Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027
Each year, the Swiss Confederation offers the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international academic exchange and research collaboration. Overseen by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars from over 180 countries.
Overview of the Scholarship Program
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are intended primarily for early-career researchers who have completed their Master's or PhD and want to pursue advanced studies in Switzerland. These include:
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Research Fellowships
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PhD Scholarships
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Postdoctoral Scholarships
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Art Scholarships (for selected countries)
The scholarships are valid only for full-time study or research in Switzerland.
Types of Scholarships Offered
Research Fellowships
Objective
Support one-year research projects at a Swiss university or research institute.
Eligibility
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Master's degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (30 June for ETH Zurich)
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Born after 31 December 1990
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Must secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland
Duration
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12 months (non-extendable)
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Start date: 1 September 2026
Monthly Stipend
CHF 1,920
PhD Scholarships
Objective
Support doctoral-level research at Swiss universities or research institutes.
Eligibility
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Master’s degree completed by July 2026
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Born after 31 December 1990
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Research plan and confirmed academic supervisor
Duration
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Up to 36 months (initial 12 months, renewable twice)
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Start date: 1 September 2026
Monthly Stipend
CHF 1,920
Postdoctoral Scholarships
Objective
Enable postdocs to carry out advanced research at Swiss institutions.
Eligibility
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PhD completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (30 June for ETH Zurich)
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Must find a Swiss academic supervisor
Duration
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12 months (non-renewable)
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Start date: 1 September 2026
Monthly Stipend
CHF 3,500
Art Scholarships
Objective
Support international students pursuing their first Master’s degree in an artistic field at a Swiss art school or conservatory.
Eligibility
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Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026
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Born after 31 December 1990
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Admission process at a Swiss institution should be in progress
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Only available for students from selected countries
Duration
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12 months (can be extended up to 21 months based on the program’s duration)
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Start date: 1 September 2026
Monthly Stipend
CHF 1,920
How to Apply
Applications open from August 4, 2025. The process involves:
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Submitting applications to Swiss embassies in your home country
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Receiving a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor
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Meeting country-specific eligibility and deadline criteria
You can find the application guidelines and country-specific requirements here:
Swiss Government Scholarship Portal
Application Requirements
All applicants must include:
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A detailed research or study plan
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CV of the applicant and the Swiss academic supervisor
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Letter of support from the host professor
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Proof of degree completion
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Portfolio (for art scholarships)
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Valid passport copy
Selection Criteria
The selection is competitive and based on:
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Academic excellence and motivation
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Quality and feasibility of the proposed project
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Academic match and potential for future collaboration with Switzerland
Decisions will be announced by the end of May 2026.
Important Notes
Avoid Scholarship Scams
There have been reports of fake scholarship offers using the Swiss Government’s name. Do not send money or personal documents via unofficial channels.
The application process is completely free of charge. Verify all details only through the official Swiss Government Scholarship Page.
Finding a Supervisor
A Swiss academic supervisor is essential for research-based applications. You must:
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Research universities or labs in your field
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Reach out early—professors often receive many requests
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Include a clear and concise research proposal
Note: Admission to a university’s PhD program is a separate process from the scholarship application.
Get Application Details from here
International Scholarship