Liechtenstein will have an exceptional academic environment in 2026, especially in architecture, business, and finance. The country is small, but being part of the European Higher Education Area and having strong ties to businesses like Hilti and LGT make it easier for international students, even those from Africa, to get funding.
1. Scholarships for merit at the University of Liechtenstein
The University of Liechtenstein is the main school that international students in the Principality go to. For the school year 2026/2027, it will still give merit-based help to the best international applicants.
Scope of Help
- Merit scholarships are given to students who have done very well in their previous degrees. They usually come in the form of a full or partial waiver of tuition.
- Current Fees (2026): The standard tuition for non-EU/EEA students (including Africans) is about CHF 1,250 per semester. A merit scholarship can help a lot with this problem.
- Selection: Based on your GPA, letter of motivation, and sometimes an interview. For some levels, you don’t need to fill out a separate application; you are considered during the regular admission process.
2. The Hilti Fellowship in IT and Engineering
The Hilti Fellowship is one of the most prestigious programmes in Liechtenstein. It includes both academic study and an internship at the Hilti Group headquarters in Schaan.
The Model of Fellowship
- Work and Study: Fellows work on an international project team at Hilti for one semester while also taking specialised classes at the University of Liechtenstein.
- Financial Benefit: Participants in the paid fellowship get a monthly salary that usually covers all of their living expenses in Liechtenstein, which are some of the highest in Europe.
- 2026 Focus: Hilti is putting students in software engineering, data science, and digital innovation at the top of their list for this cycle.
- How to Apply: You can send your application directly to the Hilti Group careers portal. Anyone with a master’s degree can apply to the programme.
3. LGT University Scholarships for Business and Finance
The Princely Family of Liechtenstein owns LGT, a private banking group that helps students at the Liechtenstein Business School in specific ways.
Grants for Specific Purposes
- Excellence Grants: For students who are getting their MSc in Finance or MSc in Information Systems.
- Internship Opportunities: LGT doesn’t give out “cash” scholarships, but they do offer high-paying internships that are often only available to the best students at the university. These jobs are a major way for international students to pay for their second year of school in 2026.
4. Moving around with Erasmus+ and CEEPUS
Liechtenstein is fully involved in the Erasmus Plus program. For African students who are already enrolled at a European university, the Erasmus+ programme is the most common way to study in Liechtenstein with full funding.
Money for mobility
- Monthly Stipend: Depending on the agreement with your home country, you will get between €450 and €600 a month.
- Direct Exchange: If your school in Africa has a “Credit Mobility” agreement with the University of Liechtenstein, you might be able to get a full grant that pays for your travel expenses.
5. Papers Needed for 2026
Liechtenstein follows strict Swiss-style rules for running its government. You will need the following for applications in 2026:
- Academic Transcripts: Must be in English or German. Most of the time, degrees from African universities need an apostille or official approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Proof of Funds: The Liechtenstein Migration Office needs proof that you have at least CHF 1,500 a month to live on in order to get a residence permit. You can use a scholarship letter as part of this proof.
- You must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to get into an English-taught master’s programme.
- Health Insurance: International students must have a policy that meets Liechtenstein’s specific coverage requirements (about CHF 80–120 per month).
6. Strategic Tips for African Applicants
Focus on the “Small Scale”: The University of Liechtenstein has only about 600–700 students. This means that a motivation letter that is very personal and “entrepreneurial” stands out much more than one that is generic. Make your application specific to the Business School or the Liechtenstein School of Architecture.
Use internships in your field. Many African students in Liechtenstein have to work as student assistants at the university or do internships at local companies like Hilti, Ivoclar, or LGT to make ends meet because the cost of living is so high (like in Zurich). These jobs usually pay enough to cover rent and tuition.
Look at the “Hilti Foundation” projects. The Hilti Foundation is working on several development projects in Africa in 2026, including ones in Kenya and South Africa. If your research or study area is related to their vocational training or affordable housing programmes, make sure to mention these projects in your fellowship application to show a strategic link.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, Liechtenstein will create a unique yet high-quality scholarship environment closely linked to top global companies. The government doesn’t offer a big “quota” scholarship like some other European countries do, but the Hilti Fellowship and university merit grants are excellent options for African students who want to study STEM or finance. By applying for field-related fellowships and getting an early spring admission offer, you can join one of the world’s most exclusive and successful academic ecosystems.
Are you interested in getting a master’s degree in architecture or finance, or do you want to apply for the technical Hilti Fellowship for IT and engineering?