
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Tuition fee exemption (where applicable)
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Health insurance, airfare reimbursement
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Housing allowance
Eligibility: High academic standing, research proposal, and university admission
Application: Via Swiss embassies or official scholarship portal in your home country
🎓 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP)
Offered by: ETH Zurich
Level: Master’s programs
Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver + CHF 12,000 living expenses per semester
Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance and leadership potential
Application: Through ETH Zurich’s admissions office
🎓 EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Offered by: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Level: Master’s programs
Benefits: CHF 10,000/year + tuition fee coverage + housing assistance
Eligibility: Top academic achievers from any nationality
Application: Via EPFL’s Master’s program portal
🌍 Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD (Exchange)
Benefits: Monthly stipend (€300–€500), travel allowance
Eligibility: Students participating in EU-based exchange programs with Swiss partner institutions
Application: Through your home university’s Erasmus office
🧪 Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Fellowships
Level: Doctoral and Postdoctoral
Benefits: Salary funding, research grants, travel expenses
Eligibility: Admitted PhD/postdoc candidates with a host institution in Switzerland
Application: Directly through the SNSF with a validated research proposal
🔍 Additional Funding Opportunities
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ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships – For undergraduate/postgraduate research stays in Switzerland (open to US and Indian citizens)
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University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships – Financial support for exceptional Master’s students across disciplines
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Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships – Partial/full tuition waiver and stipends for Master’s in international relations and development
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IMD MBA Scholarships – Merit-based and need-based awards for MBA candidates
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Hospitality Scholarships – EHL, Les Roches, and Glion offer institutional scholarships for international students in hospitality and tourism
📌 Tips for Scholarship Applicants
✅ Begin researching 8–12 months before the intake
✅ Align your academic goals with the scholarship’s focus
✅ Draft a compelling Statement of Purpose and research plan
✅ Collect strong academic/professional letters of recommendation
✅ Demonstrate international motivation, leadership potential, or social impact
📩 Need Help Applying for Scholarships to Study in Switzerland?
At Impel Overseas Consultants, we assist you in:
✔ Identifying the right scholarships based on your profile
✔ Crafting standout SOPs, LORs, and scholarship essays
✔ Navigating Swiss embassy and university application procedures
✔ Ensuring full financial planning and documentation support
📞 Let’s secure your future with the right funding.
Start your Swiss education journey with confidence — contact us today! 🇨🇭🎓
