Requests for student financial aid on the rise in Switzerland

According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, the number of students requesting financial aid has increased by almost 20% over the last ten years. © Keystone / Christian Beutler

The number of university students requesting financial support has risen since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The majority of requests are made from foreign students living in precarious situations.

In 2022, almost 45,000 students, or around 7% of the student population, applied for financial aid. A total of CHF354 million ($407 million) was distributed. According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, this represents an increase of almost 20% over the last ten years.

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In Neuchâtel, the student federation set up an emergency fund during Covid-19, as no more aid was available at the university. This fund was maintained once the period was over, as requests continued to pour in.

“Today, we find ourselves in a situation where we have even more requests than before, and we have to make more and more appeals for donations because we don’t have unlimited money. This year, we had to find CHF40,000,” explained Neuchâtel student association president Marius Hofer on Swiss public television RTS.

This phenomenon of student insecurity is closely watched by the University of Geneva’s Observatory of Student Life. Unsurprisingly, Geneva’s figures have jumped with Covid-19. The number of students receiving financial aid jumped from 468 in 2019 to 906 in 2022. The amount of aid has risen by a corresponding 35%.

“If students have the resources to integrate into Geneva society, what they receive in aid helps them to get by. As a result, the students who have the most difficulty are often those who are far removed from local society, particularly foreign students, who are much more likely to be found in precarious situations,” explains Jean-François Stassen, scientific director of the University of Geneva’s Observatory of Student Life.

The Observatory has been providing free food to students for the past three years, thanks to financial donations and food recovery.

“For us, the only criterion is to be a student,” says Lucien Rappaz, the association’s coordinator. Twice a week, volunteers set up a convivial space in the premises rented from the city. Over the two days, 750 students visit the grocery store. The number is limited, as demand outstrips supply.

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