Scholarships in Switzerland
Swiss scholarships are few and very competitive. For master's, the main ones for students from India and Pakistan are at ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) and EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne). PhD and research ones come from the Swiss government.
Switzerland Scholarship Overview
Merit scholarships for top students, from universities and the Swiss government.
Scholarships in Switzerland
Most scholarships in Switzerland reward excellent grades and strong profiles.
Money from a scholarship also counts as proof of money for your visa.
Apply with your admission
Scholarship Overview
- ETH Zurich plans about 60 ESOP scholarships for 2027-28.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are open to 183 countries.
Why Apply for Scholarships?
- ESOP pays your study and living costs. You pay no tuition.
- EPFL fellowships come with a guaranteed place to live.
- Swiss Government scholarships pay CHF 2,450 a month and pay your compulsory health insurance if you are not from the EU.
Types of scholarships
Two main kinds for students from India and Pakistan.
Swiss Government scholarships
For researchers with a master's degree, from 183 countries, including India and Pakistan.
- Research scholarship (up to 12 months)
- PhD scholarship (up to 36 months)
University scholarships
For top master's students, chosen during admission.
- ETH Zurich ESOP
- EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships
Merit first
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
From the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Maximum age 35.
Applications go through the Swiss embassy. India: by 10 November 2026. Pakistan: by 31 October 2026. Decisions come by the end of May.
Key Benefits of Switzerland Government Scholarships
CHF 2,450 a month.
Compulsory health insurance paid for you if you are not from the EU.
Does not cover tuition or semester fees.
University scholarships
For master's students at the two federal institutes of technology.
Few and competitive
University of Zurich (UZH): master's students with a bachelor's from abroad must pay for their studies themselves.
Where to Look
- Your university's scholarship pages.
- Your master's application form, where you tick the scholarship box.
Application Tips
- ETH Zurich decides by the end of March.
- ETH Zurich may hold a phone or video interview in February.
- Only students without a master's degree can apply for ESOP.
Tips to apply
Plan your scholarship together with your admission.
ETH Zurich: 1 to 30 November 2026. EPFL: by 15 December 2026.
ESOP asks for top 10% results in your bachelor's.
ESOP asks for a pre-proposal (a short plan) for your master's thesis and 2 references if your programme asks for none.
Swiss Government: find a supervisor
Research and PhD applications need a supervisor at a Swiss university who supports your project.
Swiss Government: 2 professors
Give the emails of 2 professors who will upload recommendation letters.
EPFL: show more than grades
EPFL also looks at research, start-ups and civic work.
Keep your grades up
EPFL renews the fellowship for year 2 only with at least 50 credits and an average of 5.0 out of 6.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after the first round.
- Paying anyone for a Swiss Government scholarship; applying is free.
- Writing a thesis pre-proposal that is not your own work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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