Applications are now open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027

Ednah Carrick August 8, 2025

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Closing Date: Varying

Applications are now open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027

Overview

Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Warning against fake scholarship offers using the name of the Swiss Government (Phishing)
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation issues this warning against fake Swiss Federal Government Scholarships advertised by e-mail or published on social medias. Through these fake scholarship offers, crooks try to lead their victims to money transfers (under the pretext of visa and social insurance costs for example). The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) recommends never to answer to these e-mails and above all not to send any money. Please note that the application for a Swiss Government Scholarship is free of charge.

What it’s all about

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master’s degree or PhD. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.

Overview of the different types Scholarships and Requirements:

Research Scholarships

Objective

The scholarship enables selected applicants to carry out a one-year research project as part of their doctoral studies at a Swiss higher education institution or recognised research institute.
Valid only for full-time research in Switzerland.

Target group

Highly qualified early-career researchers from all academic fields, including young medical doctors.
Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland

Eligibility criteria

Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
Date of birth after 31 December 1990.
Detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities.
Applicants must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland (including a short CV).
If the applicant already resides in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).

Selection criteria

Academic profile, research competence, and motivation
Originality and methodological quality of the project
Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration

Duration

Maximum of 12 months
No extensions possible
Start date: 1 September 2026

Scholarship amount

CHF 1,920 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person

Art scholarships

These scholarships are intended for art students wishing to obtain their first Master’s degree in Switzerland. Art scholarships are available at all Swiss conservatories and art schools. They are available to applicants from only a limited number of countries.

Objective

The art scholarship enables selected applicants to pursue their first Master’s degree at a Swiss art school or conservatory.
Valid only for full-time studies in Switzerland.

Target group

Highly talented young artists who do not already hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland
This scholarship is available to only a limited number of countries.

Eligibility criteria

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026.
Date of birth after 31 December 1990.
Applicants must not yet hold a Master’s degree at the start of the scholarship.
Admission process (entrance exam or submitted application) to a Swiss art or music school (conservatory) must already be in progress.
If the applicant already resides in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).

Selection criteria

Artistic profile, qualifications, and motivation.
Submitted portfolio: artistic maturity and potential.
Enrolment availability at the desired university.

Duration

12 months
Extension possible up to a maximum of 21 months, depending on the chosen Master’s degree programme and the required ECTS credits.
Start date: 1 September 2026.