Franklin Switzerland Scholarships 2026/2027 for International Students | How to Apply

Franklin Switzerland (formerly Franklin University Switzerland) is currently accepting undergraduate applications, and students who apply by December 1 receive priority consideration for merit scholarships worth up to $20,000 per year for US and Canadian citizens, and up to CHF 21,500 per year for international students. There is no separate scholarship application — every undergraduate applicant is automatically reviewed for merit aid during the admissions process, with your award level determined by your recalculated high school or transfer GPA. On top of the merit tier system, Franklin also offers seven competitive Special Awards covering students from SUNY Community Colleges, sustainability-focused candidates, those in creative fields, and more, with additional amounts between $2,500 and $10,000 stacked on top of the base merit award.

All scholarships are renewable for up to seven semesters, provided you maintain the required GPA. Located in Lugano, Switzerland — a city on Lake Lugano bordering Italy — Franklin offers a dual-accredited undergraduate degree, recognised in both the United States and Switzerland.

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Summary of Franklin Switzerland Scholarships

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About the University and the Scholarship Programme

The scholarship structure at Franklin is built to be as frictionless as possible for applicants — the merit tier is automatic, and most Special Awards only require you to ensure your personal statement and application documents reflect the relevant experience. No separate scholarship portal or additional form is needed for the merit award, and most Special Awards are also assessed during the standard admissions review.

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Franklin Switzerland Scholarships Coverage

Merit Awards — awarded automatically at admission based on recalculated GPA:

Merit scholarships are renewable for 7 semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first. Students qualifying for the lower Swiss/EU/EEA tuition rate are not eligible for merit scholarships.

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Special Awards — competitive, cumulative with merit award:

All Special Awards are awarded during the enrollment process for incoming students and are renewed annually, provided GPA and other applicable conditions are maintained.

1. SUNY-FUS Jacques Villaret International Education Award
For students who completed two years at one of 40 SUNY Community Colleges and plan to complete their undergraduate degree at Franklin. Award: $5,000 to $10,000. Requires full-time enrollment and on-campus housing. Deadline: April 1 (Fall) / November 15 (Spring).

2. Franklin Honors Program Award
For students with exceptional academic performance who followed a rigorous secondary school curriculum. GPA of at least 3.5 required. Selection includes an interview with the Honors Program Executive Committee and participation in a scholarship event (available virtually). Award: $3,000 to $10,000 — two annual scholarships. Deadline: December 1 (Fall only).

3. The Ambassador Wilfried Geens Award
For candidates preparing for an IB diploma, who scored 4 or 5 on AP exams, and/or completed dual enrollment coursework with outstanding academic and personal achievements. Automatically considered during admissions review — include evidence in your personal statement and application documents. Award: $3,000. Deadline: April 1 (Fall) / November 15 (Spring).

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4. The Brian Stanford Award in Creative Practices
For students who demonstrate particular promise and achievement in creative fields. The Admissions Committee considers sample work, recommendations, and a personal statement. Awardees receive a customised curriculum with an academic advisor from the selection committee. Award: $3,000 to $5,000. Deadline: April 1 (Fall) / November 15 (Spring).

5. The Ann Gardiner Award in Sustainability
For students committed to environmental science, heritage, environmental studies, or careers related to the environment, climate action, or sustainable development. Includes the option for a 3+1 fast-track combining a 3-year Bachelor with a 1-year MSc in International Management with a Business and Sustainability emphasis. Students with advanced credit from AP, IB, Matura, or dual enrollment are given preference. Award: $2,500 to $5,000. Deadline: April 1 (Fall) / November 15 (Spring).

6. The Theo E. Brenner Scholarship
For one American freshman applicant who best exemplifies Franklin’s international mission — demonstrated through high school coursework in international studies, interest in foreign languages, participation in international or cross-cultural programmes, or involvement in internationally focused organisations. Award: $4,000 (one award). Deadline: April 1 (Fall) / November 15 (Spring).

7. Life-Long Learning Scholarship Program (LLLS)
Prepares students for career readiness through active engagement with the university community, leadership development, and practical skills training across public- and private-sector contexts. Awardees participate in structured LLLS activities throughout their studies. Eligibility and award details are confirmed through the admissions process.

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Eligibility Requirements

For Merit Awards:

• Be a degree-seeking undergraduate admitted to Franklin Switzerland
• Have a recalculated high school or transferable undergraduate GPA at the relevant tier level
• Not qualify for the Swiss/EU/EEA tuition rate — students who do are ineligible for merit scholarships

For Special Awards (general conditions that apply across all types):

• Be an incoming undergraduate student enrolling at Franklin Switzerland
• Meet the specific eligibility criteria for the award you are targeting (see the individual award descriptions above)
• Be enrolled full-time for most awards
• Maintain the required GPA after receiving the award, or it will not be renewed

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How to Apply for the Franklin Switzerland Scholarships

There is no separate scholarship application portal. All awards are assessed during the standard admissions process:

1. Begin your application through the Franklin Switzerland admissions portal or via the Common Application
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee of CHF 90 or USD 90
3. Submit your personal statement, official secondary school transcript, and all required documents
4. For Special Awards that require it — particularly the Brian Stanford Award, Ann Gardiner Award, and Geens Award — ensure your personal statement explicitly addresses the relevant criteria: creative work samples, sustainability commitments, international coursework, or IB/AP results
5. For the Honors Program Award, confirm your eligibility for the interview process and scholarship event after applying
6. Submit by December 1 for priority merit scholarship consideration for Fall entry. Applications submitted after December 1 are still reviewed for merit, but priority is given to December 1 applicants
7. Your acceptance letter will confirm whether a merit scholarship has been awarded. Special Award decisions are communicated during the enrollment process

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For questions on merit aid eligibility, contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

Application Deadlines

• December 1 — Priority deadline for merit scholarships and Honors Program Award (Fall entry)
• April 1 — Most Special Awards, Fall entry
• November 15 — Most Special Awards, Spring entry

Missing the December 1 deadline does not eliminate you from merit consideration, but it removes your priority status — meaning higher GPA applicants who applied on time will be considered before you. For the Honors Program Award, December 1 is the only deadline, and there is no second round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Franklin Switzerland scholarships fully funded?

No. They are partial scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 per year for merit, with additional Special Awards on top. Franklin’s undergraduate tuition and living costs in Lugano will exceed these amounts, so students must plan for the balance of fees independently.

Do I need to apply separately for the merit scholarship?

No. Every undergraduate applicant is automatically considered for the merit award during the admissions review. Your scholarship level is communicated in your acceptance letter.

Can international students receive the merit scholarship?

Yes, provided they do not qualify for the lower Swiss/EU/EEA tuition rate. International students outside the EU/EEA are fully eligible and are assessed on the CHF-denominated merit scale.

Can I receive both a merit award and a Special Award?

Yes. Special Awards are explicitly described as cumulative with the merit scholarship and with other financial aid, provided you maintain the required GPA and other applicable conditions each year.

How long do the scholarships last?

Merit scholarships are renewable for a maximum of 7 semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first. Special Awards are renewed annually, subject to GPA and programme-specific conditions being maintained.

What GPA do I need to keep the scholarship?

The specific renewal GPA varies by award. For the Honors Program Award, you must maintain eligibility for the Honors Program each semester you receive it. For other awards, the conditions are confirmed in your individual scholarship agreement. Contact [email protected] for your specific award’s renewal terms.

Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from the official Franklin Switzerland website as of July 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Franklin Switzerland.

Official Application Portal