The Solidarity Fund Foundation is offering Scholarships to support international students enrolled at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich who are facing financial difficulties. The scholarship provides partial financial aid and promotes equal opportunities, diversity, and access to education.

Applicants must be international students enrolled at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich. They must demonstrate financial need and satisfactory academic progress bachelor’s students must have passed the basic examination and earned at least 40 ECTS in the last two semesters; Master’s students must have completed at least one semester with a minimum of 20 ECTS.

The University of Zurich (UZH) is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Switzerland, founded in 1833. Located in the heart of Zurich, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across seven faculties, including arts and social sciences, science, medicine, law, theology, economics, and veterinary medicine. UZH is known for its strong emphasis on research, academic freedom, and international collaboration.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Semester 2025: 1st August – 20th August 2025

• Spring Semester 2026: 1st January – 20th January 2026

Brief Description

• University or Organization: ETH Zurich and University of Zurich
• Department: Student Services / Financial Aid Office
• Course Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs
• Award: Subsidiary financial support (not full coverage)
• Access Mode: Online (via eStip)
• Number of Awards: Varies
• Nationality: International students
• The award can be taken in: Switzerland

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All countries (except Switzerland)
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:

For Bachelor’s Degree Students:

• Must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program at ETH Zurich.

• Must have passed the basic examination (all parts/blocks).

• After the basic examination, proof of 20 ECTS per semester or 40 ECTS over two semesters.

For Master’s Degree Students:

• Must be enrolled in a Master’s program at ETH Zurich.

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from ETH Zurich or another Swiss university.

• New international Master’s students may apply after completing their first semester with at least 20 ECTS.

• Must demonstrate 20 ECTS per semester or 40 ECTS in two semesters.

In general:

• Applicants must be residing in Switzerland for study purposes only.

• They must also apply for scholarships in their home country and provide relevant proof.

• Academic performance and financial situation of both the student and their parents will be evaluated.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through eStip. Follow the online instructions and upload all required documents in PDF format. Incomplete applications will not be processed, and changes cannot be made after submission.

Required Documents include:

• Proof of parents’ income and assets

• Proof of student’s income and financial support

• Bank statements

• Letter of motivation (for new applicants)

• Semester report (for returning applicants)

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Other scholarship or loan decisions

• All documents must be translated into English or German

For any clarifications or personal guidance, students can visit the Financial Aid Office during counter hours (Mon–Thu, 11:00–13:00).

Benefits

• Partial financial support for international students facing economic hardship.

• Scholarships may be granted up to graduation, with a maximum of 10 semesters (7 for Bachelor’s, 5 for Master’s).

• One-time payment per semester after approval.

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