The Swiss Confederation has opened applications for the 2026/2027 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, providing fully funded opportunities for early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and students in the arts.
The programme, administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), is available to applicants from 183 countries.
Scope of the Scholarship
The initiative covers three key categories:
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Research Fellowships: One-year research projects at Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, or recognised research institutes.
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PhD Scholarships: Up to 36 months of doctoral study, renewable annually based on academic performance.
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Art Scholarships: Master’s-level programmes in the arts, limited to candidates from designated countries.
Postdoctoral candidates are also eligible for advanced research scholarships under the scheme.
Financial Support and Benefits
Recipients of research, PhD, and art scholarships will receive a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920, while postdoctoral scholars are entitled to CHF 3,500 monthly. In addition, the package includes:
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Compulsory health insurance premiums for non-EU/EFTA scholars
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A one-time rental deposit grant of CHF 300
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A Half-Fare Travelcard for Swiss public transport
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A return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA awardees
However, the scholarships do not cover tuition fees, international conferences, or field research expenses. Tuition or semester fees, typically ranging from CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester, must be paid by the recipients.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed by July 31, 2026, with ETH Zurich requiring completion by June 30, 2026. Eligible candidates must be born after December 31, 1990.
Each application must include a detailed research plan with timelines and a formal letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland. Preference will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in the country.
For research and PhD scholarships, the start date is September 1, 2026. Research awards are valid for 12 months, while PhD awards may extend up to three years.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
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Academic profile and research competence
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Originality and methodological quality of the project
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Strength of supervision and potential for future collaboration
Application Process
The application process is ongoing, with submission requirements varying by country. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare early, as documentation such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and research proposals are mandatory.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships remain one of the most competitive and prestigious funding opportunities for international scholars. By fostering research collaboration and cultural exchange, the programme continues to strengthen Switzerland’s role as a global hub for academic excellence.
For more information, applicants should visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships webpage.