Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Open for 2026/27 Academic Year

Applications are being accepted for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year. These fully funded scholarships, awarded by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS), are available to international students from over 180 countries. The scholarships aim to foster academic exchange and collaboration between Switzerland and the rest of the world.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are divided into two main categories: Research Scholarships and Art Scholarships. Research Scholarships are geared toward early-career researchers at the Master's, Doctoral, and Post-Doctoral levels. Art Scholarships support students pursuing their first Master's degree in an art-related field at a Swiss institution.

Financial Coverage and Scholarship Types

The scholarships offer comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, including:

Round-trip airfare tickets Monthly stipend for living expenses and accommodation Housing allowance One-year half-fare public transportation card Health insurance Potential tuition fee coverage (depending on the university)

Research Scholarship Types:

Research Fellowships: Support one year of full-time doctoral research in Switzerland. PhD Scholarships: Fund full-time PhD research in Switzerland. Post Doc Scholarships: Support full-time postdoctoral research in Switzerland.

Art Scholarships:

Support the pursuit of a first full-time Master's degree in art at a Swiss school.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

The scholarships are open to citizens of 183 countries. Selection is based on the candidate's overall profile, the quality of their proposed research or artistic work, and their potential for future collaboration. The scholarship period begins on September 1, 2026.

Specific Requirements:

Research Fellowship:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed by July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich). Born after December 31, 1990. Detailed research plan with a timeline. Mandatory letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (including a short CV). Entry date must be after August 1, 2025, if already in Switzerland.

PhD Scholarship:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed by July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich). Born after December 31, 1990. Detailed research plan with a timeline. Mandatory letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (including a short CV). Entry date must be after August 1, 2025, if already in Switzerland. Priority is given to candidates who have not previously studied or researched in Switzerland.

Post Doc Scholarship:

PhD completed between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich). Detailed research plan with a timeline. Mandatory letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (including a short CV). Entry date must be after August 1, 2025, if already in Switzerland.

Arts Scholarship:

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) completed by July 31, 2026. Born after December 31, 1990. Must not hold a Master’s degree. Admission process to a Swiss art/music school must be underway. Entry date must be after August 1, 2025, if already in Switzerland. Available to a limited number of countries; priority given to those new to studying/researching in Switzerland.

Historical Context and Significance

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have a long-standing tradition of promoting international academic exchange. They reflect Switzerland's commitment to fostering global collaboration in research and the arts. This commitment aligns with the broader historical trend of nations investing in education and research as key drivers of economic and social progress. Scholarships like these play a crucial role in democratizing access to higher education and enabling talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to global knowledge creation.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Annelise Brunner, an expert in international education policy at the University of Zurich, emphasizes the importance of such scholarships. "These scholarships are not just about funding individual students; they're about building bridges between nations and fostering a global community of researchers and artists. The long-term impact of these programs extends far beyond the individual beneficiaries, contributing to innovation and cross-cultural understanding."

Professor Jean-Pierre Dubois, a renowned art historian at the Geneva School of Art and Design, adds, "The Art Scholarships, in particular, provide a vital opportunity for emerging artists from around the world to hone their skills and develop their unique voices in a stimulating and supportive environment. Switzerland's rich cultural heritage and its vibrant arts scene make it an ideal location for aspiring artists to flourish."

Application Process

Detailed information on how to prepare a scholarship application can be found on the official website of the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS). Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the guidelines and deadlines specific to their country of origin.

Each country has a different application deadline. Applicants should consult the official FCS website for country-specific details.