EDUCATION

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–27 — Apply Now

The Swiss Confederation awards the Government Excellence Scholarships each year to promote international research collaboration and academic exchange with over 180 countries. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) oversees the selection process for these prestigious opportunities.

What the Scholarship Offers

These scholarships support early-career researchers who hold a Master’s or PhD degree and wish to carry out full-time research in Switzerland. Applicants can choose from a variety of institutions, including cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL), and research centers under the ETH Domain such as PSI, WSL, Empa, or Eawag. A formal invitation or endorsement from a Swiss academic supervisor is a mandatory requirement.

Types of Scholarships Available

1. Research Fellowship

Aim: One-year full-time research project as part of doctoral work.
For Whom: Early-career researchers (including young medical doctors), especially those with no prior Swiss study or research experience.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: by 30 June 2026).
- Born after 31 December 1990.
- Comprehensive research proposal and timeline.
- Letter of support and CV from a Swiss supervisor.
- If already in Switzerland, arrival must be after 1 August 2025 with proper documentation.
Duration: Up to 12 months (non-extendable), starting 1 September 2026.
Funding: CHF 1,920/month (stipend, not salary).

2. PhD Scholarship

Aim: Support for pursuing a PhD at a Swiss university or institution.
For Whom: Exceptional Master’s graduates without prior experience in Switzerland.
Requirements: Same as the Research Fellowship.
Duration: 12 months initially, renewable twice for up to 36 months based on satisfactory progress, commencing 1 September 2026.
Funding: CHF 1,920/month (stipend, not salary).

3. Postdoctoral Scholarship

Aim: Enable postdoctoral researchers to conduct full-time research in Switzerland.
For Whom: Highly qualified early-career postdocs.
Requirements:
- PhD thesis completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: by 30 June 2026).
- Detailed research plan, Swiss supervisor’s support, CV, and timeline.
- If already in Switzerland, arrival must be after 1 August 2025 with documentation.
Duration: Up to 12 months (non-renewable), starting 1 September 2026.
Funding: CHF 3,500/month (stipend, not salary).

How to Apply & What to Expect

Application Period: Opens 4 August 2025.
Procedure: Applications are processed through Swiss embassies or diplomatic missions. The FCS evaluates submissions based on:
1. Academic profile and motivation.
2. Innovation and strength of the proposed research.
3. Potential for collaboration and quality of supervision.
Awards Notification: Results will be announced by the end of May. CLICK HERE TO APPLY