Your Guide to Postgraduate Scholarships in Switzerland

Dreaming of pursuing your Master’s or PhD amidst the stunning landscapes and world-class innovation of Switzerland? You’re in the right place. This guide offers clear, simple information on postgraduate study paths and scholarships, helping you understand how to turn your academic goals into a reality.

Understanding the Swiss Higher Education System

Before diving into scholarships, it’s helpful to know about the institutions you might be attending. Switzerland is renowned for its commitment to research and education, boasting some of the world’s top-ranked universities. The system is generally divided into three main types of institutions for higher learning:

  • Cantonal Universities: These are traditional universities offering a wide range of subjects in fields like law, humanities, and science. There are ten of them, including the well-regarded University of Geneva and the University of Zurich.
  • Federal Institutes of Technology: Switzerland has two of these powerhouses: ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) and EPFL (École Polytechnique FĂ©dĂ©rale de Lausanne). They are globally famous for their excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts: These institutions focus on professional, practice-oriented education and applied research.

Most Master’s programs take between 1.5 to 2 years to complete, while PhD programs typically last 3 to 5 years. Many postgraduate programs, especially in the sciences, are taught entirely in English, making them highly accessible to international students.

What Does "Fully Funded" Actually Mean?

The term “fully funded” is exciting, but what does it include? While the exact details can vary, a fully funded scholarship in Switzerland is generally very comprehensive. It is designed to allow students to focus completely on their studies without financial worry.

Typically, these prestigious awards cover:

  • Full Tuition Fees: The cost of your academic program is completely waived.
  • Living Stipend: You receive a monthly or annual payment to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. This amount is calculated to be sufficient for a comfortable student life in Switzerland.
  • Health Insurance: Mandatory health insurance costs are often included.
  • Additional Allowances: Some scholarships may also provide funds for airfare, research materials, or conference travel.

It is important to remember that these scholarships are extremely competitive. They are awarded to candidates with outstanding academic records, strong research potential, and a clear vision for their studies.

Major Scholarship Opportunities in Switzerland

Here are some of the most prominent and generous scholarship programs available for international students seeking postgraduate degrees in Switzerland.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

This is the most famous scholarship program offered by the Swiss government. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a Master’s degree or PhD.

  • Who is it for? Primarily for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and research fellows. It is not generally available for Master’s programs.
  • What does it cover? It provides a monthly stipend, exempts you from tuition fees, covers health insurance, and may offer a lump sum for airfare.
  • How to apply: The application process is unique. You typically apply through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. The selection process is managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Deadlines are usually in the autumn for the following academic year.

University-Specific Excellence Scholarships

Many top Swiss universities offer their own merit-based scholarships to attract the best international talent. These are often targeted at Master’s students.

  • ETH Zurich - Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP): This is one of the most prestigious scholarships at ETH Zurich. It supports students in their Master’s degree studies. It covers the full cost of study and living expenses, allowing students to be financially independent. The application is submitted along with your Master’s program application.
  • EPFL - Excellence Fellowships: EPFL offers a limited number of fellowships at the Master’s level to students with exceptional academic records. The fellowship includes a generous stipend per semester for the duration of the Master’s program.
  • University of Geneva - Excellence Master Fellowships: This program was established by the Faculty of Science to support outstanding and highly motivated candidates who intend to pursue a Master of Science in any of the disciplines offered by the faculty. The grant amounts to a significant sum per year and is awarded for the full duration of the Master’s program.
  • University of Lausanne - UNIL Master’s Grants: The University of Lausanne offers grants exclusively to students who have graduated from a foreign university and whose academic results are of a very high level. The scholarship is granted for the minimum statutory period of the program and includes a monthly stipend.

Salaried PhD Positions

In Switzerland, particularly in STEM fields, a PhD is often considered a job. Instead of applying for a scholarship, you apply for an open position as a doctoral candidate or research assistant within a professor’s research group. If hired, you receive a salary that is more than enough to live on. These positions are advertised on university websites, job portals like jobs.ac.uk, and academic networks. This is the most common way to fund a PhD in Switzerland.

How to Build a Winning Application

Securing a scholarship requires careful planning and a strong application package.

  • Start Early: Researching programs and scholarships can take months. Application deadlines are often a full year before the program starts. Give yourself plenty of time.
  • Achieve Academic Excellence: A high GPA is fundamental. Strong grades in relevant subjects are crucial for demonstrating your academic capabilities.
  • Gain Research Experience: For PhD applicants, prior research experience is essential. For Master’s applicants, it can give you a significant edge.
  • Write a Compelling Motivation Letter: This is your chance to shine. Clearly articulate why you want to study that specific program at that specific university. Connect your past experiences to your future goals and explain why you are the ideal candidate.
  • Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ask professors who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths and potential. Provide them with your CV, motivation letter, and plenty of notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the language requirements for studying in Switzerland? Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The language of instruction depends on the university’s location. However, a large and growing number of Master’s and PhD programs are taught entirely in English. You will need to provide proof of proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, if English is not your first language.

Can I work part-time while studying on a scholarship? This depends on the scholarship’s rules and your visa regulations. Many fully funded scholarships provide enough support that working is not necessary. For other student visas, international students are often allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during the semester, but typically only after their first six months in the country.

Are scholarships available for all fields of study? While there are opportunities across many disciplines, a large number of scholarships, especially at the PhD level, are concentrated in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and medicine. However, programs like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships also have provisions for the arts and humanities. Always check the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship.