Student grants and loans in Switzerland

The Swiss system

Student aid in Switzerland is mainly cantonal. Each canton sets its criteria and ceilings. The Confederation coordinates and supports cantons.

Cantonal grants

• Conditions: depend on parental income/assets (for youth) or the candidate's (for adults)
• Amount: CHF 4,000–25,000/yr depending on canton and situation
• Types: gymnasium, university, HES, HEP, EPF, higher schools, sometimes continuing education
• Application: to the cantonal grants office of your tax domicile

Typical annual amounts (median, full-time student):

• Geneva: CHF 16,000–24,000
• Vaud: CHF 14,000–22,000
• Zurich: CHF 12,000–20,000
• Bern: CHF 12,000–18,000
• Ticino: CHF 10,000–18,000
• Valais, Jura, Fribourg: CHF 10,000–18,000

Student loans

As a top-up (or instead of) the grant:

• Cantonal loan: 0–2% rate, repayment after diploma + 1–2-year grace period
• Educa-Swiss: Swiss foundation for student loans, max CHF 35,000, low rate
• Cantonal banks (BCV, BCG, ZKB): student loans sometimes at preferential terms
• Postfinance: student loans
• Private foundations: e.g. Sandoz, Avina, Roche

Private foundations

More than 300 private foundations in Switzerland support studies. Examples:

• Fondation Hans Wilsdorf (Geneva): grants for French-speaking students
• Fondation Avina: sustainability
• Fondation Roche: biomedical sciences
• Fondation Hans Eggenberger: German-speaking students
• Fondation Carolus Magnus: studies in Europe

Private foundations often award specific grants (excellence, project, research). Apply to several in parallel.

Specific allowances

• Cantonal training allowance: for minors in dual training (CFC)
• Study allowance (loan companion)
• University excellence scholarships: top students (grades, project)
• Erasmus + Swiss Mobility grants: for international exchanges
• Confederation scholarships: for foreigners (science, research)

Procedure

1. Estimate eligibility: calculator on your canton's site
2. Prepare the file: documents (parents' tax return, study contract, school certificate)
3. Apply before the deadline: varies by canton, usually May–July for the following academic year
4. In parallel look for private foundations and loans
5. Renew every year (proof of study progress)

Tips

• Grants don't cover everything: plan a side job (5–10h/wk) or complementary loan
• Foreign students are rarely eligible for cantonal grants (unless tax-resident in Switzerland for 5+ years). See federal scholarships for foreigners via SEFRI
• Adults in reskilling: combine cantonal grant + LACI (if previously active) + partner employer
• Plan 6–9 months to finalise funding before the start
• Universities and HES have their own financial aid offices: contact them