Scholarships in Switzerland for Indian Students

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

Are you dreaming of studying in a country home to the best chocolate watches and, of course, the best education? We have good news: Your dreams of studying in Switzerland are coming true, too, without breaking the bank. You would be happy to know that scholarships in Switzerland can be waived up to INR 11.5 L per semester. 

Many scholarships, such as the University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships and ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme, also cover your living expenses and tuition fees. Additionally, Switzerland has 38 universities and higher education institutions, of which 28 are listed in at least one uniform ranking system.

This article will discuss all the scholarships available to international students in Switzerland. Keep reading.

Scholarship in Switzerland: Key Highlights

Here’s a quick overview of everything in this blog

Category	Details
Range of Scholarships in Switzerland	CHF 1.5k to 50k (INR 1.5L to 45L)
Top Switzerland Scholarships for International Students	ScholarshipsETH Zurich Excellence Swiss Government Excellence ScholarshipsEPFL Excellence Fellowships
Eligibility Criteria to Avail Scholarships in Switzerland	Outstanding academic records Relevant work or research experience IELTS: 7.1TOEFL: 100
Top Universities in Switzerland	University of Geneva (unige.ch)ETH Zurich (ethz.ch)University of Zurich (uzh.ch)
Average Tuition Fee in Switzerland	INR 11L – 14L (CHF 12k to 14k)
Cost of Living in Switzerland	Around INR 1.5L (CHF 1.6k) per month
Benefits of Switzerland Scholarships for International Students	Tuition fees Monthly stipend Accommodation support

Top 10 Switzerland Scholarships for International Students

As mentioned earlier, Switzerland has many international scholarship options for international students.

Here’s a sneak peak of all the available scholarships:

Scholarship Name	Approximate Funding Amount
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships	Up to CHF 112k (INR 10.1L) overall
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships	CHF 13k (INR 1.2L) per semester
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships	CHF 11k to 16k (93k to 15L INR ) per year
University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students	CHF 1.5k (INR 1.49L) per month
EPFL Excellence Fellowships	CHF 11k (INR 93k) per semester
Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships	Up to CHF 21k (INR 18L) overall
University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates	CHF 609 (INR 55k) per year
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships	Up to CHF 19k (15L) overall
Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries	CHF 26k (INR 22.6L) overall
The Franklin Honors Programme Award	CHF 2.5k to 9k (INR 2.3L to 7.4L) overall

Why study in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers numerous scholarships to international students, making it one of the top study destinations in the world. 

Currently, there are 76,260 international students enrolled at higher education institutions in Switzerland.

Some reasons to choose Switzerland as your next study destination are

• World-Level Education: ETH Zurich and EPFL are famous universities that offer high-quality academic programs and groundbreaking research opportunities.

• Research and Innovation Hub: In a nation with a strong focus on R&D, pioneering research activities and close connections to industry bigwigs such as Novartis, Roche, UBS, Credit Suisse, and ABB, form the foundation for an economic strategy centred around innovation.

• Safety and Stability: Relish in secure and stable living conditions with safe cities, adequate public transportation, and superb healthcare.

• Benefits of Multilingualism: Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. These languages can help you enhance your communication skills.

• Strong Job Market: The employment rate in Switzerland was 80.3% during the first quarter of 2024. Enjoy a healthy economy with various job options, especially in finance, pharmaceuticals and technology sectors.

• Safety and Stability: The Global Peace Index in 2024 shows that Switzerland is the 6th safest country worldwide. This means you can expect a secure, protective and friendly environment.

Diversity of Scholarship Programmes Catering to Various Levels of Study and Fields

Switzerland, it’s more than skiing and chocolate. It’s a place of knowledge where scholarships can assist you in converting the melody into a complete symphony.

Switzerland, a nation known for its wealth and high wages in Europe, offers many opportunities to students. The average monthly income of workers is around 5.69L (CHF 6.6k), which shows the economic stability supporting fully funded scholarships within Switzerland.

Types of Switzerland Scholarships for Indian Students	Benefits
Undergraduate Scholarships	Covers tuition, Living costs
Graduate Scholarships	Covers tuition fees, Monthly stipend, Health insurance, Travel, Housing allowance
Doctoral and Research Scholarships	Covers tuition fees, Monthly stipend, Health insurance, Travel Housing allowance Annual stipend
Field-Specific Scholarships	Financial support, Networking

1. Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergraduate scholarships in Switzerland are particularly for bachelor’s studies. These scholarships aim to assist students at the beginning stage of their higher education journey. They help attract and guide talented young individuals through bachelor’s programs.

• The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships are a prime example of extensive financial aid for undergraduate students. They cover tuition fees and living costs, allowing you to concentrate on your studies and development.

• The Franklin Honors Program Award is awarded to undergraduate students at Franklin University Switzerland.

2. Graduate Scholarships

Several Swiss master’s scholarships are available for graduate students. These scholarships focus on providing economic help to these scholars so that they can perform well in their master’s programs. The two top choices are described hereafter.

• The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships include tuition fees and a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel costs, and housing allowance for postgraduates doing research or working as artists.

• EPFL Excellence Fellowships are provided to excellent students in the master’s degree program. These grants give yearly monetary support and housing, allowing you to concentrate on your studies without worrying about money.

3. Doctoral and Research Scholarships

Scholarships in Switzerland have specific benefits for PhD and research students, too. These scholarships help a lot to boost their academic and professional growth. Here are the two superb options:

• The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships handle tuition costs and provide regular financial support, healthcare insurance, travel and housing allowances, and other necessities for postdoctoral researchers.

• The Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships offer complete or partial scholarships and teaching/research assistant roles. These scholarships assist PhD students both financially and with necessary professional exposure.

4. Field-Specific Scholarships

Switzerland provides focused scholarships for students dedicated to certain areas of study. This gives specific financial aid to help them succeed in their chosen fields. As an Indian student, you have two options that could benefit you from this scholarship.

• IMD MBA Scholarships provide significant financial support for MBA students. These scholarships cover tuition and other expenses and help students develop leadership skills and business understanding.

• The scholarships from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights are for students studying a specific subject, such as humanitarian law or human rights. These financial aids help pay school fees and living costs, encouraging high-quality work in these critical areas.

Types of Scholarships in Switzerland Based on the Funding Body 

Below is a brief breakdown of various scholarships available in Switzerland:

Type of Scholarships	Name of Scholarships
Government Scholarships in Switzerland	Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
University-Specific Scholarships in Switzerland	University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign StudentsETH Zurich Excellence ScholarshipsUniversity of Zurich Scholarships for PhD CandidatesGeneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights ScholarshipsEPFL Excellence Fellowships
Private and Corporate Scholarships in Switzerland	Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women from Canon Foundation Research FellowshipsDeveloping Countries Prima GrantsThe Franklin Honors Program AwardIMD MBA Scholarships
Short-term Mobility Scholarships in Switzerland	Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)
Federal Scholarships in Switzerland for Artists and Researchers	Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

1. Government Scholarships in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are competitive awards to encourage global exchange and research partnerships between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.

These scholarships are not only about financial help; they work as a ticket to get a world-class education, see the stunning scenery and have the chance for a unique global career.

2. University-Specific Scholarships in Switzerland

Scholarships in Switzerland’s universities are a significant financial help for international students, making it easier to manage study costs. For example, ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships pay for all study expenses and living costs of master’s students who perform exceptionally well. University of Lausanne Masters Grants is another scholarship that supports international students pursuing master’s degrees.

EPFL Excellence Fellowships offer assistance in money and housing to master’s degree students. These scholarships make Switzerland a desired place for students who want high-quality education, including financial support.

4. Short-term Mobility Scholarships in Switzerland

The Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) grants are granted to incoming exchange students to cover living costs during their time in Switzerland. SEMP grants are usually provided monthly to reduce financial strain on students so they can concentrate on studying and cultural interactions. 

The availability of short-term mobility scholarships helps many students who wish to pursue short programs and research projects.

5. Federal Scholarships in Switzerland for Artists and Researchers

The Federal Scholarships in Switzerland for Artists and Researchers, also called the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, are highly respected rewards encouraging ambitious students from all over the globe. 

These scholarships include paying for school fees, providing complete health insurance coverage, offering travel allowance, and helping with housing needs. The purpose is to draw in outstanding foreign artists and researchers with university degrees acknowledged here. All in all, the Federal Scholarship helps many researchers, artists, and students from all walks of life to pursue their goals and dreams in Switzerland. 

This program presents Switzerland as a centre for innovation and creativity, offering the advantage of the country’s top-notch educational establishments and fantastic research atmosphere.

Top 10 Switzerland Scholarships for International Students

As mentioned earlier, Switzerland has many international scholarship options for international students.

Here’s a sneak peak of all the available scholarships:

Scholarship Name	Approximate Funding Amount
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships	Up to CHF 112k (INR 10.1L) overall
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships	CHF 13k (INR 1.2L) per semester
University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships	CHF 11k to 16k (93k to 15L INR ) per year
University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students	CHF 1.5k (INR 1.49L) per month
EPFL Excellence Fellowships	CHF 11k (INR 93k) per semester
Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships	Up to CHF 21k (INR 18L) overall
University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates	CHF 609 (INR 55k) per year
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships	Up to CHF 19k (15L) overall
Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries	CHF 26k (INR 22.6L) overall
The Franklin Honors Programme Award	CHF 2.5k to 9k (INR 2.3L to 7.4L) overall

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is designed to promote international exchange and collaboration between Switzerland and 180 countries. It is awarded in three steps over 12 months based on academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

• Must have a master’s degree or equivalent for a PhD
• Must have a solid academic record
• Must be under 35 years old for PhD scholarships
• Proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, LORs, SOP, and a CV.

More details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 90 IELTS: 6
Deadline	Typically November

2. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students willing to pursue Master’s degree programs in Switzerland.

Approx 60 of this scholarship will be assigned by the start of the academic year 2024-25. It covers living and study expenses and a waiver in tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships:

• Must be in the top 10% of your bachelor’s degree class
• Hold or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program
• Apply for the Master’s degree program at ETH Zurich

Additional details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.5
Deadline	Typically December

3. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

This scholarship is awarded to excellent students from all over the world. Its courses include astronomy, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Pharmaceuticals, earth sciences, and the environment are also covered.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be in the top 10% of your bachelor’s degree class
• Hold or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program
• Apply for a Master’s degree program at the University of Geneva

Additional Detail:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.5
Deadline	Typically March

4. University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) gives Master’s Grants to excellent international students, but these are not included in the fully funded scholarships in Switzerland. If you get a scholarship, UNIL will waive all the fixed registration fees for courses except for CHF 81 (INR 7.5k), which must be paid each semester.

These grants are a unique chance to study at Switzerland’s best universities, renowned for their research excellence and varied academic programs. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Strong academic record
• Apply to a master’s program

Additional details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 6.5
Deadline	Typically November

5. EPFL Excellence Fellowships

This scholarship is awarded to all international and domestic students pursuing Data Science, Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Communication Systems programmes. For the academic year 2023-24, 11 students were awarded this scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree
• Solid academic background
• Apply to EPFL Master’s program

Additional Details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 90 IELTS: 6.5
Deadline	Typically, between December and April

6. Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships

Are you excited to study for a master’s in international and development studies at one of the leading places worldwide? The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva offers various scholarships to excellent students worldwide.

This university, which has around 10,000 students annually and an 80% graduation rate, spends more than CHF 2.5M (INR 19Cr) yearly from its donors and solidarity fund to assist students during their studies.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Institute Geneva scholarship:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree
• Solid academic background
• Apply to a  Master’s program at a Graduate institute

Additional details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.5
Deadline	Typically January

7. University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates

The UZH understands the struggles of a PhD student and awards scholarships to all students like you. But that’s not it. It also allows you to raise money for your projects via crowdfunding. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a Master’s degree
• Exceptional academic background
• Detailed research proposal
• A supervisor agreement from a professor at UZH 

Additional details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.5
Deadline	Typically May-June

8. Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

These scholarships are offered in Switzerland and provide complete funding for tuition fees and living costs during the ten months spent at Geneva Academy. What makes it better? The program arranges over 70 public events, expert seminars, and conferences every year where top-level academics and practitioners from around the globe present their research findings, opinions, and firsthand encounters. This leads to the direct involvement of students towards matters related to the specific program.

The Academy provides financial assistance so you can concentrate on your studies and fully participate in this lively learning atmosphere.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a Master’s degree
• Exceptional academic background
• Detailed research proposal
• A supervisor agreement 

Additional Details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7
Deadline	Typically February

9. Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries

As the name suggests, this scholarship has been awarded since 1997 as a part of Nestlé’s commitment to promoting gender diversity in business society. It is awarded to women only.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Evidence of financial need
• Preference is given if you are from a developing country
• Admitted to an MBA program at IMD

Additional Details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100IELTS: 7.5GMAT: 610GRE: 311
Deadline	Typically February

10. The Franklin Honors Program Award 

This scholarship is awarded to Honours students at Franklin University. It will open doors for a wholesome educational experience in the Swiss Alps.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
• Second school curriculum evidence
• Maintain eligibility for the Honours program each semester.

Additional Details:

Section	Details
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7
Deadline	Typically December

Conclusion

To sum it up, your dreams of studying in the beauty of the Swiss Alps can come true. Switzerland has many prestigious organisations, a multicultural community, and many opportunities for international students.

Switzerland also offers scholarships to international students, details of which have been mentioned in this article. Go through this article on scholarships in Switzerland for international students and study at your dream destination without straining your pocket.

Contact us at Admissify. We are the best study abroad consultants in Delhi and can help you achieve your dreams of studying abroad.

FAQ

How can international students apply for scholarships in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, international students can apply for scholarships by visiting official scholarship givers’ websites. One example is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships or different universities in this country. They usually need you to give them your academic records, CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation and evidence that shows how well you know a language.

Can international students work while studying in Switzerland?

Students from other countries can work while studying in Switzerland. Those not from EU or EFTA nations have permission to work for 15 hours every week during the semester and full-time when holidays come. However, looking at specific rules and getting the needed work permits is essential.

What are the living costs for International students in Switzerland?

The usual expenses for students living in Switzerland are about CHF 1.5k (INR 1.3L) each month, which includes accommodation, food, travel, and other costs. Stipends from scholarships can assist with these expenses, making it affordable for overseas students to live there.

Why should international students consider studying in Switzerland?

It is wise for international students to consider studying in Switzerland because they have a good education there. They also offer many different scholarships. It’s a place with many cultures, and they are known for their strong focus on research and innovation. The country has a high standard of living, lots of natural beauty, and a good job market.