The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer outstanding international researchers and artists the opportunity to study, conduct research, or pursue artistic development at some of Switzerland’s leading universities and research institutions. Awarded annually by the Swiss Confederation, these prestigious scholarships promote international academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.
Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), the program is primarily designed for talented early-career researchers who have already completed a master’s degree. Selected candidates receive financial support to undertake research, doctoral studies, or artistic master’s programs at eligible Swiss higher education institutions.
If you are seeking a fully funded opportunity to advance your academic career in one of the world’s leading education and research destinations, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 are an excellent option.
About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships encourage international academic cooperation and strengthen research partnerships between Switzerland and participating countries.
Each year, scholarships are awarded to highly qualified international applicants through a competitive selection process conducted by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).
The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Monthly scholarship of CHF 2,450
- Opportunity to study or conduct research in Switzerland
- Access to internationally recognised universities and research institutions
- Academic supervision from leading researchers
- Participation in international research collaboration
- Professional and academic networking opportunities
- Support for advanced research or artistic studies
Additional scholarship benefits may vary depending on the scholarship category and individual circumstances.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Awarding Organization | Swiss Confederation |
| Administered By | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) |
| Eligible Countries | 183 Countries (Research and PhD); Art Scholarships available for selected countries |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Monthly Stipend | CHF 2,450 |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Application Opening | 20 August 2026 |
Scholarship Categories
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer three main categories.
1. Research Scholarship
Research scholarships are intended for postgraduate researchers wishing to undertake research at eligible Swiss institutions.
Eligibility
Applicants should generally:
- Have completed a Master’s degree
- Be early-career researchers
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Obtain support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland
Duration
- Up to 12 months
Eligible Institutions
Research may be carried out at:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
- EPFL
- PSI
- WSL
- Empa
- Eawag
A confirmed academic supervisor in Switzerland is required before submitting the application.
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship supports international students pursuing doctoral studies in Switzerland.
Eligibility
Applicants generally need:
- A completed Master’s degree
- An academic supervisor at a Swiss institution
- To be 35 years old or younger
Duration
- Up to 36 months
3. Art Scholarship
Art Scholarships support students pursuing an initial master’s degree in an artistic discipline.
Eligibility
Applicants typically require:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Admission to, or proof of application for, a recognised Swiss art institution
Duration
- Up to 21 months
Art Scholarships are available only to applicants from a limited number of eligible countries.
Eligible Institutions
Scholarship recipients may study or conduct research at:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)
Who Should Apply?
The scholarships are particularly suitable for:
- Early-career researchers
- PhD candidates
- Master’s graduates
- International academics
- Researchers seeking international collaboration
- Students pursuing artistic master’s degrees (where eligible)
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- High-quality research or artistic proposals
- Potential for future research collaboration
- Commitment to academic excellence
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) using three primary criteria:
Candidate Profile
Assessment of the applicant’s academic achievements, qualifications, and potential.
Quality of the Research Project or Artistic Work
Evaluation of the originality, relevance, and academic quality of the proposed research or artistic project.
Potential for Future Research Cooperation
Consideration of how the scholarship may strengthen long-term academic collaboration between Switzerland and the applicant’s home country.
Application Process
Interested applicants should generally follow these steps:
Step 1
Review the scholarship information available for your country of origin.
Step 2
Identify an eligible Swiss university or research institution.
Step 3
For research and PhD scholarships, secure the support of an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
Step 4
Prepare all required application documents according to the official guidelines.
Step 5
Submit your application through the appropriate Swiss diplomatic representation in your home country.
Application Timeline
- Scholarship information by country published: August 2026
- Applications open: 20 August 2026
- Scholarship decisions announced: By the end of May 2027
- Scholarship period: 2027–2028 Academic Year
Important Fraud Warning
The Swiss authorities warn applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers using the name of the Swiss Government.
Applicants should remember:
- The application process is completely free of charge.
- The Swiss Government never requests payment for visa fees, insurance, or scholarship processing.
- Suspicious emails or social media messages requesting money should be ignored and reported.
Tips for a Strong Application
To strengthen your application:
- Develop a clear and innovative research proposal.
- Secure support from an academic supervisor early.
- Demonstrate strong academic achievements.
- Highlight previous research experience and publications where applicable.
- Explain how your research will contribute to future international collaboration.
- Carefully follow the official application instructions for your country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
The scholarships are primarily intended for early-career researchers who have completed a master’s degree, as well as eligible art students pursuing an initial master’s degree.
What is the monthly scholarship amount?
Successful applicants receive CHF 2,450 per month.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants are generally expected to be 35 years old or younger.
Do I need a supervisor?
Yes. Research and PhD scholarship applicants must obtain support from an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss institution before applying.
When do applications open?
Applications for the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle open on 20 August 2026.
Is there an application fee?
No. The scholarship application is completely free.
Final Thoughts
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 are among the world’s most prestigious international scholarship programs for researchers, doctoral students, and artists. With generous monthly funding, access to world-class universities and research institutions, and opportunities to collaborate with leading academics, the program provides an exceptional platform for advancing research, innovation, and international academic cooperation.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are committed to academic excellence, this fully funded scholarship offers an outstanding opportunity to study and conduct research in Switzerland.
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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 supporting fully funded research, PhD, and art scholarships for international students in Switzerland
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