Frequently asked questions

Social Engagement

Implementing social commitment in a project: what does that mean ?
After acceptance of the scholarship, an online kick-off event is held that introduces the theme of the debate. Following this, a self-study phase takes place during which the scholarship recipients work on an assignment (approximately 5 hours). The program concludes with a final event featuring a workshop, during which the acquired knowledge is practically applied through show debates.
What do I do if I’m unable to attend the YES workshop?
Participation in the in-person workshop is mandatory for all scholarship recipients. Should a plausible justification be provided for why participation is not possible, an alternative additional task may be assigned to the scholarship recipients.
Insight into the projects of former grant holder of the Hirschmann scholarship in cooperation with the foraus programme (unitl the end of 2024) can be viewed at https://www.foraus.ch/en/.

Application and award

Can I apply for a grant even though I am not a Swiss national?
Yes. The grant is conditional on your pursuing a master's degree at a Swiss university of applied sciences.

Can I apply for a grant even though I already have a master's degree?
Yes. This is often the case with arts degrees. Please enclose in this case a copy of your master's degree documents. You might also ask the professors of your master's degree programme for a recommendation.
I was admitted to the master's program "sur dossier" without a previous bachelor's degree. Can I still apply?
Yes, this is possible, the decisive factor is admission to the master's program. Please then submit two letters of recommendation from your Master's program.
What is meant by “social engagement”?
We are keen that grant holders demonstrate social responsibility during their studies. Socio-political activity is voluntary and takes place in the student’s spare time. We do not specify the form of the engagement, but we encourage active and regular participation in the areas of sport, politics, environmental protection and art in schools, student organisations at university, clubs and youth organisations, charities, social projects and so forth.
Can letters of recommendation be submitted by professors teaching on master’s degree programmes?
Yes, if the bachelor’s degree programme lies a few years back or the master’s programme has already been started.
What should the letter of recommendation contain?
It should make reference to the Hirschmann grant. It should describe the student’s achievements and his or her character from the point of view of the signatory – and thus substantiate the recommendation. The length of the letter is down to the writer.
Can students attending schools/universities of teacher education also apply for a Hirschmann grant?
The Hirschmann grant is available to students pursuing master's degrees at a Swiss university of applied sciences. The foundation is unable to consider applications from students pursuing other forms of tertiary education such as at research universities or universities of teacher education.

Are my results a determining factor in the Foundation's considerations?
The Foundation considers all the criteria outlined.
Who decides on the awarding of grants?
The Grants Committee of the Foundation Board makes its deliberations twice a year.

General

What size are the grants?
The grants come in the form of one-off disbursements; they are usually CHF 5'000, very occasionally CHF 10'000.
Does the grant have to be paid back?
Only if the conditions are not met and/or the studies discontinued.
Which degree programmes are eligible for grants?
Any consecutive master that can be pursued at a Swiss university of applied sciences.
Which languages are accepted for an application?
We accept applications for a grant in German, French, English and Italian.
In quale lingua posso inviare la mia applicazione?
Accettiamo le applicazioni in tedesco, inglese, francese e italiano.