Study in Switzerland with Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded
Switzerland is one of Europe’s most prestigious education destinations — home to globally ranked institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Geneva. Every year, thousands of ambitious students worldwide apply to study here because of the country’s innovation-driven academic system, world-class research facilities, and commitment to international collaboration.
For 2026, several fully funded scholarships in Switzerland are open to international students. These opportunities include government-funded awards, university grants, and specialized fellowships from organizations like CERN and the Swiss Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology.
Whether you are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral degree, Switzerland offers programs that combine academic excellence, cutting-edge infrastructure, and global networking. Below is a curated list of the top Swiss scholarships for 2026, complete with benefits, eligibility requirements, and official links to apply.
1. Swiss Government Scholarships for Central & Eastern Europe and the Caucasus
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide outstanding students and researchers from Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus the chance to continue their postgraduate education in Switzerland. These awards aim to strengthen international collaboration and raise awareness of Switzerland’s world-class institutions.
Benefits
• Fully funded coverage including a monthly stipend, health insurance, and allowances for living expenses.
• Opportunity to study or conduct research at leading Swiss universities.
Eligibility
• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.
• A well-structured research proposal and a letter of support from a Swiss professor are required.
Deadline: November 10, 2025
Official Link to apply for Swiss Government Scholarships
2. CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics
The CERN Theoretical Physics Fellowship is one of the most competitive and prestigious postdoctoral programs in Europe. Designed for PhD graduates with up to six years of postdoctoral experience, it offers an incredible opportunity to work at the frontier of particle physics.
Benefits
• Tax-free monthly stipend between 6,800 – 7,200 CHF.
• Comprehensive health coverage for fellows and their families.
• Pension fund membership, installation grant, family allowances, and paid leave.
Eligibility
• PhD in Theoretical Physics with an excellent academic and research record.
• Submission of CV, statement of research interests, and three recommendation letters before the deadline.
Deadline: November 3, 2025
Apply for CERN Research Fellowship
3. Archivio Luigi Pericle – Dahlem Humanities Centre Fellowship
This fellowship is a collaboration between Freie Universität Berlin and the Archivio Luigi Pericle in Ascona, Switzerland. It offers scholars a unique opportunity to explore the intellectual and artistic heritage of Luigi Pericle and the cultural history of the Monte Verità region.
Benefits
• Up to six weeks of fully funded stay at Archivio Pericle/Hotel Ascona.
• Accommodation, meals, and a 600 CHF stipend included.
• Postdoctoral researchers may apply for additional travel support.
Eligibility
• Open to postdoctoral and senior academic researchers in the humanities.
• Applicants must submit a research proposal, CV, and cover letter.
Deadline: November 2, 2025
Official Website to apply for Free University Berlin
4. Swiss Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (SSSR) Travelling Fellowship 2026
The SSSR Travelling Fellowship offers young radiologists the chance to enhance their knowledge in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging across multiple Swiss medical institutions.
Benefits
• Fully funded one-week program including travel, accommodation, and a 1,000 CHF grant for expenses.
• Hands-on training through clinical sessions, lectures, and research activities.
• Opportunity to present research at the SSSR Annual Meeting.
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Official website to apply for Swiss Travel Fellowship Scholarships
5. CERN Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme
The CERN Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme gives PhD candidates from non-member countries the opportunity to complete part of their thesis research at CERN, one of the world’s leading scientific laboratories.
Benefits
• Net-of-tax monthly allowance: 4,506 CHF for up to 36 months.
• Full health insurance and travel grant to/from Geneva.
• Access to world-class mentors and advanced research facilities.
Eligibility
• Nationals of non-CERN member states, preferably from developing countries.
• Must be registered in a PhD program and have completed at least one year of study.
• Research at CERN must form part of your PhD thesis.
Deadline: October 20, 2025
Official Website: CERN NMS Programme
6. EPFL Social Scholarship
The EPFL Social Scholarship is a financial aid program at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, created to assist students facing unexpected financial challenges.
Benefits
• Up to 2,100 CHF per month for a duration of one to two semesters (max 10 months).
• Renewable annually upon reapplication with proof of financial need.
Eligibility
• Must be a current EPFL student with at least one year completed.
• Open to Swiss nationals, refugees, and C permit holders from the CMS program.
• Proof of financial hardship due to sudden changes in social or family situation.
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Official website to apply for EPFL Social Scholarship
7. CERN Short-Term Internship 2025
The CERN Short-Term Internship provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a highly collaborative international research environment.
Benefits
• Monthly stipend of 1,587 CHF (after tax).
• Internship duration ranges from 1 to 6 months.
• Work with top researchers in both technical and administrative fields.
Eligibility
• Must be a full-time student pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Open to citizens of CERN Member or Associate Member States.
• Proficiency in English and/or French required.
Deadline: November 3, 2025
Official website to apply for CERN Internships
8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are the flagship scholarships funded by the Swiss Confederation. They promote international exchange and research collaboration for researchers and artists from over 180 countries.
Benefits
• Monthly stipend: CHF 1,920 (Research, PhD, and Arts) or CHF 3,500 (Postdoctoral).
• Full health insurance for non-EU/EFTA students.
• Travel grant, CHF 300 housing allowance, and a Swiss half-fare transport card.
• Some universities waive tuition fees for scholarship holders.
Eligibility
• Applicants must be from a country with a Swiss diplomatic relationship.
• Must demonstrate strong academic and research achievements.
• Age and eligibility vary by program level.
How to Choose the Right Swiss Scholarship for Spring 2026
When applying for Scholarships in Switzerland 2026, your choice should depend on your study level, research goals, and financial needs:
• For PhD and Postdoctoral research, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and CERN programs offer the most comprehensive funding.
• For students already enrolled at EPFL, the EPFL Social Scholarship is ideal during sudden financial hardships.
• For short-term experience, consider CERN’s Internship Program or SSSR Travelling Fellowship for hands-on professional training.
Always check the specific deadlines and eligibility rules of each program, as Swiss universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL may not admit new students for all programs in the spring semester.
Conclusion
Studying in Switzerland provides not just academic excellence but a pathway to innovation, global collaboration, and cultural exchange. The fully funded scholarships in Switzerland 2026 make this dream attainable for talented students worldwide. Whether you’re a researcher, scientist, or artist, these programs open doors to the highest levels of education and discovery.
Take your chance this Spring 2026 — study with the best, among the best.