Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027: A Gateway to Studying in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open, offering a remarkable opportunity for international students and researchers to pursue advanced studies in Switzerland. Managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships aim to foster global academic exchange and research collaboration at Switzerland's leading universities and institutions.

Scholarship Overview

These prestigious scholarships are available to students from over 180 countries, supporting full-time research, PhD studies, postdoctoral research, and arts education. The availability of specific scholarship types and application deadlines varies depending on the applicant's country of origin. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website for the A–Z list of eligible countries and detailed application guidelines.

Why Study in Switzerland?

Switzerland is renowned for its world-class education system, cutting-edge research facilities, and high quality of life. The country boasts top-ranked universities that consistently perform well in global rankings, making it an attractive destination for students seeking academic and professional growth. However, it's crucial for students to plan their budgets carefully, considering tuition fees, travel expenses, and personal needs, which can vary depending on the university and program.

Available Scholarship Programs

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships encompass several distinct programs tailored to different academic levels and fields of study:

Swiss Government Excellence Master’s Scholarships: For students pursuing a Master's degree in arts. Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships: For students undertaking doctoral studies. Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships: For researchers holding a PhD and seeking to conduct postdoctoral research. Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarships: For early-career researchers pursuing research projects. Swiss Government Arts Scholarships: For students applying for their first Master’s in arts.

Eligible Host Universities in Switzerland

The scholarships are tenable at a wide range of prestigious Swiss institutions:

For Research, PhD & Postdoc Scholarships:

University of Basel University of Bern University of Fribourg University of Geneva University of Lausanne University of Lucerne University of Neuchâtel University of St. Gallen University of Zurich Università della Svizzera italiana EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne) ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) Research Institutes of the ETH Domain: PSI, WSL, EMPA, EAWAG Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID) Applied Sciences Universities (e.g., ZHAW, HSLU, FHNW, BFH, OST) Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)

For Art Scholarships:

Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK) Bern University of the Arts (HKB-BFH) Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) SUPSI

Scholarship Benefits

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

CHF 1,920/month for Research, PhD & Art Scholarships CHF 3,500/month for Postdoctoral Scholarships Free health insurance (for non-EU/EFTA countries) CHF 300 one-time rent deposit Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard Return flight (for non-EU/EFTA countries) Cultural trips and networking activities

Scholarship Types and Eligibility Criteria

Each scholarship type has specific eligibility requirements:

  1. Research Fellowships

Objective: Conduct a one-year research project as part of a PhD. Eligibility: Master’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026), born after 31 December 1990, detailed research plan, letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor. Duration: 12 months (non-renewable). Amount: CHF 1,920/month.

  1. PhD Scholarships

Objective: Begin a PhD in Switzerland. Eligibility: Master’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026), born after 31 December 1990, research plan, academic support letter, confirmation of PhD admission. Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months. Amount: CHF 1,920/month.

  1. Postdoctoral Scholarships

Objective: Conduct postdoctoral work in Switzerland. Eligibility: PhD completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026), research plan, academic support letter. Duration: 12 months (non-renewable). Amount: CHF 3,500/month.

  1. Art Scholarships

Objective: Pursue a first Master’s in arts. Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026, born after 31 December 1990, no previous Master’s degree, admission process to a Swiss art school in progress. Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 21 months. Amount: CHF 1,920/month.

The Importance of Academic Supervision

A critical component of the application process for research, PhD, and postdoctoral scholarships is securing an academic supervisor in Switzerland. "Finding the right supervisor is paramount," emphasizes Dr. Anya Schmidt, a research fellow at the University of Zurich. "A supervisor not only provides guidance but also validates the feasibility and relevance of your research within the Swiss academic landscape. Without a confirmed supervisor, the application is unlikely to succeed."

Dr. Schmidt further advises, "Start your search early, tailor your research proposal to align with the supervisor's expertise, and demonstrate a clear understanding of their ongoing projects. This proactive approach significantly increases your chances of receiving a positive response."

Application Requirements

The required documents vary slightly depending on the scholarship type, but generally include:

CV Motivation letter Research proposal (for research-based scholarships) Support letter from a Swiss academic supervisor (for research-based scholarships) CV of the Swiss professor (for research-based scholarships) Proof of admission (for PhD scholarships) Reference letters Educational documents (transcripts and degree certificates) Medical certificate Passport copy Samples of artistic work (for art scholarships)

Historical Context and Evolution

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have a long-standing history of promoting international academic exchange. Over the decades, the program has evolved to adapt to changing global research priorities and educational landscapes. Initially focused primarily on European partnerships, the scholarships have expanded to include a diverse range of countries worldwide. The FCS continuously refines the program to ensure it remains competitive and relevant in attracting top talent to Switzerland.

According to Professor Klaus Berger, a member of the FCS, "The scholarships reflect Switzerland's commitment to fostering international collaboration in research and innovation. By attracting talented individuals from around the globe, we contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of solutions to pressing global challenges."