Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027

For international students, researchers, and artists who want to do master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral work in Switzerland in 2026–2027, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships cover everything. The Federal Commission runs the Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) program, which helps students from Switzerland and more than 180 other countries work together and connect in the classroom. These kinds of scholarships are essential for drawing in young professionals and extremely skilled postgraduate researchers from a variety of academic fields.

About the Scholarship

Each year, the Swiss Government awards Excellence Scholarships to outstanding scholars from around the world. The program targets:

• Research Scholarships – for master’s or PhD graduates wishing to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research at a Swiss institution.
  
  
• PhD Scholarships – for students accepted into a doctoral program at a Swiss university.
  
  
• Postdoctoral Scholarships – for researchers who recently completed their PhD.
  
  
• Art Scholarships – for talented artists seeking to study at Swiss conservatories or art universities.
  
  

Types of Scholarships Offered

1. Research Fellowships: For postgraduate researchers holding a master’s degree, aimed at those intending to conduct doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Scholarship Value

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is fully funded, covering the following benefits:

• Monthly Stipend:
   • CHF 1,920 per month for PhD and research students.
   • CHF 3,500 per month for postdoctoral researchers.
  
  
• Health Insurance: Provided for the entire study or research duration.
  
  
• Airfare Allowance: A return flight at the end of the scholarship period.
  
  
• Tuition Fees: Waived or covered in most public universities.
  
  
• Housing Allowance: One-time settling-in grant at the beginning of the program.
  
  
• Access to Research Networks: Participation in cultural, academic, and networking events across Switzerland.
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

1. Get at least a master’s degree (or a bachelor’s degree for art schools).
2. Have a Swiss host professor sign off on your art or study project.
3. If you fall into this group, you must have been born on or after December 31, 1989/1990.
4. Not have lived in Switzerland before the program began.
5. Show that you are driven and that you do well in school.

 Application Timeline (2026–2027)

• August–September 2025: Call for applications opens.
  
  
• September–December 2025: Application submission via the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in each applicant’s country.
  
  
• April 2026: Selection results announced.
  
  
• September 2026: Scholarship period begins at the Swiss host institution.
  
  

 How to Apply

1. Find a Host Institution or Professor
   
   
   1. Contact a professor or department at a Swiss university to obtain a Letter of Acceptance or Supervision.
      
      
2. Prepare Documents
   
   
   1. Research proposal, motivation letter, CV, academic certificates, recommendation letters, passport copy, and medical certificate.
      
      
3. Submit Application via the Swiss Embassy
   
   
   1. Apply directly through your country’s Swiss diplomatic mission (not online).
      
      
4. Wait for Results
   
   
   1. The Federal Commission reviews applications for Scholarships (FCS), and results are published by April 2026.
      
      

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