The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025–2026 is a fully financed program for graduate, master’s, and postdoctoral students from outside of Switzerland. A monthly salary, housing assistance, health insurance, travel expenses, and tuition waiver are all included in this program.
The Federal Commission of Scholarships and the Swiss government worked together to create this program, which aims to give students from more than 180 countries access to these worthwhile opportunities. These kinds of scholarships are essential for drawing in young professionals and extremely skilled postgraduate researchers from a variety of academic fields.
Study Levels Available
- Master’s
- Doctorate
- Postdoctoral
Study Location
- Swiss Confederation
Swiss government excellence scholarships deadline
- Varies by country.
Types of Scholarships Offered
- Research Fellowships: For postgraduate researchers holding a master’s degree, aimed at those intending to conduct doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
- Research Scholarships: Available for study or research at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, two federal institutes of technology, and four research institutions. Only candidates endorsed by an academic mentor from these institutions will be considered.
- Art Scholarships: For art students pursuing their first master’s degree in Switzerland, available at various universities or conservatories. This scholarship is restricted to students from select countries.
Swiss government excellence scholarships benefits
Students of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship will get the following benefits:
1. A monthly stipend of CHF 1,920.
2. For grantees from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS) will cover the mandatory Swiss health insurance costs.
3. No family allowances are provided.
4. Recipients from non-EU and non-EFTA nations will receive a one-time flight allowance for a return ticket at the end of the scholarship term.
5. An additional housing allowance of CHF 300, disbursed once at the beginning of the scholarship.
6. A half-fare public transportation card valid for one year.
7. Various support services, along with organized trips, dinners, and sightseeing activities for scholarship holders.
8. For specific details on scholarship benefits, please consult the fact sheets tailored to each country.
Deadline
Application Deadline Dec 31st
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships eligibility requirements
To eligibility for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Proficiency in English is mandatory.
- Applicants from all countries around the globe are welcome to apply.
- A master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution is required, which must be verified by a Swiss university. This degree should be obtained before July 31, 2024, and must be submitted to the Federal Commission for Scholarships for verification before the scholarship commences.
- Candidates must have been born after December 31, 1989.
- Individuals who have resided in Switzerland for more than one year and are beginning the scholarship program in September are not eligible.
- Applicants must provide a letter of support from a host professor at the chosen Swiss university, along with a concise CV, demonstrating the professor’s willingness to supervise and assist with the research. Applications will only be considered if this support is confirmed.
- A detailed research proposal with a timeline must be submitted, as full commitment to the program is essential.
- Candidates must have the necessary language skills to conduct their research or studies.
- Those who have previously received funding from the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are ineligible to apply for additional grants.
