Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025–2026 (Fully Funded)

Are you an ambitious international student, researcher, or young medical doctor aiming to pursue your academic career in Europe? The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 present a golden, fully funded opportunity to study, research, or complete postgraduate training in one of the world’s most respected academic and innovation hubs — Switzerland.

Awarded annually by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) in partnership with the Swiss government, these scholarships are open to students from over 180 countries across all disciplines, offering access to world-renowned institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Geneva, University of Zurich, and more.

This comprehensive guide covers all essential aspects of the scholarship — from types and benefits to eligibility and a step-by-step application process — tailored to international applicants seeking advanced academic opportunities in Switzerland.

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship program is a highly competitive initiative designed to foster international research cooperation and cultural exchange. It supports highly qualified postgraduate students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and young medical doctors from around the world who wish to study or conduct research in Switzerland.

This program is part of Switzerland's long-standing commitment to supporting global education and academic collaboration, administered directly by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Levels and Types of Scholarships

There are two primary categories of scholarships under this program:

1. Research Scholarships

For international postgraduate researchers (Master’s degree holders at minimum) planning to conduct part of their PhD or postdoctoral research at a Swiss academic institution.

• Available in any academic field

• Requires nomination and supervision by a Swiss academic professor

2. Art Scholarships

For students from limited eligible countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in arts at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.

Note: Master's-level academic programs (except for arts) are rarely included and are only accepted in exceptional, program-specific cases.

Eligible Institutions in Switzerland

Swiss Government Scholarships are tenable at all public higher education institutions in Switzerland, including:

• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

• EPFL Lausanne – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

• University of Geneva

• University of Zurich

• University of Basel

• University of Bern

• University of Lausanne

• University of St. Gallen

• Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences

• Federal and Cantonal Research Institutes

• Swiss Conservatories and Arts Institutions (for Art scholarships only)

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarships are open to all academic disciplines, provided the candidate has secured an academic host in Switzerland. These include:

• Engineering and Applied Sciences

• Life Sciences and Medicine

• Social Sciences and Humanities

• Environmental and Natural Sciences

• Law and International Relations

• Art, Music, and Design (only for Art scholarships)

Scholarship Coverage and Financial Benefits

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a comprehensive funding package, ensuring scholars can focus entirely on their academic journey:

• Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (approx. $2,100 USD)

• Full tuition fee waiver at the host Swiss institution

• Swiss health insurance (for non-EU/EFTA scholars)

• Return airfare allowance (lump sum paid upon program completion)

• CHF 300 housing allowance (one-time payment at start)

• One-year half-fare Swiss public transport card

• Support services and academic mentoring

• Organized cultural and networking events

Program Duration

• Research Scholarships: 12 months (non-renewable)

• PhD Scholarships: Up to 3–4 years (renewable annually)

• Postdoctoral Scholarships: 12 months (non-renewable)

• Art Scholarships: 1–2 years, depending on the program

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a non-Swiss citizen (open to all nationalities)

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by July 31, 2026

• Born after December 31, 1989 (for PhD/Postdoc applicants)

• Not residing in Switzerland for more than 1 year prior to application

• Provide a detailed research proposal, including a timeline

• Must secure a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor

• Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction/research

• Submit two academic recommendation letters

• Must relocate to Switzerland for the full duration of the scholarship

• Applicants who have received this scholarship before are ineligible

Required Documents (Prepare in Advance)

Applicants must submit two complete sets (1 original + 1 copy) in the exact order listed. The first set must include original documents and sealed recommendation letters.

1. Signed FCS Application Form

2. CV with academic publications and achievements

3. Motivation Letter (max 2 pages)

4. Complete Research Proposal (max 5 pages, signed)

5. Letter of Invitation and CV from Swiss Host Professor

6. Short CV of home institution’s academic mentor

7. Two Confidential Recommendation Letters (FCS form, sealed)

8. Degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if not in English/French/German/Italian)

9. Medical Certificate (FCS health form only)

10. Two copies of valid passport(s)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Country Eligibility and Deadlines

Visit the FCS country list and download your country-specific fact sheet for detailed instructions.

Step 2: Secure a Host Institution and Supervisor

Find a Swiss professor in your field and get their formal support letter. Without this, your application will be rejected.

Step 3: Prepare and Compile Documents

Follow the exact order provided. Do not bind or place documents in plastic folders.

Step 4: Submit the Application Package

Send your documents to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country by the deadline. No online submissions are accepted.

Step 5: Wait for Review and Notification

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. Final selections are announced between March–May 2026 for the academic year starting September 2026.

Why Choose Switzerland?

• Ranked among the top for quality of life, innovation, and education

• Home to world-class universities and Nobel-winning researchers

• Stunning landscapes and safe, multilingual environment

• Gateway to international academic and research networks

• Boost to academic careers, especially in STEM, policy, health, and humanities

Official Website and Resources

For up-to-date application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility details by country, visit the official FCS website:

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Official Website

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 are among the most sought-after fully funded international scholarships. If you’re a highly qualified researcher or postgraduate student looking to gain global exposure, cutting-edge academic experience, and professional growth in Switzerland, this scholarship is a pathway to achieving those goals.

With generous funding, access to top-tier institutions, and the experience of living in one of Europe’s most advanced societies, this opportunity is perfect for turning your academic vision into reality. Start preparing now — competition is fierce, and deadlines are country-specific!