Excellence Scholarships for International Students 2026

The Swiss Confederation awards the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships each year to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these fully funded scholarships are available for research fellowships, PhD programs, postdoctoral research, and art master’s degrees.

If you are an ambitious early‑career researcher or artist, this is your gateway to study at world‑class Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, and research institutions. For similar opportunities in the heart of Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Switzerland for international students.

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at highly motivated, competitive young researchers who have already completed a master’s or doctoral degree and wish to pursue advanced studies or research in Switzerland.

The program also includes art scholarships for talented artists from selected countries who want to earn their first master’s degree at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. Each year, the FCS selects outstanding candidates from more than 180 countries based on academic excellence, research potential, and the originality of their project.

Scholarship Types and Benefits

The program offers four distinct types of scholarships:

• Research Fellowship (12 months): CHF 1,920 per month

• PhD Scholarship (up to 36 months): CHF 1,920 per month

• Postdoctoral Scholarship (12 months): CHF 3,500 per month

• Art Scholarship (up to 21 months): CHF 1,920 per month

In addition to the monthly stipend, all scholarship holders receive:

• Health insurance (mandatory Swiss health insurance paid by FCS for non‑EU/EFTA recipients)

• One‑time housing deposit grant (CHF 300 to assist with accommodation costs)

• Tuition fee waiver (depending on the institution)

• Half‑fare public transport card for Switzerland (one year)

• Return airfare allowance (for non‑EU/EFTA grantees at the conclusion of the scholarship)

For students seeking other funded programs in Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary slightly by scholarship type, but the general criteria are as follows:

Research Fellowship & PhD Scholarship

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

• Date of birth after 31 December 1990

• Must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland who endorses the research proposal

• Valid only for full‑time research in Switzerland

Postdoctoral Scholarship

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

• Must find a Swiss academic supervisor for the research project

• Valid for 12 months of full‑time research (non‑renewable)

Art Scholarship (available to selected countries only)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026

• Date of birth after 31 December 1990

• Must not yet hold a master’s degree at the start of the scholarship

• Admission letter or proof of application to a Swiss university of the arts or music

For applicants seeking similar government‑funded awards in other European nations, see Switzerland's latest scholarships in 2026.

Required Documents

All applicants must submit the following (in the order specified in the application package):

• Completed, typed and printed FCS application form with photograph

• Comprehensive CV (education, degrees, awards, publications, work experience)

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining the reasons for the stay in Switzerland and future career plans

• Detailed research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed) – required for research scholarships only

• Letter of support from the academic host professor in Switzerland (including a short CV of the host)

• Two letters of recommendation from professors in the applicant’s field (original in sealed envelopes using the FCS reference form)

• Certified copies of degrees and transcripts (with official translations if not in English, German, French, or Italian)

• Signed medical certificate (using the FCS health certificate form)

• Copy of passport (personal information page)

• Portfolio (for art scholarships: USB, CD/DVD, or link with work samples)

Application Deadline and Procedure

Important: Deadlines vary by country. Applicants must submit their applications to the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution in their country of origin.

The application period for the 2026–2027 academic year opened on 4 August 2025 and closes at different dates depending on the country (e.g., 30 September for Pakistan, 15 December for South Africa, 13 October for many European countries).

Step‑by‑step application process:

Step 1: Visit the official website at www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.

Step 2: Select your country of origin from the list of countries and territories.

Step 3: Check which scholarship types are available for your country and the specific application deadline.

Step 4: Read the “Application Guidelines for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships” carefully.

Step 5: Download the application package (ESKAS forms) and fill them out.

Step 6: Find an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution. Contact professors early and provide a clear research proposal. This step may take weeks or months.

Step 7: Print two complete paper copies of your application.

Step 8: Submit both copies to the Swiss Embassy in your country of origin (or the designated national institution) by postal mail before your country’s deadline.

Step 9: The Swiss Embassy will preselect candidates and forward the applications to the FCS for final selection.

The FCS will announce the final scholarship recipients for the 2026–2027 academic year by the end of May 2026.

For students looking for additional financial aid across the Alpine region, explore financial aids for students in Europe.

Selection Criteria

The FCS assesses applications based on three main criteria:

1. Candidate profile: Academic record, research capacity, and motivation

2. Research proposal: Originality, methodological soundness, and feasibility

3. Academic context: Quality of supervision and potential for future academic cooperation with Switzerland

Important Notes for Applicants

• No application fee – Beware of scholarship scams. The official application process is completely free of charge.

• Supervisor required – For research scholarships, a letter of support from a Swiss academic professor is mandatory. Start searching for a supervisor early, as professors receive many requests.

• Separate processes – Applying for a PhD scholarship (including the host supervisor’s support) is separate from applying for admission to a doctoral program at a Swiss university.

• Language proficiency – Applicants must have adequate knowledge of French, German, Italian, or English to carry out their proposed research.

• No second scholarship – Candidates who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply again.

For a complete list of open scholarships across Europe, visit list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Why Choose the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

• Prestigious, government‑backed program – Recognized worldwide as a mark of academic excellence

• Fully funded – Monthly stipend, health insurance, housing allowance, travel, and tuition waivers

• Access to top institutions – Study at Swiss cantonal universities, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and four leading research institutes (PSI, WSL, EMPA, EAWAG)

• Vibrant research environment – Switzerland is a global leader in innovation, with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and a strong culture of international collaboration

• Cross‑cultural experience – Live and work in one of the most beautiful, safe, and diverse countries in Europe

Final Thoughts

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships represent a golden opportunity for talented international researchers and artists to advance their careers in one of the world’s most dynamic academic environments.

With comprehensive financial support and access to Switzerland’s elite research institutions, this scholarship can transform your academic future. Remember to check your country’s specific deadline, secure a host professor, and submit two complete paper copies to the Swiss Embassy in your home country. Start preparing your documents today – your Swiss research journey awaits.

Apply Now for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships