Scholarships and loans in the Canton of Zug: requirements, amounts and deadlines (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The Canton of Zug offers scholarships (non-refundable) and honorary loans (repayable) for resident students
• Main requirements : cantonal residence ≥3 years (Swiss or B/C permits), gross family income ≤ CHF 120,000 (threshold 2025), enrolment in recognised courses (university, HF, higher vocational training)
• Maximum amounts 2025: Bachelor (CHF 12.000/anno), Master (CHF 15.000/anno), Doctorate (CHF 20.000/anno). Loans up to CHF 25,000 total
• Deadline: 30 April 2025 for the academic year 2025/2026
• Competent office: Cantonal Training and Subsidies Service (Baarerstrasse 16, Zug)

Key facts

• What: Cantonal scholarships and loans
• Where: Canton of Zug (municipalities: Zug, Baar, Cham, etc.)
• Who: Resident students with income limits (excluding children of already subsidised cantonal employees)
• Amount: Variable (annual maximums set by the Council of State). Example: CHF 15,000 for Master of Engineering at PF Zurich
• Deadline: April 30 (sending complete documentation by certified mail)
• Office: Cantonal Training Service (tel. 041 728 32 22)

The Canton of Zug, known for its low tax burden and innovative ecosystem, actively supports higher education through targeted financial instruments. Managed by the Cantonal Training and Grants Service, these grants combine non-repayable grants and zero-interest loans (1% post-study interest).

Operational details

How exchanges and loans work in the Canton of Zug

The Zugano system distinguishes between scholarships (non-refundable) and honor loans (to be returned after graduation). Key requirements include:

• Uninterrupted residence in the canton for at least 3 years (B/C permit or Swiss citizenship). For example, a student who moved to Baar in 2021 becomes eligible from 2024.
• Enrolment in full-time courses at Swiss universities (e.g. ETH Zurich, University of Lucerne) or recognized foreigners (e.g. German polytechnics or UK Russell Group).
• Household income limits: For a family of 4, cantonal taxable income must not exceed CHF 120,000 (2024 value). A family with an income of CHF 115,000 and two student children can apply for support for both.
• Maximum age: 35 years for master's and doctoral degrees (reference: Cantonal Law on Education, art. 12).

Maximum amounts and duration

The scholarships partially cover the costs of study and subsistence. Amounts 2024:

• Bachelor: up to CHF 16.000/anno (e.g. CHF 12,000 for taxes + CHF 4,000 for board/lodging)
• Master: up to CHF 20.000/anno (e.g. CHF 15,000 for academic costs + CHF 5,000 for out-of-pocket expenses)
• PhD: up to CHF 32.000/anno (including research and conference contributions)

Honor loans (maximum CHF 20,000 total) supplement the scholarships, with repayment within 15 years postgraduate at a fixed rate of 1%. A graduate who returns CHF 15,000 over 10 years pays monthly installments of ~CHF

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

<p>## How to Apply: Step-by-Step Procedure<br>1. Verify Residency: Confirm 3 consecutive years in Canton Zug (e.g., via municipal registers of cities like Baar or Cham). According to the 2023 Cantonal Education Act, study periods or civil service also count.<br>2. Gather Documents:<br> - Valid passport/B/C permit copy (valid until at least December 2026)<br> - Enrollment certificate at a Swiss university (e.g., ETH Zurich or University of Lucerne)<br> - 2024 tax return of parents (or spouse) with gross income >CHF 80,000<br> - Detailed study plan and budget forecast (e.g., CHF 25,000/year for board/lodging in Zug vs. CHF 18,000 in Fribourg)<br>3. Complete the Application Form: Downloadable from the Cantonal Education Service website. Indicate priority between grant (max CHF 5,000/year) and loan (up to CHF 15,000/year).<br>4. Submit by April 30: By registered mail to Education Service, Poststrasse 1, 6300 Zug or direct delivery. Later deadline than Zurich (March 31)</p><p>### After Applying<br>The office evaluates applications within 3 months. In 2025, 60% of applications were approved. If approved:<br>- Quarterly Disbursement: E.g., CHF 3,750 every 3 months for an annual loan of CHF 15,000<br>- Obligations: Maintain Zug residency (at least 183 days/year). Report changes within 30 days (e.g., switching from economics to medicine or income >CHF 40,000)<br>- Loan Repayment: Within 15 years of graduation (1.5% rate). Suspension possible for unemployment (max 2 years) or maternity (6 months/child).<br><br>> 'We prioritize local talents with potential, not just excellent grades' – Director of the Zug Education Service, 2025</p><p>Operational Checklist:<br>- [ ] Valid ID copy<br>- [ ] University admission letter<br>- [ ] 2023-2024 tax returns<br>- [ ] Budget with verifiable costs (e.g., average rent in Zug: CHF 1,200/month)</p><p>Scenario Comparison:<br>- Zug vs. Bern student: Only 3-year residents access loans.<br>- 4-year vs. 6-year degree: Repayment by 2034 or 2038 (with deferred interest).<br><br>Plan using the university cost calculator (e.g., +30% costs in Zug vs. St. Gallen). Verify cantonal tax deductions (up to CHF 12,000/year for education) via tax return tool</p>