Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 – Apply Now!
Are you an ambitious researcher dreaming of pursuing advanced studies in one of Europe’s most innovative countries? The Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2026-2027 offer international scholars an extraordinary opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at Switzerland’s prestigious universities and research institutions—with complete financial support.
Quick Overview: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Degrees | Research Fellowship, PhD, Postdoctoral, Master’s (Arts only) |
| Monthly Stipend | CHF 1,920 (Research/PhD/Arts) / CHF 3,500 (Postdoc) |
| Application Opens | August 4, 2025 |
| Deadline | Varies by country (September – December 2025) |
| Eligible Countries | 180+ countries with diplomatic ties to Switzerland |
| Selection Results | End of May 2026 |
| Scholarship Starts | September 1, 2026 |
| Duration | 12 months (renewable up to 36 months for PhD) |
What Makes the Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Exceptional?
Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s top countries for education, innovation, and quality of life. With 113 Nobel Laureates connected to Swiss educational institutions and a reputation for groundbreaking research, the Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships represent more than just financial aid—they’re your entry ticket to a globally recognized academic network.
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries, with recipients selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
Types of Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
1. Research Fellowships
Open to postgraduate researchers in any discipline wishing to pursue research at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, or recognized research institutes. This scholarship allows you to conduct research for 12 months in your chosen field.
Eligible Institutions:
- All Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- ETH Zurich and EPFL (Federal Institutes of Technology)
- Four ETH Domain research institutes (PSI, Empa, WSL, Eawag)
2. PhD Scholarships
Designed for international students intending to complete a full PhD program in Switzerland, with applicants needing admission to a Swiss doctoral program before applying. This fully funded opportunity covers up to 36 months of doctoral study.
Key Features:
- Duration: 12 months initially, renewable twice (up to 36 months total)
- Full-time research only
- Must secure a Swiss academic supervisor
3. Postdoctoral Scholarships
Designed for scholars who have completed their PhD after December 31, 2020, and before July 31, 2026, supporting postdoctoral research in any discipline at eligible Swiss institutions.
Key Features:
- Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
- Higher monthly stipend (CHF 3,500)
- For early-career researchers
4. Art Scholarships
Art scholarships are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts, available to students from a limited number of countries only. These scholarships support master’s degree students in artistic fields.
Eligible Institutions:
- Swiss conservatories
- Universities of the arts
Comprehensive Financial Coverage: What’s Included in the Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The term “fully funded” truly lives up to its promise with these scholarships:
Monthly Stipend
- Research Fellowship/PhD/Arts Scholarship: CHF 1,920 per month
- Postdoctoral Scholarship: CHF 3,500 per month
Additional Benefits
Recipients receive a one-time housing allowance of CHF 300 with the first stipend to assist with security deposits, plus mandatory Swiss health insurance fully covered for non-EU/EFTA fellows.
Complete Coverage Includes:
1. Monthly living allowance (covering basic expenses for one person)
2. Health insurance (mandatory Swiss health coverage for non-EU/EFTA nationals)
3. CHF 300 housing allowance (one-time payment to help with initial accommodation costs)
4. Half-Fare Travel Card (50% discount on Swiss public transportation for one year)
5. Return flight allowance (for non-EU/EFTA nationals upon completion)
6. No application fees
7. Tuition exemption at many institutions
Important Note: This scholarship is not a salary, and no funding is provided for fieldwork and participation in conferences.
Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
General Requirements
Applicants must be born after December 31, 1990, making this scholarship ideal for early-career academics. Additional requirements vary by scholarship type:
For Research Fellowships:
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent
- Have secured a Swiss academic supervisor
- Primarily for candidates who haven’t previously studied in Switzerland
For PhD Scholarships:
Master’s degree or equivalent university degree achieved before July 31, 2026 (except ETH Zurich: June 30, 2026), with a research proposal including a timeline specifying key milestones and activities, plus a mandatory letter from an academic host professor.
For Postdoctoral Scholarships:
Completion of PhD thesis between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026 (ETH Zurich: June 30, 2026), with a research proposal including a timeframe and mandatory letter from an academic host professor.
For Art Scholarships:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in an artistic field
- Limited to specific countries (check country-specific guidelines)
Important Restrictions:
- Cannot have spent more than one year in Switzerland previously
- Cannot have previously received a Swiss Government grant
- Must be able to relocate to Switzerland for the full scholarship duration
- Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic ties to Switzerland
Country-Specific Requirements:
Eligibility criteria and deadlines vary by country. Check your specific requirements:
How to Apply for Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Visit the official country-specific guidelines page and locate your country to confirm:
- Available scholarship types
- Application deadline
- Specific eligibility requirements
- Required documents
Step 2: Find and Contact a Swiss Academic Supervisor
This is the most critical step! You must secure a Swiss professor who agrees to supervise your research.
How to find a supervisor:
- Research Swiss universities and departments relevant to your field
- Identify professors whose research aligns with yours
- Review their recent publications and ongoing projects
- Draft a compelling email introducing yourself, your research interests, and your intention to apply
- Request a formal letter of support/commitment
Pro Tip: Start this process 4-6 months before the deadline. Swiss professors receive many requests, so personalized, well-researched emails are essential.
Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Your research proposal (maximum 5 pages) should include:
- Clear research questions and objectives
- Methodology
- Timeline with key milestones
- Expected outcomes and significance
- How it aligns with your supervisor’s expertise
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Applicants need a signed official FCS application form, academic CV with publications, motivation letter (max 2 pages), research proposal (max 5 pages), short CV of the Swiss academic supervisor, two recommendation letters, transcripts and diplomas with translations if needed, signed medical certificate, formal acceptance letter from a Swiss professor, and two passport copies.
Complete Application Package:
- Completed and signed FCS application form
- Detailed CV with list of publications (if applicable)
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed)
- Short CV of your Swiss supervisor
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (with official English translations if necessary)
- Medical certificate
- Formal acceptance/support letter from Swiss professor
- Two copies of your passport
- Passport-sized photograph
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Prepare your application and submit two complete copies to the relevant office in your country of origin according to the list of contacts by the deadline.
Submission Process:
- Applications are submitted through your home country’s Swiss Embassy or designated authority
- Some countries now accept online submissions
- Always follow your country-specific instructions
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues
Find Your Country Contact: Download the List of Contacts PDF to locate the submission address for your country.
Application Timeline for 2026-2027 Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2025 | Applications open online |
| September – December 2025 | Country-specific deadlines (check your country) |
| January – May 2026 | Application review by national authorities and FCS |
| End of May 2026 | Results announced |
| September 1, 2026 | Scholarship period begins |
Important: Applications undergo a preliminary review by the relevant national authorities and/or Swiss diplomatic representation, after which shortlisted applications are evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), composed of professors from Swiss public universities who award scholarships based on academic and scientific excellence.
Why Choose the Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Academic Excellence
Switzerland is home to world-leading institutions like ETH Zurich (consistently ranked in the global top 10), EPFL, University of Zurich, and University of Geneva. Swiss universities offer:
- State-of-the-art research facilities
- Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge technology
- International research networks
Career Advancement
- Build connections with leading researchers in your field
- Access to Swiss and European research networks
- Enhanced CV with internationally recognized scholarship
- Alumni network spanning 180+ countries
Quality of Life
Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s best countries for quality of life, offering:
- Safe, clean, and efficient environment
- Stunning natural landscapes
- Multicultural society
- Central European location (easy travel to neighboring countries)
- Four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh)
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Start Early
Begin your supervisor search and document preparation at least 6 months before your country’s deadline.
2. Personalize Your Approach
When contacting potential supervisors:
- Reference their specific research
- Explain how your project complements their work
- Be professional but genuine
- Follow up politely if you don’t receive a response within 2 weeks
3. Craft a Compelling Research Proposal
- Be specific and realistic about your timeline
- Demonstrate knowledge of current research in your field
- Show how your work will contribute to the field
- Explain why Switzerland and your chosen institution are ideal for your research
4. Secure Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who:
- Know your academic work well
- Can speak specifically to your research capabilities
- Have academic credentials themselves
- Can submit letters on time
5. Perfect Your Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should:
- Explain your academic journey and research interests
- Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for your field
- Show cultural awareness and adaptability
- Explain your long-term career goals
- Connect your goals to the scholarship opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I’m already in Switzerland?
If the applicant already resides in Switzerland, the date of entry must not be earlier than August 1, 2025, requiring submission of a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit.
Q: Is the scholarship renewable?
PhD scholarships can be renewed twice (up to 36 months total) based on academic progress. Research fellowships and postdoctoral scholarships are typically for 12 months, with PhD extensions possible. Art scholarships follow the regular master’s program duration.
Q: Do I need to know German, French, or Italian?
Not necessarily. Many programs are offered in English, especially at the PhD and postdoctoral levels. However, language requirements depend on your host institution and research project. Check with your potential supervisor.
Q: Can I work while holding the scholarship?
The scholarship is for full-time research only. Limited teaching or research assistant duties within your host institution may be possible with approval, but external employment is generally not permitted.
Q: What happens after the scholarship ends?
For scholarship holders from non-EU and non-EFTA nations, a travel allowance for return to their home country is provided after completing their studies. Many scholars continue their careers in academia, industry, or international organizations, benefiting from the global alumni network.
Official Resources and Contact Information
Primary Resources:
- Official Scholarship Page: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Application Guidelines: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance
- Country-Specific Information:
- ETH Zurich Information: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship at ETH
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI):
The scholarship program is administered by SERI (also known by its French acronym SEFRI), the federal body responsible for Swiss higher education and research policy.
Conclusion: Your Path to Academic Excellence Starts Here
The Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 represent a life-changing opportunity for ambitious early-career researchers worldwide. With comprehensive financial support, access to world-class facilities, and the chance to work with leading academics, these scholarships offer more than funding—they provide a launchpad for your international research career.
Switzerland’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and international collaboration makes it an ideal destination for scholars seeking to make meaningful contributions to their fields. The country’s multilingual, multicultural environment, combined with its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, ensures that your time as a scholarship holder will be both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Start preparing your application today:
- Check your country-specific requirements and deadline
- Begin contacting potential Swiss supervisors
- Start drafting your research proposal
- Gather your academic documents
Applications opened on August 4, 2025—the time to act is now!
Related Scholarship Opportunities
While preparing your Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application, consider exploring other European scholarship opportunities to maximize your chances:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
- Netherlands Fellowship Programmes
- Swedish Institute Scholarships
Ready to begin your Swiss academic journey? Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website today and take the first step toward joining Switzerland’s distinguished community of international scholars.
Good luck with your application! Your future in Swiss research excellence awaits.
