Switzerland is one of the best places in Europe to study because it has world-class universities, cutting-edge research, and a lot of scholarship opportunities. Despite the relatively low tuition costs compared to other top countries, scholarships remain crucial due to the high cost of living in Switzerland.
The good news is that there are many scholarships available for Master’s students, both fully funded and partially funded. Some of these are open to Nigerians and other international students.
This guide tells you about the best Master’s scholarships in Switzerland for 2026, how they work, who can apply, and how to do it right.
Would it be possible to study in Switzerland for free?
Yes, but only with scholarships.
Some universities in Switzerland charge as little as $1,500 per year for tuition, but living expenses are high, so scholarships are crucial.
You need the following to study for free:
- A scholarship that pays for everything OR
- A mix of a tuition waiver and a stipend
Best Scholarships for Master’s Students in Switzerland (2026)
1. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Full Funding)
This is one of the best Master’s scholarships in Switzerland.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- All living costs
- Help with schoolwork and being a mentor
This scholarship covers all of your living and study costs, making it one of the few fully funded master’s programs in Switzerland.
Who Can Apply
- Students who are outstanding and have great grades
- Students who were accepted into ETH Zurich’s Master’s programmes
Why It’s Important
- Fully paid for
- Provided by one of the best universities in Europe
- Very prestigious
2. Fellowships for Excellence at EPFL
This is another top Master’s scholarship from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
Pros
- Monthly payment
- Money to help with living costs
- Help with housing
Best For
- Building
- Tech
- Programmes related to science
This scholarship is very valuable because EPFL is known all over the world for its innovations.
3. Fellowships for Excellence at the University of Geneva
This is one of the easiest scholarships for students from other countries to get.
What It Gives
- Funding every year (CHF 10,000–15,000)
- Good for the whole Master’s programme
Main Benefit
- Open to many different fields of study
- Doesn’t always need full tuition coverage up front
If you want partial funding and a good chance of being accepted, this programme is a great choice.
4. UNIL (Lausanne University) Grants for Master’s
This scholarship is for master’s students from other countries.
What It Covers
- Monthly payment of about CHF 1,600
- Help during the Master’s programme
Important Note
- Doesn’t cover all of the tuition, but it does lower the cost a lot.
This option is a beneficial choice between getting money and being able to use it.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships (Fully Funded)
The scholarship is one of the best ways to study in Switzerland without having to pay for it.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
- Housing
Some Erasmus programs include Swiss universities as part of their study plans.
Why It’s Strong
- Fully paid for
- Welcoming to people of all nationalities
- A high rate of success compared to top scholarships
6. Scholarships for Excellence from the Swiss Government
This award is a big scholarship that the government pays for.
What It Covers
- Monthly payment
- No tuition fee
- Insurance for health
- Money for travel
- Help with housing
Important Truth
It is mostly for PhD, postdoctoral, and research studies, even though it is often listed for master’s.
But:
- There are some research paths at the Master’s level.
- If your programme includes research, it’s still worth considering.
7. Scholarships from the University of Bern
For international students, the program is flexible.
Pros
- Monthly payment
- Help with paying for school
- Grants for travel
Best For
- Students looking for partial or flexible ways to get money
You can get these scholarships in many different fields.
Different kinds of scholarships for master’s degrees in Switzerland
Knowing the different types will help you make the right choice.
Scholarships with Full Funding
- ETH Zurich Scholarship for Excellence
- Mundus Erasmus
These include:
- School fees
- Cost of living
- Go on a trip
Scholarships that are only partially funded
- Fellowship for Excellence in Geneva
- Grants for UNIL Master’s
- Scholarships for college
These include:
- OR Tuition
- Costs of living
Funding Based on Research
- The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
These are all about:
- Study
- Working together in school
How to Get a Master’s Degree Scholarship in Switzerland
To be eligible, you must meet the following:
Requirements for School
- A degree in business
- Good grades in school
What documents do you need?
- Transcripts from school
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- Passage
Requirements for language
- IELTS or TOEFL
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) (sometimes accepted)
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Choose a master’s programme in Switzerland that fits your background.
Step 2: Apply to get in
Turn in your application to the college.
Step 3: Apply for scholarships.
- Some scholarships are given out automatically.
- Some need different applications.
Step 4: Write Strong Papers
Pay attention to:
- Being great in school
- Letter of motivation
- Goals for your career
Step 5: Go to the interview if you have to.
Some scholarships require interviews.
The cost of living in Switzerland
Planning is very important in Switzerland because it costs a lot.
Monthly costs on average:
- 1,200 to 2,000 CHF
This includes:
- Housing
- Food
- Getting around
- Costs for yourself
Most of these costs are covered by fully funded scholarships.
Advantages of Studying in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to some of the best universities in the world.
Opportunities for research A lot of focus on research and new ideas.
A multicultural setting with students from all over the world.
Job opportunities Access to businesses and groups all over the world.
Located in Central Europe, it is easy to get around Europe.
Useful Advice to Boost Your Chances
Apply for more than one scholarship. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Aim for real scholarships. Combine options that are fully funded and those that are only partially funded.
Write a letter of motivation that is strong Please explain:
- Your objectives
- Why choose Switzerland
- What you do
Apply early because many deadlines are between November 2025 and February 2026.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Only applying for top-tier scholarships
- Not paying attention to partial funding options
- Sending in weak applications
- Not meeting deadlines
- Not making strong documents
Last Thoughts
Master’s students have a lot of great opportunities in Switzerland, but they need to plan ahead and be well-prepared to succeed.
Here are some of the best scholarships to look into:
- ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (fully paid for)
- Fellowships for Excellence at EPFL
- University of Geneva Excellence Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus (fully paid for)
- Grants for UNIL Master’s
The secret to success is the following:
- Good grades in school
- Strategic uses
- Preparation ahead of time
You can study in Switzerland with full or partial funding and get access to one of the best education systems in the world, but only if you do it right.