Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarships 2026 for Exchange Students
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
If you're a bright—yet financially constrained—university student, then the Heyning-Roelli Foundation Scholarships 2026 for Spring Intake is now open. This mobility grant supports exceptionally talented Bachelor’s and Master’s students planning an exchange semester or thesis research abroad. Established over 13 years ago, the foundation has already empowered more than 1,047 students from 42 countries to overcome financial hurdles and embrace global academic experiences.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Switzerland (exchange destination for students from Swiss universities, or outgoing from Switzerland)
Host Institution: Partner universities via official exchange agreements (e.g., SEMP/Erasmus or bilateral programs)
Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or Graduate (Master’s); includes research thesis abroad for Master’s candidates
Target Group: Academically excellent but financially disadvantaged students enrolled at Swiss universities (excluding universities of applied sciences) or at foreign universities in an eligible exchange with a Swiss partner
Fields of Study: All academic disciplines accepted
Coverage: Partial scholarships covering travel and subsistence expenses. Grant amounts vary based on financial need, study duration, and destination; final amounts are determined after application review
Award Duration: One or two semesters, or duration necessary to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis abroad
Application Deadline: 20 October 2025, 24:00 CET
Results Notification: Applicants informed by the end of November 2025 via email
Eligible To:
Swiss University Students: Enrolled in Bachelor’s or Master’s at recognized Swiss universities (excluding universities of applied sciences), nominated for exchange at a partner university, academically qualified, financially underprivileged, haven’t completed past exchange, and hold Swiss citizenship or valid residence permit B/C.
Foreign University Students: Enrolled at a partner university of a recognized Swiss university (excluding universities of applied sciences), accepted for exchange in Switzerland, academically strong, financially in need, and no previous exchange experience.
🌍 Program Overview
Purpose & Scope: The Heyning-Roelli Foundation aims to remove financial barriers for deserving students pursuing academic mobility abroad—covering essential travel and living costs to ensure equitable access to international study.
Selection Considerations: Scholarship amounts aren’t predetermined. They’re allotted based on the student’s financial needs, travel costs, and length of stay. Other scholarships or funding are taken into account to ensure fair grant allocation.
Eligible Countries & Exchange Scope
This program facilitates both outbound mobility from Switzerland and inbound exchanges:
Swiss University Students → Partner universities abroad via formal exchange agreements (e.g., SEMP/Erasmus).
Foreign Students → Exchange to recognized Swiss universities under similar agreements.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Financial Relief: Grants contributing to travel and subsistence costs during international exchange—tailored to individual financial circumstances.
Equitable Support: Designed to supplement, not replace, other scholarships—ensuring that every student’s unique financial situation is considered.
Academic Opportunity: Enables a semester abroad or inclusion of thesis research overseas, enriching academic trajectories.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Enrollment in a recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s program at a Swiss university or relevant foreign institution in an exchange agreement.
Must NOT be in a double-degree program or already have completed an exchange. Retroactive applications are not accepted.
Demonstrate financial need and strong academic merit.
For Swiss students: Swiss citizenship or valid residence permit B/C required.
📝 Application Procedure
Confirm Eligibility: Check with your home international office or exchange coordinator whether the Heyning-Roelli Scholarship is applicable to your program.
Complete Application: Submit the foundation’s online form before 20 October 2025 (24:00 CET).
Prepare Supporting Documents (typically): Enrollment proof, financial need statement, academic transcripts, nomination or confirmation of exchange participation.
Await Results: Applicants receive decisions via email by the end of November 2025
💡FAQ
Q: Is this a full scholarship? A: No—it's a partial grant intended to assist with travel and living costs, calculated based on individual need and existing funding.
Q: Can double-degree students apply? A: No. Only standard exchange students are eligible. Double-degree or retroactive applicants are excluded.
Q: Who is eligible among Swiss students? A: Bachelor’s or Master’s students at recognized Swiss universities (excluding universities of applied sciences), not yet completed any exchange, nominated for exchange abroad, of academic merit, financially underprivileged, and holding Swiss citizenship or residence permit B/C.
Q: What about students from abroad? A: They must be enrolled at partner institutions and accepted for exchange in Switzerland, not previously exchanged, academically strong, and financially in need.
Q: What's the deadline?A: 20 October 2025, 24:00 CET. Results by end of November 2025.
Q: How is the grant amount determined?A: Based on the student’s financial situation, exchange duration, travel distance, and existing funding sources.
