Grants in Switzerland

Cantonal Grants

If you are not able to finance your education with the support of your parents, you may apply for a cantonal grant.  As a rule, your home canton is responsible for this.  Each canton has its own grant regulations and so the prerequisites for and the amount of the grant as well as the necessary formalities and deadlines vary greatly from canton to canton.

 

Which types of education or training are eligible for grants?

Usually only nationally recognised post-compulsory first education or training (e.g. Matura followed by university studies or vocational education leading up to attendance at a university of applied science) to be undertaken at a public educational institution are eligible for grants.  Compulsory level education, education at private schools, further education and education abroad are generally not eligible for grants.

 

Procedure

To be able to apply to your home canton, you must already have begun your education or training and consequently be in possession of confirmation of enrolment or indentures.  You can get the application form either directly from the grants department of your home canton or from the AJAS office.  AJAS can, under certain circumstances, help you with this application in that we will maintain contact with the grants department and order, check, explain and, if required, translate your documents.

 

Supplementary Grants and loans AJAS

The cantons' financial means for educational grants are limited, therefore it can happen that, although the canton may recognise your need, it may not be able to award you a grant of the necessary amount.  So you receive the maximum grant from your home canton but it isn't enough to cover all your costs. In such hardship cases, AJAS can step in and help out while your written request for a grant or loan supplementary to your cantonal grant is considered.  Because AJAS has only modest financial resources at its disposal, there are some conditions:

 

  • Exclusively for education or training in Switzerland
  • Only post-compulsory education or training
  • Usually only for first education (not for second or further education)
  • Receipt of a cantonal grant is a prerequisite (few exceptions)

 

Besides AJAS, some home communities give financial support to supplement cantonal grants.  It's always worth contacting them.

 

Other Private Foundations

There are also many private foundations which may be able to help.  You can get an overview from the Federal Register of Foundations.