The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer international students and researchers the opportunity to continue their academic or research work in Switzerland. The program is provided by the Swiss Confederation to strengthen international academic exchange and research collaboration.
Scholarships are awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) and are available to applicants from around 183 countries, depending on the scholarship category and country-specific eligibility rules.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 – Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Scholarship | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Provider | Swiss Confederation |
| Selection Body | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) |
| Eligible Countries | Up to 183 countries, depending on category |
| Main Applicants | Researchers, PhD candidates & artists |
| Research Funding | CHF 2,450 per month |
| Research Duration | Up to 12 months |
| PhD Duration | Up to 36 months |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Applications Open | August 20, 2026 |
| Deadline | Depend on specific country (Find) |
What Are Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed primarily for talented international researchers and artists who want to pursue advanced academic work in Switzerland.
The program supports international cooperation by allowing scholars to conduct research or undertake postgraduate studies at recognized Swiss institutions.
Depending on the applicant’s background, opportunities are available in research, PhD studies, and selected artistic fields.
Scholarship Categories
1. Research Scholarship
Research scholarships are aimed at postgraduate researchers from eligible countries who have completed a Master’s degree.
Research can be conducted at institutions such as:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL
- Selected ETH Domain research institutes
A key requirement is obtaining support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland who agrees to supervise the proposed research.
Maximum duration: 12 months
Monthly scholarship: CHF 2,450
Age limit: Generally up to 35, subject to country-specific requirements
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD scholarship is intended for international researchers who want to undertake doctoral studies in Switzerland.
Applicants generally need a Master’s degree and must secure the required academic supervision or admission arrangements.
Maximum duration: Up to 36 months
Monthly scholarship: CHF 2,450
Eligible countries: Subject to country-specific rules
3. Art Scholarship
Art scholarships are designed for students who want to pursue an initial Master’s degree in an artistic discipline in Switzerland.
Unlike the research category, this opportunity is available only to applicants from a limited number of countries.
Applicants generally need a Bachelor’s degree and admission or proof of application to an eligible Swiss institution.
Maximum duration: Up to 21 months.
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides financial support to successful scholars. For the research and PhD categories, the information provided lists a monthly scholarship of CHF 2,450.
Exact benefits and conditions can vary according to the scholarship category and the applicant’s country of origin.
Applicants should therefore check their country-specific scholarship information before applying.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship category and country of origin. Generally, the program targets:
- International postgraduate researchers
- PhD candidates
- Early-career researchers
- Students pursuing eligible artistic Master’s programs
- Applicants with the required previous academic qualification
- Candidates who meet the specific requirements of their country
For research applications, a Swiss academic supervisor is an important requirement.
Application Process
The application process is country-specific. Applicants should first check whether the scholarship category is available for their country and review the applicable requirements.
A typical research application involves:
- Checking country-specific eligibility.
- Selecting a suitable Swiss research institution.
- Finding an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
- Developing a strong research proposal.
- Preparing the required academic and supporting documents.
- Submitting the application through the designated Swiss diplomatic representation or application channel.
- Waiting for evaluation by the FCS.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The Federal Commission for Scholarships evaluates applications using several major criteria, including:
- Candidate profile
- Excellence and Innovation in the Proposed Research or Artistic Project
- Potential for future research cooperation and academic synergies
Strong academic preparation and a well-developed research proposal can therefore play an important role in the selection process.
Important Dates
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year open on August 20, 2026.
Country-specific deadlines vary, so applicants should not rely on a single global closing date. The official Swiss Government scholarship page provides the relevant information for each country.
Scholarship decisions for the following academic year are expected to be communicated by the end of May at the latest.
Is There an Application Fee?
No. The official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application is free of charge.
Applicants should be particularly careful with individuals or websites requesting money for scholarship processing, visa costs, insurance, or guaranteed selection.
The Swiss authorities have specifically warned about fraudulent scholarship offers and phishing attempts using the name of the Swiss Government. Never send money or personal information to suspicious contacts claiming to guarantee a scholarship.
Why Apply for This Scholarship?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships can be valuable for researchers and academics seeking international research experience.
Successful applicants can:
- Conduct research in Switzerland
- Work with Swiss academic institutions
- Develop international research networks
- Gain experience in a globally recognized research environment
- Strengthen future academic and professional collaborations
- Participate in international knowledge exchange
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
The program provides substantial financial support, but the exact benefits depend on the scholarship category and country-specific conditions. Applicants should review the official funding details before applying.
Is the scholarship open to all countries?
The program is currently available to applicants from up to 183 countries, but eligibility and scholarship categories vary by country.
Do I need a Master’s degree?
For research and PhD scholarships, a Master’s degree is generally required. Art scholarship applicants generally need a Bachelor’s degree.
Do I need a supervisor in Switzerland?
For research scholarships, applicants need support from a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland.
Can I apply for an art scholarship?
Yes, but art scholarships are available only to applicants from selected countries and are intended for eligible Master’s-level artistic studies.
When will the 2028–2029 scholarships be announced?
The next scholarship cycle is expected to be advertised from August 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 provide an excellent opportunity for international researchers, PhD candidates, and eligible art students to gain academic experience in Switzerland.
Because requirements and deadlines can differ significantly by nationality, applicants should carefully review the official country-specific information before preparing their application.
Official Scholarship Information: Visit the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships page
Important Notice
Scholarship information, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, funding details, and application procedures, may change or be updated by the official organizers. Although we make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, unintentional errors may occur.
Applicants are strongly advised to always visit the official scholarship website and check the latest information before applying or making any decisions. The official website should be considered the final and most reliable source for current requirements, deadlines, and application instructions.
Do not rely solely on information published on third-party websites. Always verify the details through the official source.
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