Do you want to study in Europe on a fully funded scholarship? Applications are now open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027, one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world. Funded by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships support talented Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral students from more than 180 countries to study at leading universities in Switzerland.
The program aims to promote education, research, innovation, and cultural exchange, giving international scholars the opportunity to collaborate with top Swiss academics while experiencing Switzerland’s rich culture and world-class education system.
About Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Universities: Swiss Public Universities & Research Institutes
- Degree Levels: Master’s, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Funded by: Swiss Confederation (Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students – FCS)
- Deadline: Varies by country (Results announced by May 2026)
Types of Scholarships
1. Research Scholarships
- Open to highly motivated Ph.D. and Postdoctoral researchers.
- Available at any Swiss cantonal university, university of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, or public research institutes.
2. Art Scholarships
- For talented students pursuing a Master’s in Arts.
- Available for a limited number of countries.
- Scholars can study at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts.
Financial Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is fully funded and covers:
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Free Swiss health insurance
- Round-trip airfare (for non-EU/EFTA students returning home)
- Housing allowance of CHF 300 (one-time)
- 50% discount on public transportation
- No application fee
- Support services, excursions, meals, and cultural activities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Switzerland
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) required for Ph.D. and Postdoctoral positions
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required for Master’s programs
- Acceptance letter from a Swiss professor/supervisor is mandatory
- Must relocate to Switzerland for the full scholarship duration
- Cannot have lived in Switzerland for more than 12 months before applying
- Applicants who previously received a Swiss Government Scholarship are not eligible
Documents Required
- Updated CV/Resume
- Motivation letter
- Detailed research plan (max. 5 pages, using FCS template)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Certified academic transcripts & degrees
- Copy of applicant’s passport
- Completed and signed FCS application forms
- For Arts applicants: portfolio or samples of artistic work
Application Process
- Research & Contact a Supervisor: Find a Swiss professor in your field and secure a Letter of Acceptance.
- Prepare Documents: Complete the FCS forms, research proposal, and supporting documents.
- Apply via the Swiss Embassy in your home country. (They provide the official application package.)
- Wait for Results: Applications are reviewed by Swiss universities, professors, and the Federal Commission. Final results will be announced in May 2026.
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