The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) coordinates policy with its partners in the Federal Administration concerning Swiss scholarships for foreign students in Switzerland and scholarships for Swiss students abroad. The FDFA is involved in formulating scholarship policy and acts as an intermediary between the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) and the Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS) for the scholarships offered by foreign universities to Swiss students.

Depending on the country concerned, the scholarships offered by Switzerland (around 210-240 a year) involve bilateral scholarships or scholarships from a pool, for which postgraduate students from different countries can apply. Eligibility requirements are very good aptitude for study, evidence of research completed, knowledge of the language of the country concerned (depending on the university) and a research plan accepted by one of the Swiss universities. In exceptional cases, scholarships are also offered for Masters degree courses. In addition, scholarships for artists are offered for certain countries. Anyone interested should apply to the embassy that represents their country.

The scholarships provided by foreign countries for Swiss students are advertised and managed in Swiss universities and technical colleges by the CRUS on behalf of the Confederation. The FDFA acts as an intermediary.