The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year offer a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international scholars to pursue advanced studies and research in Switzerland. Designed for postgraduate students and researchers, these scholarships aim to promote international exchange and collaboration in various fields of study.
Recipients will benefit from comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits in a world-renowned educational environment. With access to top-tier universities and research institutions, scholars will engage in innovative projects and connect with leading experts in their fields.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide a unique chance to immerse yourself in Switzerland’s rich cultural landscape while contributing to cutting-edge research. This is an ideal opportunity for those looking to enhance their academic credentials and make a meaningful impact in their areas of expertise.
Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
What it’s all about
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master’s degree or PhD. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.
Research scholarships
These scholarships are available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline wishing to pursue research at any Swiss cantonal university, university of applied sciences, either of Switzerland’s two federal institutes of technology (ETHZ or EPFL) or at one of the four research institutes within the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag). Prerequisite: the scholarship application must be backed by an academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to direct and guide the applicant’s proposed research.
Art scholarships
Art scholarships are open to students wishing to pursue an initial Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only.
After applying
Selection
Applications are submitted to Swiss diplomatic representations. The FCS assesses scholarship applications according to three criteria.
- Candidate profile
- Quality of the research project or artistic work
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
Awards
By the end of May at the latest, the FCS will announce its decisions regarding the scholarship awards for the following academic year.
Outlook
Scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year will be advertised online from August 2026.
