The Students at Risk (StAR) program supports students whose right to education is denied or severely hindered in their country of origin or residence by providing them with a scholarship in Switzerland.
About us
The Students at Risk (StAR) program aims to offer at-risk students worldwide, whose right to education is denied or severely hindered in their country of origin or residence, an opportunity to begin or complete their studies in Switzerland. The idea of StAR was initiated in 2012 in Norway by two student organizations, SAIH and NSO. Germany followed in 2021 with the ‘Hilde Domin-Programm‘, a similar initiative.
With the project of the Swiss Student Union (VSS-UNES-USO), Switzerland now also contributes to the international freedom of education and research. It complements the existing ‘Scholars at Risk’ project, which focuses on postdoctoral scholars. The pilot phase of the project began in September 2024 and will run until August 2027. During this period, the first students are expected to start or complete their studies in Switzerland through the StAR program.
For at-risk students, the StAR program aims to create a safe environment enabling them to complete their studies and exercise their right to education. With a university degree and an international network, students are well-prepared for their professional future and can contribute significantly to the society of their country of origin.
Who can receive a StAR Scholarship?
Candidates must meet the following cumulative criteria to be eligible for a StAR scholarship:
- Student: Candidates must be prospective students (bachelor’s or master’s level) or doctoral candidates.
- At Risk: Candidates face endangerment or an inability to pursue studies in their country of origin or residence:
- Due to advocacy for fundamental or human rights,
- Due to belonging to a marginalized group, or
- Due to other external factors that de facto make it impossible or extremely difficult to complete their studies safely.
How to Apply?
Interested people can contact the project manager of Students At Risk via email and apply for a StAR scholarship. A list of the required documents for the application can be found here.
The deadline for the call is January 19th, 2025. The goal is to enable two applicants to study in Switzerland starting in the fall semester of 2025.
Contact: studentsatrisk@vss-unes.ch
Updates:
Support:
Would you like to support the project financially? Please contact us through the above-mentioned contact address. We are happy about any contribution.
Contact:
Project Manager Students at Risk: Leonie Mugglin
