The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 are international scholarships offered by the Swiss Confederation to support foreign students and researchers. These Europe scholarships are designed to promote global academic exchange and international research cooperation at Switzerland’s top universities and institutions. Managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), the program supports full-time research fellowships, PhD studies, and Master’s-level arts education in Switzerland.
Every year, the Swiss government offers scholarships to International students from over 180 countries. However, not all scholarship types are available for every country. The availability and application deadlines depend entirely on your country of origin. To find out what scholarships you can apply for, you must check the A–Z list of countries provided on the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.
Studying in Switzerland is a dream for many students seeking a world-class education in Europe. With top-ranked universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a safe, beautiful environment, Switzerland is a popular destination for academic and professional growth. These scholarships offer a great opportunity to become part of this dynamic educational system. However, students should be prepared for the overall cost of studying in Europe, as additional expenses such as tuition fees, travel, and personal needs may arise depending on the university and program. Planning your budget early is highly recommended.
Swiss Government ExcellenceScholarships 2027-28
Host Country
Switzerland
Awarded By
Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students.
Course Level
Research Fellowship
PhD
Master’s Degree in Arts (only for eligible countries)
Available Scholarships
Swiss Government Excellence Research Fellowship
Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarship
Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship (Master’s)
List of the Eligible Countries under Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-2028
A–Z List of All Countries and Territories
List of Host Universities in Switzerland under Swiss Government Scholarships
For Research Fellowships & PhD Scholarships
University of Basel
University of Bern
University of Fribourg
University of Geneva
University of Lausanne
University of Lucerne
University of Neuchâtel
University of St. Gallen
University of Zurich
Università della Svizzera italiana
EPFL
ETH Zurich
ETH Domain Research Institutes: PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag
Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID)
Eligible Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences
Universities of Teacher Education
UniDistance Suisse (presence in Switzerland required)
Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)
For Art Scholarships
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
Bern University of the Arts (HKB-BFH)
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland (OST)
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK)
Check ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Austria | Fully Funded
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Benefits
CHF 2,450/month for Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships & Art Scholarships
CHF 600 one-time grant for rental deposit
Compulsory health insurance premiums covered for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport
Return flight allowance for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
Excursions and activities organized for federal scholarship holders
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Objective: For postgraduate/early-career researchers to conduct research in Switzerland.
Eligibility
Master’s degree
Maximum age: 35
Research proposal
Must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland willing to support and guide the proposed research
Duration: Maximum 12 months
Amount: CHF 2,450/month
Objective: For eligible applicants pursuing PhD-level research in Switzerland.
Eligibility
Master’s degree
Maximum age: 35
Research proposal
Must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland
Other requirements may depend on the university and applicant’s country
Duration: Maximum 36 months
Amount: CHF 2,450/month
Objective: For art students who want to pursue their first Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland.
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree
Maximum age: 35
Must seek admission or provide proof of application to an eligible Swiss art institution
Available only to applicants from a limited number of countries
Duration: Maximum 21 months
Amount: CHF 2,450/month
Check Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2027-28 in the UK | Fully Funded
Academic Supervision Requirement (Important Step)
To apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for research, PhD, or postdoctoral studies, every applicant must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
What Is an Academic Supervisor?
An academic supervisor is usually a professor or research group leader at a Swiss university or institute. They must agree to support your research project and provide a letter of support along with their short CV.
Why It’s Important
Applications without a Swiss supervisor will be rejected.
This applies to all research-based scholarships, including PhD programs.
The supervisor helps guide your project and confirms that it fits within their research field.
How to Find a Supervisor
Search Swiss university websites and look for professors in your research area.
Check their latest work to make sure your project aligns.
Send a professional email with your CV, research idea (2–3 pages), and a motivation letter.
Tips Before You Reach Out
Make sure your background and degree match the field.
Be clear and polite in your email.
Finding the right professor can take weeks, so start early.
Important Note: Getting a supervisor and getting admission into a university are two separate steps. You need both for a successful application.
Documents Required for the Swiss Scholarships
Complete CV covering education, degrees, awards, positions, publications, teaching, and practical experience
Motivation letter, maximum 2 pages
Research proposal using the official FCS/ESKAS form, maximum 5 pages, including a timeline, milestones, activities, and a summary for non-specialists
Letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland
Short CV of the Swiss academic supervisor, maximum 2 pages
For Research Fellowships: short CV of the academic supervisor at the applicant’s home university
For PhD scholarships at graduate/doctoral schools: confirmation of admission to the graduate school
Two academic referees: applicants provide the email addresses of two different professors in the relevant field. The system contacts them to upload recommendation letters
Copies of university certificates and transcripts
Certified translations if the academic documents are not in English, French, Italian, or German
Copy of passport; dual citizens submit copies of both passports
Copy of residence permit or registration confirmation, if already living in Switzerland
Good Luck!
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