The Swiss Government seeks to sponsor young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD and foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree. Each year, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered to over 300 ambitious scholars from around the globe. The scholarship programs are aimed at promoting international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries.
Moreover, the Switzerland scholarship programs are fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and insurance. The programs are doorways for international students to experience Switzerland’s rich culture, and advanced lifestyle while improving their careers. Whether you’re a researcher or artist looking for funding opportunities to further your study in Switzerland, this scholarship is your key to studying at some of the best institutions in Switzerland.
Meanwhile, applicants for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are considered based on nomination. Thus, only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of the Swiss higher education institutions will be considered. This piece will walk you through how you can get a supervisor to stand for you. You will also learn about their selection criteria, the application process, and how you can improve your chances of being selected.
Summary
About the Host of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards established to promote global academic exchange and strengthen Switzerland’s international research collaborations. These scholarships are managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). They serve as opportunities for postgraduates, researchers, and artists to pursue their academic ambitions in Switzerland.
Additionally, this prestigious program has been consistently offering opportunities to international scholars since 1961. Likewise, the scholarships are offered annually to scholars from over 180 countries. They cater to various academic disciplines, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse fields have the chance to benefit from Switzerland’s world-class education and research infrastructure.
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Moreover, Switzerland’s education system is consistently ranked among the best globally, and the country is home to prestigious institutions such as ETH Zurich, the University of Geneva, and the University of Basel. The scholarship provides recipients with access to these institutions, enabling them to engage in modern research and benefit from exceptional academic resources.
Why Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Switzerland scholarship covers your tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and health insurance. These scholarships present an opportunity to experience Switzerland’s rich culture, and lifestyle, and many other perks including:
How Much is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Worth?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide financial support for international students in various levels of study and this support includes:
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How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
Every year, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to more than 380 highly talented foreign students and researchers across all fields of study. So, we can assume about 400 students are going to be beneficiaries of this year’s scholarship award.
What is the Acceptance Rate of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded to about 20 percent of all applicants. This shows that the scholarships are highly competitive with stringent selection criteria.
Eligible Nationality
The scholarship is open to applicants from over 180 countries, excluding EU/EFTA countries.
Host Nationality
The programs are hosted in Switzerland, in all accredited Swiss Universities
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are open in any course of study at the postgraduate level, meaning students can apply to pursue research in any discipline across all Swiss universities and research institutes, as long as they hold a minimum of a Master’s degree.
Which Level is Eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The scholarships are open to students in Master’s in artistic fields, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies in any academic discipline.
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Types of Research Scholarships
#1. Research fellowships: Selected applicants will undertake postgraduate research in PhD at one of the Swiss public universities, the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, the Graduate Institute, the Universities of Applied Sciences, or the public teaching and research institutes.
#2. PhD scholarships: To enable selected applicants to undertake a PhD at one of the Swiss public universities, the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology or the Graduate Institute. The scholarship is valid for full-time research in Switzerland only and is targeted at highly qualified postgraduate students (possessing the required degrees to start a PhD). The scholarship is prolongable up to 36 months and is awarded in three steps of 12 months each based on the achieved academic results.
#3. Postdoctoral scholarships: Valid for full-time research in Switzerland and no prolongation possible.
#4. Art scholarships: Open to art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland. They are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only. No Latin American countries are eligible for this call.
Eligibility Criteria
The Swiss Government Excellence scholarships are highly competitive, but if you understand and strictly follow their scholarships guidelines, you’ll increase your odds or being be consider for this competitive scholarship. Meanwhile, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirements
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships generally require applicants for PhD, research, and arts scholarships to be under 35 years old (with cut-off dates like being born after December 31, 1987 or 1990, depending on the cycle and country). For postdoctoral scholarships, there is no strict age limit, but applicants must have completed their PhD within the last five years.
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How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships starts with confirming your eligibility, choosing the right scholarship type, and preparing a solid research proposal in collaboration with a Swiss professor. You’ll then need to gather the required documents, and an acceptance letter from your host institution. After this, you can proceed with the application process below:
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
The following are the procedures required to apply for the Switzerland Scholarship award:
Download Application Package
Request the official application package from the Swiss Embassy in your country. This package will include the guidelines, forms, and checklist.Complete Application
Fill in all forms carefully and attach the required documents. Make sure everything is complete, as incomplete applications are not considered.Submit Application
Submit your application (usually in duplicate copies) to the Swiss Embassy in your country before the deadline.Selection and Interviews
Your application will go through a selection process that includes checks by Swiss universities, experts, and the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS). Some applicants may be invited for interviews.Notification
If accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter specifying your admission status and scholarship details. Afterward, you can begin making travel and study arrangements to Switzerland.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
What are the Documents Required for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Application?
To apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, you need to submit the following documents:
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Application Ongoing Now?
Yes, applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year are currently open, meaning you can apply now.
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What Can I Do To Win a Swiss Government Excellence Schola rship This Year?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive with large numbers of applicants every year. Hence, to enhance your chances of winning the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, you need to strategically prepare. Here are steps to improve your chances:
Application Deadline
The application deadline varies by country but typically falls between September and December. Meanwhile, you can contact your local Swiss Embassy or Consulate for specific dates.
Selection Procedures
The selection process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships begins at the national level. Applicants submit their documents through the Swiss Embassy in their home country, where an initial screening takes place to verify eligibility and completeness. At this stage, a local selection committee may shortlist candidates based on the established criterias.
After this, the applications are reviewed in Switzerland by academic experts in the respective fields, who carefully assess the quality, originality, and feasibility of each candidate’s proposed study or research. The final decision rests with the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). They evaluates candidates not only on academic merit but also on their motivation and potential to contribute to future collaboration with Switzerland. Successful candidates are then officially notified through their local Swiss Embassy, receiving the scholarship offer along with details of funding, duration, and preparations for travel.
Does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Have Past Questions?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships do not have past questions because the process does not involve any exams or standardized tests. Instead, selection is based on academic merit, the strength and originality of your research proposal or artistic work, recommendation letters, and confirmation of supervision from a Swiss institution. Therefore, you should focus on crafting a solid proposal, gathering strong references, and following the official application guidelines provided by the Swiss authorities. These carry more weight than trying to find past questions.
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What Should I do if I don’t get the Swiss Scholarship?
If you don’t win the Swiss excellence Scholarship, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time so don’t give up. Ensure to look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.
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You Should Check Out these International Scholarships
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. So, if you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
How can I study in Switzerland for free?
You can study in Switzerland for free by applying for scholarships, tuition-free programs at some universities, or exploring work-study opportunities.
Can I get a full scholarship in Switzerland?
Yes, some organizations, top universities as well as the Swiss Government offer several fully funded scholarships for international students.
How much CGPA is required for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants will need to have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, but higher CGPAs improve your chances.
Is Switzerland good for international students?
Yes, Switzerland offers quality education, excellent infrastructure, and a safe, multicultural environment, making it a beautiful location for international students to pursue their studies.
Is it easy to get a job in Switzerland for international students?
Well, getting a job in Switzerland can be challenging due to competition and language barriers, but opportunities exist in sectors like tech and finance.
Can I get the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships without IELTS?
Yes, if your previous education was in English, or if the program doesn’t specifically require IELTS.
How much funds are required for a Switzerland student visa?
For a Switzerland student visa, you typically need to show proof of around CHF 21,000 to cover living expenses for one year.
How long can I stay in Switzerland after graduation?
You can stay in Switzerland for up to 6 months to search for a job or start a business. However, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit extension specifically for job-seeking purposes.
Can I bring my family to Switzerland on a student visa?
Yes, you can bring your family to Switzerland on a student visa if you have sufficient funds and suitable accommodation, but requirements may vary by canton.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are an opportunity to advance your academic career while contributing to global knowledge. This program continues to attract some of the brightest minds from around the world, making it your ticket to networking with experts from various parts of the world.
Furthermore, the scholarship has a very demanding application process. Nonetheless, the rewards of advancing your research in one of the world’s most innovative countries make it an endeavor worth pursuing. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, you can apply for the scholarship today.