Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships awarded by the Swiss Confederation to international early career researchers and artists from over 180 countries. Covers doctoral studies, research fellowships, and initial Master's degrees in arts.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Varies by country of origin, published in August 2026
Country
SwitzerlandAll Switzerland guidesEvery Switzerland scholarship in one place→About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS aka ESKAS) under the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), promote international exchange and research cooperation. The program is open to talented researchers and artists from over 180 countries.
The scholarship supports three main pathways. Research fellowships and PhD scholarships are available to postgraduate researchers in any academic discipline to conduct full-time research or pursue a doctorate at a Swiss cantonal university, university of applied sciences, federal institute of technology (ETHZ or EPFL), or a research institute within the ETH Domain. Art scholarships are available to students from a limited number of countries pursuing an initial Master's degree at a Swiss art school or conservatory.
Selected scholars receive a monthly living allowance of CHF 2,450, compulsory health insurance coverage for non-EU and non-EFTA nationals, a one-time CHF 600 housing deposit grant, a Half-Fare public transport card, and a return flight allowance for non-EU and non-EFTA recipients. Postdoctoral scholarships are no longer awarded starting from the 2027 to 2028 academic year.
Applicants must secure an endorsement from an academic supervisor at a Swiss host institution before applying. The application process requires submitting a detailed research proposal or art portfolio, motivational letters, and academic transcripts through the online Grants Online portal (GO ESKAS).
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Direct affiliation with world leading research institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and cantonal universities
Generous monthly financial support of CHF 2,450 for living expenses
Comprehensive health insurance and travel allowances included for international recipients
Unrestricted access to professional networking and academic collaboration in Central Europe
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
11 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Check available scholarship types and country specific deadlines published on the official platform in August 2026.
Contact potential academic supervisors at Swiss higher education institutions well in advance to secure a letter of support.
Register and sign in to the Grants Online portal (GO ESKAS) starting August 20, 2026.
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents, including the research proposal, motivation letter, and transcripts.
Provide contact details of two recommenders who will be prompted by the system to upload recommendation letters.
Submit the completed application through the system before the country specific deadline.
Application Timeline
August 2026
Country specific information published
August 20, 2026
Application portal opens
Varies by country, typically between late autumn 2026
Application deadline
By the end of May 2027 at the latest
Selection decisions announced
September 1, 2027
Scholarship tenure begins
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Contact potential Swiss academic supervisors months before the opening date because professors receive many inquiries and the review process takes time.
Ensure your research proposal is precise, structured, and fits directly within the expertise of your chosen Swiss supervisor.
Verify whether your target university requires a separate admission letter to a doctoral school alongside the supervisor support letter.
Prepare certified translations early if your academic transcripts are not in English, French, German, or Italian.
Double check country specific deadlines in August 2026 because submission dates vary widely by nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. Every application for research fellowships and PhD scholarships requires a letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution. Applications without a supervisor will not be considered.
No. The scholarship does not cover tuition fees. Recipients must pay university semester fees ranging from CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester themselves, although some institutions offer reduced fees.
The scholarship provides a monthly payment of CHF 2,450 to cover basic living expenses for one person.
The scholarship amount only covers living expenses for one person and no family allowances are provided. Residence permits for accompanying family members are subject to a restrictive policy by Swiss migration authorities.
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