02 Dec
Switzerland is a popular destination for international students, offering world-class education and research opportunities. However, the high cost of living and tuition fees can be a significant barrier. To make studying in Switzerland more accessible, numerous scholarships are available for international students. In 2025, students can apply for various funding programs, ranging from the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to university-specific awards. This guide provides a detailed overview of the most popular scholarships, eligibility criteria, application processes, and more.
Why Study in Switzerland?
Dubai is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Birmingham Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and SP Jain School of Global Management Dubai. While these universities provide world-class education, the cost of tuition and living can be overwhelming. Scholarships not only reduce the financial burden but also offer Indian students an opportunity to pursue their studies at internationally recognized institutions. Securing a scholarship also enhances your resume, demonstrating your ability to compete at a global level.
Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate program, this guide covers the essential scholarship options available in Dubai, including their benefits, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines for 2025.
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Top Scholarships for International Students in Switzerland in 2025
Dubai offers numerous scholarships for international students, making it a top choice for those pursuing higher education abroad. These scholarships, ranging from merit-based awards to financial need-based assistance, serve as a vital resource for students aiming to reduce the financial burden of studying in this global educational hub. Scholarships in Dubai not only alleviate tuition costs but also provide opportunities for talented individuals to excel in fields like engineering, business, and technology. Moreover, they enhance the cultural and academic diversity of Dubai’s universities, creating an enriching environment for international students. Securing a scholarship is an excellent way to unlock access to world-class education while minimizing expenses, making Dubai an attractive destination for students worldwide.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are perhaps the most prestigious and sought-after scholarships for international students. These scholarships aim to promote international research collaboration and are open to students, researchers, and artists from more than 180 countries.
Eligibility:
- Open to postgraduate students, researchers, and artists.
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (for PhD scholarships) or have a solid research proposal (for research scholarships).
- Must be nominated by a Swiss university or research institute.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 to cover living costs.
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Health insurance.
- Housing allowance (in certain cases).
- Round-trip airfare.
The application process is highly competitive, requiring strong academic records, a detailed research proposal, and letters of recommendation. The application deadlines for 2025 vary by country but typically fall around September each year.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
ETH Zurich offers the Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP) for exceptionally talented international students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree at the university.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be excellent students with strong academic performance and leadership potential.
- Must apply for a master’s program at ETH Zurich.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- A living stipend of CHF 12,000 per semester.
- Personalized mentoring.
The ESOP scholarship is highly competitive, and applicants must submit a compelling statement of purpose (SOP), academic records, and a CV. Applications are submitted along with the Master’s program application, which typically closes in December.
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers Excellence Fellowships to international students seeking to pursue a master’s degree at EPFL.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have a strong academic background and a desire to contribute to research and innovation.
- Students must apply for one of EPFL’s master’s programs.
Benefits:
- A partial tuition fee waiver.
- A stipend to help cover living expenses.
EPFL’s excellence fellowships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for advancing technology and science. The application process is part of the standard Master’s program application, and deadlines are in April and December each year.
UNIL Master’s Grants
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) offers the UNIL Master’s Grants for international students pursuing Master’s degrees in various disciplines, including sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a foreign university.
- Must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Benefits:
- CHF 1,600 per month to cover living expenses.
- Duration: The grant is available for the duration of the master’s program (typically 2 years).
The application process involves submitting transcripts, a CV, and a motivation letter. The deadline for applications is November each year.
Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
The Graduate Institute Geneva offers scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs in international relations, political science, and global studies.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have an academic background in a relevant field.
- Students must demonstrate outstanding academic potential and a passion for global issues.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- A stipend for living expenses.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and commitment to contributing to global challenges. The application process requires detailed academic proposals, transcripts, and a statement of purpose.
ZHAW Scholarships for Applied Sciences
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) offers scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s degrees in business, technology, and engineering.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements for a Master’s program at ZHAW.
- Students must demonstrate academic excellence.
Benefits:
- Reduction in tuition fees.
- Partial coverage of living costs.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Switzerland
The application process for Swiss scholarships can be competitive and requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Research Scholarship Opportunities: Identify scholarships that align with your academic goals, field of study, and eligibility criteria.
- Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a CV, and proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
- Craft a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP): Highlight your achievements, academic goals, and why you’re a strong candidate for the scholarship.
- Adhere to Deadlines: Scholarship deadlines typically range from November to April depending on the program.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Coverage | Official Application Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral, and Research Fellows | Tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, health insurance, housing allowance, and airfare | Apply Here |
| ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship | Master’s students at ETH Zurich | Full tuition fee waiver, monthly living stipend | Apply Here |
| University of Lausanne Master’s Grants | International students applying for a master’s program | CHF 1,600 monthly stipend (10 months/year) | Apply Here |
| EPFL Excellence Fellowships | International master’s students | CHF 10,000/year and additional benefits such as housing assistance | Apply Here |
| Geneva Academy Scholarships | Master’s students in Humanitarian Law | Full/partial tuition fee waiver, monthly living expenses | Apply Here |
| Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships | Master’s and PhD students | Tuition fee reduction, living allowance, and housing | Apply Here |
How We Can Help You
Switzerland remains a top destination for international students due to its world-class education system, beautiful landscapes, and diverse culture. The availability of numerous scholarships, such as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, ETH Zurich Excellence Programme, and others, makes studying in Switzerland more accessible than ever. By researching and applying for scholarships early, students can reduce their financial burdens and focus on their academic and research goals.
Take Action Now: Start your journey to studying in Switzerland today! Explore with us the wide range of scholarships available, craft a winning application, and unlock your potential in one of the most innovative countries in the world. Begin your research, connect with our scholarship advisors, and apply early to secure your spot. Don’t let financial constraints hold you back, Switzerland’s opportunities are waiting for you!
