Most Scholarships Offered by Universities in Switzerland for International Students

Switzerland is not just famous for its stunning landscapes and peaceful lifestyle—it is also one of the best countries for international students seeking quality education. One of the biggest advantages for students from around the world is the range of scholarships offered by Swiss universities. Many institutions in Switzerland provide generous financial aid packages that help international students cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research support.

Below is a list of the top 10 universities in Switzerland known for offering the most scholarships to international students:

1. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

ETH Zurich is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious science and technology universities. Every year, it offers several scholarships to highly talented international students, particularly at the master’s level. One of its main scholarship programs provides not only full tuition coverage but also generous living allowances. Students are selected based on academic excellence, strong motivation, and leadership potential. ETH Zurich also supports research students and young scientists through additional funding schemes.

2. EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, EPFL is known for its innovative research and global outlook. It provides a wide range of fellowships for international students, especially those applying to graduate programs. EPFL’s Excellence Fellowships cover tuition fees and living expenses for two years. Students benefit from an international environment and state-of-the-art research facilities. The school also has partnerships with foundations that provide financial assistance for students from developing countries.

3. University of Geneva

Situated in one of the most international cities in the world, the University of Geneva offers several scholarships for talented international students. The Excellence Master Fellowships are among the most well-known and competitive. These grants are aimed at students with outstanding academic records, particularly in science, law, economics, and international relations. The university also supports PhD candidates through research grants, often linked to the work of international organizations based in Geneva.

4. University of Lausanne

The University of Lausanne is another institution that welcomes international students with open arms. Each year, it offers a number of master's grants specifically for students from outside Switzerland. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and include a monthly stipend. The selection process is based on merit and academic potential. In addition, the university works closely with local foundations and international programs to support student mobility and research.

5. University of St. Gallen

The University of St. Gallen is well-known for business and economics education. It offers several scholarships tailored for international master’s students. One of the most prominent is the Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund, which supports top-performing students from around the world. Apart from that, the university has its own merit scholarships and also takes part in Swiss federal and cantonal scholarship programs. Students with entrepreneurial or leadership skills are especially encouraged to apply.

6. University of Bern

The University of Bern is a research-driven institution that provides various scholarships through both university and government channels. International doctoral students can apply for research fellowships, while some master's level students may benefit from cantonal scholarships or third-party funding. The university also participates in the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, which are available for postgraduate international students conducting research in Switzerland.

7. University of Basel

As Switzerland’s oldest university, Basel has a long tradition of academic excellence and student support. The university offers various scholarship opportunities for international students, particularly at the PhD and postdoctoral levels. Many of these scholarships are linked to faculty research grants or national programs. Students in disciplines like life sciences, humanities, and sustainability often benefit from strong funding support.

8. Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)

Located in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, USI is smaller in size but very active in supporting international students. The university offers several scholarships based on academic merit. These are often directed at students in areas such as communication, economics, architecture, and informatics. USI also works with international donors and Swiss foundations to offer need-based support and research funding for outstanding candidates.

9. University of Zurich

The University of Zurich is one of the largest universities in the country and has a wide selection of academic programs. International students can benefit from various scholarship options, especially those pursuing graduate studies. While the university itself provides some funding, many students apply through national and international scholarship schemes, including those offered by research institutions and foundations. Zurich also supports doctoral students with research assistant positions and stipends.

10. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva

This specialized institute focuses on international relations, development studies, law, and economics. It attracts students from over 100 countries and provides generous financial aid packages. Scholarships at the Graduate Institute are awarded based on academic excellence and financial need. They cover tuition and living costs and are available at both master's and PhD levels. The institute also has a strong network of funding partners and donors who support students with diverse backgrounds.

Final Thoughts

Switzerland remains a top destination for international students not only because of its excellent education system but also due to the financial support offered by many of its institutions. Whether you're applying for a master's degree, a PhD, or a research program, there are plenty of opportunities to study in Switzerland without the heavy burden of high tuition fees.

If you are a motivated and high-achieving student, don’t hesitate to explore scholarship opportunities at these universities. Many programs reward talent, encourage diversity, and help students reach their academic goals in one of the most advanced education systems in the world.

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