Subsidies

The "Leonardo da Vinci" professional training programme provides some financial support schemes for work placements abroad. Even if you have found your traineeship by yourself, you can apply for financial help from SOL.

The Leonardo traineeship bursary includes:

• a fixed living allowance (calculated on the trainee's salary)

• a contribution to the costs of transport (a single payment of 250 CHF maximum)

• a contribution to the cost of language classes during the trainee period (a single payment of 300 CHF maximum)

Each year, SOL helps nearly 200 Swiss and European trainees thanks to a grant from the Swiss Government. Given the increasing volume of requests for financial help and given the available budget, not all requests can be satisfied. The decision whether or not to award a bursary is based on such criteria as a balanced spread of aid between the cantons or countries of origin and areas of study. SOL also weighs the various arguments presented in the grant applications. 

Grant applications are received throughout the year. They can be sent to SOL one month before the start of the traineeship and up to 4 weeks after the start of the traineeship. Applications cannot be accepted beyond this deadline. Upon reception of your application, you will be sent a receipt by e-mail.

Applying for a bursary

The form for requesting an SOL bursary includes the following documents: 

• A covering letter justifying your request for financial help

•  A résumé

• A copy of your traineeship contract duly dated and signed by the employer or a confirmation of acceptance. The exact dates of the beginning and end of the traineeship and the contract conditions (including salary, etc.) must be included with these documents.

• The "Application for Leonardo bursary" form(see downloading page)

• A copy of the last diploma or an attestation of student status

• A copy of your identity card or valid residence permit in the country of origin

You will need to open a bank or postal account in Switzerland in order to receive a Leonardo bursary. Don't forget to include your bank details as well as your IBAN (International Bank Account Number).with your application.