Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 (Fully Funded)

Switzerland is famous all over the world for its top-notch education system, modern research facilities, and its dedication to promoting international academic exchange. To support this, the Swiss Confederation grants the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships every year to the most talented international scholars and artists. These high-ranking scholarships are given to carry out research cooperation and education ties between Switzerland and more than 180 countries across the globe.

If you were a postgraduate researcher or an artist planning to come to Switzerland for studies or research, here is a detailed guide to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027.

What are Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). The main goal of these grants is to provide research opportunities to the highly skilled young scientists and artists (with a master’s degree or doctorate and bachelor’s degree, respectively) from abroad.

The programme grants annually support foreign students aiming to carry out research fellowships or obtain PhDs, postdoctoral or master’s degrees in arts at Swiss public universities.

Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

There are two primary categories:

1. Research Scholarships

These are open to:

Postgraduate researchers
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers

Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree and plan to conduct research at a Swiss higher education institution. The scholarship supports study and research at:

All Swiss cantonal universities
Universities of applied sciences
The two Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL)
Four Swiss research institutes

Crucially, applicants must be nominated by a Swiss academic supervisor at their host institution.

2. Art Scholarships

These scholarships are for students aiming to pursue their first arts master’s degree in Switzerland. The eligible fields include music, fine arts, design, theatre, and other visual or performing arts disciplines.

Art scholarships are only available for applicants from a select list of countries, so it’s essential to verify your eligibility.

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Scholarship Benefits

Awardees of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships receive:

A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
Health insurance for non-EU students
Tuition fee waiver (if applicable)
Lump sum for airfare (in certain cases)
Housing allowance (depending on the university)
Access to Swiss public universities and research facilities
Invitations to networking events and academic seminars

Who Can Apply?

To apply for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, candidates must:

Hold a relevant degree (Master’s for research; Bachelor’s for arts).
Be born after 31 December 1980 (depending on programme requirements).
Demonstrate academic excellence and language proficiency.
Present a well-structured research or study plan.
Provide a letter of invitation or acceptance from a Swiss professor or institution.
You must not have obtained a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship in the past.

Key Dates: Scholarship Call 2026-2027

Timeline Overview:

Early August 2025 – Scholarship programmes and application materials available.
September 2025 – Applications open.
September to December 2025 – Submit your application to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country.
End of May 2026 – Final selection results announced.
September 2026 – Scholarships commence.

Remember, each country may have different deadlines and contact offices. It is important to consult the official country-specific guidelines and contact list.

Check out: Scholarships in Europe for International Students

Application Procedure: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Country of Origin

Visit the official Swiss Government Scholarship website to download the PDF relevant to your country or region (e.g., Africa, Asia, Europe, etc.).

2. Check Eligibility and Available Scholarships

Confirm which types of scholarships (research or art) are available for your country. Carefully read the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application instructions.

3. Download the Application Package

The application package will be available in a ZIP file and includes:

Application form
Research proposal guidelines
CV format
Health certificate
Recommendation letters template
Academic supervisor letter

4. Prepare the Application

You must submit two complete copies of the application – one original and one copy – to your Swiss diplomatic representation. Ensure all forms are completed, signed, and properly arranged.

5. Submit Before the Deadline

Each country has its own submission deadline and mailing address. Check the official contacts list (PDF) for your local Swiss embassy or consulate.

Selection Criteria

All applications undergo a two-stage selection process:

Pre-selection by national authorities and Swiss representations.
Final decision by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS).

The FCS evaluates applications based on:

The candidate’s academic profile
Quality and feasibility of the proposed research or artistic work
Potential for long-term collaboration between the candidate’s home institution and Swiss academic institutions

Only the most promising, academically strong, and collaborative proposals are selected.

How to Maximise Your Chances

To enhance your application’s strength:

Begin early: Start contacting potential Swiss professors months in advance.
Tailor your research proposal: Align your project with Swiss academic strengths.
Demonstrate synergy: Show how your project contributes to international cooperation.
Submit a polished application: Pay attention to detail and follow guidelines precisely.

Where to Find More Information?

Official Resources:

Swiss Government Scholarships Website
Country-specific guidelines PDFs (updated by July 31, 2025)
List of Swiss embassies and contact persons

Documents to Read:

Application Guidelines (PDF)
Contact List (PDF)
FAQs for Applicants & Supervisors (PDF)

Alumni Experience

According to a 2024 survey of ESKAS alumni, many former scholarship holders reported significant academic and career advancements. The scholarships were described as “career-boosting” and “life-changing”, with a long-lasting impact on international collaboration and research excellence.

Final Thoughts

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance for foreign students and artists to collaborate with Swiss researchers and be part of artistic projects of the highest calibre. This scholarship, besides the generous funding, allows students to network with elite institutions and enjoy international networking opportunities, all of which are the foundation of academic and professional success.

Begin your preparations today so you can submit your application on time and embark on a journey to study in Switzerland!

Official Call: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants

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