Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
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Overview
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships give early career researchers and art students from abroad a monthly allowance to work or study in Switzerland. Research fellowships last 6 to 12 months, PhD scholarships can run up to 36 months, and art scholarships support a first Master’s degree in an artistic field. Research and PhD applicants need the backing of an academic supervisor in Switzerland. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.
What to know before applying
You must be born after 31 December 1991 and have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2027 (30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich). Art applicants need a Bachelor’s degree by the same date and must not yet hold a Master’s. Art scholarships are offered for selected countries only, so check your country before you prepare anything. Postdoctoral scholarships are ending and will no longer be awarded from the 2027/28 academic year.
The allowance does not cover tuition or semester fees, which run roughly CHF 600 to 2,000 per semester at some institutions. You may submit one research proposal only, and you are excluded if you already held a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship or have had three unsuccessful applications. Each country has its own call, so look yours up in the official country list to see the opening date, deadline and the scholarship types on offer. To compare other options in Europe, see the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship and more PhD scholarships.
Timeline notes
Applications opened on 20 August 2026 for most countries, and deadlines differ by country. On the official list they fall between 6 October and 30 November 2026, so confirm your own date first. The date shown in the application deadline section is the latest one on that list. Results are announced by the end of May at the latest, and the next call for 2028 to 2029 is advertised from August 2027
About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is a partially funded scholarship offered by Swiss Confederation for study in Switzerland. The scholarship supports students pursuing Masters and PhD studies in Any discipline for research and PhD awards. Art scholarships are for artistic fields. Recipients receive CHF 2,450 per month for basic living expenses for one person. It is not a salary for a duration of Research fellowship: 6 to 12 months with no extension. PhD: 12 months, renewable twice for up to 36 months. Art Master's: 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 21 months.
Eligible applicants: Citizens of the 183 countries on the official country list. Art scholarships are offered for selected countries only. Academic standing: Not communicated.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships selection criteria, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance your education with financial assistance. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: CHF 2,450 per month for basic living expenses for one person. It is not a salary
- Tuition fees: No. Tuition and semester fees, roughly CHF 600 to 2,000 per semester at some institutions, are not covered
- Accommodation: No housing is provided. A one-time CHF 600 rental deposit grant is included
- Airfare / travel: Yes, a return flight allowance for holders from non-EU/EFTA countries. A Half-Fare Travelcard is also included
- Health insurance: Yes, health insurance premiums are covered for holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
- Family / dependants: No. The allowance is for one person only and no family allowances are provided
- Program duration: Research fellowship: 6 to 12 months with no extension. PhD: 12 months, renewable twice for up to 36 months. Art Master's: 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 21 months
- Number of awards per year: Not communicated
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. Recipients receive substantial financial support, but should plan to supplement with personal or family contributions for uncovered expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: Research and PhD: Master's degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2027 (30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich). Art: Bachelor's degree completed by 31 July 2027 and no Master's degree yet
- Academic standing: Not communicated
- Academic background: Early career researchers backed by an academic supervisor in Switzerland. Selection looks at the candidate profile, the quality of the research or artistic work and the potential for future research cooperation
- Fields of study: Any discipline for research and PhD awards. Art scholarships are for artistic fields
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: Citizens of the 183 countries on the official country list. Art scholarships are offered for selected countries only
- Residency: You are excluded if your residence or work in Switzerland started more than 13 months before the scholarship start
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Not communicated
- Language test: Not communicated
- Minimum score: Not communicated
Other requirements
- Age: Born after 31 December 1991
- Gender: Not communicated
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are submitted through the official channels of Swiss Confederation. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: One research proposal and a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland. Applications with formal errors or incomplete material are excluded. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor for research and PhD applications. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is 30 Nov 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is 30 Nov 2026. Application window: 2026-08-20.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. See the Benefits section above for a detailed breakdown of what's covered and what recipients must pay for themselves.
Who can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Applicants must be from Citizens of the 183 countries on the official country list. Art scholarships are offered for selected countries only. Additionally, applicants must hold Research and PhD: Master's degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2027 (30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich). Art: Bachelor's degree completed by 31 July 2027 and no Master's degree yet. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is 30 Nov 2026. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Not communicated.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.