(UZH) is Switzerland’s largest and one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. Located in Zurich, a global hub for finance, innovation, and research, UZH is internationally recognized for excellence in fields such as business, medicine, law, and natural sciences.
Every year, thousands of international students choose UZH for its high-quality education and strong career prospects. Although tuition fees are relatively low compared to other global universities, the cost of living in Switzerland is high. To support talented international students, UZH offers several scholarships and funding opportunities.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about University of Zurich international scholarships in 2026, including types, eligibility, benefits, and application strategies.
Overview of Scholarships at UZH
The provides financial support through multiple channels:
- Swiss Government-funded scholarships
- Faculty and departmental funding
- Research assistantships
- Private foundations and external grants
Scholarships are mainly available for:
- Master’s programs
- PhD and research programs
Unlike many universities, fully funded undergraduate scholarships are very limited, making postgraduate funding the primary option.
Types of International Scholarships
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
Funding opportunities for undergraduate international students at are limited.
Available options include:
- Need-based financial aid
- External scholarships from foundations
- Country-sponsored funding
Most students rely on personal funds or external support.
2. Master’s Scholarships
Master’s students have better access to scholarships, including:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Faculty-level funding
- Private scholarships
These are highly competitive and usually merit-based.
3. PhD and Research Funding
PhD programs at UZH are among the best-funded in Europe.
Students typically receive:
- Fully funded PhD contracts
- Research assistantships
- Graduate school stipends
Most PhD students are employed by the university, receiving a monthly salary.
4. External Scholarships
International students can apply for additional funding such as:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- International foundation grants
- Country-specific scholarships
These can significantly reduce financial burden.
Key Scholarship Programs Explained
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
This is the most important scholarship for international students at .
Key Features:
- Offered by the Swiss Confederation
- Available for postgraduate and research students
- Highly prestigious and competitive
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (approx. CHF 1,920)
- Tuition fee coverage or waiver
- Health insurance
- Airfare allowance
- Housing support
This scholarship is ideal for students with strong academic and research backgrounds.
Faculty and Departmental Scholarships
Different faculties offer targeted funding opportunities.
Examples include:
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics scholarships
- Faculty of Science funding
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences awards
These scholarships vary in amount and eligibility.
Research Assistantships (RA)
Graduate students often work as research assistants.
Benefits:
- Monthly salary
- Academic experience
- Networking opportunities
These positions are common in research-intensive programs.
Fully Funded PhD Positions
At , PhD students are typically employed under contracts.
Key Benefits:
- Monthly salary (CHF 3,500–5,000 approx.)
- Full tuition coverage
- Research funding
- Professional development
This makes Switzerland one of the best destinations for funded doctoral studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but general requirements include:
1. Academic Excellence
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic performance
- High GPA or equivalent
- Academic awards or achievements
2. Admission to UZH
Students must apply and be accepted into a program at .
3. Language Requirements
Depending on the program:
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- German proficiency (many programs require German)
4. Research Proposal (for PhD and some scholarships)
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed research proposal
- Academic references
5. Nationality Restrictions
Some scholarships are available only to specific countries.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
Scholarships at UZH provide different levels of support:
Fully Funded Opportunities
- Tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
Partial Funding
- Tuition fee reduction
- Limited financial assistance
Research-Based Funding
- Monthly salary
- Project funding
- Career development support
These benefits help offset Switzerland’s high living costs.
Cost of Living in Zurich
While tuition fees are affordable, living costs are high:
- Accommodation: CHF 800–1,500/month
- Food: CHF 300–600/month
- Transport: CHF 70–100/month
- Health insurance: CHF 250–350/month
Scholarships are essential for many international students.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Program
Select a suitable master’s or PhD program at .
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your application through the university’s online system.
Step 3: Apply for Scholarships
- Apply for Swiss Government Scholarships through your home country
- Submit CV, motivation letter, and references
- Provide research proposal (if required)
Step 4: Interview (if required)
Some scholarships require interviews.
Step 5: Await Decision
Results are typically announced after admission confirmation.
Important Deadlines
Typical deadlines include:
- Master’s applications: February–April
- PhD applications: Varies by department
- Swiss Government Scholarships: September–December
Applying early is highly recommended.
Scholarships for Indian Students
The is increasingly popular among Indian students.
Indian applicants can apply for:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Research assistantships
- Faculty-specific funding
Strong academic performance is essential for success.
Selection Criteria
Scholarship selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Quality of motivation letter
- Strong recommendation letters
- Career goals
Tips to Increase Your Chances
1. Maintain Top Academic Scores
Aim for top grades in your previous studies.
2. Build Research Experience
Participate in internships, projects, or publications.
3. Learn Basic German
Even for English programs, German helps in daily life and opportunities.
4. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Clearly explain your goals and why you chose UZH.
5. Apply to Multiple Funding Sources
Do not rely on a single scholarship.
Challenges of Getting Scholarships
Students may face:
- Limited undergraduate funding
- Intense competition for scholarships
- High academic standards
- Complex application processes
However, strong candidates can succeed.
Why Choose University of Zurich with a Scholarship?
Studying at offers:
- World-class education
- Strong global reputation
- Excellent research opportunities
- Access to top industries
- High quality of life
With a scholarship, students can fully focus on academic and career growth.
Comparison with Other Swiss Universities
Compared to other institutions:
- Larger and more diverse than many universities
- Strong in business, law, and medicine
- Less engineering-focused than ETH Zurich
- Similar funding structure to Basel and Bern
Conclusion
offers a range of scholarships for international students, particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels. While undergraduate funding is limited, postgraduate students benefit from strong financial support through Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and research-based funding.
Although competition is high, students with excellent academic records, research experience, and strong applications have a good chance of securing funding. For those seeking high-quality education in Switzerland, UZH is one of the best choices in Europe.