Dreaming of studying in Switzerland on a fully funded scholarship? The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 offer international students a prestigious opportunity to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral studies in one of Europe’s most innovative countries. Funded by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS), this program promotes global research collaboration and academic exchange.
Every year, Switzerland welcomes scholars from over 180 countries to join its world-class universities and institutions. Whether you’re an aspiring researcher or a budding artist, this scholarship could be your gateway to a transformative academic experience in Switzerland.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Funded By: Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)
- Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Start Date: 1 September 2026
- Deadline: Varies by country (check the official list)
What’s Covered?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides a comprehensive financial package, including:
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly living stipend
- Accommodation support
- Health insurance
- One-year public transport card (half-fare)
- Housing allowance
- Tuition fee coverage (depending on the university)
Types of Scholarships Available
Research Scholarships
- Research Fellowships: 1-year full-time research at Swiss institutions
- PhD Scholarships: Full-time doctoral programs
- Postdoctoral Scholarships: For advanced academic researchers
Art Scholarships
- First-time Master’s degree in art, available at selected Swiss universities or conservatories.
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Who Can Apply?
The program is open to citizens of over 180 countries. Selection is based on academic merit, quality of the research/artistic proposal, and potential for future collaboration with Swiss institutions.
Eligibility Requirements
For Research Fellowships:
- Completed Master’s by 31 July 2026
- Born after 31 December 1990
- Strong research proposal with a timeline
- Letter of support from a Swiss professor
For PhD Scholarships:
- Same academic timeline and age requirement
- Not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland
For Postdoctoral Scholarships:
- PhD earned between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 July 2026
- High-quality research plan and Swiss supervisor’s support
- Entry into Switzerland must be after 1 August 2025
For Arts Scholarships:
- Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026
- Must not already hold a Master’s degree
- Admission to a Swiss arts institution is required
- Age limit: born after 31 December 1990
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How to Apply?
- Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website
- Download the application package specific to your country
- Carefully follow the instructions for document submission, which includes:
- CV
- Research or study proposal
- Letters of recommendation
- Letter of support from Swiss host institution
- Academic transcripts and certificates
Important: Each country has a different application deadline and procedure, so check yours in advance.
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit International Scholarships.
