Switzerland, known for its world-class education system, attracts students globally with its excellent universities and scholarship opportunities. Below is a detailed guide to scholarships offered by seven top universities in Switzerland and the application process for each.
1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)
Scholarships Available:
- Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP): Covers full study costs and living expenses.
- ETH-D Scholarship: Includes partial stipend and assistantship.
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic record.
- Admitted to a master’s program.
How to Apply:
- Apply for a master’s program at ETH Zurich.
- During the application process, indicate your interest in scholarships.
- Submit required documents, including a motivation letter, CV, and two recommendation letters.
2. University of Zurich (UZH)
Scholarships Available:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: For international PhD and postdoctoral students.
- Faculty-specific grants for master’s students.
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence.
- Specific qualifications depending on the program.
How to Apply:
- Research scholarship options based on your program.
- Apply through the university’s online portal or via the Swiss Government website.
- Provide academic transcripts, language certificates, and research proposals (if applicable).
3. University of Geneva
Scholarships Available:
- Excellence Master Fellowships: For students pursuing master’s degrees in science fields.
- Additional grants are available through the Swiss Government.
Eligibility:
- Admission to a master’s program in eligible fields.
- Excellent academic track record.
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to a master’s program.
- Submit a fellowship application through the university’s portal.
- Include a motivation letter, CV, and references.
4. EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
Scholarships Available:
- EPFL Excellence Fellowships: Covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend.
Eligibility:
- High academic performance.
- Enrolled in or admitted to an EPFL master’s program.
How to Apply:
- Complete the master’s program application on EPFL’s official portal.
- Indicate interest in the fellowship.
- Provide supporting documents such as a statement of objectives, academic records, and reference letters.
5. University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Scholarships Available:
- UNIL Master’s Grants: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses for two years.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Admission to a master’s program at UNIL.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application for the master’s program.
- Fill out the scholarship application form available on the university’s website.
- Provide transcripts, a CV, and two recommendation letters.
6. University of Basel
Scholarships Available:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: For PhD, postdoctoral, and research students.
- Faculty-specific scholarships for master’s students.
Eligibility:
- Academic merit.
- Research or study proposal for specific programs.
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to the university.
- Submit a scholarship application with supporting documents, including a research proposal for doctoral programs.
7. University of Bern
Scholarships Available:
- Government scholarships and university grants for international students.
Eligibility:
- Admission to a degree program.
- Strong academic performance.
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to the program of your choice.
- Check for specific scholarships related to your faculty.
- Submit applications with required documents like motivation letters and academic certificates.
General Tips for Scholarship Applications
- Start Early: Deadlines are strict, and preparation takes time.
- Tailor Your Documents: Customize your motivation letter to highlight why you’re a strong candidate.
- Check Language Requirements: Many programs require English proficiency or knowledge of German/French.
- Seek Guidance: Contact university offices for clarification on application details.
By leveraging these scholarships, you can benefit from Switzerland’s high-quality education while reducing financial burdens. Visit the official university websites for detailed and updated information.