01. December 2025 Admin

Top Scholarships in Switzerland for African Students

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top universities, and many offer generous scholarships to talented students from Africa and other international backgrounds. If you’re looking to study in Switzerland — undergraduate, master’s or postgraduate — here are some of the best scholarship opportunities you can apply for in 2025–2026.

Quick Insight: Several scholarships from the Swiss government and top universities cover tuition plus living expenses — making Switzerland an achievable destination for African students with strong academic backgrounds.

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to foreign students (including African nationals) for PhD, post‑doctoral research or arts courses — ideal if you want to focus on research or advanced studies. The scholarship covers a monthly stipend (around CHF 1,920), a one‑time housing allowance, health insurance, and other benefits.

2. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

At the renowned ETH Zurich, the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme supports international Master’s students who excel academically. Recipients get a full waiver of tuition fees and a stipend to cover living costs, enabling focus on studying and research.

3. EPFL Excellence Fellowships

EPFL offers Excellence Fellowships for high-achieving Master’s students. The fellowship often includes financial support per year and sometimes accommodation assistance — a big help given high living costs in Switzerland.

4. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

The University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships support international Master’s students across scientific and research-oriented disciplines. Scholarship beneficiaries receive grants of around CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year — which can help significantly with tuition and living expenses.

5. University of Lausanne Master’s Grants for International Students

The University of Lausanne Master’s Grants are awarded to high‑achieving international students admitted into eligible Master’s programmes. Recipients benefit from monthly grants that help cover living costs — making it a viable option for students coming from Africa or other regions.

Important Considerations Before You Apply

Check eligibility carefully: Some scholarships (especially government ones) are for postgraduate or research-level studies only. Others require strong academic performance.
Prepare early: Many scholarships are highly competitive — you’ll often need transcripts, motivation letters, reference letters, and sometimes a research proposal.
Account for living costs: Switzerland is expensive — even with funding, budget for housing, food, transport, visa/residence costs and health insurance.
Confirm scope of funding: Some grants cover just tuition or partial costs; others include living stipends and additional support.
Check deadlines: Deadlines vary by university and scholarship — missing them usually means you can't apply until the next cycle.

Conclusion

For many African students, studying in Switzerland is not just a distant dream — with these scholarships, it becomes a realistic opportunity. If you have strong academic credentials and prepare carefully, you could receive full or partial funding to study at top-ranked institutions, enjoy a rich academic experience, and build a global network. Applying early and targeting the right scholarship for your study level will increase your chances significantly.

Explore More Study Abroad & Scholarship Guides

⚠️ Reminder: Always verify scholarship details — eligibility criteria, application deadlines, funded benefits, and visa requirements — directly on the official university or scholarship-provider website before applying.

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