When it comes to countries that provide international students with top-notch education, internationally recognized universities, and world-class research facilities, Switzerland is an indispensable inclusion.
But the cost of going to school in Switzerland can worry a lot of kids. Interested students can therefore apply for scholarships to help them in their academic pursuits from the Swiss government and other esteemed universities.
Remember it is important to know the types of scholarships available in Switzerland before departing.
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Meanwhile, we have listed some scholarships you can choose from, along with eligibility requirements and other important details.
Types of Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students
International students who wish to apply for scholarships should be aware of the
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss government shows its support to international students by providing Excellence Scholarship for Foreign Scholars and Artists.
Any student who is an artist, postgraduate researcher, doctoral and postdoctoral can apply.
This scholarship aims to promote international exchange and research partnerships between Switzerland and 180 countries
2. University Scholarships
Swiss universities also join the queue to serve the world by providing scholarships to deserving international students.
i). ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme: Any bright student pursuing a master’s degree can apply for full study and living costs scholarships from ETH Zurich. This university is ranked as one of the top universities in the world.
ii). University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships: The University of Geneva also makes it easy and creates options for international students by providing fellowships to outstanding students pursuing a Master of Science degree. These fellowships are awarded based on academic merit and cover full or partial tuition fees.
iii). EPFL Excellence Fellowships: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers scholarships to international students who are qualified to enroll in their Master’s programs. The fellowships include financial assistance for tuition and living expenses.
iv). Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships: International students can apply for financial help at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, which includes need- and merit-based grants and scholarships. Their scholarships might pay living expenses in addition to tuition.
3. Cantonal Scholarships
If you are a student from another country living in Switzerland and studying in a canton are eligible for scholarships from each canton (region).
The majority of these scholarships are residency-based, to be accepted, ensure that you fulfill certain requirements.
4. Field-Specific Scholarships
Apart from the government and prestigious universities in Switzerland, some other scholarships come from top organizations and private companies. And it is eligible for students pursuing studies in specific fields.
i). IMD MBA Scholarships: The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offers several merit-based scholarships for students pursuing an MBA. These scholarships target students with excellent professional and academic backgrounds.
ii). CERN Fellowships: Fellowships are available for researchers and students studying computer science, engineering, and physics at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
The beneficiaries of these grants are students engaged in innovative research and technology projects.
Eligibility Requirements for Swiss Scholarships
1. Academic Excellence
Sometimes most Swiss scholarships are awarded based on merit, which means that as a candidate you need to have a good academic record.
Having excellent scores in high school can be an added advantage for undergraduate scholarships.
For postgraduate scholarships, past coursework or performance during a bachelor’s degree program is crucial.
2. English and/or French/German/Italian Proficiency
The four official languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
Therefore, students should prove that they are proficient in the language that is being taught in their program.
English programs are also offered by many universities, especially at the doctoral level. Remember standardized exams like the TOEFL or IELTS might be important as well.
3. Nationality and Residency Requirements
Certain scholarships are only available to students from specific countries or regions.
For example, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have country-specific quotas, and some scholarships may only be available to students from developing countries or countries with strong educational ties to Switzerland.
4. Admission to a Swiss University
Most scholarships require applicants to have already been admitted to a Swiss university.
This means that students need to apply to a university first, receive a letter of acceptance, and then apply for the scholarship.
5. Field of Study
Some scholarships are channeled to specific fields, e.g. the arts, business, or engineering. Ensure the scholarship you are interested in applies to your field of study.
6. Financial Need
Certain scholarship programs would like to know if your finances are stable. Students from low-income homes or those who can prove their need for financial aid are mostly wanted for this scholarship.
What Does Switzerland Scholarships for International Students Cover?
1. Tuition Fee Waivers
Some scholarships cover partial or full tuition fees, which can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Switzerland.
For example, university-specific scholarships like the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship cover full tuition fees for selected students.
2. Monthly Stipends
A monthly stipend is often provided by scholarships to assist students in meeting living expenditures, such as housing, food, and transportation.
The stipend’s amount varies, but it usually covers the necessities of life.
3. Health Insurance
In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory for all students. Some scholarships, such as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, include coverage for health insurance costs.
4. Travel Costs
Some scholarships may cover the cost of travel to and from Switzerland. This is particularly true for government-funded scholarships or those aimed at students from developing countries.
5. Research and Conference Expenses
For postgraduate and research students, certain scholarships may provide additional funding for attending conferences, conducting fieldwork, or purchasing research materials.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Switzerland
1. Research and Identify Scholarships
Start by looking for scholarships that alligns with your job objectives and academic background.
You can start by browsing through official government websites, university websites, and scholarship databases.
2. Meet Admission Requirements
Most scholarships require that you first gain admission to a Swiss university. Start by applying to your chosen university and ensure you meet all the admission criteria.
3. Gather Necessary Documentation
Scholarship applications typically require a range of documents, including academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a detailed CV.
4. Write a Personal Statement or Research Proposal
Many scholarships require a personal statement or research proposal. This is your opportunity to explain your academic background, research interests, career aspirations, and why you believe you deserve the scholarship.
5. Submit the Application
Ensure that your application is complete, with all required documents, and submit it by the deadline. Some scholarships may require an online submission, while others may need hard copies.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Certain scholarships, particularly those that are competitive, may involve an interview stage.
Prepare by reviewing your application and being ready to discuss your academic goals and how you plan to contribute to your field of study.
Switzerland is a land that welcomes international students, regardless of where you come from.
If you have skill and strong academic credentials, you stand a good chance of being awarded a scholarship.
Switzerland Scholarships for International Students is offered by both the government and other private companies and universities for students to choose from.
By understanding the types of scholarships you need, students can take advantage of these opportunities and pursue their studies in one of Europe’s most prestigious academic environments.
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