Scholarships are available for Indian students through the Swiss government. These are given through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Graduates from all fields are allowed to apply. Scholarships are given for both postgraduate study and research work in Switzerland. The study or research work can be done at a public-funded university or in a recognized institution. Scholarships are usually provided for nine months. If the student is pursuing a postgraduate or masters program, the scholarship can be extended depending on the student’s first-year performance.

The scholarship (CHF 1,920) is given mainly to cover the student’s living expenses. Indian students are also given a flight allowance on the return fare. Students who stay back for more than six months after completion of the scholarship, take up a job, or complete their course in a third country are not eligible for this allowance.

The chief requirements are that students should hold a university degree (bachelor’s/master’s), be born on or after 1 January 1977(below 35 years of age), should be able to demonstrate their academic skills and their goal, and be proficient in the language of instruction (French, German, Italian, or English). Candidates will be tested on their language skills.

Eligible students can contact the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, PO Box 392, New Delhi-110021. They will be guided by the diplomatic representative. Students must also contact the institution or the professor under whom they wish to complete the research work. For complete details log on to www.sbf.admin.ch. Last date for submission is October 1, 2011.