Scholarships to Study in Switzerland in 2025: Opportunities & Eligibility

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Switzerland is more than just breathtaking landscapes and world-famous chocolates—it’s home to some of the best universities and research institutions in the world. But let’s face it—while the quality of education in Switzerland is top-tier, the cost of studying in this country can be quite high, especially for international students. That’s why securing a fully funded or partially funded scholarship can make all the difference. These prestigious scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide financial aid for living expenses, travel, and research costs, ensuring that students can focus on their academic journey without financial stress. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best scholarships in Switzerland for 2025, their eligibility criteria, deadlines, and benefits.

Best Scholarships in Switzerland

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Imagine pursuing your academic dreams in one of the world’s most research-driven and innovative countries—Switzerland. With a research output per capita among the highest in the world, Switzerland is home to some of the most advanced academic institutions globally. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships aim to create international research collaboration and support young researchers from over 180 countries, giving them a fully funded opportunity to study or conduct research in Switzerland.

Funded by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS), this program offers doctoral research, postdoctoral research, and advanced artistic education scholarships at Swiss universities. Below is the key detail of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

Feature	Details
Eligibility	Open to international students with a master’s degree or equivalent obtained before July 31, 2025 (for ETH Zurich: June 30, 2025). Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989, submit a detailed research proposal, and provide an acceptance letter from a Swiss professor who will supervise their research.
Deadline	Varies by country. Applicants should consult the Swiss diplomatic representation in their country for specific deadlines.
Amount Granted	A monthly stipend of CHF 1,920, tuition fee exemptions, health insurance coverage, round-trip airfare, and a special lodging allowance for research scholars.
Duration	Typically awarded for one academic year, renewable for up to three years based on academic performance.

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

Have you ever dreamed of studying at one of the most prestigious science and technology universities in the world? Ranked 7th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), ETH Zurich is a hub for scientific breakthroughs, engineering marvels, and Nobel Prize-winning research.

The ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in Switzerland, offering not just financial aid but also professional mentorship, industry networking, and exclusive career development programs. Below are the key details of ESOP Scholarship:

Feature	Details
Eligibility	Open to students who rank in the top 10% of their bachelor’s degree program. Applicants must apply for a master’s program at ETH Zurich within the first application window.
Deadline	Applications open from November 1 to November 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM CET.
Amount Granted	Covers CHF 12,000 per semester, plus a full tuition fee waiver, ensuring scholars can fully focus on their studies without financial constraints.
Duration	Covers the full duration of the master’s program (three to four semesters).

University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

The University of Geneva, located in one of the most international cities in the world, is home to excellent scientific research, global policymaking, and Nobel Prize-winning faculty. Ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide, Geneva’s Faculty of Science collaborates with leading institutions like CERN and the World Health Organization (WHO), giving students access to various research opportunities.

The Excellence Master Fellowships aim to attract the brightest minds in mathematics, physics, computer science, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. Below are the key details of University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships:

Feature	Details
Eligibility	Open to students with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, who demonstrate academic excellence and meet the master’s admission criteria.
Deadline	Applications typically close in March for programs starting in the following academic year.
Amount Granted	CHF 10,000 – 15,000 per year. The fellowship is renewable based on academic performance for up to four semesters.
Duration	One year, with renewal options based on academic results.

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants

Looking for a world-class education in a stunning location? The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is known for its highly interdisciplinary research and dynamic international community, with over 15,000 students from 120+ countries. The UNIL Master’s Grants aim to support talented international students pursuing a wide range of master’s programs, from law and business to environmental sciences and social sciences. Below are the key details of University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants:

Feature	Details
Eligibility	Open to students with a foreign bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swiss university degree. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and must not have been previously enrolled at UNIL.
Deadline	Applications must be submitted by November 1st each year.
Amount Granted	CHF 1,600 per month for 1.5 to 2 years, covering living expenses.
Duration	Covers the full master’s program, unless the student fails in the first year.

EPFL Excellence Fellowships

Attracting some of the world’s brightest minds in engineering, technology, and science, the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in Switzerland. With over 120 nationalities represented, EPFL’s Excellence Fellowships are designed to help outstanding students pursue advanced research in robotics, machine learning, sustainable energy, and biotechnology. Below are the key details of EPFL Excellence Fellowships:

Feature	Details
Eligibility	Open to EPFL students and external applicants with an exceptional academic record.
Deadline	Applications close January 15, 2025 (for external candidates).
Amount Granted	CHF 10,000 per semester, plus guaranteed student accommodation.
Duration	Covers the entire duration of the master’s program.

Conclusion

Studying in Switzerland is more than just earning a degree. Whether you’re looking for fully funded doctoral research, master’s scholarships in science and technology, or financial aid for interdisciplinary studies, Switzerland offers scholarships that can help you achieve your academic dreams. So, if you’re serious about studying in Switzerland in 2025, start researching your eligibility, preparing your application materials, and keeping an eye on deadlines. Many of these scholarships are highly competitive, so early preparation is key! Start your scholarship application today! Your dream of studying in Switzerland is closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Swiss universities offer scholarships for international students?

Several top universities in Switzerland offer merit-based and fully funded scholarships for international students, including:

ETH Zurich (Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme)
University of Geneva (Excellence Master Fellowships)
EPFL (Excellence Fellowships)
University of Lausanne (UNIL) (Master’s Grants)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (for research students)

What are the eligibility criteria for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

To qualify for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must:

Hold a master’s degree or equivalent before July 31, 2025 (ETH Zurich: June 30, 2025)
Be born after December 31, 1989
Submit a detailed research proposal
Provide an acceptance letter from a Swiss professor who will supervise their research
Meet any additional country-specific requirements

What is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

The ETH Zurich ESOP is a prestigious merit-based scholarship for students pursuing master’s programs at ETH Zurich. It provides:

Full tuition fee coverage
CHF 12,000 per semester for living expenses
Mentorship and career development opportunities

Applicants must rank in the top 10% of their bachelor’s degree class and apply for their master’s program in the first application window.

What is the financial aid amount provided by the University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships?

The University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowship provides between CHF 10,000 – CHF 15,000 per year. It is renewable for up to four semesters, based on the student’s academic performance.