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Supports academically outstanding students (especially postgraduates in humanities, economics, political science) worldwide, particularly those who are dependent on support due to their membership of ethnic groups or minorities in need of protection or due to their origin from emerging or developing countries.
Promotes university education of people who are disadvantaged by their living conditions, primarily because of flight or violence from regions of the Middle East. Support is provided exclusively in collaboration with and through universities listed in the «Times Higher Education World University Ranking».
Scholarships to students to enable them to pursue university or further education in Europe. Iranian nationals enjoy priority.
Financial assistance to doctoral students or researchers with a recognisable academic background, allowing them to continue their research or studies in the medical sciences or the humanities.
Holcim Foundation for the Advancement of Scientific Research
Supports young scientists with a higher educational background who can demonstrate that they have a connection with Switzerland and/or whose work is in some way linked to Switzerland, with the aim to enable them to obtain a further qualification in their field.
Scholarships for pupils and students to visit schools or educational institutions, including universities.
International Cities of Refuge Network ICORN
Cities and regions offering shelter to writers and artists at risk. Switzerland is represented with the Swiss German PEN Center in Bern. ICORN is an organisation for cities and regions that offer long-term temporary refuge to persecuted writers and artists.
Information for refugees at the University of Zurich
The University of Zurich wants to help refugees gain access to university education. The International Relations Office is responsible for coordinating the various services available. Refugees with questions about studying at the university or about the Discovery Program should contact the International Relations Office. The contact form is provided in the link.
Discovery Program for refugees at the University of Zurich and VSUZH (student organisation)
The Discovery Program for refugees is a joint initiative of the International Relations Office and the student organisation VSUZH. It enables refugees to attend lectures as guest auditors and to experience student life at the University of Zurich. Find more information about the degree programs using this link. The aim is to give refugees the chance to gain an understanding of the course programs and requirements for studying in Switzerland. This allows them to prepare for a later application to the University of Zurich, should this be an option, or for a job in Switzerland. The Discovery Program lasts two semesters. A start is only possible in the autumn semester (mid-September). The semester dates can be found here.
Discovery programme for refugee students at the University of Luzern
The academic year 2021/22 sees the commencement of the project "discovery semester ". The University of Lucerne is not only as an academic institution but also as a place of intercultural exchange with the possibility to meet Swiss students and professors. This programme offers more insight into the Swiss Higher Education System and the challenges of studying in Switzerland. Furthermore (s)he can improve their language skills.