Master's Students

You have already graduated from a Bachelor’s program at the University of Zurich or another university. You have also developed a good financial routine and are familiar with student financing.

The beginning of your Master’s program is a good time to review your financial situation again, as some things will have changed. Usually your study program will allow you more freedom to take on a part-time job. If you are over the age of 25, you will no longer receive certain discounts, allowances and benefits. Maybe you are planning to move out of your parents’ house and are giving more consideration to your career after graduating. Even though you already have a Bachelor's degree under your belt, you are still considered to be in the process of completing your initial education (unless you have already completed an apprenticeship or have a Bachelor's degree from a vocational college). Your parents are still obligated to support you during your Master's program as long as this is part of your initial education.

If your university program can be considered part of your initial education, your parents are still obligated to support you after you complete your Bachelor's degree. This also applies if you are over the age of 25. However, any educational allowances that your parents received previously will no longer be paid out after you reach the age of 25. This includes child benefit payments from old-age and disability insurance (AHV/IV).

Even if you are under the age of 25, you are now older and more capable of being self-sufficient. It is an appropriate time to step up your search for part-time jobs or internships related to your future career. This will help you make contacts in the working world, and you can find out where you can best apply your skills and abilities.

The extent to which you can work while studying continues to depend on your degree program and your individual situation. Be sure to discuss these issues with your parents.

• Cantonal scholarships
  Cantons will also provide financial support for Master's programs, provided these are part of your initial education. This usually takes the form of scholarships that do not have to be paid back. Some cantons also offer loans that have to be paid back after completing your degree or dropping out of the program. You should monitor how long it is taking to complete your program. Cantons will pay scholarships for 6 semesters of a Bachelor's program, 4 semesters of a Master's program and one additional year if necessary. It does not matter if you have received scholarships before: the main criterion is the length of your study period.
   
• UZH scholarships
  If you receive little to no cantonal scholarships and are reliant on financial support, you can also submit an application to our office. If your application is accepted, support is usually provided in the form of scholarships and sometimes as loans.
  More about Applications & Deadlines

• We can not provide support to international Master’s students who do not hold Swiss Bachelor's degrees.
  You should check for student financing options offered by your country of origin, for example by foundations or NGOs that offer support to students while they study abroad. Students from Germany can apply for international BAföG funding.
   
• Cantonal scholarships
  If you only reside in Switzerland for the purpose of studying, you do not have any entitlement to receive scholarships from the Swiss government.

• Cantonal scholarships
  If you only reside in Switzerland for the purpose of studying, you do not have any entitlement to receive scholarships from the Swiss government.
   

• UZH scholarships
  If you have received little to no scholarships from your country of origin and are relying on financial support, you can also submit an application to our office. We can provide support for your first Master's degree in addition to mandatory government contributions, contributions from your parents and your own income.
  More about Applications & Deadlines

• Cantonal scholarships
  If you had to flee from your country of origin, you can apply for cantonal scholarships.
  If your parents live in Switzerland, you can submit your application to their canton of residence. If that is not the case, you should apply in the canton to which you were assigned.
   
• UZH scholarships
  If you receive little to no cantonal scholarships and are reliant on financial support, you can also submit an application to our office. If your application is accepted, support is usually provided in the form of scholarships and sometimes as loans.
  More about Applications & Deadlines

Are you considering doing a dual degree program? We cannot cover the additional costs with scholarships. However, you may consider taking out a loan. You can find the relevant conditions online on the website Student Body Loan Association UZH (in German).

If you've read through everything thoroughly and still have questions, you should Contact us.