Scholarships in Switzerland Without IELTS are becoming very popular among international students who want to study in Europe without taking expensive English tests. Switzerland is home to world-class universities, modern research labs, and strong career opportunities. Many Swiss universities accept alternatives to IELTS, which makes studying there easier and more affordable.

Many students think IELTS is compulsory for every scholarship. This is not true. Several Swiss universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, previous English-taught degree proof, TOEFL, Duolingo, or internal assessments. This means you can still qualify even without IELTS.

Switzerland provides government scholarships, university grants, research fellowships, and tuition waivers. Some are fully funded and cover tuition, living costs, health insurance, and even travel expenses. If you apply correctly and early, your chances are very good.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means in Switzerland

IELTS is not mandatory in many cases

When scholarships say “without IELTS,” it usually means:

• IELTS is not compulsory
• Other English proofs are accepted
• MOI letters are allowed
• University interviews may replace tests

Common alternatives accepted

Most Swiss universities accept:

• MOI letter
• TOEFL
• Duolingo
• Cambridge English
• English degree transcript
• Online interview assessment

List of Scholarships in Switzerland Without IELTS

1) Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships in Switzerland Without IELTS

Level: Master’s, PhD, Research
Funding: Fully funded
Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare
Without IELTS: Many host universities accept MOI or alternatives
Best for: Research students

2) State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Research Grants

Level: Research/PhD
Funding: Living allowance + research costs
Without IELTS: Depends on host institution

3) Canton-Level Education Grants

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial or full tuition support
Without IELTS: University decides language proof

4) ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme

Level: Master’s
Funding: Full tuition + living expenses
Without IELTS: MOI often accepted
Highly competitive

5) ETH Zurich ESOP Fellowship

Level: Master’s
Funding: Full financial support
Without IELTS: Alternative proof accepted

6) École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Excellence Fellowships

Level: Master’s
Funding: CHF stipend per semester
Without IELTS: English degree proof accepted

7) University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

Level: Master’s
Funding: CHF 10,000–15,000 per year
Without IELTS: MOI accepted in many programs

8) University of Lausanne UNIL Master Grants

Level: Master’s
Funding: Monthly stipend
Without IELTS: Alternative English proof allowed

9) University of Basel Merit Scholarships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition support + stipend
Without IELTS: Depends on department

10) University of Bern Excellence Scholarships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Financial assistance
Without IELTS: MOI or TOEFL accepted

11) University of Fribourg International Grants

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition reductions
Without IELTS: Program dependent

12) University of St. Gallen Starr International Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: Full/partial support
Without IELTS: English degree proof often accepted

13) University of Zurich Graduate Scholarships

Level: PhD
Funding: Research salary
Without IELTS: Supervisor approval + MOI

14) Swiss National Science Foundation Doc.CH Fellowship

Level: PhD
Funding: Full research funding
Without IELTS: Language proof flexible

15) Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoc Mobility Fellowship

Level: Postdoc
Funding: Salary + travel
Without IELTS: Depends on project

16) Industrial PhD Positions

Level: PhD
Funding: Paid research jobs
Without IELTS: Interview + MOI often enough

17) Novartis Foundation Research Grants

Level: Health/Science research
Funding: Project-based funding
Without IELTS: Academic English proof accepted

18) Nestlé Foundation Scholarships

Level: Public health/nutrition
Funding: Stipend
Without IELTS: Flexible language rules

19) Rotary Club Education Grants (Switzerland)

Level: Master’s
Funding: Partial funding
Without IELTS: Depends on host university

20) Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)

Level: Exchange
Funding: Monthly stipend
Without IELTS: MOI accepted

21) Departmental Assistantships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Salary + tuition waiver
Without IELTS: Often no formal test required

22) University Tuition Waivers

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Fee reduction
Without IELTS: Admission rules apply

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Switzerland Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose your field and level

Decide clearly:

• Bachelor, Master, or PhD
• Your subject
• Preferred universities

Step 2: Shortlist English-taught programs

Check:

• Language requirements
• MOI acceptance
• Alternative tests

Step 3: Prepare your MOI letter

Your MOI must include:

• Degree name
• Study period
• Statement: “Medium of instruction was English”
• Official stamp and signature

Step 4: Prepare documents

You need:

• CV
• SOP
• Recommendation letters
• Academic transcripts
• Passport

Step 5: Apply early

Swiss deadlines are strict. Apply 3 to 6 months early.

Step 6: Prepare for interviews

Some programs replace IELTS with an interview. Practice speaking clearly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without checking language policy
• Always confirm alternatives are accepted.
• Weak MOI letters
• Make sure it clearly says “taught entirely in English.”
• Copy paste SOP
• Write a unique statement for each university.
• Missing deadlines
• Swiss universities do not extend deadlines.

Benefits of Studying in Switzerland

• High quality education
• Swiss universities rank among the best globally.
• Safe environment
• Switzerland is very safe and student friendly.
• Research opportunities
• Strong labs and innovation centers.
• Part time jobs
• Students can work legally while studying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)