World class education is one thing everyone wishes to get, people travel far and outside their home town just to attain quality education that comes with fully funded scholarship. If you’re one of those people looking to have quality education outside your country that comes with less financial burden but is confused of which country to go, then, think of Switzerland.
Switzerland is a country known for its world class education system, education that comes with opportunities of getting fully funded scholarship that is designed to support brilliant scholars around the world.
Switzerland offers a fully funded scholarship program for both bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree. The scholarship covers the student’s tuition fee, living expense and sometimes travel cost.
In this guide, we will explore the top fully funded scholarship programs in Switzerland for international students in 2025, how to apply, and tips to maximize your chances of success.
Why Study in Switzerland?
I know the above question may have crossed your mind, you don’t have to worry as this guide is written to guide you on why Switzerland should be an ideal place for international students. Below are why you should consider Switzerland for your study:
- Top-ranked universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Geneva, and University of Lausanne
- High standards of research and innovation
- Multilingual culture with programs in English, German, French, and Italian
- Excellent quality of life and student-friendly environment
- Opportunities to work part-time and gain international work experience
- A strong commitment to education funding for foreigners
We are able to compile some top fully funded scholarship programs in Switzerland, what they offer and their requirements. Below are the top fully funded scholarship programs in 2025.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland 2025
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
This program is offered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) and the program is for postgraduate studies like Master’s, PhD and Postdoctoral, its deadline varies by countries.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is the most prestigious fully funded scholarship offered by the Swiss government. It is open to over 180 countries and it tends to take care of the students expenses like:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipends approx. CHF 1,920
- Health insurance
- Airfare in some cases
- Housing allowance
There are two main types of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship which are:
- Research Scholarships for postgraduate researchers in any discipline
- Art Scholarships for students in arts schools
To be selected, your research proposal needs to be top notch and must get approval from a Swiss professor.
- ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
ETH Zurich is a university in Switzerland that have been consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world, the ESOP scholarship is been given to brilliant students who have done outstandingly well to encourage them. However, the scholarship is for only students who are pursuing their master’s degree. The scholarship takes care of the following benefits:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Living expenses of CHF 12,000 per semester
- Mentoring and networking opportunities
This highly competitive program is merit based and requires top academic performance and leadership potential. To stand a chance to gain this scholarship, you must clearly write out your academic achievements and future goals in your motivation letter.
- University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
This particular scholarship is been offered by the University of Geneva, Faculty of Science, to only students who are pursuing their Master’s of Science degree. The scholarship is often conducted in English language, it is an advantage for English speaking students. The scholarship makes provisions for the followings:
- CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year
- Renewed depending on academic performance
To stand a chance to gain this scholarship, ensure your application is tailored to the faculty’s research strengths.
- EPFL Excellence Fellowships
This scholarship is been given by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and it’s only meant for students pursuing their Master’s degree, EPFL is considered to be one of Europe’s best technical Universities. The scholarship is pure based on merit for international students regardless of their financial background. The scholarship provides the student with the followings:
- CHF 10,000 per semester
- Reservation of a student room
- Certificate of excellence
To qualify for this scholarship, your academic transcript and letters of recommendation must reflect high level of academic excellence.
- IMD MBA Scholarships
The scholarship is offered by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Lausanne. IMD offers several fully funded and partial MBA scholarships to international students. Some notable scholarships include:
- IMD Diversity Scholarship
- Nestlé Scholarship for Women
- Merit and Financial Need-based Scholarships
Benefits of the scholarship range from CHF 10,000 to full tuition coverage (CHF 85,000+), depending on the applicant’s profile and need.
General Eligibility Criteria
The organizers of the different scholarship schemes listed here have their different bench mark and requirements but most Swiss programs share some common selection requirement. This guide will provide you with the basic requirements:
- Non-Swiss citizenship
- A strong academic background (usually GPA equivalent to 3.5+ or top 10% of class)
- Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs)
- Research proposal or study plan (for research-based scholarships)
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- A valid passport
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland
If you have read up till this point, it shows you are interested in gaining a scholarship in Switzerland. Though, scholarship application in Switzerland requires too many steps, this guide will guide you on how to go about them. Just follow the outlined steps:
Step 1: Research Programs and Deadlines
Look out for the programs that matches your focus and goals then apply for it. Don’t forget to visit the university websites, take note of the scholarship deadlines which may vary from admission deadlines.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Get the following documents arranged:
- Academic transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Proof of language proficiency
- Motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Research proposal
Step 3: Secure a Supervisor (for research programs)
Some of the scholarships that are focused on research like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, requires you to have a Swiss professor to supervise your research.
Step 4: Apply Online
Submit your application through the university or scholarship portal before the deadline. Make sure everything is complete, incomplete applications are often rejected.
Step 5: Wait for the Results
Be prepared for interview in case your name is shortlisted, when been interviewed, discuss your goals, motivation, and how you plan to contribute to the Swiss academic community.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
These tips puts you ahead of other applicants, do well to apply them to increase your chances of getting the scholarship.
- Give yourself at least 6 months to prepare in other words, start early
- Be specific when writing your motivation letter.
- Write out your academic achievements, leadership, or community service.
- Make your referencing strong, get professional mentors who truly know your academic potential.
- Always double check your documents, to avoid typo errors. Missing documents may risk your chance of being selected.
- Be confident and positive about your ambitions when granting an interview.
Testimonials from International Students
“The Swiss Government Scholarship gave me the opportunity I need in life. I’m now conducting environmental research at the University of Zurich and collaborating with top scientists.” Ahmed A., from Egypt
“Thanks to ETH Zurich’s ESOP program, I studied robotics without financial stress. The mentorship I received shaped my entire career path.”
Maria P., from Colombia
Top Universities in Switzerland Offering Scholarships
For better understanding, we will be putting both University, Global Rank (QS) and Scholarship Opportunities in tabular form.
| University | Global Rank (QS) | Scholarship Opportunities |
| ETH Zurich | Top 10 | ESOP, Swiss Government |
| EPFL | Top 20 | EPFL Excellence Fellowship, Government |
| University of Geneva | Top 100 | Excellence Master Fellowship |
| University of Lausanne | Top 200 | Government, Faculty Grants |
| University of Zurich | Top 100 | Research Grants, Swiss Government |
| IMD Business School | Top MBA | Research Grants, Swiss Government |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we have done well to compile most of the questions that applicants do ask, and we have tried to also respond to the questions.
- Can I apply for more than one scholarship in Switzerland at the same time?
It’s risky to put all your eggs in one basket, this is to say that, you’re free to apply for more than one scholarship at a time, provided your application is directed to different institutions or funding bodies. Always check eligibility and application guidelines of the program you’re vying for because some of the programs may require you to disclose other scholarships you are applying for.
- Do I need to speak German or French to study in Switzerland?
It is not compulsory that you must know how to speak either German or French before you can study in Switzerland. Most of the top universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL carryout their lectures in English language. It is also an advantage if you have basic knowledge of other world recognized languages.
- Is there an age limit for applying to scholarships?
Most Swiss scholarships do not have a strict age limit. However, some programs, especially government-funded ones, may have a recommended age range (e.g., under 35 for PhDs). Always check the specific criteria for each scholarship.
- What academic qualifications do I need?
To apply for a fully funded scholarship in Switzerland, you need to prove your academic excellence as it is the main factor for selecting scholars. Below are what you need to be qualified for a scholarship:
- A strong academic background (e.g., a GPA of 3.5+ or upper second-class honors)
- A completed undergraduate degree for Master’s programs
- A Master’s degree for PhD programs
- Are scholarships available for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students?
Fully funded scholarships for Bachelor’s degrees in Switzerland are rare. Most funding is directed toward Master’s, PhD, and research-level studies. However, some private foundations or specific programs might offer support for undergraduates.
- Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?
If your course is in English and your previous education was not in English, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency IELTS, TOEFL, or other standardized tests. Minimum scores typically required are:
IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0
TOEFL iBT: 90 – 100
- Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Switzerland?
As an international students you can work up to 15 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. However, some scholarships may restrict you from working while receiving a full stipend. Clarify this with the scholarship provider.
- Can I reapply if I’m not selected?
Most scholarship programs allow reapplication the following year, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. Use the extra time to improve your application materials and strengthen your academic or professional profile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we believe that this guide have been able to reorient you on why you need to consider making Switzerland the best destination for your Master’s, PhD and Postdoctoral education, though it is rare for undergraduate to access fully funded scholarships. With several fully funded scholarship opportunities available in 2025, international postgraduate students now have a realistic path to achieve their dreams without financial burden.
If you’re ready to take your academic journey to the next level, start preparing now. The right scholarship can change your life.