Submitting an application
Important notice on application submission: The Ikea Foundation Switzerland is currently introducing a new online system for applications. Until its launch on 17 November 2025, no applications can be accepted. From that date, a link to the new application platform will be available here. We thank you for your understanding and patience.
Applications
The primary aim of the Ikea Foundation Switzerland is to support young talent. The following age restrictions are therefore set for applications:
- Scholarships: Application must be submitted BEFORE your 29th birthday
- Project or work grants/internship at IKEA: BEFORE 33th birthday
- For events: The event must be aimed specifically and exclusively at participants who are in education.
Connection to Switzerland
The Ikea Foundation Switzerland only considers applications from applicants who reside in Switzerland or who can prove that they have a close link to Switzerland. An example of this is if the applicant has completed long stretches of education to date in Switzerland or the applicant’s main place of residence is currently Switzerland.
Timing
Projects or events that have already begun or been completed at the time of application will not be considered. In all cases, applications must be submitted at least four months before the planned start of implementation or execution.
Guidelines
Download our guidelines here. The PDF contains all relevant information about the areas we support, as well as the exclusion criteria for applications. The guidelines are binding. Guidelines
Submission dates
Applications are to be submitted by 1 April, 1 August or 1 December. The Foundation Board meetings are held at the end of the following month.
The following requirements apply to the submission of scholarship applications: For courses of study beginning in the autumn, the application must be submitted by 1 April. For courses of study beginning in February, the scholarship application must be submitted by 1 August. Applications submitted during an ongoing semester and concerning an academic year that has already begun will no longer be considered.
Applicants will be informed within three months of the latest submission deadline whether the Board of Trustees has approved their scholarship application.
Documentation
The Ikea Foundation Switzerland reports on your activities and services and publishes images, plans and short texts concerning the scholarships, projects or events co-financed by you on its own website. Applicants acknowledge this. In certain cases, the Ikea Foundation Switzerland will refrain from publication due to copy protection, the degree of innovation and intellectual property rights.
Final report
The foundation board or the managing director of the Ikea Foundation Switzerland will decide, on a case by case basis, whether a final report must be submitted by the scholarship participant, the person responsible in the case of project and work grants or co-financed events. This final report serves to evaluate the grant awarded and will not be published.