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Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of studying in one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries in the world? Do you want to experience the high-quality and diverse education system that Switzerland offers? If yes, then you might be interested in applying for some of the scholarships that are available for international students who want to pursue their academic goals in Switzerland.

Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe that is known for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and innovation. It is home to some of the world’s top universities and research institutions, such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Geneva. Switzerland also hosts many international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Olympic Committee.

Studying in Switzerland can be a rewarding and enriching experience for international students, as they can benefit from the excellent academic standards, the multicultural environment, and the numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. However, studying in Switzerland can also be quite expensive, as the tuition fees, living costs, and visa requirements can pose significant financial challenges for many students.

Fortunately, there are many scholarships that can help international students cover some or all of the expenses of studying in Switzerland. These scholarships are offered by various sources, such as the Swiss government, the Swiss universities, the Swiss foundations, and other external organizations. In this article, we will present the top 10 scholarships for international students who want to study in Switzerland, and provide some information on how to apply for them.

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1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are the most prestigious and generous scholarships for international students who want to pursue a PhD, a postdoctoral research, or an artistic residency in Switzerland. These scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) on behalf of the Swiss government, and aim to promote the international exchange and cooperation in science, technology, and culture.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for these scholarships vary depending on the country of origin and the field of study of the applicants. Generally, the applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent, a high academic performance, a research proposal, and a letter of acceptance from a Swiss university or research institution. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application through the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country.

The amount and duration of the funding also depend on the type and level of the scholarship. For PhD scholarships, the funding covers the tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 300, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually three years, with a possible extension of six months. For postdoctoral scholarships, the funding covers a monthly stipend of CHF 3,500, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 300, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually 12 months, with a possible extension of six months. For artistic scholarships, the funding covers a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 300, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually 12 months, with no extension.

The benefits and opportunities of these scholarships are immense, as they allow the recipients to conduct high-quality research or artistic work in some of the best universities and research institutions in Switzerland, and to network with leading experts and professionals in their fields. The recipients also get to experience the Swiss culture and society, and to learn one of the four official languages of Switzerland: German, French, Italian, or Romansh.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of these scholarships are:

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who received a PhD scholarship to study at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.
• Dr. Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist and Nobel laureate, who received a postdoctoral scholarship to work at the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich.
• Mr. Yann Martel, the acclaimed author of Life of Pi, who received an artistic scholarship to write at the International Writers’ and Translators’ Centre of Rhodes.

For more information on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, please visit the official website.

2. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a highly competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree at ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology. This scholarship is awarded by the ETH Zurich Foundation, and aims to attract and support the best and brightest students from around the world.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very rigorous and demanding. The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a professor. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application online through the ETH Zurich website.

The amount and duration of the funding are very generous and comprehensive. The funding covers the full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 1,750, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 1,000, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually two years, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are enormous, as they enable the recipients to study at one of the most prestigious and innovative universities in the world, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of ETH Zurich. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, researchers, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Zurich, and to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Ritu Karidhal, the mission director of India’s Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission, who received an ESOP scholarship to study aerospace engineering at ETH Zurich.
• Dr. Fabiola Gianotti, the current Director-General of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, who received an ESOP scholarship to study physics at ETH Zurich.
• Mr. Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency platform, who received an ESOP scholarship to study computer science at ETH Zurich.

For more information on the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), please visit the official website.

3. EPFL Excellence Fellowships

The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are another highly competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree at EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, one of the world’s leading universities in engineering, science, and technology. This scholarship is awarded by the EPFL Foundation, and aims to attract and support the most talented and motivated students from around the world.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very strict and challenging. The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a professor. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application online through the EPFL website.

The amount and duration of the funding are very generous and comprehensive. The funding covers the full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 2,000, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 1,000, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually two years, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are enormous, as they enable the recipients to study at one of the most prestigious and innovative universities in the world, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of EPFL. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, researchers, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the lively and beautiful city of Lausanne, and to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Selina Wriessnegger, the co-founder and CEO of Intento, a startup that develops a device to help stroke patients regain motor function, who received an EPFL Excellence Fellowship to study biomedical engineering at EPFL.
• Dr. Alexandre Reymond, the director of the Center for Integrative Genomics at the University of Lausanne, who received an EPFL Excellence Fellowship to study bioinformatics at EPFL.
• Ms. Anne-Sophie de Baets, the co-founder and COO of Astrocast, a startup that provides global IoT connectivity through a network of nanosatellites, who received an EPFL Excellence Fellowship to study electrical engineering at EPFL.

For more information on the EPFL Excellence Fellowships, please visit the official website.

4. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

The University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships are a competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland.

5. University of Zurich Excellence Scholarships

The University of Zurich Excellence Scholarships are a competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Zurich, one of the leading universities in Switzerland and Europe. This scholarship is awarded by the University of Zurich, and aims to support the most outstanding and promising students from around the world.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very strict and challenging. The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a professor. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application online through the University of Zurich website.

The amount and duration of the funding are very generous and comprehensive. The funding covers the full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 1,800, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 500, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually two years, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are enormous, as they enable the recipients to study at one of the most prestigious and diverse universities in Switzerland and Europe, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of the University of Zurich. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, researchers, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the lively and cultural city of Zurich, and to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Ngozi Erondu, the co-founder and CEO of Project Zambezi, a nonprofit organization that provides health and education services to rural communities in Zambia, who received a University of Zurich Excellence Scholarship to study public health at the University of Zurich.
• Dr. Michael Hengartner, the current President of the Swiss National Science Foundation, who received a University of Zurich Excellence Scholarship to study molecular biology at the University of Zurich.
• Ms. Yara Eid, the co-founder and CTO of AgriBee, a startup that uses artificial intelligence and drones to monitor and improve crop pollination, who received a University of Zurich Excellence Scholarship to study computer science at the University of Zurich.

For more information on the University of Zurich Excellence Scholarships, please visit the official website.

6. University of Lausanne Master’s Grants

The University of Lausanne Master’s Grants are a competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Lausanne, one of the leading universities in Switzerland and Europe. This scholarship is awarded by the University of Lausanne, and aims to support the most talented and motivated students from around the world.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very strict and challenging. The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a professor. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application online through the University of Lausanne website.

The amount and duration of the funding are very generous and comprehensive. The funding covers the full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 1,600, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 300, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually two years, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are enormous, as they enable the recipients to study at one of the most prestigious and diverse universities in Switzerland and Europe, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of the University of Lausanne. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, researchers, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the beautiful and historic city of Lausanne, and to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Fatoumata Kebe, the founder and president of Ephemerides, an association that promotes astronomy and space sciences in Africa, who received a University of Lausanne Master’s Grant to study astrophysics at the University of Lausanne.
• Dr. Jean-François Bussard, the current Director of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, who received a University of Lausanne Master’s Grant to study epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Lausanne.
• Ms. Lina Ben Mhenni, the co-founder and editor of A Tunisian Girl, a blog that covers the social and political issues in Tunisia and the Arab world, who received a University of Lausanne Master’s Grant to study media and communication at the University of Lausanne.

For more information on the University of Lausanne Master’s Grants, please visit the official website.

7. IMD MBA Scholarships

The IMD MBA Scholarships are a competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) degree at IMD, one of the world’s leading business schools. This scholarship is awarded by IMD, and aims to support the most exceptional and diverse students from around the world.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very rigorous and demanding. The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, a minimum of three years of full-time work experience, a high academic performance, a strong leadership potential, and a clear career vision. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of the program, and submit their application online through the IMD website.

The amount and duration of the funding vary depending on the type and source of the scholarship. There are several scholarships that are offered by IMD, such as the IMD MBA Future Leaders Scholarships, the IMD MBA Alumni Scholarships, the IMD MBA Merit Scholarships, and the IMD MBA Diversity Scholarships. There are also scholarships that are offered by external organizations, such as the Nestlé MBA Scholarships, the Jim Ellert MBA Scholarships, the Staton MBA Scholarships, and the Van Oord MBA Scholarships. The funding ranges from CHF 10,000 to CHF 85,000, and covers a partial or full tuition fee of the program. The duration of the funding is usually one year, with no extension.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are immense, as they allow the recipients to study at one of the most prestigious and innovative business schools in the world, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of IMD. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, alumni, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the international and entrepreneurial city of Lausanne, and to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Mr. Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, who received a Nestlé MBA Scholarship to study at IMD.
• Ms. Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, who received an IMD MBA Merit Scholarship to study at IMD.
• Mr. Jack Ma, the founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, who received an IMD MBA Alumni Scholarship to study at IMD.

For more information on the IMD MBA Scholarships, please visit the official website.

8. Swiss Study Foundation Scholarships

The Swiss Study Foundation Scholarships are a competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at any Swiss university or university of applied sciences. This scholarship is awarded by the Swiss Study Foundation, a private and independent organization that supports the most talented and motivated students in Switzerland.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very rigorous and demanding. The applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent from a recognized institution, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application online through the Swiss Study Foundation website.

The amount and duration of the funding vary depending on the type and level of the scholarship. There are two types of scholarships that are offered by the Swiss Study Foundation: the Basic Scholarship and the Excellence Scholarship. The Basic Scholarship covers a partial tuition fee of CHF 3,000 per year, and is renewable for up to six years. The Excellence Scholarship covers a full tuition fee, a monthly stipend of CHF 1,500, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 500, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually three years for bachelor’s degree, two years for master’s degree, and four years for doctoral degree, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are immense, as they allow the recipients to study at any Swiss university or university of applied sciences of their choice, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of the Swiss education system. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, alumni, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the mentoring and coaching programs, the networking and career events, and the cultural and social activities that are organized by the Swiss Study Foundation.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Martina Hirayama, the current State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland, who received a Swiss Study Foundation Scholarship to study mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich and EPFL.
• Dr. Jacques Dubochet, the Nobel laureate in chemistry for his work on cryo-electron microscopy, who received a Swiss Study Foundation Scholarship to study physics and biophysics at the University of Lausanne and the University of Geneva.
• Ms. Lara Gut-Behrami, the world champion and Olympic medalist in alpine skiing, who received a Swiss Study Foundation Scholarship to study business administration at the University of Zurich.

For more information on the Swiss Study Foundation Scholarships, please visit the official website.

9. Swiss Re Foundation Scholarship

The Swiss Re Foundation Scholarship is a competitive and selective scholarship for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree in development studies at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, one of the world’s leading institutions in the fields of international relations and development studies. This scholarship is awarded by the Swiss Re Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and projects that address global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, poverty, and health.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very strict and challenging. The applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a professor. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of the program, and submit their application online through the Graduate Institute website.

The amount and duration of the funding are very generous and comprehensive. The funding covers the full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 2,000, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 500, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually two years, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are enormous, as they enable the recipients to study at one of the most prestigious and diverse institutions in the world, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of the Graduate Institute. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, researchers, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the international and humanitarian city of Geneva, and to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Switzerland.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who received a Swiss Re Foundation Scholarship to study development economics at the Graduate Institute.
• Dr. Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who received a Swiss Re Foundation Scholarship to study international relations at the Graduate Institute.
• Ms. Michelle Bachelet, the current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Chile, who received a Swiss Re Foundation Scholarship to study public health at the Graduate Institute.

For more information on the Swiss Re Foundation Scholarship, please visit the official website.

10. Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Scholarships

The Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Scholarships are a competitive and selective scholarship for Polish students who want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at any Swiss university or university of applied sciences. This scholarship is awarded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and aims to support the academic and professional development of Polish students in Switzerland.

The eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship are very strict and challenging. The applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent from a recognized institution, a very high academic performance, a strong motivation and potential for their chosen field of study, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. The applicants must also meet the language requirements of their chosen program, and submit their application online through the SDC website.

The amount and duration of the funding vary depending on the type and level of the scholarship. There are two types of scholarships that are offered by the SDC: the Bachelor/Master Scholarship and the Doctoral Scholarship. The Bachelor/Master Scholarship covers a partial tuition fee of CHF 1,600 per semester, and is renewable for up to six semesters. The Doctoral Scholarship covers a full tuition fee, a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920, a one-time settling-in allowance of CHF 300, a yearly travel allowance, a health insurance, and a housing allowance. The duration of the funding is usually three years, with a possible extension of six months.

The benefits and opportunities of this scholarship are immense, as they allow the recipients to study at any Swiss university or university of applied sciences of their choice, and to access the state-of-the-art facilities and resources of the Swiss education system. The recipients also get to join a diverse and dynamic community of students, alumni, and faculty, and to participate in various academic and extracurricular activities. The recipients also get to enjoy the mentoring and coaching programs, the networking and career events, and the cultural and social activities that are organized by the SDC.

Some examples of successful recipients or alumni of this scholarship are:

• Dr. Agnieszka Zalewska, the former President of CERN Council, who received a Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Scholarship to study physics at ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva.
• Dr. Pawel Althamer, the renowned contemporary artist, who received a Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Scholarship to study sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and the University of Bern.
• Ms. Anna Lewandowska, the world champion and Olympic medalist in karate, who received a Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Scholarship to study nutrition and dietetics at the University of Zurich.

For more information on the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Scholarships, please visit the official website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying in Switzerland can be a great opportunity for international students, as they can benefit from the high-quality and diverse education system, the multicultural and peaceful environment, and the numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. However, studying in Switzerland can also be quite costly, as the tuition fees, living costs, and visa requirements can pose significant financial challenges for many students.

Fortunately, there are many scholarships that can help international students cover some or all of the expenses of studying in Switzerland. These scholarships are offered by various sources, such as the Swiss government, the Swiss universities, the Swiss foundations, and other external organizations. In this article, we have presented the top 10 scholarships for international students who want to study in Switzerland, and provided some information on how to apply for them.