Are There Scholarships for International Students in Switzerland?

I'm interested in pursuing higher education in Switzerland as an international student. Does anyone know what scholarship options are available, or have any advice on how to apply for them?

Yes, there are indeed several scholarships available for international students in Switzerland, both from governmental and non-governmental sources.

First, the Swiss Government provides Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation. These scholarships are targeted at young researchers from abroad, including post-graduates and researchers pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral research.

Secondly, individual Swiss universities also offer their own scholarships. For instance, the ETH Zurich provides Excellence scholarship and opportunity programme that covers study and living expenses. Similarly, the University of Lausanne provides scholarships to international students for master’s level studies.

As for applying for these scholarships, each one may have its own specific application process, but some general steps often include filling out an application form, providing academic transcripts, submitting letters of recommendation, and sometimes submitting a research proposal, especially if the scholarship is research-based.

Additionally, it can be beneficial to reach out to the international student services or financial aid departments at the Swiss institutions you are considering to ask about other scholarship opportunities they recommend.

In terms of time, typically, scholarship applications need to be made either concurrently with or shortly after you have applied for your chosen course, but each scholarship will have its own timeline.

Remember that scholarships can be competitive, so it's a good idea to apply for as many as you are eligible for and to make sure you put effort into your applications to set yourself apart. This could include drafting thorough and thoughtful responses to essay questions, if applicable, or making sure that your academic achievements and extracurricular experiences are clearly articulated. And don't forget to check the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you qualify before spending time on an application.

I hope this helps, and best of luck with your studies in Switzerland!