Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 for International Researchers and Artists

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026: Overview

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships aim to foster international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships are primarily offered to early career researchers and art students who wish to study, research, or pursue postgraduate education in Switzerland.

Scholarship Categories

1. Research Scholarships
Available to postgraduate researchers in any field who want to pursue PhD-level or Postdoctoral research at:

• Swiss cantonal universities

• Universities of applied sciences

• Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich or EPFL)

• Research institutes in the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag)

Important: You must secure a supervising professor in Switzerland who agrees to mentor your research project.

2. Art Scholarships
For students pursuing their first Master’s degree in artistic fields (e.g., fine arts, music, design) at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026: Eligibility Criteria

• Must have completed a Master’s degree (for research scholarships) or a Bachelor’s degree (for art scholarships).

• Must demonstrate excellent academic performance and a well-structured research or artistic proposal.

• Must not have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the time of application.

Documents Required

• A detailed research proposal (maximum 5 pages)

• A letter of invitation from a professor or academic host in Switzerland

• CV and academic transcripts

• Two letters of recommendation

• Health certificate

• Copies of diplomas and language certificates

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend

• Health insurance

• Airfare allowance (in some cases)

• Tuition fee waiver (depending on the institution)

• Housing allowance (where applicable)

Application Process

1. Check eligibility and deadlines for your country via the official PDF country list.

2. Contact the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific instructions.

3. Prepare all required documents.

4. Submit your application to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country.

Application Timeline

• Call Opens: August 4, 2025

• Submission Deadline: Varies by country (check embassy guidelines)

• Final Decision: By May 2026

• Start of Scholarship: Academic year 2026–2027

Selection Criteria

• Academic and professional candidate profile

• Quality and feasibility of the research or artistic proposal

• Potential for future collaboration between Switzerland and the applicant’s country

Important Notes

• Each country has its own quota and application guidelines.

• You may only apply for one scholarship category.

• Scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year will be announced in August 2026.