Switzerland offers the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international academic exchange and research cooperation. This scholarship is fully funded and open to international students pursuing Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies in Switzerland. The program is managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) and includes benefits such as tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare, and more.
To help you quickly understand the key details, here’s a summary:
Quick Facts About Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Academic Levels | Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Eligible Applicants | International students from 180+ countries |
| Fields of Study | All disciplines for research; Arts for select countries |
| Coverage | Fully funded (stipend, tuition, insurance, airfare, etc.) |
| Host Institutions | Swiss cantonal universities, federal institutes, universities of applied sciences |
| Duration | Varies based on the program |
| Application Deadline | Country-specific (Sept–Dec 2026) |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
1. Research Scholarships
These are available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline who hold at least a master’s degree. The scholarships support research or further studies at doctoral or postdoctoral levels at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, and four research institutes. Applicants must be nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these institutions.
- Open to postgraduate researchers (Master’s holders or higher).
- Covers PhD and postdoctoral research in any field.
- Must secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss university.
- Research can be conducted at:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Two federal institutes of technology
- Four research institutes
2. Art Scholarships
Designed for art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland. These scholarships are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts and are available to students from a limited number of countries.
- Available for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Arts.
- Only available to students from selected countries.
- Covers study at Swiss conservatories and universities of the arts.
Scholarship Benefits (Funding & Coverage)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide the following fully funded benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920
- Tuition Fee Exemption (varies by university)
- Health Insurance: Covered for non-EU/EFTA students
- Airfare Allowance: One-time return ticket (for non-EU/EFTA students)
- Housing Allowance: CHF 300 (one-time payment)
- Transportation: One-year half-fare public transport card
- Networking & Support: Organized events, cultural trips, and mentoring
Eligibility Criteria For Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
To qualify for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Nationality: Open to students from all world countries (180+ eligible nations).
- Educational Background:
- For Research Scholarships: Must hold a Master’s degree before July 31, 2024.
- For Art Scholarships: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree.
- Age Limit: Must be born after December 31, 1989.
- Language Proficiency: Must have the required language skills for the research or studies.
- Previous Scholarship Holders: Not eligible if previously awarded a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
- Residency Requirement:
- Cannot have lived in Switzerland for more than a year before September 2025.
- Supervision Requirement:
- Must have a letter from a Swiss professor confirming academic supervision.
- Research Proposal:
- A detailed and well-structured proposal is required.
- This is the most important document in the application.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants need to gather the following:
✅ Completed Application Form (download from official website)
✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of academic publications and awards
✅ Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages)
✅ Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed)
✅ Letter of Acceptance from a Swiss Academic Supervisor (with CV)
✅ Short CV of Home University Mentor
✅ Two Letters of Recommendation (sealed envelopes)
✅ Copies of University Degrees & Transcripts (translated if necessary)
✅ Medical Certificate (official FCS health form)
✅ Passport Copies (for dual nationals, both passports required)
Step 2: Obtain Application Package
- Contact the Swiss diplomatic representation (embassy/consulate) in your country to request an application package.
- The country-specific fact sheets contain important information regarding deadlines, required documents, and submission procedures.
Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit two complete sets of documents:
- 1st set (Original documents + recommendation letters)
- 2nd set (Copies, except recommendation letters)
- No plastic folders or binders allowed.
- Send the application to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country.
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Application Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Program Announcement | August 2025 |
| Application Release | September 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | September–December 2025 (varies by country) |
| Selection Process | May 2026 |
| Scholarship Starts | September 2026 |
Final Notes On Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- This scholarship does not cover family allowances.
- Each country may have specific eligibility criteria (refer to the country-specific fact sheets).
- The selection process is highly competitive, so ensure that your research proposal and academic credentials stand out.
For official details and Application, visit the Swiss Government Scholarship Website:
www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng
Frequently Asked Questions On Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
What are the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are annual awards by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries. They are aimed at young researchers who have completed a master’s degree or PhD, as well as foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree.
Who is eligible to apply for these scholarships?
Eligibility varies depending on the specific scholarship type. Generally, applicants should have completed a master’s degree or PhD and plan to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or postdoctoral level in Switzerland. Artists with a bachelor’s degree can apply for art scholarships. Specific eligibility criteria may vary by country; applicants should consult the Swiss Embassy or competent national institution in their country of origin for detailed information.
What types of scholarships are available under this program?
The program offers several types of scholarships:
- Research Scholarships: Available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline who hold a master’s degree as a minimum qualification and plan to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or postdoctoral level in Switzerland.
- Art Scholarships: Available to foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland.
How can I apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The application procedure involves several steps:
- Select Your Country: Choose your country of origin to check the scholarships available and application deadlines.
- Read the Application Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the guidelines provided for applicants.
- Contact Relevant Authorities: For further questions, check the FAQ and contact the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution in your country.
- Download and Complete Application Package: Fill out the application forms and prepare the required documents.
- Submit Your Application: Send the completed application to the designated address in your country of origin.
What benefits do the scholarships provide?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer various benefits, including:
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly payment to cover living expenses.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Exemption from tuition fees.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance premiums are covered for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders.
- Housing Allowance: A one-time payment of CHF 300 at the beginning of the scholarship.
- Transportation Card: A half-fare transportation card for Swiss Railways valid for one year.
- Airfare: Non-European scholarship holders receive a lump sum for airfare provided at the end of their scholarship.
Conclusions On Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Thank you for taking the time to read this article on Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. These prestigious scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for international students and researchers to study and conduct research in Switzerland with full financial support.
If you’re considering applying, be sure to check the eligibility criteria, prepare a strong application, and stay informed about deadlines. Proactively managing your application process and gathering the necessary documents in advance will increase your chances of success.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are interested in fully funded scholarships. Your support can help others access valuable opportunities for academic and professional growth.
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