Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 offer fully funded study and research opportunities in Switzerland for international students and researchers from over 180 countries. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), this prestigious program supports Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral, Research, and Arts students at leading Swiss institutions.

Switzerland, known for its academic excellence, high quality of life, and innovation, hosts some of the world’s most reputable universities and research centres. Through this scholarship program, the Swiss Confederation aims to foster international academic exchange and strengthen global cooperation.

Scholarship Overview

Host Country: Switzerland
Scholarship Offered By: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, Postdoc, Research Fellowships, and Arts
Eligible Countries: A–Z list (over 180 nations)
Application Deadline: Varies by country (check country-specific call)

Types of Swiss Government Scholarships 2026–27

Scholarship Type	Description	Duration	Monthly Stipend
Research Fellowship	1-year research project for PhD candidates	12 months	CHF 1,920
PhD Scholarship	Full-time PhD studies at Swiss university	Up to 36 months	CHF 1,920
Postdoctoral Scholarship	Postdoctoral research with Swiss host professor	12 months	CHF 3,500
Arts Scholarship	Master’s program in arts (music, design, etc.)	Up to 21 months	CHF 1,920

Host Institutions in Switzerland

Universities and Research Institutions:

ETH Zurich, EPFL Lausanne
University of Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Fribourg, Neuchâtel
Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID)
Research Institutes: PSI, WSL, EMPA, EAWAG
Universities of Applied Sciences (e.g., ZHAW, FHNW, HSLU)

For Arts Scholarships:

Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK)
Bern University of the Arts (HKB)
HES-SO, SUPSI, HSLU, Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana

Scholarship Benefits

Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920 or CHF 3,500 for postdoc)
Full tuition exemption (depends on the university)
Health insurance (for non-EU/EFTA students)
CHF 300 housing allowance (one-time)
Swiss Half-Fare public transport card
Return airfare (non-EU/EFTA only)
Cultural and academic networking programs

Eligibility Criteria

While each scholarship type has specific requirements, general criteria include:

Must not be born before 31 December 1990 (age limits apply)
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed by July 2026
Not residing in Switzerland for more than one year prior to application
Strong academic background and research plan or portfolio
Must secure a Swiss academic supervisor (except arts)
Language proficiency to study and conduct research (English, German, French, or Italian)

Required Documents

For Research/PhD/Postdoc:

CV and academic background
Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
Detailed research proposal (max 5 pages)
A letter of support and a short CV from a Swiss professor
University admission proof (for PhD)
Two reference letters emailed directly by your referees
Educational transcripts and certificates
Passport copy
Completed FCS medical form
CV of home university supervisor (for research fellowships)

For Arts Applicants:

CV and education history
Motivation letter
Two recommendation letters
Proof of admission (or confirmation of application) from a Swiss art school
Medical certificate
Passport copy
Artistic portfolio:
- Music: Audio files with 3 pieces
- Visual Arts: 3 photos of artworks
- Other arts: Performance videos or creative samples

How to Find a Swiss Academic Supervisor

For research-based applications, having an academic supervisor in Switzerland is mandatory.
Steps:

Visit university websites and explore faculty members.
Match your research interest with their publications.
Email them professionally with:
- CV
- Research plan (2–3 pages)
- Motivation for working with them
Request a letter of support for your application.

Start early—professors often take weeks to respond!

Country-Specific Application Details

Not all scholarships are available for all countries.
To check available scholarships, deadlines, and application procedures based on your nationality, visit:

Country A–Z List & Deadlines

Application Timeline (General)

July–August 2025: Application materials available
September–October 2025: Application window (varies by country)
March–May 2026: Notification of selection
September 1, 2026: Start of funded program

How to Apply

Download your country-specific application documents from the official website.
Find and contact a Swiss academic supervisor if required.
Gather all required documents (as listed above).
Submit your application via post/email to your country’s Swiss Embassy or designated office.
Wait for confirmation and interview (if applicable).

Apply Now:
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Official Website

Visit our scholarship section to explore more opportunities.