The Graduate Institute strives to support talented scholars from around the world. Financial aid packages may include cost-of-living scholarships, tuition reduction and/or a paid position, in various proportions. Aid is awarded with consideration to both financial need and academic merit. A number of special scholarship opportunities are available to students who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Deeply concerned by the magnitude of the migratory crisis and the fate of tens of thousands of people in war zones who are seeking refuge in places such as Switzerland, the Graduate Institute has decided to support refugees in Switzerland holding a B or F permit and wishing to pursue their studies by offering them a full annual scholarship amounting to CHF 20,000 to cover living expenses, with the possibility of a tuition fee reduction depending on the candidate’s financial means.
Priority will be given to those who meet the following criteria, however, if unable to find a candidate, the search will be expanded to anyone who has been a refugee in a country other than Switzerland prior to their admission.
- Applicants should have been granted a Swiss Refugee status (Permit B) or have a Provisional Admission for Foreigners status (Permit F)
- Applicants must provide a letter from the Swiss Government confirming refugee status or provisional admission in Switzerland
- Applicants must be resident in Switzerland
- Applicants must be accepted into one of the study programmes at the Institute
- Only new students may apply: those already enrolled are not eligible to apply
Application Procedure
- Candidates must apply for one of the study programmes at the Institute and specify in their motivation letter that they want to apply for the Graduate Institute, Geneva Refugee Scholarship
- The main requirement to apply for one of our master programmes is a Bachelor’s degree, or a degree deemed equivalent, in the social sciences
- The main requirement to apply for our PhD programme is a master’s degree, or a degree deemed equivalent, in the social sciences and, to the extent possible, a master-level research dissertation successfully completed
- Candidates must also meet the Institute’s language requirements
Candidate Assessment
The candidates’ eligibility is assessed by the Financial Aid Committee according to the application file, which includes documents justifying financial needs and a motivation letter. The committee pays particular attention to academic results, the motivation letter and the request for financial aid, but also to references and other relevant information.
Application Deadline
15 January 2022
For questions related to study programmes or admission: [email protected]
For help in the application process, please contact the Migration Initiative: [email protected]
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Graduate Institute Refugee Scholarships 2022