Many students on their first degree courses receive financial support from their parents, have a part-time job or work during holidays to pay for their education. However, this income often is not enough. Second degree courses can often be taken up while you are working, which eases the financial burden. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may get financial assistance from an outside source.

Scholarships

Scholarships are funds that you receive free of charge and do not have to pay back. They are generally only awarded for full-time first degree courses. Entitlement to a scholarship depends on your income and assets, your circumstances and your parents' income and wealth. Scholarship payments vary greatly depending on the situation. Arrangements for scholarships vary from one canton to the next. However, you have to apply for the scholarship amount at least once a year.

Prize money

You can also receive support in the form of prize money. For example, you may be studying music and you win a highly acclaimed competition. There is a good chance that the prize awarded is a sum of money or a scholarship to attend a particular college.

Student loan

Loans represent another form of state support. They are interest-free during the early years. Unlike scholarships, you have to repay this money at the end of the agreed term. These loans are available for full-time and part-time courses. The size of the loan is calculated on the same basis as that of the scholarship.

Grants from foundations

There are several private foundations in Switzerland that support initial and further training (Pro Juventute, etc.). However, these grants tend to be rather low and are available on a long-term basis to people with a low income.

Other loans

You can also apply to banks or finance companies for an education loan. However, apart from having to repay the capital this also attracts regular interest charges, which generally tends to make it expensive. We advise you to find out precisely what the cost amounts to and what conditions are attached to it before deciding for the loan.

Saving for your children's education

If you want your children to enjoy the opportunity of a good education, it is wise to provide for this in your budget at an early stage. Over the years, you will build up a sum of money that your children will find useful when they start out or as more long-term support depending on what they do.

Further Information

List of the addresses of all the cantonal scholarship offices

List of Federal foundations

Grants and loans

The scholarships system in Switzerland

Government scholarships

Scholarships to study abroad
 
Pestalozzi Foundation
 
Swiss Budget Advice