Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year offer a prestigious opportunity for international students and researchers to pursue advanced education and research in Switzerland. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these fully funded scholarships aim to foster international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries. They target highly qualified postgraduate researchers and artists, supporting studies at Switzerland’s world-class universities and institutions.

Scholarship Overview

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global collaboration. They are available for master’s (arts only), PhD, postdoctoral, and research fellowship programs. These scholarships reflect Switzerland’s commitment to education, research, and innovation, offering recipients access to top-tier institutions, including Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and research institutes.

Scholarship Types

1. Research Fellowship: For postgraduate researchers in any discipline to conduct research in the realm of their PhD at Swiss institutions. Duration: Up to 12 months (no prolongation possible).
2. PhD Scholarship: For highly qualified postgraduate students pursuing a full-time PhD at a Swiss university. Duration: Up to 36 months, awarded in 12-month increments based on academic progress.
3. Postdoctoral Scholarship: For early-career scientists with a PhD to undertake postdoctoral research. Duration: 12 months (no prolongation possible).
4. Arts Scholarship: For art students pursuing an initial master’s degree at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts. Available to students from a limited number of countries. Duration: Varies by program.

Benefits

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including:

• Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 for research, PhD, and arts scholarships; CHF 3,500 for postdoctoral scholarships.
• Tuition Fee Exemption: Scholars are exempt from tuition fees at most institutions (some may charge semester fees).
• Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance is covered for non-EU/EFTA grantees.
• Housing Allowance: A one-time CHF 300 lump sum to assist with housing deposits.
• Airfare: A return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA scholars at the end of the scholarship.
• Public Transportation: A one-year half-fare public transportation card.
• Support Services: Organized trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours for scholarship holders to enhance their cultural experience.

Note: The scholarship is not a salary and does not cover family allowances or fieldwork/conference expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Research/PhD: Master’s degree or equivalent completed before July 31, 2026 (June 30, 2026, for ETH Zurich).
  • Postdoctoral: PhD degree achieved after December 31, 2023, and before July 31, 2026 (June 30, 2026, for ETH Zurich).
  • Arts: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be born after December 31, 1990.
• Residency: Applicants who have resided in Switzerland for more than one year before the scholarship start date (September 1, 2026) are ineligible.
• Prior Scholarships: Recipients of a previous Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship cannot apply for a second scholarship.
• Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed) using the FCS form, including a timeframe.
• Academic Host: A mandatory letter of acceptance from an academic host professor at a Swiss institution, including their short CV (max. 2 pages).
• Language: Proficiency in English or the language of instruction at the host institution.
• Country Eligibility: Open to nationals of over 180 countries with diplomatic ties to Switzerland. Specific eligibility for arts scholarships varies by country.

Application Process

1. Download Application Package: Obtain the application forms from the official Swiss Government Scholarships website or the Swiss embassy/consulate in your country.
2. Prepare Documents:
   • Signed FCS application form with a photo.
   • Full CV listing academic publications, awards, and experiences.
   • Motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
   • Research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed) using the FCS form.
   • Letter of acceptance from an academic host professor with their short CV.
   • Short CV of the academic mentor at the applicant’s home institution.
   • Two confidential letters of recommendation from different professors (using the FCS reference form, originals in sealed envelopes for the first set).
   • Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from all previously attended institutions.
3. Submit Application: Submit two sets of documents (one original, one copy) by mail to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. Check country-specific deadlines (typically September–December 2025).
4. Selection Process: Applications undergo preliminary selection by national authorities or the Swiss diplomatic representation, followed by final assessment by the FCS based on candidate profile, research quality, and potential for future cooperation. Results are announced by the end of May 2026.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary by country, typically falling between September and December 2025. For example:

• India: November 11, 2025.
• South Africa: August 2, 2025 (for specific countries).
• Check the country-specific fact sheets on the official website for exact deadlines and contact details.

Why Apply?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a unique opportunity to study in a country renowned for its high-quality education system, vibrant culture, and innovation-driven research environment. Scholars benefit from:

• Access to world-class institutions and cutting-edge facilities.
• Collaboration with leading researchers and a global academic network.
• Cultural immersion in Switzerland, fostering personal and professional growth.
• A prestigious credential that enhances career prospects.