Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Open Doors to International Scholars for 2026-2027

The Swiss Confederation is offering its prestigious Swiss Government 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 leading Swiss universities and institutions.

Scholarship Overview

The scholarships are available to students and researchers from over 180 countries, although the specific scholarship types offered vary depending on the applicant's country of origin. Interested individuals are encouraged to consult the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website for a comprehensive A–Z list of eligible countries and available programs.

These fully funded scholarships support various levels of study, including:

Master's Degrees (Arts) PhD Studies Postdoctoral Research Research Fellowships

Why Study in Switzerland?

Switzerland is renowned for its high-quality education system, cutting-edge research facilities, and a safe and attractive environment for students. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a pathway for talented individuals to access this dynamic educational landscape. However, prospective students should be aware of the general cost of living in Switzerland and plan their budgets accordingly to cover potential additional expenses such as tuition fees (depending on the program), travel, and personal needs.

Expert Perspective: The Value of International Exchange

"International scholarships like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are crucial for fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing," states Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international education policy. "They not only provide individual students with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth but also contribute to the advancement of research and innovation on a global scale. By bringing together diverse perspectives and talents, these programs help to address complex challenges and build a more interconnected and understanding world."

Scholarship Details

Available Scholarships:

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

Host Universities: The scholarships are tenable at a wide range of Swiss institutions, including: 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:

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

Types of Scholarships and Eligibility

  1. Research Fellowships

Objective: To 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) Start Date: 1 September 2026 Amount: CHF 1,920/month

  1. PhD Scholarships

Objective: To 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 Start Date: 1 September 2026 Amount: CHF 1,920/month

  1. Postdoctoral Scholarships

Objective: To 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) Start Date: 1 September 2026 Amount: CHF 3,500/month

  1. Art Scholarships

Objective: For students applying to their 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 Swiss art school in progress. Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 21 months Start Date: 1 September 2026 Amount: CHF 1,920/month

Finding an Academic Supervisor

A critical requirement for research, PhD, and postdoctoral scholarship applicants is securing an academic supervisor at a Swiss university or research institution. This supervisor, typically a professor or research group leader, must agree to support the applicant's research project and provide a letter of support. Applications without a Swiss supervisor will be rejected.

Application Requirements

The specific documents required for the application vary depending on the scholarship type. However, common requirements include:

CV Motivation Letter Research Proposal (for research-based scholarships) Support Letter from a Swiss Academic Supervisor (for research-based scholarships) Reference Letters Educational Documents Medical Certificate Passport Copy Samples of Work (for art scholarships)

Applicants are advised to carefully review the specific requirements for their chosen scholarship type on the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.

Deadline and Application: Application deadlines vary by country. For detailed information and to apply, visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.