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The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 is a fully funded international scholarship programme funded by the Swiss Confederation and managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS). It is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious research and study funding opportunities, aimed at fostering global academic exchange and research cooperation by supporting highly qualified international students and researchers to conduct study, research, or artistic activities in Switzerland. Scholarships are awarded in multiple categories, including research fellowships, PhD scholarships, postdoctoral research scholarships, and arts scholarships tailored to eligible academic and creative fields.
This programme encourages international cooperation by enabling recipients from over 180 participating countries to gain access to world‑class Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, research institutes, and art academies while contributing to cross‑border academic collaboration.
Location
The scholarships support study and research across Switzerland, including at:
Swiss Cantonal Universities
Universities of Applied Sciences
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
The four research institutes within the ETH Domain
Swiss art schools and conservatories (for arts awards)
This means scholars live and work in Switzerland while participating in full‑time research, doctoral studies, postdoctoral projects, or arts master’s studies.
Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide a range of financial and in‑kind benefits designed to support international awardees during their time in Switzerland. Depending on the category, the programme typically offers:
Monthly stipend for living expenses:
Research & PhD scholarships: CHF 1,920 per month
Postdoctoral scholarships: CHF 3,500 per month
Arts scholarships: CHF 1,920 per month
These amounts are intended to cover basic living costs and are not salaries.
One‑time relocation support: A housing deposit allowance (often around CHF 300).
Health insurance: Provided for non‑EU/EFTA fellows through the Swiss system.
Half‑Fare Travelcard: A public transport pass offering 50 % discounts on most Swiss trains, buses, and boats (for non‑EFTA/EU scholars).
Networking and collaboration support: Academic and professional engagement opportunities in Swiss research communities.
Tuition fee coverage is generally not the primary focus of the programme — the main funding is for research stipends and living expenses — though some institutional support may be available depending on the programme.
Compensation / Funding
While the scholarship does not count as a salary, it is considered fully funded in terms of enabling scholars to live and conduct research or study in Switzerland without a direct financial burden. Monthly stipends cover essential living costs, and additional grants help with relocation and transportation. Health insurance and travel cards further reduce day‑to‑day expenses.
Funding is typically provided for the standard duration of the programme:
Research fellowships: up to 12 months
PhD scholarships: up to 36 months (renewable annually)
Postdoctoral fellowships: generally 12 months
Arts scholarships: up to 21 months, depending on programme requirements
Positions / Study Fields
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support internationally competitive academics and creatives in these categories:
Research Scholarships: For postgraduate researchers who hold a relevant master’s degree and want to conduct independent research in Switzerland.
PhD Scholarships: For students accepted to doctoral programmes or planning to enrol for PhD study.
Postdoctoral Scholarships: For researchers who have recently completed a PhD and aim to pursue advanced research.
Arts Scholarships: For students pursuing their first master’s degree in artistic fields at Swiss art schools or conservatories (only available for citizens of certain countries).
These opportunities span virtually all academic disciplines — from natural sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences — and artistic areas defined by the participating Swiss institutions.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria vary by category but typically include:
Non‑Swiss citizenship and residence outside Switzerland at the scholarship start date.
Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 for research and PhD scholarships (30 June for ETH Zurich).
Research proposal with a timeline and objectives, plus a supporting letter from a Swiss academic supervisor for research/PhD/postdoc applicants.
Age limits: Many categories specify birthdate cut‑offs (e.g., after 31 December 1990) for early career eligibility, but specifics depend on the category and country guide.
For arts scholarships: Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 and artistic portfolios or audition materials, where applicable.
Applicants must not have resided or worked in Switzerland for a significant period before the scholarship start date (specific cut‑offs apply).
Exact criteria and documentation requirements are published on the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships portal and in country‑specific instructions.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship targets:
Early career researchers and doctoral candidates seeking to build international research experience.
Academics who want to undertake structured research projects in collaboration with Swiss institutions.
Postdoctoral scholars aiming to advance their research trajectory in a Swiss academic context.
Artists preparing to pursue advanced studies at Swiss arts schools, provided their country is on the eligible list for arts scholarships.
Individuals who can articulate coherent research or artistic plans and secure local academic supervision.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to prepare:
Completed scholarship application form (downloaded from the official site).
Detailed research proposal or artistic project plan with timeline.
Letter(s) of support from an academic supervisor or host institution in Switzerland.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and academic transcripts.
Degree certificates (Master’s for research/PhD; Bachelor’s for arts).
Proof of language proficiency may be required by the host institution.
Passport copy and other standard identification documents.
Any additional documents specified in the country‑specific application guidelines.
How to Apply (Steps)
Check your country’s guidelines
Download the country‑specific application instructions and deadlines from the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships portal.Secure academic support
Contact a prospective Swiss supervisor or institution and obtain a support letter.Prepare documents
Compile a strong research/art proposal, CV, transcripts, and support letters.Submit the application
Complete the application form and send it along with supporting documents either through the GO ESKAS online portal or to your Swiss diplomatic representation by the specified deadline.Verification and selection
Applications are reviewed by Swiss embassies and the FCS; shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional queries.Wait for results
Final selections are typically announced by May 2026.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
Reach out early to potential Swiss supervisors to secure a strong support letter.
Tailor your proposal to demonstrate impact, feasibility, and relevance.
Triple‑check document completeness and deadlines.
Focus on clarity and academic rigor in proposals.
Common Mistakes
Missing country‑specific deadlines — these vary widely by origin.
Uploading incomplete or unsigned support letters.
Submitting weak or unfocused research or artistic plans.
Deadline
The application period for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 opens on 4 August 2025 and typically closes between September and December 2025, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and diplomatic representation guidelines.
Official apply link
FAQ
Q1: Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
Yes — the programme offers fully funded living stipends, relocation support, health insurance, and transport benefits for successful candidates.
Q2: Do I need a Swiss academic supervisor to apply?
Yes — research, PhD, and postdoctoral applications require a letter of support from a Swiss supervisor.
Q3: Are language tests (e.g., IELTS) mandatory?
Not universally — some programmes may require language proof depending on the host institution or course; check the country‑specific guidelines.