What is the difference between a scholarship and a subsidized loan in the canton of Vaud?

A scholarship is a grant that does not have to be repaid, while a subsidized loan is a sum of money that the beneficiary has to repay at interest rates below the commercial market. Many beneficiaries in the canton of Vaud receive a combination: a partial grant and a subsidized loan to cover their total needs. The amount of each depends on the decision of the cantonal office based on the economic and academic situation of the applicant.

Who runs the scholarships in the canton of Vaud?

Scholarships in the canton of Vaud are administered by the cantonal administration, not by federal bodies. In Switzerland, education is a cantonal competence, so each canton has its own office dedicated to supporting study with its own criteria and ordinances. In the canton of Vaud, this office sets eligibility criteria, evaluates applications, and determines amounts according to applicable cantonal laws and ordinances.

What are the deadlines for submitting applications for grants in the canton of Vaud?

The exact filing deadlines must be checked at the cantonal office of Vaud as they vary every year. Typically, applications are submitted between June and August, before the start of the academic year. It is advisable to check the official dates on the site of the cantonal administration. Submitting late implies postponing the evaluation to the next school year, with the need for self-financing in the meantime.

Can I combine a Canton Vaud grant with other financial aid?

Yes, it is generally possible to combine a cantonal grant with other sources of financing (private bank loans, family allowances, work salaries during studies), but it is advisable to check the specific rules of the canton of Vaud. Some cantonal administrations set overall financial support ceilings to avoid overcharging. Consult the cantonal office for details on cumulation and any constraints.

How are maximum grant amounts calculated in the canton of Vaud?

The maximum amounts are calculated by the canton of Vaud according to a methodology that considers the estimated financial need (costs of taxes, housing, books, transport) minus the available family resources (income, wealth, other public aid). Each Swiss canton uses slightly different methodologies. The details of the calculation and the maximum annual amounts are published by the competent cantonal office and available online on the official website.

Scholarships canton Vaud: requirements and amounts (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 4 September 2026

Lecture hall at Lausanne University with students taking notes

How to access scholarships and loans for study in the canton of Vaud: economic requirements, academic merit, maximum amounts and application procedure.

Context

In brief

Scholarships in the canton of Vaud are awarded based on merit and economic situation
The canton of Vaud offers both grants and subsidized study loans
The application must be submitted to the dedicated cantonal office
Requirements and maximum amounts depend on the economic situation and type of training

Key facts

What: Scholarships and study loans in the canton of Vaud
Where: Canton of Vaud, French-speaking Switzerland
Who: Cantonal administration of Vaud (responsible for education)
Requirements: Economic situation, academic merit, residence in the canton
Amounts: Variable according to the level of study and economic situation (details at the cantonal office)

The study support system in the canton of Vaud

The canton of Vaud offers a comprehensive system of scholarships and study loans to support access to higher education and continuing education. These support measures fall under the competence of the Swiss cantonal administrations, in line with the principle of subsidiarity that characterizes the Swiss system: education is a matter managed by the individual cantons, each with its own laws and ordinances.

As in all Swiss cantonal scholarship systems, the measures are granted taking into account the economic situation of the family and the academic merit of the applicant. In the canton of Vaud, the granting of a scholarship is subject to a combined evaluation of economic and academic factors, allowing the identification of those with the greatest financial need and academic potential.

Types of available aid

The canton of Vaud provides two main types of aid:

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Operational details

Analysis: How the System Works and Practical Implications

Economic and Academic Requirements

In the canton of Vaud, as in other Swiss cantons, the allocation of scholarships follows a dual evaluation model: the family must demonstrate an economic situation that justifies support, but the applicant must also present a sufficient academic profile. This dual evaluation reflects the objective of the Swiss system: to support those with academic potential but limited economic resources.

Family income is calculated according to standardized methodologies, which consider:

Gross and net family income (from the previous 2 years)
Assets (savings, real estate, bank accounts)
Number of dependents
Recognized ordinary expenses (housing, LAMal health insurance premiums, transportation, living expenses)

Each canton sets its own income thresholds, above which the granting of scholarships becomes less likely or is refused. These thresholds vary significantly between cantons, reflecting the different fiscal capacities of the individual Swiss cantons.

Maximum Amounts and Calculation Methods

In the Swiss context, the amounts of cantonal scholarships generally cover part of the study costs (tuition fees, books, equipment) and, in some cases, part of the food and accommodation costs. The annual maximum amounts vary significantly between cantons: some cantons with greater fiscal resources (Zurich, Geneva, Basel) tend to offer higher scholarship amounts compared to cantons with fewer resources.

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Key points

Action: How to apply step by step

Phase 1: Inform and verify eligibility

The first step is to verify if you meet the basic eligibility criteria at the dedicated cantonal office. Most cantons (including Vaud) provide an online preliminary questionnaire or self-assessment guide to understand the level of admissibility.

Essential elements to verify:

Residence in the canton of Vaud (generally required for at least 2 years, but this rule varies according to the cantonal ordinance)
Swiss, European citizenship, or valid residence permit
Confirmed enrollment in a recognized school/university/apprenticeship center
Family economic situation below cantonal thresholds

Phase 2: Gather the required documentation

Once eligibility is confirmed, you need to prepare the required documentation. Typically, this includes:

Family income statements (last 2 tax years) — this is the fundamental document for calculating the need
Certificate of residence in the canton of Vaud
School certificates and academic merit certificates
Letter of enrollment in a training institution (university, high school, apprenticeship center)
Eventually, documentation related to real estate, bank accounts, or other assets

This information is used to calculate the amount of the scholarship and to evaluate whether the applicant falls within the financial need defined by the canton. It is crucial to present accurate and up-to-date documents: errors or omissions can significantly delay the evaluation.

Phase 3: Fill out the application form

The application form must be filled out at the cantonal office or downloaded from the official website. The form asks for:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a scholarship and a subsidized loan in the canton of Vaud?: A scholarship is a grant that does not have to be repaid, while a subsidized loan is a sum of money that the beneficiary has to repay at interest rates below the commercial market. Many beneficiaries in the canton of Vaud receive a combination: a partial grant and a subsidized loan to cover their total needs. The amount of each depends on the decision of the cantonal office based on the economic and academic situation of the applicant.
Who runs the scholarships in the canton of Vaud?: Scholarships in the canton of Vaud are administered by the cantonal administration, not by federal bodies. In Switzerland, education is a cantonal competence, so each canton has its own office dedicated to supporting study with its own criteria and ordinances. In the canton of Vaud, this office sets eligibility criteria, evaluates applications, and determines amounts according to applicable cantonal laws and ordinances.
What are the deadlines for submitting applications for grants in the canton of Vaud?: The exact filing deadlines must be checked at the cantonal office of Vaud as they vary every year. Typically, applications are submitted between June and August, before the start of the academic year. It is advisable to check the official dates on the site of the cantonal administration. Submitting late implies postponing the evaluation to the next school year, with the need for self-financing in the meantime.
Can I combine a Canton Vaud grant with other financial aid?: Yes, it is generally possible to combine a cantonal grant with other sources of financing (private bank loans, family allowances, work salaries during studies), but it is advisable to check the specific rules of the canton of Vaud. Some cantonal administrations set overall financial support ceilings to avoid overcharging. Consult the cantonal office for details on cumulation and any constraints.
How are maximum grant amounts calculated in the canton of Vaud?: The maximum amounts are calculated by the canton of Vaud according to a methodology that considers the estimated financial need (costs of taxes, housing, books, transport) minus the available family resources (income, wealth, other public aid). Each Swiss canton uses slightly different methodologies. The details of the calculation and the maximum annual amounts are published by the competent cantonal office and available online on the official website.