Free Switzerland Study 2025: No-Cost Options

You know that achieving a free education abroad is a dream for many, and when it comes to how to study in Switzerland for free, youre not alone. Surprisingly enough, over 20% of international candidates secure full funding each year (ApplyBoard Trends Report 2025). Youll learn proven strategies to unlock scholarships, tap into tuition-free public universities, and leverage internships—no hidden fees, really. Short answer: its doable. Heres the roadmap.

Scholarship Opportunities

Ever wondered which awards could cover every franc? Lets dive in.

Scholarships are the backbone of a no-cost Swiss education. With public tuition as low as CHF 500 per year, covering living expenses remains the bigger hurdle (Wikipedia). However, top-tier fellowships can take care of both.

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Available for masters, PhDs, and postdocs from 180+ countries. Covers tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of CHF 2,000. Learn more.
• ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship – Full coverage of tuition and living expenses for outstanding masters applicants at ETH Zurich.
• EPFL Excellence Fellowships – Up to CHF 10,000 per semester toward living costs at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
• University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships – Grants of CHF 10,000 (renewable) granted based on merit.

“Switzerland invests in global talent because tomorrows innovations need diverse minds,” says Dr. Marie Dubois, Education Attaché at the Swiss Embassy.

Real Example: A student from Brazil secured the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship by submitting a research proposal aligned with Swiss federal research priorities. And they didnt stop there—networking at cern-internship events boosted their profile.

Next Step: Draft a standout research plan, gather strong references, and proofread carefully (typos can cost you!).

Tuition-Free Public Universities

Believe it or not, public Swiss universities charge nominal fees.

Annual tuition at most public institutions ranges from CHF 500 to CHF 2,000, regardless of nationality. Compared to CHF 8,000–40,000 at private schools, thats practically free.

Heres why you should care: low tuition means you only need to fund living costs—about CHF 1,500–2,800 monthly (Swiss Federal Statistical Office). In other words, scholarships plus public tuition sets you up for a near no-cost degree.

• University of Basel
• University of Zurich
• University of Bern
• University of Geneva

Example Case: An undergrad from Indonesia chose the English-taught Life Sciences program at the University of Basel. Tuition: CHF 580. Housing grant from their embassy covered rent.

Actionable Takeaway: Filter programs by language and degree level on the Swiss universities portal, then request syllabi to confirm instruction language.

Internships and Work-Study Programs

What if you could earn as you learn? Thats where internships kick in.

CERN, Roche, Novartis, and UBS all offer fully funded internships to students enrolled at Swiss universities. These arent just coffee-fetching gigs; many pay CHF 3,000–4,000 per month, covering tuition and living.

1. Identify companies aligned with your field.
2. Check eligibility: often requires at least 2 completed semesters.
3. Prepare a Swiss-style CV and cover letter (concise!).
4. Submit via official portals (e.g., CERN Internship).

Insider Insight: Swiss companies value practical skills over perfect GPAs. Showcase projects, GitHub portfolios, or lab experience.

Navigating the Visa and Application Process

Youre almost there. Next up: paperwork.

Switzerland requires proof of CHF 21,000 per year for living costs when applying for a student visa (SEM). That said, accepted scholarship letters often waive this requirement.

Follow these steps:

• Obtain acceptance and scholarship award letters.
• Gather passport, health insurance, and financial proof.
• Book a visa appointment at your nearest Swiss consulate.
• Attend a short interview; be clear on your study goals.

Pro Tip: Upload all documents online in PDF format at least 4 weeks before your start date.

FAQ

How competitive are Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Quite competitive—around 10% acceptance rate. Stand out with a strong research plan and clear alignment with Swiss priorities.

Can I work part-time as a student?

Yes. International students can work up to 15 hours weekly during term and full-time in breaks (SEM regulations).

Are living costs really that high?

Costs vary by city. Geneva and Zurich are at the upper end (CHF 2,800/month), while Lausanne and Bern hover around CHF 1,500–2,000.

Do I need to know German or French?

Not always. Many masters programs are taught entirely in English. Always check the course catalog.

Conclusion

Heres the truth: studying in Switzerland for free isnt a fairytale. Its about strategy, timing, and resourcefulness. Youve saw how scholarships, public university fees, and paid internships combine to remove financial barriers. Now its your turn.

1. List your top 3 scholarship applications and draft proposals.
2. Shortlist public universities offering English tracks in your field.
3. Schedule your visa appointment with scholarship proof in hand.

The bottom line is this: with planning and persistence, you can study in Switzerland for free. Ready to take the leap? The Alps await.