Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Open for 2026-2027 Academic Year The Swiss Confederation is offering its Excellence Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing opportunities 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 academic exchange and research collaboration at Swiss universities and institutions.

Scholarship Details and Opportunities The scholarships are available to students from over 180 countries, though the specific types of scholarships offered vary by country of origin. Interested applicants are advised to consult the A–Z list of eligible countries on the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website to determine their eligibility and application deadlines. The scholarships support full-time research at the Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral levels, as well as studies in the arts. They are designed to attract talented individuals to Switzerland's renowned academic environment.

Available Scholarship Types The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are categorized into several types:

Swiss Government Excellence Master’s Scholarships Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarships Swiss Government Arts Scholarships

Host Universities and Institutions Scholarship recipients can pursue their studies or research 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 comprehensive financial support:

CHF 1,920 per month for Research, PhD & Art Scholarships CHF 3,500 per 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 Objectives and Eligibility Each scholarship type has specific objectives and eligibility criteria:

Research Fellowships: Designed for early-career researchers to conduct a one-year research project as part of their PhD. Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026) and be born after 31 December 1990. A detailed research plan and a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor are required. The scholarship provides CHF 1,920 per month for 12 months. PhD Scholarships: Intended for students beginning a PhD in Switzerland. Eligibility requirements include a Master’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026), birth after 31 December 1990, a research plan, an academic support letter, and confirmation of PhD admission from the university. The scholarship offers CHF 1,920 per month, renewable for up to 36 months. Postdoctoral Scholarships: Aimed at researchers who have completed a PhD and wish to conduct postdoctoral work in Switzerland. Applicants must have completed their PhD between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026). A research plan and academic support letter are necessary. The scholarship provides CHF 3,500 per month for 12 months. Art Scholarships: Targeted at students applying for their first Master’s in arts (music, fine arts, design, etc.). Eligibility includes a Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026, birth after 31 December 1990, and ongoing admission to a Swiss art school. The scholarship offers CHF 1,920 per month, renewable for up to 21 months.

The Importance of Academic Supervision A critical requirement for research, PhD, and postdoctoral scholarship applicants is securing an academic supervisor in Switzerland. "The academic supervisor plays a pivotal role in the success of the applicant," explains Dr. Anya Schmidt, a professor at the University of Zurich specializing in international student support. "Their letter of support demonstrates the alignment between the applicant's research interests and the university's research priorities. Furthermore, it ensures that the applicant will receive adequate guidance and resources throughout their research journey." Applications lacking a Swiss supervisor's support letter will be rejected. The supervisor, typically a professor or research group leader, must agree to support the applicant's research project and provide a brief CV along with their letter of support.

Required Application Documents Applicants for research, PhD, and postdoctoral scholarships must prepare the following documents:

Updated CV Motivation letter (max 2 pages) Research proposal (max 5 pages) Support letter from a Swiss academic supervisor Short CV of the Swiss professor Home university supervisor CV (for research fellowship applicants) Proof of admission (for PhD scholarships) Two reference letters Educational documents (transcripts and degree certificates) Medical certificate Copy of passport Residence permit or registration certificate (if already living in Switzerland)

Art scholarship applicants have a slightly different checklist, including a CV, motivation letter, two reference letters, educational documents, a medical certificate, passport copy, and samples of their artistic work.

Historical Context and Current Significance The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have a long-standing tradition of promoting international academic exchange. Established decades ago, the program has consistently aimed to attract top talent from around the world to Swiss universities. "Switzerland has always recognized the value of international collaboration in research and education," notes Dr. Schmidt. "These scholarships are a testament to that commitment, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing on a global scale." In today's interconnected world, these scholarships play an increasingly vital role in facilitating cross-cultural understanding and addressing global challenges through collaborative research efforts.

Applicants are encouraged to start the application process early, particularly the search for an academic supervisor, as it can take several weeks to find a suitable match. Securing both a supervisor and admission to a university are essential for a successful application.