The Graduate Institute strives to attract talented scholars from around the world, regardless of origin and financial ability. We invest over CHF 2 million each year to support our students throughout their studies, thanks to our donors and solidarity fund.
The Institute strives to support its students throughout the duration of their studies, to the extent of its ability. It does so through financial aid (below) and paid jobs (teaching assistantships, research assistantships and administrative positions). In 2019, nearly half of our students received direct or indirect financial support from the Institute.
In particular, the Institute makes extensive efforts to assist its doctoral students. We aim to make financial aid available to all first year doctoral students with documented financial need. In subsequent years, doctoral students may apply for a teaching or research assistantship (information available on the Intranet for current students). The option of applying for a scholarship also remains open during the four-year programme, particularly in the final year to help with the completion of the thesis (more information).
A student might be awarded one type of aid or a combination of different types of support.
In compliance with Swiss immigration regulations, non-EU students are not permitted to work in the first six months of their stay in Switzerland, whether inside or outside of the Graduate Institute.
In a spirit of responsibility and solidarity, all of our students contribute toward the cost of their education, including those receiving financial aid. The pre-registration fee of CHF 1,000, paid by new students to confirm their enrolment, contributes to the Graduate Institute's solidarity fund.
New students submit their financial aid applications at the same time as their applications for admission.
Specific Scholarships
It is not possible to apply directly for a specific scholarship, such as those benefitting students from our partner institutions or sponsored by individual benefactors. In its evaluation, the Financial Aid Committee identifies applicants who meet specific criteria for such scholarship schemes and allocates the scholarships accordingly.
More information on specific scholarships
Opportunities for PhD students
Doctoral students have several ways to finance their studies by combining the different opportunities offered at the Institute or outside the Institute.
The Graduate Institute does not have sufficient funds to assist all students. Consequently, the Financial Aid Committee evaluates the following criteria:
In their online application, students must document all the elements that impact their financial situation, including all sources of income, liquidities, capital and contributions from family members and other organisations.
A small number of merit-based scholarships are awarded each year on the basis of academic excellence only. These scholarships may be paired with a teaching assistantship or with need-based tuition reduction.
Financial aid is generally renewed for subsequent years of study, provided that recipients are in good academic standing and are able to continue to document their financial need.
Continuing doctoral students are encouraged to seek alternative funds, such as assistantships, research grants, etc.
Our degree programmes are full-time and are not compatible with full-time employment. Students may work part-time, keeping in mind the potential impact on their academic performance.
Swiss regulations permit foreign students to work at most 15 hours per week during the term time, and full-time (40 hours per week) during vacations. Non-EU students are not permitted to work during the first six months of their stay.
Our Careers Service sends enrolled students regular updates about internal and external vacancies, as well as internship opportunities.
