Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025-2026

Applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will open in early August 2024. Annually, the Swiss Confederation offers research and arts scholarships to students from over 180 countries, fostering international collaboration with Switzerland. This prestigious scholarship program, sponsored by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS), is among the most sought-after opportunities for studying in Switzerland.

The program targets young researchers who have completed a master’s or PhD in any field and wish to continue their studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level. Additionally, foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree planning to pursue a master’s program in Switzerland are also eligible. Detailed information about this scholarship can be found below.

Financial Support

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship will cover:

• Round Airfare Tickets
• Monthly Stipend for Expenses and Accommodation
• Housing Allowance
• One-year half-fare public transportation card.
• Tuition Fee Coverage

Types of Scholarships Under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program

Research Scholarships: The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree) to pursue research fellowship, PhD, and Postdoc.

Research Fellowship: This allows applicants to undertake research in the domain of their Ph.D. at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities.

• Target Group: Postgraduate researchers from all fields as well as young medical doctors.
• Criteria: Applicants have a Masters degree or equivalent. A research proposal including a timeframe. Mandatory letter from an academic host professor (including their short CV).
• Duration: 12 Months

PhD Scholarship: This allows applicants to undertake a PhD.

• Criteria: Master’s degree or equivalent university degree.
• Duration: Upto 36 Months.

Post-Doctoral Scholarship: This allows selected applicants to undertake a PhD.

• Target Group: Highly qualified early career scientists at the postdoctoral level.
• Criteria: PhD degree achieved.
• Duration: 12 Months

Art scholarships: Art scholarships are open to foreign art students wishing to pursue an initial arts master’s degree in Switzerland.

• Universities: The Art scholarship can be taken at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
• Criteria: Highly qualified young artists without a Master’s degree. Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Eligibility: The Art scholarship is available to only a limited number of countries.