Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships 2025 Set to Open for International Students

Applications for the 2025 edition of the prestigious Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships will officially open on August 4. The initiative offers talented early-career researchers from around the world an opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in Switzerland, supported by a fully-funded scholarship.

The scholarships, awarded annually by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), aim to foster global academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 participating countries.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to postgraduate researchers across all disciplines who have completed a Master’s degree or PhD. Eligible applicants can conduct their research at any of Switzerland’s top institutions, including:

• Swiss cantonal universities
• Universities of applied sciences
• Federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich or EPFL)
• Research institutes under the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag)

A critical requirement for all applicants is securing an academic supervisor in Switzerland who agrees to mentor and oversee their research project. This supervisor must provide a letter of support, which is a core part of the application process.

Scholarship Categories and Funding

Three categories of scholarships are available:

• Research Fellowships
• PhD Scholarships
• Postdoctoral Scholarships

Funding details include:

• CHF 1,920 per month for research, PhD, and art scholarships (approximately ₦2 million or $2,200), covering basic living costs.
• CHF 3,500 per month for postdoctoral scholarships, also covering the living expenses for one person.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by the FCS based on three primary criteria:

1. Academic and professional profile of the applicant
2. Quality and feasibility of the proposed research or artistic project
3. Potential for future collaboration between the candidate’s home country and Swiss institutions

Applicants are required to submit their documents through the official Swiss embassies or diplomatic missions in their respective countries. The final decision on scholarship awards will be communicated by May 2026.

A Global Opportunity for Research and Innovation

This annual scholarship program offers a unique opportunity for international scholars to advance their academic careers while contributing to groundbreaking research in one of Europe’s most innovative education systems.

Researchers interested in applying are advised to begin preparations early, especially in identifying potential supervisors and refining their research proposals. The competition is highly selective, and early preparation can significantly improve an applicant’s chances.

For more information on eligibility, required documents, and application timelines, prospective applicants should refer to the official Swiss government scholarship portal or contact the Swiss embassy in their country.