Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Guide | Switzerland

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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Guide

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship supports international researchers and selected artists who want to conduct advanced research or pursue eligible postgraduate study in Switzerland.

The programme is funded by the Swiss Confederation and administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students, commonly known as the FCS or ESKAS.

For the 2027 to 2028 academic year, the programme is available to applicants from 183 countries. Its main purpose is to strengthen international research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries.

The available scholarship routes include:

  1. Research fellowships for doctoral researchers
  2. PhD scholarships
  3. Art scholarships for a first Master’s degree in an artistic field

Postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027 to 2028 academic year.

Research and PhD applicants must find an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss institution before applying. The supervisor must support the proposed project and submit a formal letter confirming that they are willing to supervise the applicant.

An application without an eligible Swiss academic supervisor and a detailed letter of support will not be considered.

For the 2027 to 2028 cycle, scholarship recipients receive CHF 2,450 per month. Additional support can include health insurance for non-EU and non-EFTA recipients, a CHF 600 rental deposit allowance, a Half-Fare Travelcard, and a return-flight allowance for eligible non-EU and non-EFTA scholars.

However, the scholarship does not automatically cover tuition or semester fees. Recipients may need to pay approximately CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester, depending on the institution and programme.

Understanding how to get the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship begins with choosing the correct scholarship category, developing a strong research project, finding a suitable Swiss supervisor, and following the application procedure for your country of origin.

Applications for the 2027 to 2028 academic year open on August 20, 2026. The final deadline varies by country and Swiss diplomatic representation.

Research & PhDCHF 2,450 Monthly183 CountriesSupervisor Required

What Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a competitive international scholarship programme funded by the Swiss Confederation.

It is designed mainly for talented early-career researchers who have already completed a Master’s degree and want to conduct research or complete a doctorate in Switzerland.

A smaller art scholarship route is available to eligible applicants who want to pursue their first Master’s degree at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. Art scholarships are offered only to applicants from a limited number of countries.

The scholarships are awarded through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students.

The FCS is an independent federal selection body that includes representatives from Swiss higher education institutions, swissuniversities, and the student community.

The programme supports study and research at institutions such as:

  1. Swiss cantonal universities
  2. Universities of applied sciences
  3. ETH Zurich
  4. EPFL
  5. Research institutes within the ETH Domain
  6. Swiss universities of the arts and conservatories

The scholarship is intended to promote academic, scientific, cultural, and international cooperation.

Latest Application Status

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027 to 2028 application cycle opens on August 20, 2026.

The scholarship period begins on September 1, 2027.

Applicants must check the scholarship types and deadline available for their country of origin before starting the online application.

There is no single worldwide closing date.

Each country or territory has its own:

  1. Available scholarship categories
  2. Application deadline
  3. Responsible Swiss diplomatic representation
  4. Additional submission instructions
  5. Country-specific eligibility conditions

The deadline may be managed by a Swiss embassy, consulate, cooperation office, or another official Swiss representation.

Applicants should use the country list published by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation rather than relying on a deadline found on a scholarship blog or social media page.

Final scholarship decisions are announced by the end of May 2027 at the latest.

Scholarship Types

The 2027 to 2028 programme has three main routes.

Research Fellowship

A short-term research scholarship for applicants who are already pursuing a PhD in their home country and want to complete part of their doctoral research in Switzerland.

PhD Scholarship

A scholarship for qualified applicants who have completed a Master’s degree and want to pursue a full PhD at an eligible Swiss institution.

Art Scholarship

A scholarship for selected applicants who want to complete their first Master’s degree in an artistic field at a Swiss university of the arts or conservatory.

Each route has different eligibility conditions, documents, duration, and admission requirements.

Applicants must choose only one scholarship category and one host institution.

Submitting several applications for different scholarship types, institutions, or research projects can lead to disqualification.

Research Fellowship

The research fellowship is intended for highly qualified early-career researchers who are currently pursuing a PhD outside Switzerland.

It allows selected applicants to complete a full-time research project at a Swiss higher education institution or recognised research institute as part of their existing doctorate.

The fellowship does not award a Swiss PhD.

The applicant normally remains enrolled in the doctoral programme at their home university while completing a research period in Switzerland.

Research Fellowship Duration

The fellowship lasts:

  1. A minimum of six months
  2. A maximum of 12 months

The fellowship cannot be extended beyond 12 months.

The research stay begins on September 1, 2027.

Research Fellowship Eligibility

Applicants must:

  1. Be pursuing a PhD in their home country
  2. Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by July 31, 2027
  3. Complete the degree by June 30, 2027 when applying to ETH Zurich
  4. Have been born after December 31, 1991
  5. Present a detailed research project and timeline
  6. Obtain support from an eligible academic supervisor in Switzerland
  7. Conduct full-time research in Switzerland
  8. Meet the residence conditions
  9. Follow the requirements for their country of origin

Young medical doctors may also qualify when their proposed work meets the research fellowship requirements.

PhD Scholarship

The PhD Scholarship supports highly qualified applicants who want to pursue a doctorate at a Swiss university or recognised research institute.

Applicants can come from any academic field, provided they meet the country-specific and institutional requirements.

The scholarship supports full-time doctoral research in Switzerland.

PhD Scholarship Duration

The initial scholarship is awarded for 12 months.

It may be renewed twice, allowing a maximum scholarship period of 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress after the first year.

The scholarship starts on September 1, 2027.

Some doctoral programmes may last longer than the scholarship period.

Applicants should discuss additional funding with the proposed supervisor and department before applying.

PhD Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants must:

  1. Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by July 31, 2027
  2. Complete the degree by June 30, 2027 when applying to ETH Zurich
  3. Have been born after December 31, 1991
  4. Present a detailed research proposal
  5. Find a qualified academic supervisor in Switzerland
  6. Obtain a formal letter of support from the supervisor
  7. Conduct full-time doctoral research in Switzerland
  8. Meet the residence conditions
  9. Complete any separate university admission requirements

Applicants applying to a formal graduate school must provide confirmation of admission to that graduate school.

Applicants pursuing an individual doctorate may not need a university admission letter at the scholarship application stage, but they must still follow the institution’s doctoral admission process separately.

Art Scholarship

The art scholarship supports highly talented international artists applying for their first Master’s degree in Switzerland.

It is available only to applicants from a limited number of countries.

Applicants must check whether the art scholarship is offered to citizens of their country before preparing an application.

Eligible artistic areas may include:

  1. Music
  2. Visual arts
  3. Design
  4. Dance
  5. Acting
  6. Writing
  7. Other artistic disciplines offered by participating institutions

Art Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants must:

  1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by July 31, 2027
  2. Have been born after December 31, 1991
  3. Be applying for their first Master’s degree
  4. Not already hold a Master’s degree
  5. Apply to an eligible Swiss university of the arts or conservatory
  6. Provide admission, conditional admission, or proof that admission is under review
  7. Submit an appropriate artistic portfolio
  8. Meet the country-specific scholarship conditions

Art Scholarship Duration

The scholarship is initially awarded for 12 months.

It may be extended to a maximum of 21 months, depending on the Master’s programme and the number of ECTS credits required.

Art Portfolio Requirements

The required portfolio depends on the applicant’s artistic discipline.

Music applicants may need to provide recordings demonstrating three different musical styles.

Composers may need to submit scores.

Visual arts applicants may need to provide a portfolio with completed work and supporting sketches.

Applicants in dance, acting, writing, or related disciplines may need to submit recordings or examples of their artistic work.

Postdoctoral Scholarship Changes

Postdoctoral scholarships are no longer available from the 2027 to 2028 academic year.

The Swiss Federal Council ended this scholarship category while increasing the monthly support available to research, PhD, and art scholarship holders.

The number of funded scholarship places is also being reduced as part of the revised funding structure.

Applicants who have already completed a PhD should therefore not assume they can apply for a postdoctoral scholarship under the 2027 cycle.

They should explore:

  1. Swiss National Science Foundation opportunities
  2. University postdoctoral positions
  3. Research assistant employment
  4. Laboratory funding
  5. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
  6. Institution-specific fellowships

Eligible Countries

The scholarship programme is open to applicants from 183 countries.

Research scholarships are available much more widely than art scholarships.

Art scholarships are restricted to a smaller number of countries.

Potential applicants may come from countries across:

  1. South Asia
  2. Central Asia
  3. East Asia
  4. Southeast Asia
  5. The Middle East
  6. Africa
  7. Europe
  8. North America
  9. South America
  10. Australia and Oceania

Applicants from neighbouring regions may include citizens of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and other eligible countries.

However, the scholarship types and deadlines can differ between countries.

An applicant should not assume that because a PhD Scholarship is offered to one nationality, the same art or research scholarship is also offered to another.

Use the official country list for the 2027 to 2028 cycle.

Eligible Swiss Institutions

Research fellowships and PhD scholarships may be completed at eligible institutions such as:

  1. University of Basel
  2. University of Bern
  3. University of Fribourg
  4. University of Geneva
  5. University of Lausanne
  6. University of Lucerne
  7. University of Neuchâtel
  8. University of St Gallen
  9. University of Zurich
  10. Università della Svizzera italiana
  11. ETH Zurich
  12. EPFL
  13. Swiss universities of applied sciences
  14. Recognised ETH Domain research institutes

Eligible ETH Domain institutes include organisations such as:

  1. Paul Scherrer Institute
  2. WSL
  3. Empa
  4. Eawag

Art applicants may apply to participating Swiss universities of the arts, conservatories, and music institutions.

The selected institution must be academically appropriate for the proposed research or artistic programme.

Scholarship Benefits

Monthly Scholarship

Research fellowship, PhD, and art scholarship recipients receive CHF 2,450 per month.

The allowance is intended to cover the basic living expenses of one person.

It is not an employment salary and should not be treated as equivalent to wages or a university employment contract.

Health Insurance

The FCS covers compulsory health insurance premiums for scholarship recipients from non-EU and non-EFTA countries.

Recipients from EU and EFTA countries must normally pay their own health insurance costs.

Rental Deposit Grant

Recipients receive a one-time CHF 600 grant towards a rental deposit.

This contribution may not cover the complete security deposit required by a landlord.

Public Transport Support

Scholarship holders receive a Half-Fare Travelcard.

This card provides reduced fares on eligible public transportation within Switzerland.

Return Flight Allowance

Recipients from non-EU and non-EFTA countries receive a return-flight allowance.

The amount depends on the recipient’s country of origin.

It can be used after the scholarship ends for travel back to the country of origin.

Scholar Activities

The coordinating organisation arranges excursions, activities, and networking opportunities for federal scholarship holders.

These activities can help scholars engage with other international recipients and learn more about Switzerland.

Is the Scholarship Fully Funded?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides substantial support, but applicants should not assume that every academic and personal expense is covered.

The CHF 2,450 monthly allowance, insurance support, rental deposit contribution, transport discount, and return-flight allowance form a strong funding package.

However, the scholarship does not automatically cover tuition or semester fees.

Some institutions charge scholarship recipients between approximately CHF 600 and CHF 2,000 per semester.

Whether the award is sufficient will depend on:

  1. The city where the applicant lives
  2. Rent and housing availability
  3. Tuition or semester fees
  4. Health insurance status
  5. Research costs
  6. Personal spending
  7. Family responsibilities
  8. Additional university funding

Applicants should create a realistic Swiss living-cost budget before accepting the scholarship.

Expenses Not Covered

The scholarship does not normally cover:

  1. Tuition or semester fees
  2. Conference participation
  3. Fieldwork costs
  4. Family expenses
  5. Childcare
  6. Spouse or dependant support
  7. Full relocation expenses
  8. Extra personal travel
  9. Research costs beyond the approved support
  10. Costs connected with full-time employment arrangements

Field research may be approved for PhD scholars for up to six months, but no additional scholarship funding is provided for the fieldwork.

Research fellowship recipients cannot conduct field research outside Switzerland during the fellowship period.

Family and Dependants

The scholarship amount is calculated for one person.

No family allowance is provided.

The FCS and Swiss higher education institutions do not provide financial or immigration support for accompanying spouses or children.

Applicants who plan to relocate with family members should separately investigate:

  1. Residence permits
  2. Family housing
  3. Health insurance
  4. Childcare
  5. Schooling
  6. Additional living expenses
  7. Cantonal migration rules

Academic Requirements

Research and PhD applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent before the stated completion deadline.

The degree must normally be completed by July 31, 2027.

Applicants to ETH Zurich must complete it by June 30, 2027.

There is no single universal minimum GPA published for every country and discipline.

The selection committee considers the complete academic profile, including:

  1. Degree results
  2. Research experience
  3. Publications
  4. Academic awards
  5. Research competence
  6. Methodological preparation
  7. Recommendation letters
  8. Quality of the proposed project
  9. Fit with the Swiss supervisor
  10. Potential for future collaboration

Strong grades are important, but they do not replace a clear and methodologically credible research proposal.

Age Requirements

For the 2027 to 2028 research, PhD, and art scholarships, applicants must have been born after December 31, 1991.

This generally corresponds to a maximum age of 35 during the scholarship cycle.

Applicants should use the exact birth-date condition rather than calculating their eligibility only from their current age.

The age rule is strict and should be confirmed against the scholarship type and country information.

Residence Requirement

Applicants who are already living in Switzerland must normally have entered the country no earlier than August 1, 2026.

They must provide a copy of their residence permit or official registration confirmation.

Applicants who have been living, studying, or working in Switzerland for more than 13 months before the scholarship starts are generally excluded.

Priority is given to candidates who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland.

Swiss Academic Supervisor Requirement

A Swiss academic supervisor is compulsory for every research fellowship and PhD Scholarship application.

The supervisor must:

  1. Work at an eligible Swiss institution
  2. Conduct research relevant to the applicant’s proposal
  3. Be willing to supervise the applicant
  4. Write a detailed letter of support
  5. Provide a short CV
  6. Help integrate the scholar into the research team
  7. Provide suitable research conditions

For a PhD scholarship, the supervisor must be authorised to supervise doctoral theses.

At a university of applied sciences, a PhD project may require two supervisors because one supervisor must be affiliated with an institution authorised to award doctoral degrees.

How to Find a Swiss Supervisor

Finding an appropriate supervisor is often the most difficult part of the application.

The search may take several weeks or months because Swiss professors receive many enquiries.

Step 1: Define Your Research Area

Prepare a focused description of your proposed research.

Avoid searching for supervisors before deciding what problem you want to study.

Step 2: Identify Relevant Swiss Institutions

Search universities, research centres, laboratories, and department websites.

Step 3: Review Faculty Profiles

Look for professors whose recent work overlaps with your proposed topic.

Review:

  1. Publications
  2. Current projects
  3. Laboratory research
  4. Doctoral supervision areas
  5. Research methods
  6. Available facilities

Step 4: Check Supervision Authority

For PhD applications, confirm that the professor is authorised to supervise doctoral candidates.

Step 5: Read Recent Publications

Read at least two or three recent papers before making contact.

Step 6: Prepare a Targeted Email

Explain how your proposed project connects with the professor’s work.

Step 7: Send a Clear Research Summary

Attach a short concept note, CV, and relevant academic information.

Step 8: Follow Up Professionally

A polite follow-up may be appropriate after one or two weeks.

Do not send repeated daily emails.

How to Contact a Swiss Professor

Your first email should be concise and specific.

A useful structure is:

Subject: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship PhD Supervision Inquiry

Dear Professor [Surname],

I am preparing an application for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027 to 2028 in the field of [research field].

I hold a Master’s degree in [subject] from [institution], where my research focused on [brief topic]. I am interested in investigating [proposed research question].

Your work on [specific publication, project, or research area] closely aligns with the methodology and objectives of my proposed study.

I have attached my CV and a short research concept for your consideration. I would be grateful to know whether you may be open to discussing supervision of this project under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.

Sincerely,

[Applicant Name]

Do not send the same general message to dozens of professors.

A targeted email is more likely to receive a response.

What the Supervisor’s Letter Should Address

The supervisor’s support letter should explain:

  1. The proposed research project
  2. How the supervisor knows or has communicated with the applicant
  3. Why the project is academically valuable
  4. How the research connects with the supervisor’s work
  5. What facilities or support will be available
  6. The potential for future research cooperation
  7. The supervisor’s willingness to supervise the applicant

The letter should be issued on official institutional letterhead and accompanied by the supervisor’s short CV.

A general letter stating only that the professor accepts the candidate may not be sufficiently persuasive.

Research Proposal Requirements

Research and PhD applicants must submit a detailed research proposal using the official FCS or ESKAS form.

The proposal can be no longer than five pages, including a summary written for non-specialists.

A strong research proposal should include:

  1. Research title
  2. Background
  3. Research problem
  4. Literature context
  5. Main research question
  6. Objectives
  7. Methodology
  8. Data or sources
  9. Ethical considerations
  10. Timeline
  11. Expected results
  12. Academic contribution
  13. Relevance of the Swiss host institution
  14. Potential for future collaboration

The timeline should show realistic activities and milestones for the scholarship period.

A 12-month research fellowship project should not be written like a five-year research agenda.

How to Strengthen the Research Proposal

Define a Specific Problem

Avoid extremely broad subjects.

Show Originality

Explain what is missing from existing research.

Use an Appropriate Method

The method should be suitable for the question, data, discipline, and scholarship period.

Connect With the Swiss Institution

Explain why the work needs to be conducted with the selected supervisor or laboratory.

Provide a Realistic Timeline

Each major research activity should fit within the available months.

Explain Future Cooperation

Show how the project may lead to joint publications, continued research, institutional partnerships, or knowledge transfer.

The selection committee evaluates the originality and methodological quality of the project as well as the potential for future cooperation.

Motivation Letter

The motivation letter can be no longer than two pages.

It should explain:

  1. Why you want to conduct research in Switzerland
  2. Why you selected the institution and supervisor
  3. How the scholarship supports your career
  4. What you plan to do after the scholarship
  5. How the project contributes to your professional development
  6. How the research may benefit your field or institution

The motivation letter should not repeat the complete research proposal.

The proposal explains what you will research.

The motivation letter explains why you are the right person to conduct that research and how the opportunity fits your future plans.

Recommendation Letters

Applicants provide the email addresses of two professors in their academic or artistic field.

The application system contacts the referees and asks them to upload official recommendation letters using the FCS or ESKAS form.

Choose referees who can provide specific evidence of:

  1. Academic ability
  2. Research competence
  3. Independence
  4. Methodological skills
  5. Professional conduct
  6. Potential for advanced research
  7. Suitability for the proposed project

The referees should be different from the Swiss host supervisor.

A detailed recommendation from someone who knows your work is usually stronger than a general letter from a senior academic who has had little direct contact with you.

Documents Required

Research and PhD applicants should prepare:

  1. Online application form
  2. Complete academic CV
  3. Motivation letter of no more than two pages
  4. Research proposal of no more than five pages
  5. Swiss supervisor’s letter of support
  6. Swiss supervisor’s short CV
  7. Home-university supervisor’s short CV for research fellowships
  8. Two academic recommendations
  9. Degree certificates
  10. Academic transcripts
  11. Certified translations where required
  12. Passport copy
  13. Copies of both passports for dual citizens
  14. Swiss residence permit or registration confirmation where applicable
  15. Graduate school admission confirmation where required

Documents not issued in English, French, Italian, or German generally require certified translations.

How to Get the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

To understand how to get the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, applicants should focus on five essential requirements.

Choose the Correct Scholarship Type

Do not confuse the research fellowship with the PhD Scholarship.

The research fellowship is for applicants already pursuing a doctorate outside Switzerland.

The PhD Scholarship is for applicants seeking to complete a doctorate in Switzerland.

Find a Strong Swiss Supervisor

The supervisor should have a genuine academic connection with the proposed project.

A weak or general supervision arrangement can reduce the application’s competitiveness.

Prepare an Original Research Project

The project should be academically important, methodologically sound, realistic, and suitable for the Swiss host institution.

Demonstrate Academic and Research Excellence

Use evidence such as publications, thesis work, research projects, conference presentations, awards, laboratory experience, and strong recommendations.

Explain Future Cooperation

The scholarship is intended to strengthen research relationships between Switzerland and other countries.

Show how the project may create continued collaboration beyond the scholarship period.

Eligibility allows an application to be reviewed.

Selection requires a clear match between the applicant, project, supervisor, and long-term research value.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Country

Confirm which scholarship categories are available for your country of origin.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Review your:

  1. Degree level
  2. Degree completion date
  3. Date of birth
  4. Residence history
  5. Previous scholarship history
  6. Proposed scholarship category

Step 3: Develop a Research Idea

Prepare an initial concept before contacting supervisors.

Step 4: Identify a Swiss Host Institution

Select an institution with suitable expertise and research facilities.

Step 5: Contact Potential Supervisors

Begin this step several months before the deadline.

Step 6: Secure a Letter of Support

The professor must formally endorse the project and provide a short CV.

Step 7: Prepare the Research Proposal

Use the official FCS or ESKAS template available through the online system.

Step 8: Prepare the Motivation Letter

Keep it within the two-page limit.

Step 9: Contact Referees

Inform two academic referees that the system will request recommendations.

Step 10: Prepare Academic Documents

Collect degree certificates, transcripts, translations, identity documents, and residence records.

Step 11: Complete the Online Application

Applications open on August 20, 2026.

Applications must be submitted through the official online portal. Email and paper applications are not accepted.

Step 12: Submit by the Country Deadline

Check the exact deadline for your country and responsible Swiss representation.

Step 13: Complete Separate University Admission

PhD and art applicants must follow the university’s admission requirements separately.

A scholarship application does not automatically create a university admission application.

Application Deadlines

The online application opens on August 20, 2026.

The deadline differs by country of origin.

Country-specific deadlines and scholarship categories are published in regional and country lists covering:

  1. Africa
  2. Asia
  3. Australia and Oceania
  4. Europe
  5. North America
  6. South America

Applicants should use the deadline associated with their nationality and Swiss diplomatic representation.

Do not use the deadline for the country where you are temporarily studying or working unless the official country guidance instructs you to do so.

Scholarship results are announced by the end of May 2027 at the latest.

The scholarship starts on September 1, 2027.

How Applicants Are Selected

Applications are initially submitted according to the process managed through Swiss diplomatic representations.

The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students makes the final scholarship decisions.

Research and PhD applications are assessed using three central criteria:

  1. Academic profile, research competence, and motivation
  2. Originality and methodological quality of the research project
  3. Quality of supervision and potential for future research cooperation

Art scholarship applicants are assessed according to:

  1. Artistic profile
  2. Qualifications
  3. Motivation
  4. Artistic maturity and potential
  5. Portfolio quality
  6. Availability of admission at the selected institution

Common Application Mistakes

Applying Without a Swiss Supervisor

Research and PhD applications without an eligible supervisor are rejected.

Contacting Professors Too Late

Finding a suitable supervisor can take months.

Sending General Emails

A copied supervision request does not demonstrate genuine academic fit.

Submitting Several Applications

Applicants cannot submit simultaneous applications to several host institutions or scholarship categories.

Using More Than One Research Proposal

Only one research project may be submitted.

Confusing Fellowship and PhD Routes

Applicants already pursuing a doctorate abroad normally apply for the research fellowship.

Applying for a Postdoctoral Scholarship

Postdoctoral scholarships are unavailable from the 2027 to 2028 cycle.

Exceeding the Age Limit

Applicants must have been born after December 31, 1991.

Ignoring Residence Rules

Living in Switzerland for more than 13 months before the scholarship start can make an applicant ineligible.

Writing an Unrealistic Research Plan

The proposal must be achievable within the scholarship period.

Providing a Weak Supervisor Letter

The letter should discuss the project, supervision, and potential collaboration.

Assuming Tuition Is Covered

Recipients may need to pay semester or tuition fees themselves.

Missing Certified Translations

Documents outside the accepted languages may require certified translations.

Submitting by Email or Post

Applications must be submitted through the official online system.

Responding to Fake Scholarship Offers

The official scholarship application is free. Swiss authorities warn applicants not to send money in response to unsolicited scholarship emails or social media messages.

Tips for a Strong Application

Start With the Supervisor Search

Do not wait for the application portal to open.

Read the Professor’s Research

Reference specific publications and projects when making contact.

Demonstrate Research Readiness

Use evidence from your thesis, publications, projects, data analysis, laboratory work, or field experience.

Keep the Project Focused

A precise and achievable proposal is stronger than a broad topic.

Explain Why Switzerland Is Necessary

Discuss the research expertise, equipment, data, methods, or institutional collaboration available in Switzerland.

Show Future Value

Explain how the scholarship will strengthen research cooperation after you return or move to the next stage of your career.

Choose Strong Referees

Select professors who can provide detailed evidence.

Follow Every Formal Requirement

Page limits, templates, translations, and document formats are important.

Prepare a Financial Plan

Budget for tuition, semester fees, conferences, fieldwork, and personal expenses not covered by the scholarship.

Submit Early

Do not wait until the final day of your country’s application period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

It is a Swiss Confederation scholarship for eligible international researchers and selected art students.

How to get the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

Choose the correct scholarship category, develop a strong project, find a qualified Swiss academic supervisor, obtain a formal support letter, prepare the required documents, and apply through the official online system before your country-specific deadline.

Is the scholarship open for 2027?

Yes. Applications for the 2027 to 2028 academic year open on August 20, 2026.

How many countries are eligible?

The programme is available to applicants from 183 countries.

Can applicants from South Asia apply?

Yes. Research and PhD opportunities are available to eligible applicants from several South Asian countries, subject to the country-specific offer.

Can applicants from Central Asia apply?

Yes. Applicants from eligible Central Asian countries may apply according to their country-specific scholarship list.

Does the scholarship fund Bachelor’s degrees?

No.

Does it fund ordinary Master’s degrees?

It does not generally fund academic Master’s programmes.

The exception is the art scholarship for applicants pursuing their first Master’s degree in an artistic field.

Does it fund PhD study?

Yes. Eligible applicants can apply for a PhD Scholarship at a Swiss institution.

Does it fund postdoctoral research?

No. Postdoctoral scholarships have been discontinued from the 2027 to 2028 cycle.

What is the research fellowship?

It is a six to 12-month research stay for applicants already pursuing a PhD in their home country.

What is the PhD Scholarship duration?

It is initially awarded for 12 months and may be renewed twice for a maximum of 36 months.

How much is the monthly scholarship?

Recipients receive CHF 2,450 per month.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

It provides substantial living and related support, but tuition, semester fees, conference costs, fieldwork, and family expenses may not be covered.

Does it cover tuition?

No. Recipients may need to pay approximately CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester, depending on the institution.

Does it cover health insurance?

Health insurance premiums are covered for non-EU and non-EFTA recipients.

EU and EFTA recipients must normally pay their own insurance costs.

Does it cover airfare?

Eligible non-EU and non-EFTA recipients receive a return-flight allowance after the scholarship.

Does it provide accommodation?

Free accommodation is not guaranteed.

Recipients receive a one-time CHF 600 contribution towards the rental deposit.

Is there a family allowance?

No. The scholarship supports one person and does not provide family allowances.

Is a Swiss supervisor compulsory?

Yes, for research fellowships and PhD scholarships.

Can I apply before finding a supervisor?

You can prepare your documents, but a complete research or PhD application requires a Swiss supervisor and formal support letter.

Can the same professor supervise several candidates?

The FCS recommends that supervisors support only one or two candidates in an academic year to maintain high-quality supervision.

Can I apply to several Swiss universities?

No. Simultaneous applications for several host universities or scholarship categories can result in exclusion.

Is admission to a Swiss university automatic?

No. Scholarship selection and university admission are separate procedures.

Is IELTS required?

The FCS does not publish one universal IELTS score for every scholarship.

Applicants must meet the language and admission requirements of the host institution and proposed research environment.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must have been born after December 31, 1991 for the 2027 to 2028 cycle.

Can current PhD students apply?

Yes. Applicants pursuing a PhD outside Switzerland may apply for a research fellowship.

Can someone who already received the scholarship apply again?

No. Previous Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship recipients are excluded from applying again.

Can an unsuccessful applicant reapply?

An applicant may apply up to three times. A fourth application after three unsuccessful attempts is excluded.

Can someone already living in Switzerland apply?

Possibly, but their date of entry normally must not be earlier than August 1, 2026 for the 2027 scholarship.

Can recipients work during the scholarship?

The scholarship cannot be used to supplement full-time employment. Other income or funding must be reported to the FCS.

Is the application free?

Yes. The official application is free of charge. Applicants should avoid anyone asking for payment to secure the scholarship.

Is the application online?

Yes. Applications are submitted through the official online portal. Email and paper applications are not accepted.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline varies by country of origin.

When are the results announced?

Final scholarship decisions are announced by the end of May 2027 at the latest.

When does the scholarship begin?

The 2027 to 2028 scholarship period begins on September 1, 2027.

Final Thoughts

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is designed primarily for talented international researchers rather than students seeking a normal Bachelor’s or taught Master’s degree.

The strongest opportunities are available through research fellowships and PhD scholarships.

A smaller art scholarship route supports eligible applicants pursuing their first artistic Master’s degree.

A competitive applicant should:

  1. Choose the correct scholarship category
  2. Confirm the country-specific offer
  3. Meet the degree and age requirements
  4. Find a qualified Swiss academic supervisor
  5. Obtain a detailed support letter
  6. Prepare an original and realistic research proposal
  7. Demonstrate strong academic and research ability
  8. Explain the potential for future collaboration
  9. Arrange strong academic recommendations
  10. Submit a complete application through the official portal

The exact phrase “how to get the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship” can be answered through one central principle:

The applicant, research project, Swiss supervisor, and future cooperation plan must form one convincing academic case.

Applications open on August 20, 2026. Applicants should start searching for a supervisor and preparing their research proposal before the online portal opens.

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