The best scholarships to study in Switzerland — fully-funded, monthly allowances, and more

Everything in Switzerland is expensive.

But don’t let that deter you from thinking you can’t ever afford to study here, especially as some of the top universities in the world are located on Switzerland’s shores. 

ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, is ranked #7 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Here’s the kicker though: Tuition is surprisingly affordable, especially if you apply for the best Switzerland scholarships for international students — but we’ll get to that in a bit. 

At ETH Zurich, annual tuition for international students is just US$1,712 — far from the average US$35,000 you might pay in the US.

The real challenge? The cost of living.

Switzerland is one of the most expensive places for international students, with average monthly living costs reaching US$2,896 compared to US$2,433 in the US, as stated by the World Population Review.

However, removing rent from the equation lowers the monthly cost to around US$1,650 for a single person.

A Big Mac in Switzerland, according to the Big Mac Index — which compares the purchasing power of different currencies by comparing the price of a McDonald’s Big Mac burger across different countries — costs US$8.07 compared to US$5.69 in the US.

There are reasons why things are so pricey here:

• High wages: The country’s labour laws and worker protection ensure fair compensation and favourable working conditions for its workers, who earn a monthly salary of US$5,192.
• Strong currency: The Swiss Franc (CHF) contributes to the country’s high costs. Its currency is recognised for its power in the currency market. This means tourists may find things expensive as their currencies stretch less when converting to CHF.
• Tourism: Switzerland’s beautiful nature, mountains, and lakeside cities attract tourists year-round, pushing up demands and prices.

Here’s how this Reddit user puts it: “Switzerland seems very expensive for tourists, but when you have a job here, it’s like every country. Some people live better than others, but generally, you can save more money than in your own country.”

The silver lining? Switzerland is also one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal choice for international students.

So, how do you become a student in this beautiful, safe, and rich country? The answer is scholarships.

Types of Switzerland scholarships for international students

Government scholarships

The Swiss government offers a range of scholarships, often based on academic merit, research potential, or the applicant’s country of origin.

These can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

Organisation scholarship

International organisations like the European Union and non-governmental organisations also provide scholarships, often aimed at promoting global cooperation and development.

These scholarships typically cover full tuition and living costs.

University scholarships

Many Swiss universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students with outstanding academic records.

These may cover partial or full tuition and sometimes even living expenses.

Switzerland scholarships for international students in undergraduate programmes

University of Basel Scholarships for International Students

Educational level: Bachelor’s

Amount of award: Between 200 to 1,000 CHF a month (approximately US$226 to US$1,131)

Deadline: Not listed

Situated near the borders of France and Germany, the University of Basel offers several scholarships for enrolled students, including the Scholarship Funds, Solidarity Funds, and the Legat Grobe.

The Scholarship Funds primarily provide partial scholarships during the final phase of a degree, offering support between 200 to 600 CHF (approximately US$226 to US$679) per month.

These can be combined with the Solidarity Funds, which range from 500 to 1,000 CHF (US$565 to US$1,131) per semester. The Legat Grobe is specifically awarded to students pursuing degrees in biology with a focus on zoology or botany, offering support between 200 to 600 CHF (approximately US$226 to US$679) per month.

Both the Scholarship Funds and the Legat Grobe are available to Master’s students as well.

Franklin Honours Programme Award

Educational level: Bachelor’s

Amount of award: US$3,000 to US$10,000 annually

Deadline: December 1 for Fall

Franklin University Switzerland awards the Franklin Honours Programme Scholarship to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and have completed a rigorous secondary school curriculum.

Recipients are chosen through an interview process conducted by the Honours Programme Executive Committee.

To retain the scholarship, students must maintain strong academic standing and actively participate in Honours Society events, including “Learned Conversations” and other activities designed to immerse them in the honours programme.

Switzerland scholarships for international students in postgraduate programmes

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students and Artists

Educational level: Master’s and PhD

Amount of award: 1,920 to 3,500 CHF per month (approximately US$2,173 to US$3,961)

Deadline: September to December

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed for international researchers who have completed a Master’s or PhD, as well as foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree.

Two types of scholarships are offered: Research and Art. The Research Scholarship is available to post-graduate researchers from any discipline who wish to conduct research or pursue a PhD in Switzerland. These scholarships are fully funded, with recipients receiving a monthly stipend of 1,920 to 3,500 CHF (US$2,173 to US$3,961).

The Art Scholarship supports students pursuing a master’s degree in the arts at a Swiss conservatory or art university, offering a monthly stipend of 1,920 CHF (US$2,173) to cover living costs.

Hirschmann Grant for Master’s Degree Students Attending Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts

Educational level: Master’s

Amount of award: 5,000 to 10,000 CHF (approximately US$5,659 to US$11,318)

Deadline: April 15 and October 15

Established by the Hirschmann Foundation, the Hirschmann Grant supports students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are starting a master’s program at a Swiss University of Applied Sciences. To qualify, applicants must provide recommendations from two professors at Swiss universities.

Recipients must pursue a targeted master’s degree, participate in a workshop organised by foraus, and attend Hirschmann Grant events.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Educational level: Master’s

Amount of award: Covers current tuition fees for a total of six semesters — approximately 3,129 CHF (US$3,541) per semester and totals to 18,774 CHF (US$21,248)

Deadline: Not listed

The University of St. Gallen and ETH Zurich are two of the few Swiss universities that offers an Excellence Scholarship to international students with exceptional academic performance during the HSG Assessment Year. However, applications are by invitation only, and additional selection criteria may apply.

Invited students must submit a 600-word written essay or personal letter, along with a 2-minute creative self-introduction video.

Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women in Developing Countries

Educational level: Master’s

Amount of award: 40,000 CHF (approximately US$45,272)

Deadline: Throughout the year

Established in 1997 through a partnership between Nestlé and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Switzerland, the Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women in Developing Countries aim to support future women leaders.

Only awarded to one individual, applicants must demonstrate ambition, leadership potential, career growth, international exposure, and a commitment to enriching the learning experience of their peers. The application process includes an essay and participation in an Assessment Day.

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships

Educational level: PhD

Amount of award: Not listed

Deadline: December 2

On behalf of the Swiss Confederation, the SNSF is launching the Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships, open to applicants of all nationalities who seek to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.

These fellowships are available for researchers from any discipline and will be hosted at a non-commercial research institution in Switzerland for 12 to 24 months.

The fellowship covers the postdoctoral fellow’s salary, including social security contributions, financial support for research activities, and conference participation.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on April 2, 2025.