Have the dream of studying in Switzerland? Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2026-2027 is an opportunity to study in Switzerland, fully funded by the Swiss government. The scholarship is targeted at international students and researchers who are willing to pursue Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral, and Art studies in prestigious Swiss Universities. This scholarship program, administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), facilitates international academic exchange and research collaboration.
As a potential researcher or a prolific thinker in the arts, this guide will help you understand the benefits, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and requirements for availing yourself of this distinguished European scholarship with ease.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Provided By: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
- Academic Levels: Master, PhD, Postdoc, Research, and Arts
- Start Date of the Program: 1 September 2026
- Duration: 12 to 36 months (depending upon the program)
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Research Fellowships
In the case of young-career researchers who intend to spend one year on research.
PhD Scholarships
To students entering a PhD course in Switzerland.
Postdoctoral Scholarships
To the researchers who completed their PhD in the period between January 2023 and July 2026.
Arts Scholarships
To students who wish to pursue their initial Master’s degree in the arts, specifically in music, fine arts, and design.
Scholarship Benefits
Stipend per month:
- CHF 1,920/month Research, PhD & Arts
- Postdocs CHF 3,500/month
Free medical insurance (non-EU/EFTA applicants)
CHF 300 lump-sum rent subsidy
Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard
- Round-trip air ticket (non-EU/EFTA applicants)
- Cultural programmes and networking programmes
List of Host Universities in Switzerland under Swiss Government Scholarships:
For Research, PhD & Postdoc 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 (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne)
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- Research Institutes of the ETH Domain: PSI, WSL, EMPA, EAWAG
- Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID)
- Applied Sciences Universities (e.g. ZHAW, HSLU, FHNW, BFH, OST)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)
For Art Scholarships:
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK)
- Bern University of the Arts (HKB-BFH)
- Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
- SUPSI
Eligible Countries
Students can apply in more than 180 countries. The types and deadlines of scholarships, however, vary by individual country.
Scholarly Oversight: A Necessity for Applications Based on Research
To apply for a PhD, Postdoc, or Research scholarships, you have to:
- Locate a Swiss scholastic supervisor in your discipline
- Ask them to write a support letter and a 2-page CV
- Write a powerful, well-fitting research proposal
Note: Applications without a designated supervisor will be rejected.
Required Documents Checklist
Postdoc, Research, and PhD:
- Updated CV
- Motivation Letter (not more than two pages)
- Research Proposal (not more than five pages)
- Supporting Letter by the Swiss Supervisor + CV
- Admission Proof (only PhD)
- Two Academic Reference Letters (sent via email)
- Educational Transcripts & Certificates (translations in case of necessity)
- FCS Medical Certificate
- Passport Copy
In case of Arts Scholarships:
- Curriculum Vitae + Motivational Letter
- Two References (sent directly through email)
- Transcripts + Translations
- Portfolio (Music/Art/Performance Samples)
- School Confirmation
- Medical Certificate + Copy of passport
Important Eligibility Criteria
| Scholarship Type | Age Limit | Degree Requirement | Start Date | Duration |
| Research | Born after 31 December 1990 | Master’s by 31 Jul 2026 | 1 Sep 2026 | 12 months |
| PhD | Born after 31 December 1990 | Master’s by 31 Jul 2026 | 1 Sep 2026 | 12–36 months |
| Postdoc | PhD between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 Jul 2026 | PhD completed | 1 Sep 2026 | 12 months |
| Art | Born after 31 December 1990 | Bachelor’s by 31 Jul 2026 | 1 Sep 2026 | 12–21 months |
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Make sure you qualify through the A-Z country list
- Find a host university in your field and program
- Get an academic supervisor and seek assistance
- Get your papers (CV, research plan, letters, etc.)
- Hand in your application package through the Swiss Embassy in your country.
The deadline to apply to a specific country depends on the country, and usually it is in the range of August to December 2025
Final Tips for Applicants
- An early start – It takes time to find a supervisor
- When addressing professors, make your emails personal
- Make your research consistent with the expertise of your supervisor
- Make sure that all the documents are complete and well translated
- Use the official checklist in your country
Official Link & More Information
Final Thoughts
International scholars have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Switzerland, where their world-class universities and research centers are located. You will be able to achieve academic and career excellence using the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 2027, whether you are a researcher, doctoral student, or artist.
Get ready now, and Switzerland is the next step in your international learning experience.
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