SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP 2026

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (2026–2027) Fully Funded Study in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is now open for applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue Master’s, PhD, Postdoc, or Research Fellowships in Switzerland.

This prestigious scholarship offers full tuition coverage, a CHF 3,500 monthly stipend, and accommodation support at top Swiss institutions.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Switzerland
  
  

• Sponsor: Swiss Government
  
  

• Category: Postgraduate | Masters | PhD | Postdoctoral | Research | Art
  
  

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities (180+ countries)
  
  

• Institutions: All Swiss public universities, universities of applied sciences, Federal Institutes of Technology, and arts institutions
  
  

• Reward:
  
  

• Full Tuition Fee Coverage
  
  

• CHF 3,500 Monthly Stipend
  
  

• Accommodation Support
  
  

• Application Deadline: Varies by country (Check Swiss embassy website)
  
  

Scholarship Types

1. Research Scholarships
   For postgraduate researchers (holding a Master’s degree or higher) in any discipline aiming to pursue research or doctoral/postdoctoral studies at Swiss universities or research institutes.
   
   

2. Art Scholarships
   For international students with a Bachelor’s degree in arts, looking to begin a Master’s program at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. (Available only for specific countries.)
   
   

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, you must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree before the start of the program
  
  

• Be under 35 years of age (i.e., born on or after January 1, 1990)
  
  

• Demonstrate academic excellence and research or artistic potential
  
  

• Be proficient in the language of instruction (German, French, Italian, or English)
  
  

• Apply for a full-time research, doctoral, or artistic program in Switzerland
  
  

Selection Process & Criteria

Applications go through two stages of review:

1. Pre-selection by the national authority or Swiss embassy in your country.
   
   

2. Final selection by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
   
   

Evaluation Criteria:

• Academic and research excellence
  
  

• Quality and feasibility of the research project or artistic work
  
  

• Potential for future collaboration between your home country and Switzerland
  
  

Final decisions are made by Swiss university professors, and award announcements are expected by mid-2026 for studies beginning in 2026–2027.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full Tuition Coverage
  
  

• Accommodation Allowance
  
  

• CHF 3,500 monthly stipend
  
  

• Access to Switzerland’s world-class universities and research networks
  
  

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

To apply for the 2026 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Select your country of origin
   Visit the Swiss Government Scholarships webpage and choose your country to download country-specific guidelines and documents.
   
   

2. Read the information carefully
   Note the application deadline, available scholarship types, and eligible institutions in your country.
   
   

3. Prepare your documents
   Requirements usually include:
   
   

• CV
  
  

• Academic transcripts
  
  

• Research proposal or artistic portfolio
  
  

• Letter of motivation
  
  

• Letters of recommendation
  
  

• Acceptance letter or invitation from a Swiss professor
  
  

4. Submit your application
   Applications must be sent by post to the Swiss embassy in your country, as instructed in your specific country guideline.
   
   

Important Links

• Visit the Official Scholarship Website
  
  

Final Tip

Start early. Applications require coordination with professors or institutions in Switzerland. It’s one of the most competitive and rewarding government scholarships in Europe, so make your application stand out!