If you’re aiming to study, research, or deepen your academic career abroad, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 present an outstanding chance to do just that in one of the world’s most innovative and academically respected countries.
Offered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), this prestigious scholarship scheme supports talented individuals from over 180 countries to pursue fully funded Master’s, Ph.D., postdoctoral, or research programs at top public universities in Switzerland. The initiative is designed to promote international academic cooperation and cross-cultural exchange.
Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge research, a specialised graduate degree, or working alongside world-renowned scholars, this scholarship removes the financial burden, letting you focus on your academic goals in a country known for excellence in education and innovation.
What the Swiss Excellence Scholarships Cover
Selected scholars receive a comprehensive package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Free Swiss health insurance
- Accommodation support
- Travel allowance (in some cases)
- Access to top-tier Swiss public institutions
- Support for research and academic projects
- Opportunities for cultural exchange and international networking
Study Levels and Eligible Institutions
You can apply for any of the following academic paths:
- Master’s Programmes
- Ph.D. Programmes
- Postdoctoral Research
- Short-Term Research Projects
Scholarships can be taken at leading Swiss public universities including:
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL Lausanne
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Bern
- University of Basel
- University of Fribourg
- University of Neuchâtel
- …and other top institutions across Switzerland.
Fields of Study
The programme welcomes candidates from a broad spectrum of disciplines, including:
- Engineering & Technology
- Medicine & Life Sciences
- Natural & Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Public Policy & International Relations
- Humanities, Arts, and Music
- Mathematics, Computer Science, and more
Who Can Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be citizens of countries outside Switzerland (180+ eligible countries)
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree relevant to the programme they’re applying for
- Demonstrate strong academic or research potential
- Have a research or study plan aligned with a Swiss university’s expertise
- Secure a Letter of Acceptance or Supervision Agreement from a professor in Switzerland
- Provide proof of language proficiency (English, French, German, or Italian, depending on the institution)
- Meet all visa and residency requirements for Switzerland
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to submit:
- Completed application form
- Research or study proposal
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV/Resume
- Motivation letter
- Language proficiency results (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)
- Two reference letters
- Letter of acceptance from a Swiss academic supervisor
- Passport copy
- Any other documents requested by the Swiss Embassy in your country
YOU CAN ALSO APPLY FOR:
CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 at Università della Svizzera italiana
Deadline and Application Process
Applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are open starting August 4, 2025. You can also find useful information on how to prepare your scholarship application.
To apply:
- Visit the official Swiss Government Scholarships page and check your country’s specific requirements.
- Select your desired programme (Master’s, Ph.D., Postdoc, or Research).
- Contact a professor in Switzerland for supervision or academic support.
- Gather and prepare all required documents.
- Submit your complete application to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Applying for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
The types of scholarships available and application deadlines depend on the country of origin.
-
A-Z list of all countries and territories
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Africa
-
Asia
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Australia and Oceania
-
Europe
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North America
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South America
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship isn’t just a financial award—it’s a launchpad for future global leaders, researchers, and change-makers. If you’re passionate about advancing your academic journey on a global stage, this could be your next big step.
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