What are the Top Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students?
Switzerland offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, including those from India, to make higher education more accessible. Whether you're applying for a Bachelor's, Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral program, these scholarships help cover tuition and living costs in one of Europe’s most advanced academic ecosystems.
Here are the top scholarships in Switzerland for 2025:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – A popular fully funded scholarship in Switzerland for international and Indian students, ideal for doctoral and research-level study.
- ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) – Supports outstanding students applying to Switzerland's master’s programs in science and engineering.
- EPFL Excellence Fellowships – Offers financial aid to talented Master’s students, particularly in STEM fields.
- University of Geneva Excellence Fellowships – For high-achieving Master’s students across several faculties.
- University of Lausanne Master’s Grants – Monthly stipend support for selected international applicants.
- SNSF Grants – Focused on research and postdoctoral funding, suitable for Indian scholars.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships – Includes Swiss universities and is open to global candidates.
These Switzerland scholarships for Indian students are designed to reduce financial barriers and promote global academic exchange. Let’s discuss each of them in detail.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are among the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships in Switzerland for international students, including Indian students. Offered by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships are available for postgraduate researchers, doctoral candidates, and students in the fields of art and music.
Who can apply?
- International students with a Master’s degree (for PhD/research)
- Artists with a Bachelor’s (for art scholarships)
- Applicants must have a clear academic/research proposal and an invitation from a Swiss professor
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (INR 1.7 lakhs)
- Health insurance
- Airfare (one-time return ticket)
- Housing allowance
Duration:
- 12 months (can be extended for multi-year research/PhD programs)
Application Process:
- Apply through the Swiss embassy in your home country
- Submit a research proposal, academic CV, references, and an invitation letter
- Deadline: Typically September to December of the previous year
ETH Zurich – Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is one of the most competitive fully funded Master’s scholarships in Switzerland. It’s aimed at outstanding international students applying to ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading science and technology universities.
Who can apply?
- Students from any country (including India)
- Holding a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Excellent academic record (usually in the top 10% of their class)
What does it cover?
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Living and study expenses: CHF 12,000 (INR 10.8 lakhs) per semester
- Mentorship and support services
Duration:
- Entire duration of the Master’s program (usually 1.5 to 2 years)
Application Process:
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
The EPFL Excellence Fellowships are awarded to highly talented students pursuing a Master’s degree at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Known for its world-class research and innovation, EPFL offers one of the most sought-after Switzerland master’s scholarships for international students.
Who can apply?
- International students, including Indian nationals
- Holding a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or science
- Excellent academic performance and a strong motivation letter
What does it cover?
- Financial package of CHF 10,000 (INR 9 lakhs) per semester
- Reservation of a student room in a university residence
- Does not cover full tuition fees, but helps substantially with living expenses
Duration:
- Up to 4 semesters (entire duration of the Master’s program)
Application Process:
University of Geneva Excellence Fellowships
The University of Geneva Excellence Fellowships are offered by the Faculty of Science to outstanding students from around the world who wish to pursue a Master’s in scientific disciplines. This is a great opportunity for students looking for Switzerland scholarships for Indian students in pure and applied sciences.
Who can apply?
- International students with a recognized Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic background, particularly in science and mathematics
- Motivation and interest in research are key selection factors
What does it cover?
- Financial support ranging from CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 (INR 9 to 13.5 lakhs) per year
- Awarded for one year and renewable for the full Master’s duration based on academic performance
Duration:
- 1 to 1.5 years, depending on the Master’s program
Application Process:
- Apply online after pre-enrolling in the Master’s program
- Submit academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and two references
- Deadline: Usually March 15
University of Lausanne Master’s Grants
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants are designed for high-achieving international students, including those from India, who wish to pursue a Master's degree at UNIL. While not fully funded, this is a reliable scholarship in Switzerland that significantly eases the financial burden of studying abroad.
Who can apply?
- International students with a recognized Bachelor’s degree
- Proven academic excellence
- Not previously enrolled at UNIL
- English or French language proficiency, depending on the program
What does it cover?
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,600 (INR 1.44 lakhs)
- Provided for the entire standard duration of the program
- Does not cover tuition fees or travel and accommodation costs
Duration:
- Maximum 2 years, depending on the Master’s program length
Application Process:
- Submit the official Master’s grant application form
- Attach academic records, CV, cover letter, and reference letters
- Deadline: November 1 for the following academic year
SNSF Grants (Swiss National Science Foundation)
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Grants are research-focused funding opportunities aimed at postgraduates and researchers. These grants support cutting-edge academic projects and are ideal for Indian scholars pursuing PhDs or postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
Who can apply?
- International researchers with a Master’s or PhD degree
- Applicants planning to conduct research at a Swiss institution
- Must have a strong academic/research proposal
What does it cover?
- Full research funding based on project needs
- Monthly living expenses (varies by project)
- Travel and material costs
- Institutional overhead support
Duration:
- Varies based on the research project; typically 1–3 years
H4: Application Process:
- Submit a research proposal through the official SNSF platform
- Include CV, research plan, institutional collaboration, and budget breakdown
- Deadlines vary by program stream (e.g., Spark, Ambizione, Postdoc.Mobility)
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (for Programs Involving Swiss Institutions)
While Switzerland is not an official Erasmus+ programme country, some Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMDs) include Swiss universities as partner or associate institutions. These scholarships offer generous funding for students pursuing joint Master’s programs across multiple countries, including Switzerland.
Who can apply?
- International students (including Indian students) with a Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic record and language proficiency (usually English and/or another European language)
- Applying to a listed Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program involving Swiss participation
What does it cover?
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend: €1,100 (INR 98,000 approx.)
- Travel costs and installation allowance
- Insurance coverage
Duration:
- 1 to 2 years (depending on the program)
Application Process:
- Apply through the official Erasmus Mundus portal
- Choose eligible programs that include Swiss institutions as part of the consortium
- Deadline: Usually between October to January
How to Apply for Scholarships in Switzerland?
Applying for a scholarship in Switzerland for Indian students involves careful research, document preparation, and timely application submission. While each scholarship has its process, here’s a step-by-step guide to streamline your application:
1. Identify the Right Scholarship
Research based on your academic level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or Postdoc, and field of study. Prioritise fully funded scholarships in Switzerland if financial support is essential.
2. Check Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship (like ETH Zurich ESOP, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, etc.) has specific academic, language, and nationality-based criteria.
3. Prepare Required Documents
Common documents include:
4. Apply Through Official Portals
- Swiss universities: Apply along with your program admission
- Government scholarships: Apply via the Swiss embassy
- Erasmus Mundus: Apply via the EMJMD portal
5. Track Deadlines
Application windows usually range from September to March, depending on the scholarship.
Pro Tip: Start 6–8 months before the intake to have enough time for documentation and visa processing.
Conclusion
Securing a scholarship in Switzerland is a gateway to world-class education, global exposure, and cutting-edge research. With options ranging from fully funded Master's scholarships in Switzerland to competitive university fellowships, Indian students can pursue their dreams without overwhelming financial stress.
Whether you're aiming for engineering at ETH Zurich, life sciences at EPFL, or international programs through Erasmus Mundus, Switzerland offers generous funding for academic talent. These Switzerland scholarships for Indian students not only support tuition and living expenses but also open doors to long-term academic and career opportunities.
If you’re planning to study abroad, start early, research well, and tailor your applications to stand out. A well-earned scholarship could be the key to your success in one of Europe’s most innovative and student-friendly countries.
Check out: How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: A Simple Guide
