The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 are fully funded international awards offered by the Swiss Confederation to promote global research, doctoral studies, postdoctoral training, and artistic education. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), this program strengthens international academic exchange and long-term research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries.
Every year, the program attracts hundreds of outstanding candidates who wish to benefit from Switzerland’s advanced universities, renowned research institutes, and world-class art schools. For 2026–2027, the call is now open, and applicants are encouraged to begin preparation early.
Types of Scholarships
1. Research Fellowships
Research fellowships are awarded to postgraduate researchers with a Master’s degree who wish to conduct part of their doctoral or independent research in Switzerland. Candidates must secure supervision from a Swiss academic professor before applying. The fellowship is valid for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended.
- Research fellowships are valid for 12 months.
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree by July 31, 2026.
- The award is non-renewable and limited to one academic year.
- Applicants must provide a signed support letter from a Swiss professor.
2. PhD Scholarships
PhD scholarships are open to international students who plan to complete a full doctoral program in Switzerland. The scholarship begins with a 12-month award, renewable twice based on academic progress, for a total duration of up to three years.
- The PhD scholarship lasts up to 36 months.
- Candidates must be born after December 31, 1990.
- Renewal is dependent on satisfactory yearly progress reports.
- Candidates must secure admission and supervision at a Swiss university.
3. Postdoctoral Scholarships
Postdoctoral fellowships are designed for researchers who have recently earned a PhD. These awards allow candidates to enhance their expertise by working with Swiss research teams. The fellowship is granted for 12 months and is non-renewable.
- Applicants must have completed their PhD between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026.
- The duration is fixed at 12 months with no extensions.
- Candidates must submit a strong research proposal with methodology.
- A signed support letter from a Swiss supervisor is mandatory.
4. Arts Scholarships
Arts scholarships support students from selected countries who wish to pursue their first Master’s degree in Switzerland in visual or performing arts. They provide funding for up to two years depending on the duration of the program.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree by July 31, 2026.
- The scholarship is limited to a first Master’s degree in arts.
- Available only to selected partner countries.
- Requires admission confirmation from a Swiss art school or conservatory.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements vary according to scholarship type but share some common conditions:
- Candidates must not have lived in Switzerland for more than 12 months prior to the start date.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong academic or artistic achievement.
- Age limits apply: PhD and research applicants must be born after December 31, 1990.
- All applicants must submit a comprehensive research or study plan and obtain a letter of support from a Swiss institution.
Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide extensive financial support benefits to cover the living expenses of award holders:
- Monthly Allowance: CHF 1,920 for research, PhD, and arts; CHF 3,500 for postdoctoral fellows.
- Health Insurance: Provided to all non-European scholarship holders for the full duration.
- Accommodation Support: A one-time housing allowance at the start of the scholarship.
- Travel Benefits: Return airfare allowance for non-European participants at the end of their stay.
- Cultural and Networking Events: Organized exclusively for scholarship holders to integrate into Swiss academic and cultural life.
- Half-Fare Travel Card: For discounted travel on trains, buses, and ferries throughout Switzerland.
It should be noted that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees, semester contributions, research field trips, or conference costs.
Application Process
The application procedure is highly structured and competitive. Candidates should carefully follow these main 6 steps:
- Check Availability
Review the country-specific fact sheet to confirm which scholarship types are offered in your region, along with deadlines and submission details. - Secure a Supervisor
Contact a professor or researcher at a Swiss university to discuss your project and request a letter of support. This step is crucial, as applications without confirmed supervision are not considered. - Prepare Application Documents
Commonly required documents include:- Completed application form
- Detailed research proposal or artistic project plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications (if applicable)
- Copies of academic transcripts and degrees
- Two recommendation letters from professors in your home country
- Medical certificate confirming good health
- Passport copies
- Complete list of required application documents.
- Online Submission
Applications for 2026–2027 are now submitted online through the GO ESKAS portal. This platform has replaced paper-based submissions. - Embassy Screening
The Swiss Embassy in your country will screen applications and forward eligible candidates to the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) in Switzerland. - Final Selection
The FCS evaluates applications based on candidate profile, project quality, and potential for future collaboration. The final decision is communicated around May 2026.
Deadline
- Applications open: August 4, 2025
- Country-specific deadlines: September–December 2025
- Selection results: May 2026
- Scholarship begins: September 1, 2026
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on three main pillars:
- Academic Excellence: Proven track record of high academic or artistic achievement.
- Research or Artistic Proposal: Originality, clarity, and feasibility of the project.
- Potential for Cooperation: Alignment of the project with Swiss academic priorities and long-term collaboration prospects.
With a success rate of around 15–20%, only the most competitive candidates are selected each year.
Apply Now
Apply through the official portal here: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – GO ESKAS Portal
