The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025-26 are a key part of Switzerland’s international strategy for education, research, and innovation. These scholarships are available for master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral students worldwide. The scholarships for PhD and post-doc students are focused on research, while the scholarships for arts are specifically for master’s students.
Every year, the Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships to encourage international cooperation in research and the arts between Switzerland and over 180 countries. These scholarships are offered to citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with Switzerland, helping to enhance Switzerland’s global reputation in research and education.
Switzerland is renowned for its education system, attracting a high number of international students. The country has been associated with 113 Nobel Prize winners and ranks highly for its educational institutions. Switzerland’s success is built on its commitment to sustainable education, research, and innovation.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer students the chance to study in Switzerland, connect with university professors, and conduct groundbreaking research. After completing the scholarship, students become part of a global alumni network that promotes international cooperation and tolerance.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Funded By: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students
- Course Levels: Master’s, PhD, Post-doc, Research
- Available Scholarships
- Master’s Scholarships
- PhD Scholarships
- Postdoctoral Scholarships
- Research Scholarships
Types of Scholarships
- Research Scholarships: Available in any field, allowing scholars to study at Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and research institutes.
- Art Scholarships: For master’s students in a limited number of countries, allowing them to study at Swiss conservatories or universities of arts.
Scholarship Duration
- Research Scholarship: 12 months
- PhD Scholarship: 12 to 36 months, depending on academic progress
- Post-Doc Scholarship: 12 months
Scholarship Provision
- No application fee
- Monthly stipend for master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students
Eligibility Criteria
- An acceptance letter from a Swiss university professor is required.
- PhD and post-doc applicants need a master’s degree equivalent to a Swiss master’s degree.
- Master’s applicants need a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must be from countries with diplomatic relations with Switzerland.
- Must move to Switzerland for the study period.
- Residents of Switzerland for more than one year, or those who have received a Swiss Government grant before, are not eligible.
- Eligibility criteria for the master’s program vary by country.
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How to Apply
- Apply separately for the PhD, Post-Doc, or Master’s program at Swiss universities and for the Federal Commission of Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
- Provide a complete profile and research project or artistic work.
- Find a supervisor from a Swiss university related to your area of study.
- Contact the professor directly to discuss your interest in the scholarship.
- Arts applicants must first check their country’s eligibility.
- Application documents must be in English.
- The application package can be obtained from the Swiss Embassy.
Required Documents
- A short CV
- A motivation letter
- A signed research plan (max 5 pages) using the FCS form
- Two sets of documents: 1 original and 1 copy, including two letters of recommendation (if required)
- A typed and printed FCS form with a photo
Application Deadline
- Varies by country