List of Top 20 Universities in Switzerland with Fully Funded Scholarships 2026. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Studying in Switzerland is a dream for many students who wish to receive world-class education in one of Europe’s most beautiful and developed countries. With stunning landscapes, innovative research facilities, and globally recognised universities, Switzerland stands among the top destinations for international students.
The best part? You can study in Switzerland for free through fully funded scholarships offered by Swiss universities and the Swiss Government for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes. These scholarships in Switzerland 2026 cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel costs, making them ideal for students seeking high-quality education without financial burden.
This post lists the top 20 universities in Switzerland offering fully funded scholarships in 2026, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
Erasmus Mundus PROMISE Scholarship (Fully Funded)
🇨🇭 Why Study in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s best universities, consistently ranked among the top 100 in global education rankings. The country offers:
- Excellent education and research standards
- Fully funded scholarships for international students
- High employability and global career opportunities
- Safe, multicultural, and modern environment
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Access to Europe’s central hub for research and innovation
Switzerland’s scholarships are known for their generous funding packages, high acceptance rates, and strong global recognition.
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🏫 Top 20 Universities in Switzerland with Fully Funded Scholarships 2026
Here’s a list of the best universities in Switzerland that offer fully funded scholarship programmes for international students:
1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
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Scholarships: ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP)
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Coverage: Fully funded – tuition fee, living costs, and accommodation
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Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
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Website:
ETH Zurich Official Website
2. EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
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Scholarships: EPFL Excellence Fellowships
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Coverage: Full tuition fee + monthly living allowance
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Programs: Master’s and PhD
EPFL Official Website
3. University of Zurich
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Scholarships: University of Zurich Graduate Scholarships, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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Coverage: Fully funded with living and research expenses
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Programs: Master’s, PhD
University of Zurich Official Website
4. University of Geneva
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Scholarships: Excellence Master Fellowships
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Coverage: Tuition fee + financial support up to CHF 15,000 per year
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Programs: Master’s
University of Geneva Official Website
5. University of Lausanne
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Scholarships: UNIL Master’s Grants
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Coverage: CHF 1,600 per month + full tuition fee
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Programs: Master’s
University of Lausanne Official Website
6. University of Basel
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Scholarships: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, Basel Research Grants
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Coverage: Fully funded for research students
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Programs: Master’s, PhD
University of Basel Official Website
7. University of Bern
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Scholarships: Bern Excellence Scholarships for International Students
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Coverage: Tuition waiver + living expenses
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Programs: Master’s, PhD
University of Bern Official Website
8. University of St Gallen
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Scholarships: Excellence Scholarships, St Gallen Financial Aid
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Coverage: Tuition + accommodation
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Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s
University of St. Gallen Official Website
9. University of Fribourg
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Scholarships: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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Coverage: Fully funded
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Programs: Master’s, PhD
University of Fribourg Official Website
10. University of Neuchâtel
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Scholarships: Research Scholarships
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Coverage: Tuition + research expenses
University of Neuchâtel Official Website
11. Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
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Scholarships: Research Fellowships for Environmental Studies
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Coverage: Fully funded
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) – Official Website
12. University of Lugano (USI)
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Scholarships: USI Scholarships for International Students
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Coverage: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend
USI Official Website
13. Graduate Institute Geneva
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Scholarships: Excellence Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Coverage: Full tuition + CHF 10,000/year
Graduate Institute Geneva Official Website
14. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
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Scholarships: Research and Innovation Scholarships
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Coverage: Fully funded (tuition + accommodation)
Official Website
15. University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland
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Scholarships: HES-SO International Scholarships
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Coverage: Tuition + partial living costs
Official Website
16. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences
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Scholarships: Master’s Grants for International Students
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Coverage: Partial or full funding
Official Website
17. Zurich University of the Arts
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Scholarships: ZHdK Excellence Scholarships
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Coverage: Tuition + monthly stipend
Official Website
18. Bern University of Applied Sciences
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Scholarships: International Research Grants
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Coverage: Tuition + living costs
Official Website
19. Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG)
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Scholarships: PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships
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Coverage: Fully funded
Official Website
20. Geneva Business School
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Scholarships: Merit-Based and Financial Need Scholarships
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Coverage: Partial to full funding for business degrees
Official Website
💰 Types of Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and university-specific scholarships are the two main funding options available for international students:
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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Offered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), covering tuition, housing, and living costs.
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University Excellence Scholarships – Provided by individual universities like ETH Zurich, University of Geneva, and Lausanne.
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Research Fellowships – For PhD and postdoctoral candidates conducting advanced research in Switzerland.
Concordia University Scholarships in Canada (Funded)
✅ Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
To apply for fully funded scholarships in Switzerland, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognised institution.
- Have excellent academic performance.
- Meet the language requirements (usually English or French).
- Provide strong recommendation letters and a motivation statement.
- Apply before the deadline mentioned on each university’s website.
🧾 Required Documents
Before applying, prepare these documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Recommendation Letters
- Passport copy
- English/French language certificate
- Research proposal (if applicable)
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🧭 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Choose the university and programme that fit your goals.
- Visit the official website of the selected university.
- Check the scholarship requirements and deadlines.
- Prepare and upload the required documents.
- Submit the application form online.
- Wait for the selection committee to contact shortlisted candidates.
🕐 Important Dates
Most fully funded scholarships in Switzerland for 2026 open in October 2025 and close by February 2026.
Always check the official university websites for exact deadlines.
💼 Career Benefits
Graduating from a Swiss university offers immense value in global job markets. You’ll gain:
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Internationally recognized degree
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Research and innovation experience
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Career opportunities in technology, business, and engineering
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High salaries in Switzerland and abroad
ANU International Research Scholarships in Australia (Fully Funded)
🔗 Official Scholarship Websites
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Official Page
ETH Zurich Scholarships
University of Geneva Scholarships
University of Lausanne Scholarships
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I study in Switzerland for free?
Yes, with fully funded scholarships, you can study at top Swiss universities without paying tuition fees.
Q2. Are these scholarships open to all nationalities?
Yes, most Swiss scholarships are available for international students worldwide.
Q3. Do I need IELTS to apply?
Most universities require proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
Q4. What expenses are covered under these scholarships?
They typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
Q5. When should I apply for Swiss scholarships 2026?
Applications open in late 2025 and close by early 2026.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Switzerland offers an outstanding combination of quality education, research innovation, and cultural diversity. With fully funded scholarships, students can earn prestigious degrees without worrying about costs.
If you want to study in Switzerland for free, start preparing your documents now and apply to one of these top 20 universities in Switzerland with fully funded scholarships for 2026. It’s your chance to turn your dream of European education into reality!