The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support talented early-career researchers and artists worldwide. These fully funded scholarships promote international exchange and cooperation with Swiss higher education institutions. Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards scholarships to encourage research and studies in Switzerland across many academic fields.
These scholarships are for postgraduate students who want to conduct full-time research or pursue advanced degrees such as a PhD or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland. Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent before the scholarship starts.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships include research fellowships, PhD scholarships, postdoctoral scholarships, and specialized art scholarships for master’s students in artistic fields. Each applicant must have a Swiss academic supervisor who supports their research project.
The program covers living expenses, including a monthly stipend, health insurance for non-EU/EFTA candidates, and a return flight allowance. It does not cover tuition fees, conference participation, or family expenses.
This scholarship fosters global cooperation and provides an excellent chance to work with world-class researchers at Swiss universities and research institutes such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, and others.
Quick Overview of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Eligible Fields: Research, PhD, Postdoctoral, Arts
- Application Opens: August 4, 2025
- Application Deadline: Varies by country (mostly between September and December 2025)
- Scholarship Duration: 12 months (renewable for PhD up to 36 months)
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 (research & PhD), CHF 3,500 (postdoc)
- Eligibility: Master’s degree or PhD completed; an academic supervisor in Switzerland is required
- Application Location: Apply via the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country
Perks of PhD and PostDoc Scholarships in Switzerland
- Monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses
- Health insurance is covered for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders
- Return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA scholars
- Access to world-class Swiss universities and research institutes
- Opportunities to collaborate with top researchers and professors
- Invitations to excursions and federal scholarship holder activities
- Supportive academic supervision and mentoring
Benefits of the Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Advance your research in a supportive, international academic environment
- Build global research networks and collaborations
- Gain prestigious Swiss academic experience on your CV
- Access state-of-the-art research facilities and resources
- Enhance your career prospects in academia or industry
- Experience Swiss culture and lifestyle during your scholarship
Exclusions of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Tuition or semester fees are not covered (may range CHF 600-2,000 per semester)
- Costs for conferences and fieldwork are the responsibility of the scholar
- Travel expenses for EU/EFTA scholars must be paid by themselves
- Family members or dependents are not supported financially
- Field research outside Switzerland is not allowed during the scholarship period
- No extensions beyond the fixed scholarship duration
Eligibility Criteria of the Research and Arts Studies Scholarships by the Swiss Government
- Master’s degree or equivalent completed by July 31, 2026 (PhD for postdocs)
- Date of birth after December 31, 1990
- Must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss institution
- Full-time research or study in Switzerland only
- Must not have lived in Switzerland for more than one year before the scholarship
- For art scholarships, candidates must be applying for their first Master’s degree in an artistic field
- Follow specific deadlines and application processes through your country’s Swiss embassy
Important Dates for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027
- Application Opens: August 4, 2025
- Application Deadlines: Vary by country, mostly between September 30 and December 15, 2025
- Selection Announcement: By the end of May 2026
- Scholarship Start Date: September 1, 2026
- Duration: 12 months (renewable for PhD)
How to Apply for a Swiss Government Scholarship
- Check the application deadline for your country’s Swiss embassy or consulate.
- Find and contact a suitable academic supervisor at a Swiss university or research institute.
- Prepare your application documents: CV, motivation letter, research proposal, letter of support, transcripts, recommendation letters, health certificate, passport copy, etc.
- Submit your application via your country’s Swiss diplomatic mission by the specified deadline.
- Wait for the selection decision, announced by May 2026.
Required Documents for the Fully Funded Research Scholarships
- Complete CV and academic background
- Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- Detailed research proposal (max 5 pages; not required for art scholarships)
- Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (including supervisor’s CV)
- Two recommendation letters from academic referees sent directly by the referees
- University certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if needed)
- Medical certificate of fitness
- Copy of valid passport (and residence permit if residing in Switzerland)
- For art scholarships: portfolio or artistic works (depending on the art field)
Country-Specific Criteria for the Fully Funded Scholarships
- Application deadlines and submission locations vary by country.
- Applicants must apply through their local Swiss embassy or consulate.
- Some countries offer only specific scholarship types (e.g., no art scholarships).
- Check the exact contact details and deadlines from the Swiss diplomatic mission in your country.
⏳ Apply Now for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships For Foreign Scholars 2024-25
