Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Geneva, and more. Studying here isn’t cheap, but there are generous scholarships — many fully funded — available to international students (including Nigerians and other Africans).
Here’s your practical guide to the most prestigious Swiss scholarships in 2025: description, who can apply, how to apply, and deadlines.
10 Fully Funded Scholarships In Switzerland
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Offered by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research cooperation. Covers Master’s (Arts only), PhD, Postdoctoral studies & research fellowships.
Eligibility:
Open to over 180 countries (including Nigeria & other African nations).
Strong academic record.
Secured supervision from a Swiss professor (for research/PhD).
Coverage:
Tuition fees.
Monthly stipend (~CHF 1,920).
Health insurance.
Airfare reimbursement.
Housing allowance.
Method of application:
Contact a potential supervisor at a Swiss university.
Prepare research proposal + motivation letter.
Apply via the Swiss embassy in your country.
Use official forms: Swiss Excellence Scholarship.
Deadline:
Usually between September–December 2024 (for the 2025/26 academic year).
2. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
For outstanding Master’s students starting at ETH Zurich. Covers full living and study costs.
Eligibility:
Excellent Bachelor’s result (usually top 10% of class).
Applying for a full-time Master’s program at ETH Zurich.
Coverage:
CHF 12,000 per semester stipend.
Tuition fee waiver.
Method of application:
Apply for admission to ETH Zurich Master’s program.
Tick ESOP box on online application form.
Submit required documents (motivation letter, reference letters).
Deadline:
December 1, 2024 (for autumn 2025 intake).
🔗 More info
3. EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Highly competitive fellowships for Master’s students at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne).
Eligibility:
International students with excellent academic record.
Must apply for full Master’s at EPFL.
Coverage:
CHF 10,000 per semester.
Reservation of student accommodation.
Method of application:
Tick scholarship option during EPFL Master’s application.
Submit CV, motivation letter, and other documents.
Deadline:
December 15, 2024 (for September 2025 intake).
🔗 EPFL Fellowships
Read Also: Top 10 UK Universities Offering Automatic Entrance Scholarships
4. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
Master’s scholarships for students in the Faculty of Science.
Eligibility:
Excellent academic performance.
Must be admitted to an eligible Master’s at University of Geneva.
Coverage:
CHF 10,000–15,000 per year.
Method of application:
Apply for Master’s admission online.
Submit scholarship application, including CV and motivation letter.
Deadline:
March 15, 2025.
🔗 More info
5. University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants
Partial scholarships for Master’s study.
Eligibility:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a foreign university.
Strong academic record.
Coverage:
CHF 1,600 per month (except July & August).
Method of application:
Download scholarship form.
Apply by post with all required documents.
Deadline:
November 1, 2025.
🔗 UNIL Master’s grants
6. Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships (IHEID)
For Master’s & PhD in International & Development Studies.
Eligibility:
Excellent academic background.
Proof of financial need (for need-based grants).
Coverage:
Full or partial tuition waiver.
Living stipends depending on funding.
Method of application:
Apply for admission.
Complete scholarship & financial aid section of online form.
Deadline:
January 15, 2025 (for September 2025 intake).
🔗 Financial Aid
Read Also: 10 U.S. Universities Offering Scholarships Without SAT or ACT
7. University of Basel Scholarships
Small number of tuition fee waivers and support grants.
Eligibility:
Enrolled or newly admitted international students.
Excellent academic performance.
Coverage:
Tuition fee waivers or small monthly grants.
Method of application:
Contact Student Services or faculty office after admission.
Deadline:
Varies; often January–March 2025.
🔗 Scholarships info
8. IMD MBA Scholarship
Merit- and need-based awards for MBA candidates.
Eligibility:
Admitted to IMD MBA program.
Varies by scholarship type: gender, nationality, need, or merit.
Coverage:
Up to CHF 85,000.
Method of application:
Submit scholarship essay as part of MBA application.
Some awards require separate application.
Deadline:
Rolling, final by September 1, 2025 (program starts January 2026).
🔗 Scholarships
9. CERN Studentships & Fellowships
Fully paid research internships for students & graduates in physics, engineering, IT.
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s or Master’s students from CERN member/non-member countries.
Enrolled during internship.
Coverage:
Monthly stipend (~CHF 3,400).
Travel allowance.
Health insurance.
Method of application:
Online application through CERN portal.
Upload CV, references & proof of enrollment.
Deadline:
Varies; main call usually October & March each year.
🔗 CERN opportunities
10. Swiss Study Foundation Scholarships
Supports highly talented students studying at Swiss universities.
Eligibility:
Top academic performance.
Leadership potential.
Already studying (or accepted) at a Swiss university.
Coverage:
Grants for study projects, summer schools, and seminars.
Method of application:
Nomination by professors or application via foundation.
Deadline:
Varies by year; usually early spring.
Read Also: 10 Most Profitable Courses to Study in 2025 (And Where They Can Work + Top Scholarships)
Conclusion:
Switzerland offers scholarships for almost every stage: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD & research.
Start early: contact professors, prepare CV & motivation letters, and check deadlines carefully.
With fully funded scholarships like the Swiss Government Excellence Award and generous offers from ETH Zurich, EPFL, UNIL, and more — studying in Switzerland can be a reality.