Submitting an Application
The IKEA Foundation Switzerland introduced a new online application system on November 14, 2025. Since that date, applications can only be submitted through the new platform. Please submit your application via this link. After registering, select the appropriate application type and provide all required information step by step. At the end, you can easily upload your project dossier as a PDF.
Guidelines
Age Limits
The primary aim of the Ikea Foundation Switzerland is to support young talent. The following age restrictions are therefore set for applications:
- Scholarships: At the time of application, applicants must not have reached the age of 28.
- Project or work grants: Applicants may submit a request up to seven years after completing their bachelor’s degree. In addition, they must not be older than 35 years at the time of application.
- Internship at IKEA headquarters: Applicants must not be older than 32 years at the time of application.
- Events and institutions: No age limit applies to the person submitting the application. However, the event must be aimed at the Foundation’s target audience or provide this audience with an opportunity to participate or present their work.
Connection to Switzerland
The Ikea Foundation Switzerland only considers applications from individuals who reside in Switzerland or can demonstrate a close connection to the country. Such a connection is established, for example, if the applicant’s previous education (a bachelor’s degree or equivalent basic training) was entirely completed in Switzerland, or if the applicant’s main place of residence has been in 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.
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.