Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-28
Fully funded scholarships awarded by the Swiss Confederation to international researchers and artists from over 180 countries. Covers research fellowships, PhD studies, 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 2027-28
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS or ESKAS) under the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), support international academic and artistic exchange. The programme targets talented early career researchers and young artists from over 180 countries to study or conduct research at Swiss higher education institutions.
The programme offers three distinct scholarship types for the 2027-2028 academic year: research fellowships, PhD scholarships, and art scholarships for an initial Master's degree. Postdoctoral scholarships are no longer awarded starting from the 2027-2028 academic year. Each scholarship type carries specific eligibility rules, target groups, and application procedures.
Financial provisions include a monthly living allowance of CHF 2,450 for one person, compulsory health insurance coverage for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders, a CHF 600 rental deposit grant, and a Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport. Non-EU/EFTA recipients also receive a return flight allowance. Tuition and semester fees are generally not covered by the scholarship and must be paid by the recipient.
Applicants must secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland before applying for research or PhD scholarships, or provide proof of admission for art or graduate school programmes. Applications are assessed based on candidate profile, quality of the research project or artistic work, and potential for future research cooperation.
The application process is managed through the online portal GO ESKAS, with submissions routed through Swiss diplomatic representations. Deadlines vary depending on the applicant's country of origin, and awards are announced by the end of May at the latest.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Generous monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 to support living expenses in Switzerland
Access to world-class research infrastructure at top-tier Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, and research institutes
Comprehensive support including health insurance coverage, rental deposit grants, and travel benefits for international scholars
Opportunities to build international research cooperation and academic networks with leading Swiss professors
Free application process with no administrative submission fees charged by the Swiss government
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Switzerland
Scholarships are available to applicants from over 183 countries, with art scholarships restricted to a limited number of countries.
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
13 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Check eligibility requirements and available scholarship types and deadlines by country of origin.
Identify and secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss host institution and obtain a letter of support (for research and PhD applicants) or secure admission/proof of application from a Swiss art school (for art applicants).
Register and sign in to the online application portal (GO ESKAS) starting August 20, 2026.
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents including CV, motivation letter, research proposal, and recommendation letter requests.
Submit the complete application through the platform before the country-specific deadline.
Application Timeline
August 2026
Country Deadlines Published
Application deadlines and scholarship availability published by country of origin.
August 20, 2026
Application Portal Opens
Online application access via GO ESKAS.
End of May 2027
Award Announcement
FCS announces scholarship decisions for the academic year.
September 1, 2027
Scholarship Start Date
Commencement of research or studies in Switzerland.
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Start searching for an academic supervisor months before the application portal opens, as professors receive numerous inquiries.
Ensure your research proposal is precise, follows the FCS/ESKAS form guidelines, and stays within the 5-page limit.
Verify whether your target university requires formal graduate school admission before submitting a PhD scholarship application.
Check country-specific deadlines and availability early in August 2026, as schedules vary by nation.
Be aware that tuition or semester fees are generally not covered by the scholarship and must be factored into your personal planning.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. The scholarship covers basic living expenses with a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450, but recipients must pay their own semester or tuition fees if applicable.
Yes. Every research and PhD scholarship application must be backed by an academic supervisor in Switzerland who provides a letter of support.
The scholarship amount is calculated for one person only and does not include family allowances. Residence permits for accompanying family members are subject to restrictive policies by migration authorities.
You can submit a maximum of three applications for the same type of scholarship.
More Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP)
Switzerland · ETH Zurich
Funds a Master's degree at ETH Zurich for students in the top ten percent of their Bachelor's class, covering full tuition and a substantial living grant for the full program duration.
📅Deadline: Application window November 1-30
Geneva Excellence Fellowships (University of Geneva)
Switzerland · University of Geneva, Faculty of Science
A partial, renewable Master's scholarship for science students at the University of Geneva, worth CHF 10,000-15,000 a year, based on strong Bachelor's results.
📅Deadline: Around February 28
WHO Global Internship Programme
Switzerland · World Health Organization
The World Health Organization's internship programme places students and recent graduates in WHO headquarters, regional, and country offices to work alongside technical and administrative teams on global health priorities.
📅Deadline: Rolling - varies by individual vacancy not…
Opens: August