Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027: Ultimate Guide for International Students

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer an outstanding opportunity for international researchers and artists to study or conduct research in Switzerland. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these highly competitive scholarships foster international exchange and research cooperation. This guide provides a detailed overview of scholarship types, eligibility, application process, benefits, exclusions, and more.

Explore the fully funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 for international students and researchers. Learn about eligibility, application steps, and scholarship benefits.

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🎓 Scholarship Types & Objectives

1. Research Fellowships

• Objective: Conduct a one-year research project at a Swiss university or research institute as part of a doctoral program.

• Eligibility:

  • Master’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 (30 June for ETH Zurich).

  • Date of birth after 31 December 1990.

  • Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor.

  • Detailed research plan with timeline.

• Duration: 12 months (non-extendable), starts 1 September 2026.

• Stipend: CHF 1,920/month

2. PhD Scholarships

• Objective: Pursue a full PhD at a Swiss institution.

• Eligibility:

  • Master’s degree completed by 31 July 2026 (30 June for ETH Zurich).

  • Date of birth after 31 December 1990.

  • Detailed research plan and supervisor support letter.

  • PhD admission confirmation if applying to a graduate school.

• Duration: Up to 36 months (renewable yearly), starts 1 September 2026.

• Stipend: CHF 1,920/month

3. Postdoctoral Scholarships

• Objective: Carry out a postdoctoral research project in Switzerland.

• Eligibility:

  • PhD completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (30 June for ETH Zurich).

  • Research plan, supervisor’s support, and CV.

• Duration: 12 months (non-extendable), starts 1 September 2026.

• Stipend: CHF 3,500/month

4. Art Scholarships

• Objective: Obtain a first Master’s degree in arts at a Swiss conservatory or art school.

• Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree by 31 July 2026.

  • Not already holding a Master’s degree.

  • Application in progress to an art school.

• Duration: 12 to 21 months (depending on program), starts 1 September 2026.

• Stipend: CHF 1,920/month

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🌐 Eligible Institutions

Research & PhD Scholarships:

• 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)

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)

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✉️ Application Requirements (All Research-based Scholarships)

• Full CV with educational and research background

• Motivation letter (max 2 pages)

• Detailed research proposal (max 5 pages)

• Letter of support from Swiss academic supervisor (with short CV)

• Two academic reference letters (sent directly via email)

• Certified copies of academic transcripts & degrees (with translations if needed)

• Medical fitness certificate (FCS form only)

• Passport copy (all nationalities held)

• Swiss residence proof if already in Switzerland

Additional for Art Applicants:

• Portfolio (visual arts, music, performing arts)

• Proof of application or admission at a Swiss art institution

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📚 Selection Criteria

• Academic background, motivation & qualifications

• Research originality & methodology

• Quality of supervision & potential for future collaboration

• Artistic maturity and creative potential (for arts)

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📅 Application Timeline

• Application Opens: August 4, 2025

• Submission Deadline: Varies by country (e.g. Pakistan: Sept 29; India: Nov 10)

• Start Date: September 1, 2026

• Results Announcement: By end of May 2026

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💼 Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920 or CHF 3,500)

• Health insurance (non-EU/EFTA countries only)

• One-time CHF 300 rental deposit grant

• Half-Fare Public Transport Card

• Return flight allowance (non-EU/EFTA)

• Academic & cultural excursions

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⚠️ Important Notes & Exclusions

• The scholarship is not a salary

• Does not cover tuition fees (CHF 600–2,000 per semester may apply)

• No funding for conferences or fieldwork

• Must live in Switzerland (same canton as host institution)

• No family allowance or support for accompanying dependents

• No full-time employment permitted during scholarship

Applications will be rejected if:

• No supervisor in Switzerland

• Application is incomplete or submitted to multiple hosts

• Applicant already lived in Switzerland for over 1 year

• Fourth unsuccessful attempt or previously held this scholarship

Check Eligibility 

Scholarship applications only via this link.
Please do not send emails or paper documents.

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🌍 How to Apply

1. After eligibility signup or register.

2. Find a supervisor in Switzerland.

3. Get a letter of Support

4. Prepare your documents

5. Visit the official portal: https://www.go.eskas.ch

6. Download country-specific application guidelines

7. Collect required documents & submit online

8. Forward hard copies to the Swiss Embassy in your country

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🔗 Useful Resources

• ✉️ Official Scholarship Info

• 📆 Country Deadlines & Contacts: PDF Downloads

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🚀 Final Thoughts

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are your chance to pursue top-tier research, expand your global academic network, and immerse yourself in Switzerland’s cutting-edge educational environment. Whether you're a scientist, artist, or scholar, this scholarship can redefine your career. Start preparing now and take the next step towards your academic future in Switzerland.