Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships provided by the Swiss Confederation for international early career researchers and artists from over 180 countries to pursue doctoral research, research fellowships, or an initial Master's degree in arts at Swiss higher education institutions.
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 are awarded annually by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS or ESKAS). The programme promotes international educational exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries, targeting talented foreign researchers and artists.
The scholarship covers multiple tracks including research fellowships, PhD scholarships, and art scholarships. Research and PhD options are available in any academic discipline at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology (ETHZ or EPFL), and research institutes within the ETH Domain. Art scholarships support students pursuing a first Master's degree in artistic fields at Swiss art schools and conservatories.
Financial provisions include a monthly living allowance of CHF 2,450 for recipients. Additional benefits cover compulsory health insurance for non-EU and non-EFTA scholarship holders, a CHF 600 one-time rental deposit grant, a Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport, and a return flight allowance for non-EU and non-EFTA recipients.
Applicants must meet strict criteria, including holding a Master's or Bachelor's degree depending on the track, being born after December 31, 1991, and securing an academic supervisor in Switzerland willing to support the proposed project. Postdoctoral scholarships are no longer awarded starting from the 2027 to 2028 academic year.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Generous monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 to cover living expenses in Switzerland
Direct integration into world-class research groups at Swiss federal institutes of technology, cantonal universities, or research institutes
Comprehensive support including health insurance coverage, rental deposit grants, and travel allowances for non-EU and non-EFTA nationals
Opportunity to collaborate with leading academic supervisors and establish long-term international research partnerships
Access to excursions, cultural events, and an active alumni network across over 180 countries
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Switzerland
Scholarships are available to applicants from over 183 countries, with specific scholarship types and deadlines varying depending on the country of origin.
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
12 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Check eligibility requirements and review available scholarship types and deadlines by country of origin in the published PDF lists.
Identify and contact an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution to secure a letter of support, ensuring enough time is allowed for the process.
Register and sign in to the online application portal via Grants Online (GO ESKAS) starting August 20, 2026.
Complete the application form and upload all required documents, including the research proposal, motivation letter, CVs, and certificates.
Submit the application through the online system to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your home country.
Application Timeline
August 2026
Country lists and deadlines published
August 20, 2026
Applications open on Grants Online (GO ESKAS)
July 31, 2027 (June 30, 2027 for ETH Zurich)
Degree completion deadline for research and PhD applicants
September 1, 2027
Scholarship start date
By the end of May at the latest
Award decisions announced by FCS
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Start searching for an academic supervisor months before the application opens, as professors receive many requests and the process takes time.
Tailor your inquiry to potential supervisors by verifying that their research matches your academic field and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Prepare a precise and detailed research plan using the official FCS/ESKAS form, keeping it within the five-page limit.
Ensure all non-English, non-French, non-Italian, and non-German transcripts have certified translations attached.
Double-check whether your target university requires a separate admission letter to a doctoral school at the time of application.
Beware of phishing emails or fake offers requesting money transfers for visa or social insurance costs, as the application process is entirely free of charge.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. Applicants are entirely responsible for finding their own academic supervisor by researching university websites or using institutional contacts.
No. The Federal Excellence Scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. Scholarship holders must pay semester fees or reduced tuition fees themselves.
No. The scholarship amount only covers the living expenses of one person, and no family allowances are provided. Immigration authorities apply a restrictive policy regarding residence permits for accompanying persons.
The PhD scholarship is granted for 12 months and is renewable twice for up to 36 months, subject to academic progress during the first year.
Tags
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