Study in Switzerland for Free | Swiss Government Scholarship 2025-2026

., Scholarships

Studying in Switzerland is a dream for many due to the high quality of education, and Swiss universities are ranked among the best in the world. Through the Swiss Government Scholarship, you can obtain fully funded scholarships for all disciplines.

Study in Switzerland for Free through the Swiss Government Scholarship

The Swiss government offers the opportunity to study in Switzerland for free for those seeking PhD scholarships, postdoctoral scholarships, or research fellowships in a wide range of fields. These scholarships allow students to study at some of the best Swiss universities, institutes of technology, applied sciences schools, and schools of arts and music. To apply for these fully funded Swiss scholarships, applicants must submit all required documents to the Swiss embassy in their country.

Since 1961, the Swiss Confederation has been granting Excellence Government Scholarships annually to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree and at artists with a bachelor’s degree. Education in Switzerland is known to be among the best in the world, making it a top destination for many international students. Swiss universities are also ranked among the top 100 universities globally. Switzerland is notable for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as its breathtaking natural beauty. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, Switzerland is a technologically advanced country. Additionally, you can read about studying in New Zealand for free.

General Information about Studying in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the premier educational destinations in the world, combining high-quality education with a diverse and beautiful environment. If you are looking for a unique educational experience that opens up new horizons and offers unparalleled education, studying in Switzerland might be the perfect choice for you. In this article, we highlight the benefits of studying in Switzerland and how Arab students can take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

Benefits of Studying in Switzerland

High-Quality Education

In Switzerland, you can benefit from an outstanding and globally recognized educational system. Swiss universities are known for their scientific research and innovative teaching, providing students with rich educational content and a unique learning experience.

Cultural Diversity

Switzerland is a favored destination for international students, making it a hub of cultural diversity. Arab students can interact with peers from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds, enriching their cultural and social experiences.

Employment Opportunities

Switzerland boasts a strong economy and diverse job opportunities across various sectors. After completing their studies, Arab students can explore exciting job opportunities and professional development in this remarkable country.

Details of Studying in Switzerland for Free through Scholarships

Degree Type: Research Fellowships, PhD, Postdoctoral

Funding: Fully funded

Eligible Nationalities:

Egyptians
Algerians
Iraqis
Bahrainis
Jordanians
Kuwaitis
Lebanese
Libyans
Omanis
Palestinians
Saudis
Sudanese
Syrians
Tunisians
Yemenis

Disciplines: All disciplines are open for application.

Types of Scholarships Available for Studying in Switzerland through the Swiss Government Scholarship

Research Fellowships:

Duration: 12 months, from September 2025 to August 2026.
Applications with a duration of less than 9 months will not be considered.

PhD Scholarships:

Duration: From one academic year up to three years.
Studies start in September 2025.

Postdoctoral Scholarships:

Duration: 12 months, from September 2025 to August 2026.

Arts Scholarships:

For Master’s degree.
Duration: From 12 months to 21 months.
Studies start in September 2025.

Swiss Universities Available for Study

For Research Fellowships, PhD, and Postdoctoral Studies

University of Basel
University of Bern
University of Fribourg
University of Geneva
University of Lausanne
University of Lucerne
University of Neuchâtel
University of St. Gallen
University of Zurich
Università della Svizzera italiana
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)

For Research Fellowships and Postdoctoral Studies Only

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)
University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR)
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Universities of Teacher Education
Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)

Benefits of Studying in Switzerland through the Swiss Government Scholarship

For Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships

Annual stipend: 23,000 Swiss Francs

For Postdoctoral Scholarships

Annual stipend: 42,000 Swiss Francs

Additional Benefits

One-time allowance of 300 Swiss Francs
Health insurance
Airfare tickets

Requirements for Free Study in Switzerland

For Research Fellowships

Open to all disciplines for those with a master's degree.
Must have obtained the master's degree or equivalent before July 31, 2025.
Must be born after December 31, 1989.
Must have a supervision letter from a supervisor in Switzerland, including their CV (maximum two pages) and an explanation of why they are willing to supervise the research.
A research proposal including a timeline.
These fellowships are not available to those who already have a PhD.
The fellowship must be full-time.

For PhD Scholarships

Open to all fields.
Must have obtained the master's degree or equivalent before July 31, 2025.
Must be born after December 31, 1989.
Must have a supervision letter from a supervisor in Switzerland, including their CV (maximum two pages) and an explanation of why they are willing to supervise the research.
The PhD degree must be obtained from a research university in Switzerland.
A research proposal including a timeline.
For applications to universities of applied sciences in Switzerland, an additional support letter from a faculty member at the host research university where the PhD will be completed is required.
The PhD must be full-time.
If there is a need to conduct part of the PhD outside Switzerland, this can be done for a period not exceeding six months, and the costs will be covered.

For Postdoctoral Scholarships

Open to all scientific fields.
Must have obtained the PhD degree after December 31, 2021, and before July 31, 2025.
Must not be residing in Switzerland.
Must have a supervision letter from a supervisor in Switzerland, including their CV (maximum two pages) and an explanation of why they are willing to supervise the research.
A research proposal including a timeline.

For Arts Scholarships

Open to all artistic fields for a master’s degree.
The study must be full-time.
Must have obtained the bachelor’s degree or equivalent before July 31, 2025.
Must have graduated within the last three years.
Must be born after December 31, 1989.
Must have preliminary acceptance from a school of arts or conservatory.
Arts scholarships are available to some European and Asian countries only and are not available to Arab countries.

Required Documents for Applying to the Swiss Government Scholarship

All documents must be submitted in English, French, Italian, or German.

Submit two copies of each document: one original signed copy and one duplicate.

Application Form: Fill out the form, include a photo, and print it. The form can be obtained from the scholarship website.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Preferably in the Europass template. The CV should include comprehensive details about your education, training, diplomas, awards, conferences, publications with references, academic and non-academic positions, teaching or academic experience, and links to your scientific blogs and online presentations.
Motivation Letter: Not exceeding two pages.
Research Proposal: Not exceeding five pages, signed.
Invitation Letter from the Academic Supervisor in Switzerland: Including their CV.
Two Letters of Recommendation: From professors in the same field of study.
Academic Certificates: Copies of your degrees.
Copies of Passport: For those with dual nationality, provide a copy of each passport.
Medical Certificate: Signed by a medical professional.

How to Apply for the Swiss Government Scholarship

Open the Application Link: Access the application link for the Swiss Government Scholarship to learn the application deadlines for your country.
Prepare All Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before the deadline.
Submit Documents to the Swiss Embassy: Send your documents to the Swiss embassy in your country. You can find the postal address and submission dates in the file on the application page under "date and postal address."
Secure a Supervisor in Switzerland: Before sending your documents, you must find a supervisor in Switzerland for research fellowships, PhD, or postdoctoral scholarships. The supervisor should provide you with an invitation letter, which must be included in your application documents. (This step may take a significant amount of time.)
Supervisor Requirements: Ensure that the supervisor works in your field at a Swiss university.
Watch the Guidance Video: Before contacting a supervisor in Switzerland, watch the instructional video provided on the application page.
Application Deadlines Vary: Note that the start and end dates for the application process vary by country.

Notes

Dual Nationality: Individuals with dual nationality can choose which country of their citizenship to apply through.
Supervisor Does Not Guarantee Acceptance: Securing a supervisor does not guarantee acceptance, as the university must also approve your application.
Self-Securing a Supervisor: It is highly recommended that you attempt to find a supervisor on your own.
Supervisor Limitation: A supervisor should not oversee more than two candidates per year.
Coverage: These scholarships cover the costs for one person only, not for a whole family.
Application Period: The application start and end dates vary by country, but it generally starts in August and ends in November.