Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 (Applications Open Today)

Applications are now open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027, a prestigious, fully funded program by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Open to citizens of over 180 countries, ideal for early-career researchers, PhD candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and young artists. The application window runs from August 4, 2025, with deadlines varying by country (typically September to December 2025).

The scholarships are fully funded, covering monthly stipends, health insurance, a housing allowance, and return airfare. There is no application fee, but applicants must cover tuition fees (CHF 600–2,000 per semester). Eligible candidates must meet specific academic and age requirements and secure a Swiss academic supervisor or art school admission. Below I have included a detailed guide. Please share it with your friends so that they can get benefit. Check more BS, MS and PhD positions.

Key Details

• Fields: All academic disciplines (research fellowships, PhD, postdoctoral) and arts (Master’s at conservatories/art schools).
• Degree Level: Short term research during PhD, Full PhD, Postdoc and Master’s at arts
• Duration: 12 months (research fellowships, postdoctoral); up to 36 months (PhD); up to 21 months (arts).
• Application Deadline: Varies by country (September–December 2025).
• Application Fee: None.

Types of Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are divided into two main categories: Research Scholarships and Art Scholarships. Below is a breakdown of each type, including objectives, eligibility, and benefits.

1. Research Scholarships

These scholarships support postgraduate researchers in any academic field at Swiss universities, applied sciences institutions, or research institutes. They are divided into three subcategories: Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Postdoctoral Scholarships.

Check also: University of London Scholarships

A. Research Fellowships

• Objective: Conduct a one-year research project as part of doctoral studies.
• Target Group: Early-career researchers, including young medical doctors, from any academic field.
• Eligibility:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent completed by July 31, 2026 (or June 30, 2026, for ETH Zurich).
  • Born after December 31, 1990.
  • Not residing in Switzerland for more than one year by September 2026.
  • Detailed research plan with a timeline.
  • Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (with their CV).
  • Priority for those who haven’t studied or researched in Switzerland before.
• Duration: 12 months (no extensions).
• Scholarship Amount: CHF 1,920/month (approx. €2,000) for living expenses (not a salary).

Check also: University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships

B. PhD Scholarships

• Objective: Pursue a full PhD at a Swiss university or research institute.
• Target Group: Researchers with a master’s degree in any academic field.
• Eligibility:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent completed by July 31, 2026 (or June 30, 2026, for ETH Zurich).
  • Born after December 31, 1990.
  • Not residing in Switzerland for more than one year by September 2026.
  • Detailed research plan with a timeline.
  • Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (with their CV).
  • Priority for those who haven’t studied or researched in Switzerland before.
• Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months based on academic progress.
• Scholarship Amount: CHF 1,920/month (approx. €2,000) for living expenses (not a salary).

C. Postdoctoral Scholarships

• Objective: Conduct postdoctoral research at a Swiss university or research institute.
• Target Group: Early-career postdoctoral researchers.
• Eligibility:
  • PhD completed between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026 (or June 30, 2026, for ETH Zurich).
  • Not residing in Switzerland for more than one year by September 2026.
  • Detailed research plan with a timeline.
  • Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (with their CV).
  • Priority for those who haven’t studied or researched in Switzerland before.
• Duration: 12 months (no extensions).
• Scholarship Amount: CHF 3,500/month (approx. €3,650) for living expenses (not a salary).

Best opportunity: McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026 

2. Art Scholarships

• Objective: Pursue a first Master’s degree at a Swiss conservatory or art school.
• Target Group: Talented young artists who do not yet hold a Master’s degree.
• Eligibility:
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent completed by July 31, 2026.
  • Born after December 31, 1990.
  • Not residing in Switzerland for more than one year by September 2026.
  • Admission process (e.g., entrance exam) at a Swiss art school or conservatory in progress.
  • Available only to citizens of specific countries.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Artistic profile, qualifications, and motivation.
  • Quality of submitted portfolio (artistic maturity and potential).
  • Availability of enrollment at the desired institution.
• Duration: 12 months, extendable up to 21 months depending on the Master’s program and ECTS credits required.
• Scholarship Amount: CHF 1,920/month (approx. €2,000) for living expenses (not a salary).

Study in Thailand: Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Post-graduate Scholarship 

Benefits of the Scholarships

• Monthly Stipend:
  • Research Fellowships, PhD, and Art Scholarships: CHF 1,920/month.
  • Postdoctoral Scholarships: CHF 3,500/month.
• Health Insurance: Covered for non-EU/EFTA scholars; EU/EFTA scholars must cover their own.
• Housing Allowance: One-time CHF 300 grant for rental deposits.
• Travel Allowance: Return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA scholars (amount varies by country).
• Public Transport: One-year half-fare travel card for Swiss public transport.
• Excursions and Activities: Organized trips, dinners, and sightseeing for scholarship holders.

Note: The scholarship does not cover tuition fees (approx. CHF 600–2,000/semester), fieldwork, or conference costs. Scholars from EU/EFTA countries must cover their own travel expenses.

Application Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm your country’s eligibility and specific deadlines via the official website.
• Check program-specific requirements (e.g., degree completion dates, age limits).

Study in US: Karsh International Scholarship at Duke University

Step 2: Find an Academic Supervisor (Research Scholarships)

• Research Scholarships: Contact a professor or lab leader at a Swiss institution (list below) whose research aligns with your project. Include your CV and a 2–3-page research proposal.
• Art Scholarships: Begin the admission process at a Swiss conservatory or art school.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

For Research Scholarships

• CV: Include education, degrees, positions, publications, and teaching experience.
• Motivation Letter: Max. 2 pages, explaining why you want to study in Switzerland and your career goals.
• Research Proposal: Max. 5 pages, signed, using the FCS form, including a non-specialist summary.
• Supervisor’s Support Letter: From a Swiss academic supervisor, including their CV (max. 2 pages).
• Home Institution Mentor CV: For research fellowships only (max. 2 pages).
• Recommendation Letters: Two confidential letters from different professors (not the supervisor), sent directly by email.
• Academic Certificates: Copies of degrees and transcripts (with certified translations if not in English, French, Italian, or German). For India, self-certification is accepted.
• Health Certificate: Signed by a doctor, using the FCS form.
• Passport Copy: Include both if you have dual citizenship.
• Residence Permit: If already in Switzerland, provide a registration confirmation or permit.

Study in Indonesia: UMS Indonesia Scholarship 

For Art Scholarships

• CV: Include education, degrees, and artistic experience.
• Motivation Letter: Max. 2 pages, explaining your goals and reasons for studying in Switzerland.
• Recommendation Letters: Two confidential letters from different professors, sent directly by email.
• Academic Certificates: Copies of degrees and transcripts (with certified translations if needed).
• Health Certificate: Signed by a doctor, using the FCS form.
• Passport Copy: Include both if you have dual citizenship.
• Residence Permit: If already in Switzerland, provide a registration confirmation or permit.
• Portfolio:
  • Music: High-quality audio file with three different styles (composers submit scores).
  • Visual Arts: Three photos of artwork with sketches (labeled with name, country, and creation date).
  • Other Arts (e.g., dance, acting, writing): Electronic files showcasing performances or creations.
• Admission Confirmation: Proof that a Swiss art school or conservatory is considering your application (e.g., conditional admission or entrance exam).

Check also: Australian Government RTP Scholarships at University of New England

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Use the official application link. Do not send emails or paper documents unless specified.

Host Institutions in Switzerland

Research scholarships: PhD, Postdoctoral scholarships and research fellowships

• University of Basel
• University of Bern
• University of Fribourg
• University of Geneva
• University of Lausanne
• University of Lucerne
• University of Neuchâtel
• University of St. Gallen
• University of Zurich
• Università della Svizzera italiana
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
• Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)

Research scholarships: Postdoctoral scholarships and research fellowships

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
• Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)
• University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
• University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
• Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
• Universities of teacher education
• UniDistance Suisse (presence in Switzerland mandatory)
• Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)

Also check: Chevening Scholarships for Master’s Degrees

Art scholarships at host institutions in Switzerland:

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
• Bern University of the Arts (HKB-BFH)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland (OST)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
• Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
• Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK)