Scholarships and Student Jobs in Liechtenstein: What Newcomers Can Use

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

For a student who arrives from abroad, Liechtenstein offers little ready funding. The University of Liechtenstein has no scholarships of its own, state aid is tied to years of residence, and work during studies depends on your residence status and a prior approval. This guide sets out what the university and the law say, and which options remain. The cost side is in the cost of studying in Liechtenstein.

No university scholarships

The university states that it does not offer its own scholarships and that you must secure funding for tuition and living costs before you start. External options depend on nationality or residence. Its funding page lists:

scholarship databases for Switzerland, Austria and Germany, including the Austrian Scholarship Database;
the Swiss Study Foundation, to which all students residing in Liechtenstein may apply;
the Austrian Mobilitätsstipendium for Austrian students, scholarships and loans from Swiss cantons, and support from your home country;
the private lending platform Splendit. The university does not vouch for the terms, so check them with the lender.

If you come from outside the EU or EEA, the university encourages you to check funding in your home country first.

State aid under the Stipendiengesetz

Liechtenstein's Stipendiengesetz (StipG) provides state study aid in two forms: grants that need not be repaid and interest-free loans. Under Article 4, a person qualifies if they have had their ordinary residence in Liechtenstein for at least three years without interruption, or at least five years in total at the start of the training. A social hardship case can be granted earlier, on the recommendation of the Office of Social Services. Proof of residence is a confirmation from the municipality and, for foreign nationals, a residence permit. For a student who moves to Liechtenstein only to study, this means state aid is not available at the start, and the university says the same about the government's interest-free loans. We did not check the later articles of the law on income and assets, so ask the national scholarship office before you count on it.

Working during your studies

The university says that part-time work may supplement your finances, but that it is not guaranteed and depends on your workload, residence status and work permissions. Its programmes are designed as full-time study, and it suggests planning for about 40 hours a week during lectures. In the first year, especially, a part-time job is possible only to a limited extent.

For students who hold a Liechtenstein residence permit for their studies, the university gives these rules:

you may work up to 35% during the lecture period. The page does not say 35% of what, so ask for the exact measure;
during semester breaks, full-time work is allowed;
you need prior approval from the Migration and Passport Office before you start any job. The university's pages also use the name Immigration and Passport Office for the same body;
your employer submits the request, and late submission can bring a fine of up to CHF 400.

The university lists student jobs on its vacancies page. For rules across countries, see working while studying in Europe.

A realistic budget

Since most funding options are closed to newcomers, plan to cover tuition and living costs from your own or your family's resources. The university's reference for monthly living costs is on the cost page, and for non-EU students there is also the bank guarantee deposit described in the student visa guide. Compare funding across countries in scholarships and financial aid in Europe.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.