AbdulStudy in Switzerland with Scholarships
Switzerland has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students due to its world-class universities, cutting-edge research, and outstanding living standards. However, the cost of studying in Switzerland can be challenging for many. To make education more accessible, several fully funded and partially funded scholarships are available for talented students.
In this article, we highlight 4 active scholarships in Switzerland for 2026 that provide generous financial support for international students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and research levels.
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the Swiss Confederation. They are designed for international students, young researchers, and postdoctoral scholars who want to pursue higher education or advanced research in Switzerland.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Housing allowance for selected scholars.
Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent and demonstrate strong research potential. Open to students from over 180 countries.
Application Link: Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
2. ETH Zurich Scholarships (Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme – ESOP)
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. Through the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), ETH supports highly talented students pursuing Master’s degrees.
Benefits:
- Tuition fee waiver.
- CHF 12,000 living allowance per semester.
- Access to mentorship and exclusive career-building opportunities.
Eligibility:
Open to outstanding international students applying for ETH Zurich Master’s programs with excellent academic backgrounds.
To successfully apply for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the ETH-D Scholarship, applicants must carefully follow the official application process. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Submit Online Application via eApply
- All scholarship applications are submitted through eApply, ETH Zurich’s official online Master’s application portal.
- If you are applying for more than one Master’s program, you must complete and submit a separate application form for each program.
- Upload Required Documents
- Along with the documents required for Master’s admission, applicants must upload a pre-proposal for their Master’s thesis.
- Prepare the Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal
- The pre-proposal must be written independently by the applicant.
- It must follow established academic standards and proper scientific citation practices.
- Plagiarism, misinformation, or any form of academic dishonesty will lead to immediate disqualification. If detected after admission, it may result in revocation of both the admission and scholarship.
- Provide References (if required)
- If the study program does not specifically request references, applicants must still provide two reference contacts for the ESOP application.
Application Link: Apply for ETH Zurich Scholarships
3. University of Zurich Scholarships
The University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland’s largest university, offers a range of scholarships for international students. These include merit-based awards for high-performing students and need-based grants for those requiring financial assistance.
Benefits:
- Partial or full tuition fee waivers.
- Research support and project funding.
- Financial aid for students with limited means.
Eligibility:
Open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students with exceptional academic achievements.
Application Link: Apply for University of Zurich Scholarships
4. EPFL Excellence Fellowships
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a global leader in science and engineering. Its Excellence Fellowships are awarded to highly motivated and talented students pursuing a Master’s degree.
Benefits:
- CHF 10,000 per semester.
- Assistance with housing and living expenses.
- Membership in EPFL’s prestigious fellowship network.
Eligibility:
Open to international students worldwide applying for EPFL Master’s programs.
Application Link: Apply for EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Why Study in Switzerland?
Switzerland offers more than just scholarships—it provides:
- Globally recognized degrees from top-ranked universities.
- Cutting-edge research and innovation opportunities.
- A multicultural environment, perfect for networking and global exposure.
- Connections with international organizations like the United Nations and WHO.
- Strong career prospects in technology, science, business, and healthcare.
RELATED ARTICLES
McGill University Scholarships 2026 in Canada | Fully Funded Masters & PhD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is studying in Switzerland free for international students?
No, tuition fees are relatively low compared to other European countries, but living costs are high. Scholarships make it affordable.
2. Which Swiss scholarship is fully funded?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and ETH Zurich ESOP are fully funded.
3. Can Bachelor’s students apply for Swiss scholarships?
Yes, the University of Zurich scholarships and some Swiss Government programs include Bachelor’s-level funding.
4. What language do I need to study in Switzerland?
Most scholarships and programs are offered in English, though knowledge of German, French, or Italian can be an added advantage.
5. When should I apply?
Most scholarship applications open in autumn 2025 for studies starting in 2026. Deadlines vary by program.
Final Thoughts
The 4 active scholarships in Switzerland for 2026 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, ETH Zurich ESOP, University of Zurich Scholarships, and EPFL Excellence Fellowships provide life changing opportunities for international students. With generous financial support, world-class education, and access to cutting-edge research, these programs make Switzerland one of the best destinations to study in Europe.
If you are passionate about advancing your academic career, now is the perfect time to prepare and apply.
Abdul
