Graduate School Scholarships: Funding Your Advanced Degree in Switzerland

Switzerland, renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and high quality of life, is a highly attractive destination for graduate studies. However, the cost of living and tuition fees can be substantial. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help international students fund their Master’s and PhD degrees in this beautiful and innovative country.

This guide will walk you through the key scholarship opportunities for graduate students in Switzerland, focusing on where to find them and how to make your application stand out.

Why Switzerland for Graduate Studies?

• World-Class Universities: Institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, and the University of Geneva consistently rank among the top universities globally.
• Leading Research: Switzerland is a hub for innovation and research, offering unparalleled opportunities in various fields, especially STEM, but also humanities and social sciences.
• Multicultural Environment: With its four national languages and diverse international population, Switzerland offers a unique cultural experience.
• High Quality of Life: While expensive, the quality of life, safety, and natural beauty are exceptional.

Key Scholarship Categories for Graduate Students in Switzerland

Scholarships for graduate studies in Switzerland generally fall into a few main categories:

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SGES): These are prestigious, fully-funded scholarships offered by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

   • Target Audience: Highly motivated, competitive young researchers from abroad who have completed a Master’s degree (for PhD or Research scholarships) or a Bachelor’s degree (for Art scholarships).
   • Types: Primarily PhD Scholarships, Research Scholarships (for postgraduates and young medical doctors), and Art Scholarships (for Master’s in art fields).
   • Coverage: These are typically fully funded, covering monthly stipends (e.g., CHF 1,920 for PhD/Research, CHF 3,500 for Postdoctoral research), tuition fees, mandatory Swiss health insurance, a one-time housing allowance, and a return flight ticket at the end of the scholarship.
   • Eligibility Highlights:
     • Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) for PhD/Research scholarships, obtained by a specific date.
     • Age limits usually apply (e.g., typically born after December 31 of a specified year, often 35 years old or younger at the time of application for PhD/Research).
     • Must be from one of the eligible countries with which Switzerland has a reciprocity agreement.
     • Crucially, a mandatory letter from an academic host professor at a Swiss university or federal institute of technology confirming their willingness to supervise your research is required. This means you must secure a supervisor before applying for the scholarship.
     • A strong, detailed research proposal is the centerpiece of the application.
     • Applicants who have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are generally not eligible for a second.
   • Application Process: Applications are submitted through the Swiss Embassy in your home country (e.g., the Swiss Embassy in Abuja for Nigerian citizens). The application period usually runs from September to December each year for scholarships starting the following September. You must contact your local Swiss Embassy for specific guidelines, deadlines, and required documents for your country.

2. University-Specific Scholarships: Many Swiss universities offer their own merit-based scholarships to attract excellent international graduate students. These can be partial or fully funded.

   • ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich):

     • Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP): This highly competitive scholarship supports outstanding Master’s students. It provides a grant covering living and study expenses (e.g., CHF 12,000 per semester) and a tuition fee waiver.
       • Eligibility: Open to both ETH Bachelor’s students and external (international) students who are in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree program (Grade A equivalent).
       • Application: Applied through the online Master’s application system, usually requiring a pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis and two reference letters. The application window is typically from November 1-30 for the following academic year.
     • Master Scholarship Programme (MSP): Similar to ESOP but with potentially different terms or specific faculty allocations. Always check the ETH financial aid pages for the latest details.
     • Doctoral Positions: For PhD students, direct funding often comes from professors’ research grants. Look for advertised PhD positions on departmental websites.

   • EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne):

     • EPFL Excellence Fellowships: Offered to Master’s students with outstanding academic records. They typically provide CHF 10,000 per semester and guaranteed housing.
       • Eligibility: Open to all nationalities with a Bachelor’s degree relevant to EPFL curricula and outstanding academic records.
       • Application: You must check the corresponding box on your Master’s application form and provide the requested documents, including a cover letter and contacts for three academic referees. Deadlines are typically in December and March.
     • Doctoral Positions: Similar to ETH, PhD funding at EPFL often comes from research projects and is usually advertised as specific positions.

   • University of Zurich (UZH):

     • While UZH may not have institution-wide scholarships as comprehensive as ETH or EPFL, they often collaborate with the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and provide information on those.
     • Doctoral Funding: PhD candidates are often funded through research projects, assistantships, or specific grants obtained by their supervising professors.
     • Check the “Financial Aid” or “International Students” sections of the specific faculty or department you are interested in for any specific Master’s or PhD opportunities.

   • University of Geneva (UNIGE):

     • Excellence Master Fellowships: The Faculty of Science offers fellowships for outstanding Master of Science students, providing a grant of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000/year, renewable for the duration of the program.
       • Eligibility: Open to highly motivated students who meet the Master’s admission criteria and are selected based on their application file.
       • Application: Online application usually opens in January, with a deadline around late February for programs starting in September. Requires a motivation letter and two reference letters.

   • University of Lausanne (UNIL):

     • UNIL Master’s Grant: Offers grants to international students pursuing Master’s programs, providing approximately CHF 1,600 per month for 10 months a year, for one- or two-year programs.
       • Eligibility: Candidates must have graduated from a foreign university and meet language proficiency requirements (C1 English or French).
       • Application: Check the UNIL website’s Master’s section for specific details and application procedures.

   • University of St. Gallen (HSG):

     • Known for its business and economics programs, HSG offers some excellence scholarships for Master’s students, often by invitation only for top performers in their assessment year.

   • The Graduate Institute, Geneva (IHEID):

     • Highly specialized in international affairs and development, IHEID offers various scholarships, including cost-of-living scholarships, tuition reductions, and paid positions for Master’s and PhD students.

3. Private Foundations and External Organizations:

   • Many private Swiss and international foundations offer scholarships based on specific criteria such as nationality, field of study, research topic, or academic merit.
   • Hirschmann Grant: Supports Master’s students at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), often requiring recommendations from Swiss professors and participation in workshops.
   • IMD MBA Scholarships: For those pursuing an MBA, IMD, a top business school, offers various scholarships, including specific ones for women from developing countries (e.g., Nestlé MBA Scholarship for Women).
   • Alfred Werner Master Scholarships: Supports international students pursuing Master’s degrees in chemistry-related fields.
   • SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation): While primarily funding research projects, SNSF often has positions for PhD students integrated into these projects. They also support programs like the Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships.

General Application Tips for Graduate Scholarships

1. Start Early: Begin your scholarship search at least 12-18 months before your intended start date. Deadlines for prestigious scholarships like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are often in the autumn of the year before you plan to start your studies.
2. Tailor Your Application: Do not send generic applications. Every essay, research proposal, and resume should be meticulously tailored to the specific scholarship’s mission and criteria. Highlight why your background and goals align perfectly with what the scholarship provider is looking for.
3. Craft a Compelling Research Proposal (for PhD/Research): This is the core of your PhD scholarship application. It must be well-structured, innovative, feasible, and demonstrate a clear understanding of your field.
4. Secure an Academic Host/Supervisor: For PhD and research scholarships (especially the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship), securing a commitment letter from a Swiss professor willing to supervise your work is non-negotiable. This involves reaching out to professors whose research aligns with yours, detailing your proposed project, and demonstrating your fit.
5. Strong Letters of Recommendation: Choose professors or supervisors who know you well academically and professionally, and can provide specific examples of your achievements, intellectual curiosity, and potential for advanced study and research. Provide them with all necessary documents and ample time.
6. Highlight Academic Excellence: Swiss scholarships, particularly at the graduate level, are highly merit-based. Emphasize your GPA, academic awards, research experience, and any publications.
7. Language Proficiency: Ensure you meet the language requirements of your chosen program (English, German, French, or Italian). Provide official test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, Goethe-Zertifikat, DELF/DALF).
8. Proofread Meticulously: Errors in your application can cost you. Have multiple people review your essays, CV, and other documents for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
9. Organize and Track: Keep a detailed spreadsheet of all scholarships you apply for: name, provider, deadline, eligibility, required documents, and submission status.

Important Considerations for International Students

• Visa Requirements: Secure your admission and scholarship first, then begin the visa application process early. Switzerland has specific requirements for student visas.
• Cost of Living: Even with a scholarship, Switzerland is expensive. Be prepared for high costs for accommodation, food, and daily expenses. Budget carefully.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory in Switzerland. Many scholarships cover this, but if not, budget for it.
• Networking: Swiss universities offer excellent networking opportunities with leading researchers and industries. Utilize these.

Funding your graduate degree in Switzerland as an international student is certainly possible with strategic planning and a strong application. Start your research early, identify the scholarships that best fit your profile, and meticulously prepare your application to stand out in a competitive field. Good luck!