Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships in Switzerland
Two-Column Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Scholarship Provider | Swiss Confederation |
| Administered By | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) |
| Eligible Countries | Applicants from 183 countries, depending on scholarship type |
| Main Target Group | International researchers and selected artists |
| Research Level | Doctoral research / PhD and research fellowships |
| Arts Level | First Master’s degree in arts, for selected countries |
| Fields | All academic disciplines for research scholarships |
| Duration | Up to 12 months for research fellowships; PhD scholarships up to 36 months under current rules |
| Monthly Scholarship | CHF 2,450 |
| Start Date | September 1, 2027 |
| Tuition | Depends on host institution/program |
| Application Opens | August 20, 2026 |
| Country-Specific Deadline | Varies by country |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Academic Supervisor | Required for research and PhD applications |
| Official Website | Swiss Federal Government |
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation to encourage international academic exchange and research cooperation. The current 2027–2028 programme is open to applicants from 183 countries, although the scholarship type available depends on the applicant’s country of origin.
Switzerland is internationally known for its excellent universities, advanced research institutions, innovation, and high standard of education. For talented students and researchers looking to build an international academic career, Switzerland can be an attractive destination.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide an opportunity for talented international researchers and selected artists to study or conduct research in Switzerland with financial support from the Swiss Confederation.
The programme is particularly focused on early-career researchers who have already completed a master’s degree. Research opportunities are available across a wide range of academic disciplines and can be undertaken at eligible Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology such as ETH Zurich and EPFL, and recognized research institutes within the ETH Domain.
The scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated not only on their academic background but also on the quality of their proposed research project, motivation, supervision arrangements, and potential for future research cooperation.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications open on August 20, 2026. However, there is no single worldwide deadline. The deadline and available scholarship type depend on the applicant’s country of origin. The official country-specific deadline information is published by the Swiss authorities.
What Are Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are official scholarships funded by the Swiss Confederation.
The programme is administered through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), which evaluates applications and selects successful candidates.
The programme’s main purpose is to strengthen:
- International academic exchange
- Research cooperation
- Scientific collaboration
- International relations
- Future cooperation between Switzerland and other countries
The programme is therefore particularly suitable for students and researchers who have clear academic and research goals.
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Fully Funded?
The scholarship is often described as a fully funded scholarship, but applicants should understand exactly what this means.
For the 2027–2028 programme, the published scholarship amount for research and PhD scholarships is CHF 2,450 per month. The government also provides additional benefits under the applicable scholarship rules, including a one-time housing allowance and health and accident insurance contributions for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries.
However, students should not assume that every possible university expense is automatically covered.
The scholarship is designed primarily to support living expenses and academic mobility. Costs such as certain university fees, travel expenses, deposits, or other personal expenses may depend on the specific scholarship and host institution.
Therefore, applicants should carefully check the official country-specific information before making financial plans.
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Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The programme offers different scholarship categories.
1. Research Fellowship
Research fellowships are designed for postgraduate researchers who wish to conduct a research project in Switzerland.
Applicants may conduct research at eligible:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Federal Institutes of Technology
- Recognized research institutes within the ETH Domain
The scholarship can support research in a wide range of academic fields.
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD scholarship is intended for highly qualified international researchers who have completed a master’s degree and wish to pursue doctoral research in Switzerland.
The scholarship is available for full-time research in Switzerland.
Under the current 2027–2028 rules, the scholarship is initially awarded for 12 months and can be renewed twice, allowing support for up to 36 months, subject to academic progress and the applicable conditions.
3. Arts Scholarship
The Arts Scholarship is designed for talented young artists who wish to pursue their first Master’s degree at a Swiss art school or conservatory.
However, this opportunity is not available to applicants from every country. It is restricted to selected countries.
Applicants should therefore check their country-specific eligibility before preparing an application.
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Important Update
Applicants should be aware of an important change in the programme.
The Swiss Federal Council announced that the monthly scholarship contribution increased to CHF 2,450 from January 2026. At the same time, the number of available scholarship places is being reduced to approximately 200–250 new and ongoing awards per year.
The Swiss Government also announced that postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027–2028 academic year.
This makes it especially important to check the current 2027–2028 eligibility rules instead of relying on older scholarship articles found online.
Advantages of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
1. Financial Support
The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month for eligible research and PhD scholarship holders.
This allowance is intended to help cover basic living expenses in Switzerland.
2. Study and Research in Switzerland
Successful applicants have the opportunity to conduct research in one of Europe’s leading academic and scientific environments.
Switzerland is known for:
- Research excellence
- Innovation
- Advanced laboratories
- Strong universities
- International collaboration
- High-quality infrastructure
3. Access to Leading Institutions
Depending on the scholarship type and field, researchers may work at eligible Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and recognized ETH Domain research institutes.
4. International Research Network
Scholarship recipients can build connections with:
- Professors
- Researchers
- Doctoral students
- Research institutions
- International organizations
These connections can be valuable for future academic and professional opportunities.
5. Career Development
Studying or researching in Switzerland can strengthen an academic CV.
The experience may help applicants pursue:
- University positions
- Research careers
- International projects
- Postgraduate opportunities
- Scientific collaborations
6. Health and Accident Insurance Support
For scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries, the Swiss government continues to pay health and accident insurance premiums under the applicable scholarship arrangements.
7. Housing Allowance
The Swiss Government announced an increase in the one-time housing allowance to CHF 600.
Applicants should nevertheless budget carefully because housing costs in Switzerland can be high.
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Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is primarily intended for talented international researchers and selected artists.
For the research scholarships, applicants generally need to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
For the 2027–2028 research and PhD scholarships, the official requirements state that the master’s degree must be completed by July 31, 2027, or by June 30, 2027 for ETH Zurich. Applicants must also have been born after December 31, 1991.
Eligibility Criteria
Research Fellowship Eligibility
Applicants for a research fellowship generally need to meet these requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Complete the degree by the specified deadline.
- Be within the specified age requirement.
- Have a strong academic profile.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal.
- Find an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
- Obtain a formal letter of support from the Swiss supervisor.
- Intend to conduct full-time research in Switzerland.
The research fellowship is intended for researchers pursuing doctoral studies in their home country, including young medical doctors.
PhD Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants generally need:
- A completed master’s degree or equivalent.
- A strong academic record.
- A suitable research project.
- A Swiss academic supervisor.
- A letter of support from the supervisor.
- A clear research plan and timeline.
- Compliance with country-specific requirements.
The Swiss supervisor is an essential part of the application.
Applications without the required academic supervisor and support letter will not be considered.
Arts Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants for the Arts Scholarship generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Completion of the degree by July 31, 2027.
- To be born after December 31, 1991.
- No existing master’s degree at the start of the scholarship.
- Admission or proof of application to an eligible Swiss art or music institution.
- A strong artistic portfolio.
- Compliance with country-specific eligibility requirements.
The Arts Scholarship is available only to applicants from selected countries.
Is There a Scholarship for Bachelor’s Students?
Generally, no.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship should not be confused with general university scholarships.
For most countries, this government programme is designed primarily for:
- Research fellows
- PhD researchers
- Selected artists
The official Swiss Embassy information for Pakistan specifically states that there are no Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for bachelor’s or master’s studies through the general foreign scholars programme.
Therefore, students searching for an undergraduate scholarship should look at individual Swiss universities and other scholarship providers instead.
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Is There a Master’s Scholarship?
For most applicants, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is not a general master’s scholarship.
The major exception is the Arts Scholarship, which supports a first master’s degree in arts for applicants from selected countries.
This distinction is extremely important for international students.
Academic Requirements
Academic excellence is one of the most important factors in the selection process.
A competitive applicant should demonstrate:
- Strong academic grades
- Relevant educational background
- Research ability
- Academic achievements
- Clear professional goals
- Strong motivation
- Relevant research experience where applicable
The FCS evaluates the applicant’s academic profile, research competence, motivation, and the quality and originality of the proposed research project.
Research Proposal Requirements
The research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application.
A strong proposal should clearly explain:
Research Topic
What exactly will you study?
Research Problem
What problem or unanswered question are you addressing?
Research Objectives
What do you want to discover or accomplish?
Methodology
How will you conduct your research?
Expected Results
What outcomes do you expect?
Timeline
When will you complete each stage of the project?
The official requirements state that the research plan should include a timeline specifying important milestones and activities. The FCS form has a maximum of five pages including a summary for non-specialists.
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Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their documents well before the application deadline.
The exact documents depend on the scholarship type and country, but the official requirements commonly include the following.
1. Application Form
Applicants must complete the online application through the official system.
Applications should not be sent by ordinary email or paper mail.
2. Curriculum Vitae
Applicants need a strong and concise academic CV.
It should include:
- Educational qualifications
- Research experience
- Employment
- Publications
- Awards
- Academic achievements
- Practical experience
- Relevant skills
3. Academic Certificates
Provide copies of:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Other relevant qualifications
The required degree depends on the scholarship category.
4. Academic Transcripts
Applicants should provide transcripts showing their academic performance.
If documents are not in English, French, Italian, or German, certified translations may be required.
5. Research Proposal
A detailed research plan is required for research and PhD applications.
It should explain the research topic, methodology, objectives, significance, and timeline.
6. Motivation Letter
The official requirements specify a motivation letter of up to two pages.
It should explain:
- Why you want to study or research in Switzerland
- Why the proposed project is important
- How the scholarship fits your career plans
- What you plan to do after the scholarship
7. Supervisor’s Letter of Support
Research and PhD applicants must identify a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland.
The supervisor must support the proposed project and provide a letter of support.
The supervisor’s short CV is also required.
8. Recommendation Letters
The online application requires the email addresses of two different professors in the relevant academic field.
They will be contacted through the application system and asked to submit recommendation letters using the FCS/ESKAS form.
9. Passport Copy
Applicants must submit a copy of their valid passport.
Dual citizens should provide copies of both passports where required.
10. Residence Permit
Applicants who already live in Switzerland may need to submit a copy of their residence permit or registration confirmation.
Special residence rules apply to applicants already living in Switzerland.
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How to Find a Swiss Academic Supervisor
Finding a supervisor is one of the most important steps.
The Swiss Government does not find a supervisor for applicants.
Applicants are responsible for identifying and contacting suitable professors themselves.
Where to Search
You can search:
- Swiss university websites
- Faculty websites
- Department pages
- Research group pages
- Professor profiles
- Laboratory websites
- Academic publications
Look for professors whose research closely matches your proposed project.
How to Contact a Professor
Your first email should be short, professional, and personalized.
Attach:
- Academic CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Relevant academic information
- Recommendation letters if appropriate
The official scholarship FAQ recommends making targeted, personal inquiries and allowing sufficient time because finding a supervisor can take weeks or months.
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Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Country
The first step is to determine which scholarship types are available to applicants from your country.
Country-specific requirements and deadlines vary.
The official scholarship website publishes country-specific information.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Scholarship
Determine whether you are applying for:
- Research fellowship
- PhD scholarship
- Arts scholarship
Do not apply for a scholarship category for which your country or academic background is not eligible.
Step 3: Find a Swiss Supervisor
If applying for research or PhD funding, identify a suitable Swiss academic supervisor.
This should be done early because professors receive many requests.
Step 4: Develop Your Research Proposal
Prepare a clear and academically convincing research plan.
Explain:
- The research question
- Background
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Expected results
- Timeline
- Importance of the research
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Collect:
- Passport
- Degrees
- Transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Supervisor support letter
- Recommendation letters
- Other country-specific documents
Step 6: Register in GO ESKAS
Applicants use the official Grants Online (GO ESKAS) system.
The online application becomes available from August 20, 2026 for the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle.
Step 7: Complete the Online Application
Log into GO ESKAS and upload the required documents.
Check every section carefully before submission.
Step 8: Submit Before Your Country’s Deadline
There is no universal deadline for all applicants.
The deadline depends on:
- Country of origin
- Scholarship type
- Applicable Swiss diplomatic representation
The official country-specific deadline information should be checked before submitting an application.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Deadline
For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications open on:
August 20, 2026
However, the final deadline is country-specific.
The Swiss Government states that information about scholarship availability and application deadlines by country will be published in August 2026.
Therefore, applicants should not rely on a single deadline found on third-party scholarship websites.
Selection Process
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications.
The main selection criteria include:
1. Candidate Profile
The committee considers:
- Academic achievements
- Research experience
- Motivation
- Qualifications
2. Research Project
The proposal is assessed for:
- Originality
- Methodological quality
- Academic importance
- Feasibility
3. Future Cooperation
The committee also considers the potential for future research cooperation between Switzerland and the applicant’s home country.
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When Are Results Announced?
The FCS states that scholarship decisions for the following academic year will be announced by the end of May at the latest.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, successful applicants should therefore expect decisions by the end of May 2027 at the latest, subject to the official process.
Duration of the Scholarship
Research Fellowship
A research fellowship lasts:
- Minimum: 6 months
- Maximum: 12 months
The research fellowship cannot be extended beyond the maximum period.
PhD Scholarship
The PhD scholarship is initially granted for 12 months.
It can be renewed twice, allowing a total period of up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress and applicable conditions.
Arts Scholarship
The Arts Scholarship lasts 12 months initially and can be extended up to a maximum of 21 months depending on the Master’s programme and required ECTS credits.
Scholarship Benefits
The main benefits include:
- CHF 2,450 monthly scholarship
- One-time housing allowance
- Health and accident insurance support for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders
- Opportunity to conduct research in Switzerland
- Access to Swiss academic institutions
- International networking opportunities
- Academic and professional development
The precise benefits and obligations depend on the scholarship category and applicant’s circumstances.
Is the Application Free?
Yes.
The Swiss Government explicitly warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers and states that applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are free of charge.
Applicants should be extremely cautious if anyone asks for money to:
- Guarantee selection
- Process the scholarship
- Issue a scholarship certificate
- Arrange a visa
- “Reserve” a scholarship
The official authorities warn against fake scholarship emails and social media offers.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Assuming It Is a Bachelor’s Scholarship
The programme is primarily aimed at researchers and selected artists.
Mistake 2: Applying Without a Supervisor
Research and PhD applications require support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
Mistake 3: Using a Generic Research Proposal
Your proposal should be specifically relevant to your intended research and Swiss host institution.
Mistake 4: Contacting Professors Too Late
Finding a supervisor can take weeks or months.
Start early.
Mistake 5: Missing the Country-Specific Deadline
Different countries have different deadlines.
Always check the official country listing.
Mistake 6: Paying an Agent
The official scholarship application is free.
Be careful with anyone claiming to be an official scholarship agent.
Tips for a Strong Application
Build a Strong Academic Profile
Strong grades, publications, research experience, conferences, internships, and relevant academic achievements can strengthen your application.
Choose a Relevant Research Topic
Your research should fit your academic background and the expertise of your potential supervisor.
Contact Professors Personally
Avoid sending the same generic email to dozens of professors.
Study their research first and explain why you believe your project fits their work.
Write Clearly
Your proposal should be understandable even to someone outside your narrow specialization.
Explain Your Future Plans
Show how the scholarship will contribute to your career and how you plan to use the experience after returning to your home country or continuing your academic career.
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Study and Research Opportunities in Switzerland
Switzerland has a strong reputation in areas such as:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Environmental science
- Economics
- Social sciences
- International relations
- Materials science
- Mathematics
The country’s universities and research institutes provide access to modern laboratories and international research collaborations.
Can Medical Doctors Apply?
Yes, young medical doctors can be eligible for relevant research fellowships if they satisfy the requirements.
The official scholarship information specifically identifies young medical doctors among the target group for research fellowships.
However, this does not mean the scholarship is an MBBS/medical undergraduate scholarship. Applicants should have the required postgraduate academic background and a suitable research project.
Can Pakistani Students Apply?
Pakistani students should check the country-specific scholarship information published by the Swiss authorities.
The official Swiss Embassy in Pakistan confirms that the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for postgraduate research opportunities and that there are no general bachelor’s or master’s scholarships under this programme.
Pakistani applicants should therefore focus on the research and PhD categories for which they are eligible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
It is a scholarship programme funded by the Swiss Confederation to support international researchers and selected artists and promote academic and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries.
2. Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships fully funded?
It provides substantial financial support, including a monthly scholarship of CHF 2,450 for eligible research and PhD scholarship holders. Additional benefits may include housing and insurance support.
3. How much is the monthly stipend?
For the 2027–2028 programme, the published amount is CHF 2,450 per month for research and PhD scholarships.
4. When does the 2027 scholarship application open?
Applications open on August 20, 2026.
5. What is the deadline?
The deadline depends on the applicant’s country of origin and scholarship type. There is no single global deadline.
6. Can I apply for a bachelor’s degree?
Generally, no. The programme is primarily for postgraduate researchers and selected artists.
7. Can I apply for a master’s degree?
Generally, not through the standard research scholarship. A Master’s-level opportunity exists through the Arts Scholarship for eligible applicants from selected countries.
8. Do I need a master’s degree?
For research and PhD scholarships, yes. The master’s degree must be completed by the applicable deadline specified for the 2027–2028 cycle.
9. Do I need a Swiss professor?
Yes. Research and PhD applicants must identify an academic supervisor in Switzerland who supports the proposed research project.
10. Can the scholarship office find a supervisor for me?
No. Applicants are responsible for finding their own academic supervisor.
11. How long does finding a supervisor take?
It can take weeks or months, so applicants should start contacting suitable professors well before the application deadline.
12. Is IELTS required?
The Swiss Government scholarship itself does not impose one universal IELTS requirement for every applicant. Language requirements can depend on the host institution and programme.
Applicants should check the language requirements of their intended Swiss university or research institution.
13. What is the age limit?
For the 2027–2028 research and PhD scholarships, applicants must have been born after December 31, 1991.
14. Can medical doctors apply?
Yes, young medical doctors can be eligible for research fellowships if they meet the requirements and have an appropriate research project.
15. Is the application fee required?
No. The official application is free of charge.
16. How many times can I apply?
The official FAQ states that a maximum of three applications for the same type of scholarship is possible.
17. Can I apply to multiple Swiss universities with different projects?
Applicants should carefully follow the scholarship rules. Submitting multiple applications simultaneously for several host universities and/or scholarship types can be an exclusion criterion for research scholarships.
18. How long is a research fellowship?
A research fellowship lasts between six and twelve months and cannot be extended.
19. How long can the PhD scholarship last?
The PhD scholarship can provide funding for up to 36 months, subject to renewal and satisfactory academic progress.
20. When will the results be announced?
The FCS states that decisions will be announced by the end of May at the latest for the following academic year.
Final Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships represent an excellent opportunity for talented international researchers and selected artists who want to develop their academic careers in Switzerland.
The programme provides substantial financial support, with the current scholarship amount set at CHF 2,450 per month, along with additional benefits that can include housing and insurance support. More importantly, scholarship recipients gain the opportunity to work within Switzerland’s internationally respected academic and research environment.
Official Website
swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
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