The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 are open to applicants from around the world. Offered annually by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships are designed to promote international research cooperation and academic exchange between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.
Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these prestigious awards are intended for highly qualified early-career researchers and talented artists who wish to pursue full-time studies or research in Switzerland. The program provides funding for PhD programs, postdoctoral fellowships, research fellowships, and art scholarships at Swiss public universities, recognized institutions, and conservatories.
Let’s break down each scholarship type, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and key application details.
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027
1. Research Fellowships in Switzerland (Non-Doctoral)
This scholarship supports early-career researchers in carrying out a one-year research project at a Swiss higher education institution or recognized research institute. The fellowship is designed for students pursuing doctoral-level research in their home country but who wish to spend a year researching in Switzerland.
Target Group:
Highly qualified early-career researchers in any academic field, including medicine.
Eligibility Criteria:
● Must have a Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (or 30 June 2026 for ETH Zurich).
● Must be born after 31 December 1990.
● A well-defined research plan with milestones is required.
● Applicants must secure a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor, including a brief CV.
● Applicants already in Switzerland must have entered after 1 August 2025 and must submit a residence permit or registration confirmation.
Scholarship Benefits:
● Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920.
● Not a salary but meant to cover basic living expenses.
● Start date: 1 September 2026.
● Duration: 12 months (non-renewable).
Selection Criteria:
● Academic and research track record.
● Originality and feasibility of research proposal.
● Potential for collaboration and supervision quality.
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2. PhD Scholarships in Switzerland
Supports international students pursuing a full PhD program at a Swiss university or research institute.
Target Group:
Applicants with a Master’s degree in any field who seek full-time doctoral study in Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria:
● Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026 (or 30 June 2026 for ETH Zurich).
● Born after 31 December 1990.
● A detailed PhD research plan with defined goals and timeline.
● Must secure a Swiss academic supervisor with supporting letter and short CV.
● For applicants already in Switzerland: Entry must be after 1 August 2025.
Scholarship Benefits:
● Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920.
● Funding for up to 3 years (12 months initially, renewable up to 36 months based on progress).
● Start date: 1 September 2026.
Selection Criteria:
● Academic qualifications and motivation.
● Methodological quality and originality.
● Capacity for successful collaboration.
3. Postdoctoral Scholarships in Switzerland
Provides support for postdoctoral researchers to carry out research projects at Swiss universities or institutes.
Target Group:
Early-career postdocs who earned their PhD between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (or 30 June 2026 for ETH Zurich).
Eligibility Criteria:
● Completed PhD within the designated date range.
● Strong research proposal with timeline and goals.
● Letter of support from a Swiss academic host, including CV.
● Applicants already in Switzerland must have entered after 1 August 2025.
Scholarship Benefits:
● CHF 3,500 per month.
● Non-renewable; maximum duration 12 months.
● Start date: 1 September 2026.
Selection Criteria:
● Research experience and originality.
● Strength of supervision and potential collaboration.
● Motivation and long-term academic vision.
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4. Art Scholarships in Switzerland (Master’s Degree)
This unique opportunity is offered to talented artists looking to obtain their first Master's degree in the arts at a Swiss art school or conservatory.
Target Group:
● Young artists (visual arts, music, dance, theatre, etc.) without a Master’s degree.
● Available only to citizens from select countries.
Eligibility Criteria:
● Must hold a Bachelor’s degree by 31 July 2026.
● Date of birth after 31 December 1990.
● Should not already hold a Master’s degree.
● Admission or conditional admission to a Swiss conservatory must be in progress.
● If already in Switzerland, entry must be after 1 August 2025.
Scholarship Benefits:
● Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920.
● Initial duration of 12 months, extendable to 21 months based on the degree program.
● Start date: 1 September 2026.
Selection Criteria:
● Artistic potential and professional motivation.
● Quality of submitted portfolio or performance materials.
● Availability of admission to the target institution.
Application Required Documents:
All applicants regardless of scholarship type must provide detailed documentation. General documents for Research and PhD/Postdoc Applicants:
● Curriculum Vitae (CV) including education, research, and publications.
● Motivation Letter (max. 2 pages).
● Research Proposal (max. 5 pages, based on FCS template).
● Letter of Support from Swiss Supervisor and their short CV.
● Two academic recommendation letters (sent directly by referees via email).
● Certified copies of university diplomas and transcripts.
● Translations required if not in English, French, German, or Italian.
● Self-certification is acceptable for applicants from India.
● Medical certificate confirming fitness for travel (FCS form only).
● Passport copy (submit both if holding dual citizenship).
● Proof of legal residence for applicants already in Switzerland.
Specific Documents for Art Scholarship Applicants
All documents listed above plus:
● Portfolio or high-quality performance files depending on your discipline.
● Music: Audio files in 3 different styles.
● Visual Arts: Photos of at least 3 artworks, labeled and dated.
● Dance/Theatre/Writing: Video or written files showing artistic work.
● Confirmation of conditional admission from Swiss art school or conservatory.
Why Choose Switzerland for Your Research or Artistic Career?
Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s top countries for higher education, innovation, and quality of life. With globally respected universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Geneva, you will benefit from:
● Cutting-edge research infrastructure.
● Multilingual, multicultural academic settings.
● Scenic landscapes and high living standards.
● Strategic location in the heart of Europe.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 are more than just financial support they are a gateway to academic excellence and lifelong professional connections.
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Applications Deadline and Timeline:
● Applications Open: August 4, 2025.
● Start Date for All Scholarships: September 1, 2026.
Applications deadline varies by country. Applicants must check with the Swiss Embassy in their home country for country-specific deadlines and additional requirements.
Conclusion:
If you're a motivated, high-achieving academic or artist, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 offer an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study or conduct research in one of the world’s most advanced educational systems. These scholarships are not just a means to study abroad they’re a platform to elevate your career, build global collaborations, and contribute meaningfully to your field. Start preparing your documents early and ensure you meet all eligibility and application requirements. Reach out to your potential Swiss supervisors and institutions to initiate contact and secure necessary endorsements. Remember, competition is fierce, and only the most prepared candidates will succeed. So to apply and know more visit Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 official link here.