Everything in Switzerland is expensive.
But don’t let that deter you from from thinking you can’t ever afford to study here.
Switzerland is home to some of the top universities in the world and is ranked in the top 100.
ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, is ranked #7 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Here’s the kicker though: Tuition is surprisingly affordable in Switzerland.
At ETH Zurich, annual tuition for international students is just US$1,712 — far from the average US$35,000 you might pay in the US.
The real challenge? The cost of living.
Switzerland is one of the most expensive places for international students, with average monthly living costs reaching US$2,479 compared to US$1,951 in the US, as stated by The World Population Review.
However, removing rent from the equation lowers the monthly cost to around US$1,731 for a single person.
Switzerland has the best hospitality education quality in the world. The country’s belief in precision, attention to detail, timely service, and discretion makes it successful. Source: AFP
A Big Mac in Switzerland, according to the Big Mac Index, costs US$8.33 compared to US$5.69 in the US.
Coming after Uruguay and Argentina, Switzerland is third on the list for the most expensive Big Mac in the world.
There are reasons why things are so pricey here:
- High wages: The country’s labour laws and worker protection ensure fair compensation and favourable working conditions for its workers, who earn a monthly salary of US$5,192.
- Strong currency: The Swiss Franc (CHF) contributes to the country’s high costs. Its currency is recognised for its power in the currency market. This means tourists may find things expensive as their currencies stretch less when converting to CHF.
- Tourism: Switzerland’s beautiful nature, mountains, and lakeside cities attract tourists year-round, pushing demands and prices.
Here’s how this Reddit user puts it: “Switzerland seems very expensive for tourists, but when you have a job here, it’s like every country. Some people live better than others, but generally, you can save more money than in your own country.”
The silver lining? Switzerland is also one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal choice for international students.
So, how do you become a student in this beautiful, safe, and rich country? The answer is scholarships.
Earning any of these Switzerland scholarships for international students means you’ll get to enjoy the picturesque sights of the country 24/7. Source: AFP
Types of Switzerland scholarships for international students
Government scholarships
The Swiss government offers a range of scholarships, often based on academic merit, research potential, or the applicant’s country of origin.
These can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
Organisation scholarship
International organisations like the European Union and non-governmental organisations also provide scholarships, often aimed at promoting global cooperation and development.
These scholarships typically cover full tuition and living costs.
University scholarships
Many Swiss universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students with outstanding academic records.
These may cover partial or full tuition and sometimes even living expenses.
The best Switzerland scholarships for international students allow you to study hospitality, economics, finance, politics, international relations, engineering, and environmental studies at the best universities in the country. Source: AFP
8 Switzerland scholarships for international students
Franklin Honours Programme Award
Educational level: Bachelor’s
Amount of award: US$3,000 to US$10,000 annually
Deadline: December 1 for Fall
Franklin University Switzerland awards the Franklin Honours Programme Scholarship to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and have completed a rigorous secondary school curriculum.
Recipients are chosen through an interview process conducted by the Honours Programme Executive Committee.
To retain the scholarship, students must maintain strong academic standing and actively participate in Honours Society events, including “Learned Conversations” and other activities designed to immerse them in the honours programme.
Hirschmann Grant for Master’s Degree Students Attending Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts
Educational level: Master’s
Amount of award: 5,000 to 10,000 CHF (approximately US$5,904 to US$11,808)
Deadline: April 15 and October 15
Established by the Hirschmann Foundation, the Hirschmann Grant supports students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are starting a master’s program at a Swiss University of Applied Sciences. To qualify, applicants must provide recommendations from two professors at Swiss universities.
Recipients must pursue a targeted master’s degree, participate in a workshop organized by foraus, and attend Hirschmann Grant events.
Nestlé has created thousands of jobs in Switzerland; they also offer one of the best Switzerland scholarships for international students. Source: AFP
Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women in Developing Countries
Educational level: Master’s
Amount of award: 25,000 CHF (approximately US$29,521)
Deadline: Throughout the year
Established in 1997 through a partnership between Nestlé and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Switzerland, the Nestlé MBA Scholarships for Women in Developing Countries aim to support future women leaders.
Only awarded to one individual, all applicants must demonstrate ambition, leadership potential, career growth, international exposure, and a commitment to enriching the learning experience of their peers. The application process includes an essay and participation in an Assessment Day.
University of Basel Scholarships for International Students
Educational level: Bachelor’s
Amount of award: Between 200 to 500 CHF a month (approximately US$236 to US$590)
Deadline: Not listed
Situated near the borders of France and Germany, the University of Basel offers several scholarships for enrolled students, including the Scholarship Funds, Solidarity Funds, and the Legat Grobe.
The Scholarship Funds primarily provide partial scholarships during the final phase of a degree, offering support between 200 to 500 CHF (approximately US$236 to US$590) per month.
These can be combined with the Solidarity Funds, which range from 500 to 1,000 CHF (US$590 to US$1,181) per semester. The Legat Grobe is specifically awarded to students pursuing degrees in biology with a focus on zoology or botany, offering support between 200 to 500 CHF (approximately US$236 to US$590) per month.
Both the Scholarship Funds and the Legat Grobe are available to Master’s students as well.
University of Lausanne Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students
Educational level: Master’s
Amount of award: 1,600 CHF a month (approximately US$1,889)
Deadline: November 1
Ranked 175th globally by US. News & World Report, the University of Lausanne offers 10 exclusive Master’s Grants to high-achieving students applying for its Master’s programmes. Eligibility is limited to students who have graduated from a university outside of Switzerland and boast exceptional academic records.
Recipients will receive a monthly allowance of 1,600 CHF (US$1,889) for 10 months each year or the full duration of their programme.
The University of St. Gallen Excellence Scholarship
Educational level: Bachelor’s
Amount of award: Covers current tuition fees for a total of six semesters
Deadline: Not listed
The University of St. Gallen is one of the few Swiss universities that offers an Excellence Scholarship to international students with exceptional academic performance during the HSG Assessment Year. However, applications are by invitation only, and additional selection criteria may apply.
Invited students must submit a 600-word written essay or personal letter, along with a 2-minute creative self-introduction video.
ETH Zurich also offers an Excellence Scholarship for high-performing students.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students and Artists
Educational level: Master’s and PhD
Amount of award: 1,920 to 3,500 CHF per month (approximately US$2,244 to US$4,133)
Deadline: September to December
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed for international researchers who have completed a Master’s or PhD, as well as foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree.
Two types of scholarships are offered: Research and Art. The Research Scholarship is available to post-graduate researchers from any discipline who wish to conduct research or pursue a PhD in Switzerland. These scholarships are fully funded, with recipients receiving a monthly stipend of 1,920 to 3,500 CHF (US$2,244 to US$4,133).
The Art Scholarship supports students pursuing a master’s degree in the arts at a Swiss conservatory or art university, offering the same monthly stipend of 1,920 to 3,500 CHF (US$2,244 to US$4,133) to cover living costs.
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships
Educational level: PhD
Amount of award: Not listed
Deadline: December 2
On behalf of the Swiss Confederation, the SNSF is launching the Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships, open to applicants of all nationalities who seek to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.
These fellowships are available for researchers from any discipline and will be hosted at a non-commercial research institution in Switzerland for 12 to 24 months.
The fellowship covers the postdoctoral fellow’s salary, including social security contributions, financial support for research activities, and conference participation.