Switzerland Opens Applications for Fully-Funded Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027

Switzerland has officially launched the 2026–2027 edition of its Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, a fully funded opportunity designed to promote global academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and 183 countries.

These scholarships, awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), are open to early-career researchers and artists aiming to pursue postgraduate education or advanced research in Swiss institutions.

Purpose of the Scholarship Program

The initiative is designed to:

• Strengthen international research partnerships
  
• Support the academic and artistic development of young professionals
  
• Foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural understanding
  

Available Scholarship Categories

1. Research Scholarships

Open to postgraduate researchers across all academic disciplines who wish to pursue:

• Doctoral or postdoctoral research
  
• PhD programs
  
• Non-degree academic fellowships
  

Eligible host institutions include:

• Swiss cantonal universities
  
• Universities of applied sciences
  
• Federal Institutes of Technology (e.g., ETH Zurich, EPFL)
  
• ETH-domain research centers (e.g., PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag)
  

Important: Applicants must obtain a confirmed academic supervisor from a Swiss institution before applying.

2. Art Scholarships

Available to students intending to pursue a first Master’s degree in the arts at Swiss universities or conservatories.
📌 Note: This category is open to applicants from selected countries only.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of one of the 183 eligible countries
  
• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent for research/postdoctoral programs
  
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree for art scholarships
  
• Submit a strong academic or artistic portfolio with a clear proposal
  
• Meet any additional criteria stated in the country-specific guidelines
  

Application Timeline & Process

• Application Opens: August 4, 2025
  
• How to Apply:
  
  1. Visit the official website or your local Swiss embassy to download the application package and country-specific guidelines
     
  2. Submit your completed application to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country
     
  3. Required documents include:
     
     • A detailed research or artistic proposal
       
     • Letters of recommendation
       
     • Academic transcripts and certificates
       
     • A letter of supervision/acceptance from a Swiss host institution
       

Note: There is no application fee, and FCS does not request any form of payment. Applicants should be cautious of scams or fraudulent offers.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic and professional profile
  
• Innovation and clarity of the proposal
  
• Potential for long-term collaboration between the applicant and Swiss institutions
  

Final selection decisions will be announced by May 2026.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
  
• Tuition fee exemption (if applicable)
  
• Health insurance coverage
  
• Round-trip airfare to Switzerland
  
• Accommodation assistance
  
• Full access to university resources such as libraries, labs, and academic networks
  

 Important Notices

• Fraud Alert: The FCS does not charge any application fee. Beware of emails or messages asking for payment in exchange for scholarship placement.
  
• Legal Information: All scholarships are governed by Swiss federal law and administered by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
  

 Further Information

• 📧 Email: sgs@sbfi.admin.ch
  
• 🌐 Visit the official Swiss scholarship page for detailed guidelines and country lists.