Financing education in Switzerland can be complex, but there are several schemes available to help reduce the costs.

Here is an overview of the main options available:

1. Cantonal grants and loans

In Switzerland, the awarding of scholarships and student loans is mainly the responsibility of the cantons. Each canton has its own criteria for awarding scholarships, which are generally based on the financial situation of the student and their family. Scholarships are non-repayable financial aid, while loans must be repaid after the course of study.

• Canton of Vaud The Cantonal Office for Scholarships and Apprenticeships (OCBE) offers scholarships and loans to students who do not have sufficient resources to finance their education. Find out more.
• Canton of Geneva The Student Grants and Loans Service (SBPE) offers grants or loans to students based on their financial situation. Find out more.

• For’other cantons, Detailed information is available on the website. career guidance.ch, which provides links to the relevant cantonal services.

2. Private education loans

If cantonal assistance is insufficient, private organisations offer loans on favourable terms:

EDUCA SWISS This non-profit foundation offers training loans with average interest rates of 1.5% (maximum 3.25%). Applicants receive free support from a coach to plan their training project and establish a realistic budget. 

3. Foundations and private funds

Several private foundations provide financial support to students:

• Swiss Study Foundation : It supports particularly gifted students in Switzerland by offering them scholarships and academic support.

One directory of private foundations is available on the website of the Federal Department of Home Affairs.

4. Payment in several monthly instalments

Many educational institutions and credit organisations in Switzerland offer instalment payment options to ease the financial burden:

5. Tax deduction for training expenses

In Switzerland, the costs of continuing education for professional purposes can be deducted from your taxable income, under certain conditions. terms and conditions.

• Deductible amount Up to CHF 12,000 per year can be deducted for direct federal tax.
• Terms and conditions You must hold a secondary II level qualification or be aged 20 or over and be enrolled in a course leading to a qualification other than a first secondary II level qualification.
• Relevant costs Eligible expenses include course fees, travel expenses, teaching materials, etc., provided they are directly related to your professional activity. .

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Financial assistance for your continuing education

Here is an overview of the main financial assistance available for continuing education in the Swiss cantons.

Canton of Geneva – Annual Training Cheque (CAF)

• Amount Up to CHF 750 per year, cumulative up to CHF 2,250 over three years for certain training courses.
• Terms and conditions : Be of legal age, have been resident and a taxpayer in the county for at least one year, and comply with a certain unified income threshold (RDU).
• Eligible training courses : Over 1,600 accredited courses, lasting a minimum of 40 hours, useful for professional purposes.
• Procedure The application must be submitted before the course begins.

Canton of Fribourg – Training voucher

• Amount Up to CHF 500 per year.
• Objective : Improve basic skills in reading, writing, arithmetic and IT.
• Terms and conditions : Be of legal age, reside in the county, and take a course listed on the «Simply Better» platform.
• Procedure : Download the cheque online and register directly with the training provider.

Canton of Neuchâtel – Fund for Training and Professional Development

• Type of assistance Financial assistance for professional retraining courses.
• Terms and conditions : Retraining imposed for medical reasons or by the labour market.
• Eligible training courses : Training courses enabling professional reintegration.
• Procedure : Application to the Post-Compulsory Education and Guidance Service (SFPO).

Canton of Valais – Support for Second Education and Continuing Education

• Type of assistance : Allowances for second degrees and continuing education.
• Terms and conditions : Additional training enabling professional reintegration or retraining.
• Eligible training courses : Recognised training courses facilitating professional reintegration.
• Procedure : Application to the Canton's Vocational Training Service.

Canton of Bern – Scholarships and Loans for Recognised Training Courses

• Type of assistance : Scholarships and loans for recognised training courses.
• Terms and conditions : Complete a recognised training programme leading to a recognised qualification.
• Eligible training courses : Preparatory training, initial training, further training, advanced vocational training, retraining.
• Procedure : Application to the Department of Education of the canton

Canton of Zurich (ZH)

• Types of assistance : Stipendien (non-repayable grants) and Darlehen (repayable loans).
• Terms and conditions People aged 25 to 34 can receive grants with an increased personal contribution or loans. People aged 35 to 44 generally have access to loans. People over the age of 45 are not eligible.
• Procedure : Applications must be submitted via the ZHservices platform before the start of the academic year. Late applications may result in a reduction or refusal of financial assistance.

Confederation – Support for Federal Certificates and Diplomas

• Type of assistance Partial reimbursement of fees for preparatory courses for federal examinations.
• Amount Up to 50% of course fees, capped at CHF 9,500 for a federal certificate and CHF 10,500 for a federal diploma.
• Terms and conditions : Passing the federal examination and residing in Switzerland.
• Procedure : Request for reimbursement after examination by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
• Further information : SEFRI

For detailed information and application forms, please visit the websites of the cantonal scholarship services via the portal of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (CDIP): EDK- CDIP – CDPE – CDEP

Some practical advice 

• Anticipate the steps : Application deadlines vary depending on the canton and institution. It is advisable to find out about the process and prepare your application several months in advance.
• Combining sources of funding It is possible to combine different types of financial aid (canton scholarships, private loans, foundation grants) to cover all training costs.
• Consult guidance services : The cantonal career guidance offices can provide information and personalised support for financing your studies.
• For any financial advice (taxation, pensions, insurance, capital diversification), seek advice from Swiss Council.

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