7 best Switzerland scholarships for international students

Everything in Switzerland is expensive

But don’t let that deter you from thinking you can’t ever afford to study here, especially as someof thetop universities in the worldare located on Switzerland’s shores

ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, has held 7th place in the QS World University Rankings 2026 for the third year running — the top spot in continental Europe

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, tuition now depends on which fee group you fall into

Students who qualify for the standard rate pay CHF 730 (US$899.66) per semester. But since Autumn Semester 2025, most newly arriving international students have been placed in a second fee group paying CHF 2,190 (US$2,698.98) per semester, after the ETH Board tripled fees for foreign nationals moving to Switzerland to study. It is still far from theaverage US$35,000you might pay in the US

The real challenge? Thecost 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 bythe World Population Review

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

Switzerland has the best hospitality education quality in the world. The country’s belief in precision, attention to detail, timely service, and discretion makes it successful

A Big Mac in Switzerland, according to theBig 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 an averagesalary of CHF 80,000 (US$98,564.48).
• 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 thisReddit userputs 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 alsoone 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

A perk of living in Switzerland is that you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking sceneries 24/7

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

In addition to hospitality, economics, finance, politics, international relations, engineering, and environmental studies are some of the most seek degrees in Switzerland

The best Switzerland scholarships for international students allow you to study hospitality, economics, finance, politics, international relations, engineering, and environmental studies at the best universities in the country

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, theUniversity of Baseloffers several scholarships for enrolled students, including theScholarship 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 theFranklin Honours Programme Scholarshipto 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

TheSwiss Government Excellence Scholarshipsare 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, theHirschmann Grantsupports 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 byforaus, 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 anExcellence Scholarshipto international students with exceptional academic performance during theHSG 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 has created thousands of jobs in Switzerland, additionally, they have awarded several scholarships for women to further their studies in the country

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 theInternational Institute for Management Development (IMD) Switzerland, theNestlé MBA Scholarships for Women in Developing Countriesaim 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 theSwiss 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 August 7, 2026

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Source: studyinternational.com