Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025–2026 (Fully Funded)

Study in Switzerland | Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral Opportunities

Great News! The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025–2026 are now open for international students. These prestigious scholarships are fully funded and designed to support highly qualified individuals who wish to pursue research or graduate studies in Switzerland. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Overview

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered annually by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) in collaboration with the Swiss government. These awards aim to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries.

This scholarship is available to:

• Master’s degree students (in arts, for select countries only)

• PhD candidates

• Postdoctoral researchers

Scholarship Types

1. Research Scholarships

• For postgraduate researchers in any discipline (minimum Master’s degree).

• Supports PhD and postdoctoral research at:

  • Swiss cantonal universities

  • Universities of applied sciences

  • Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL)

  • Public research institutes

2. Art Scholarships

• Available to students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in the arts.

• Applicable for studies at Swiss conservatories and universities of the arts.

• Note: Available only for students from selected countries.

Scholarship Benefits

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920

• Full tuition waiver

• Swiss health insurance (for non-EU/EFTA students)

• Lump-sum airfare reimbursement (for non-EU/EFTA grantees)

• Housing allowance of CHF 300 (one-time)

• Half-fare public transport card valid for one year

• Participation in networking events, cultural excursions, and academic trips organized for scholarship holders

📌 For detailed benefits and special terms, refer to the country-specific fact sheets available through the Swiss Embassy in your country.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Language: Proficiency in English (additional languages may be required depending on the institution or program).

• Eligible Countries: Open to citizens of over 180 countries.

• Academic Background:

  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed before July 31, 2024.

  • Recognized by a Swiss university.

• Date of Birth: Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989.

• Residency: Applicants already residing in Switzerland for over a year before the start date (September 2025) are not eligible.

• Academic Host: Applicants must have an academic supervisor (host professor) at a Swiss institution willing to support and guide their research project.

• Research Proposal: A detailed and high-quality research plan with a clearly defined timeline is required.

• Language Proficiency: Must meet the language requirements set by the host institution.

• Previous Recipients: Applicants who have already received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to reapply.

• Relocation: Scholarship recipients must reside in Switzerland during the duration of the award.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare the Following Documents

1. Completed and signed FCS application form (typed and printed)

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic publications, achievements, and awards

3. Motivation Letter (max. 2 pages)

4. Detailed Research Proposal (max. 5 pages), using the official FCS template

5. Letter of Support from a Swiss academic host professor, along with their short CV

6. Short CV of your academic mentor at your home institution

7. Two academic recommendation letters (sealed, using the official FCS form)

8. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if not in English, French, German, or Italian)

9. Medical Certificate, signed by a doctor (using the FCS form)

10. Passport copies (personal data page). Dual nationals must submit both. If already in Switzerland, add a residence permit copy.

Step 2: Get the Application Package

Application forms and detailed country-specific instructions are available through the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Submit two complete sets of application documents:

  • Set 1 (Originals): Signed forms, original recommendation letters in sealed envelopes, and any certified translations.

  • Set 2 (Copies): Identical to Set 1, except no recommendation letters.

❗ Do not bind or place documents in folders. Submit them in the exact order listed above.

Deadline

The application deadline varies by country. Visit the official website of the Swiss Embassy in your country or check the Swiss Government Scholarship website for specific timelines and requirements.

Final Notes

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in one of the world’s most advanced and scenic countries. Whether you’re a young researcher, a PhD candidate, or a postdoc fellow, Switzerland offers a collaborative academic environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a global network of scholars.

Ready to take your academic journey to Switzerland?

Start preparing today and apply through the official Swiss channels in your country.

APPLY HERE