Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students

Switzerland is one of the most attractive destinations for higher education, known for its top ranked universities, strong research culture, and generous scholarship programs. Many scholarships in Switzerland are designed for international students, including those from Pakistan, offering full or partial funding for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies.

Foundation Based Scholarships in Switzerland

Foundation based scholarships in Switzerland are offered by organizations, institutions, and the government to support students across different academic levels. These scholarships usually cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research funding.

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: Offered to postgraduate researchers and highly qualified PhD and postdoctoral students.
• CERN Scholarships Switzerland: Available for science, physics, computer science, and engineering researchers.
• Swiss National Science Foundation Scholarships: Supporting innovative projects in various research fields.
• Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics Scholarships: Targeting biotechnology, bioinformatics, and computational sciences.

Degree Based Scholarships in Switzerland

Switzerland provides scholarships for different academic levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies.

Bachelor’s Scholarships

• Scholarships for undergraduate students
• University of Lausanne scholarships for international bachelor’s students
• Partial merit based scholarships from hospitality and business schools like BHMS and IMI Switzerland

Master’s Scholarships

• ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarship Program
• EPFL Excellence Fellowships for MSc students in science, technology, and engineering
• University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
• Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland Scholarships for hospitality and culinary students

PhD Scholarships

• PhD scholarships in Switzerland for Pakistani and international students in engineering, life sciences, and social sciences
• University of Basel PhD Fellowships in medical and natural sciences
• University of Fribourg PhD Programs in the humanities and sciences
• Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships

Postdoctoral Scholarships

• CERN Postdoctoral Fellowships in physics, engineering, and computer science
• Postdoctoral scholarships at the University of Zurich and the University of Bern
• Swiss Excellence Research Fellowships

Subject Specific Scholarships in Switzerland

Many Swiss universities and institutions offer targeted scholarships in specialized fields.

Science and Technology Scholarships

• Engineering scholarships in Switzerland (civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, data science)
• Artificial intelligence and robotics scholarships at ETH Zurich and EPFL
• Nanotechnology and renewable energy scholarships in Switzerland

Medical and Health Scholarships

• Medicine scholarships for international graduates
• Public health and epidemiology scholarships
• Nursing and pharmacy scholarships
• Dentistry and medical laboratory technology scholarships

Business and Social Sciences Scholarships

• MBA scholarships for Pakistani and international students
• Finance and economics scholarships at the University of St. Gallen
• International law scholarships in Switzerland
• Political science and international relations scholarships

Arts and Humanities Scholarships

• Arts scholarships in Switzerland, including visual arts and performing arts
• Music scholarships at the University of Geneva and the Zurich University of the Arts
• Cultural and tourism management scholarships
• Human rights and sociology scholarships

University Specific Scholarships in Switzerland

Leading universities in Switzerland offer their own merit based and research based scholarships.

• ETH Zurich Scholarships: Excellence scholarships for MSc programs in science and engineering
• EPFL Fellowships: For international master’s students in technology and innovation
• University of Lausanne (UNIL) Scholarships: For international master’s and bachelor’s students
• University of Geneva Scholarships: Master’s and PhD fellowships
• University of Basel Scholarships: Supporting medical and science research students
• University of Bern Scholarships: For PhD and research programs
• University of Lucerne Scholarships: For law, theology, and social sciences students
• Franklin University Switzerland Scholarships: For undergraduate and graduate students in business and liberal arts
• BHMS & IMI Switzerland Scholarships: For hospitality, tourism, and management degrees

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Switzerland

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship program, but common conditions include:

• Proof of admission or conditional acceptance at a Swiss university
• Strong academic background (minimum GPA or equivalent)
• Research proposal for PhD and postdoctoral programs
• Language proficiency in English, French, or German (depending on the university)
• Valid passport and student visa eligibility

Required Documents for Swiss Scholarships

When applying for scholarships in Switzerland, students generally need:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Research proposal (for PhD/postdoc scholarships)
• Updated CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or motivation letter
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Copy of a valid passport

Application Process for Scholarships in Switzerland

Applying for scholarships in Switzerland usually involves the following steps:

• Research available scholarships through universities, government portals, or organizations like CERN and the Swiss Government.
• Prepare academic documents and check specific eligibility requirements.
• Apply online via the university or scholarship provider’s portal.
• Submit research proposals if required (mainly for PhD and postdoctoral scholarships).
• Await shortlisting and, in some cases, attend interviews or presentations.
• Receive confirmation and arrange a student visa for Switzerland.

Switzerland offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, covering almost every academic field from engineering and medical sciences to business, law, and arts. With world class universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Geneva, students not only gain academic excellence but also benefit from generous funding opportunities. If you are a student from Pakistan or any other country, applying for a scholarship in Switzerland can open doors to a global career and cutting edge research opportunities.

FAQs About Scholarships in Switzerland

Are there fully funded scholarships in Switzerland?

• Yes, programs like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship and ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship offer full funding for tuition and living expenses.

Can Pakistani students apply for Swiss scholarships?

• Yes, many scholarships in Switzerland are open to Pakistani students, including fully funded opportunities at ETH Zurich, EPFL, and Swiss Government schemes.

Do I need IELTS to apply for scholarships in Switzerland?

• Some universities waive IELTS if you provide proof of English medium education, but most programs require IELTS or TOEFL.

What are the most popular subjects for scholarships in Switzerland?

• Engineering, computer science, medicine, business, and hospitality are among the most popular scholarship supported fields.

How can I apply for a PhD scholarship in Switzerland?

• You must contact potential supervisors, prepare a research proposal, and apply through the university’s portal or government scholarship programs.