Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 — A Complete Guide
Switzerland is calling! The 2026/27 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students & Artists are now open — offering fully or partially funded research and art projects at top Swiss institutions.
Watch 3 Min Video to Understand what is Swiss Gov Excellence Scholarship:
Also Watch close criteria published by swiss gov Official Scholarship channel
What’s on Offer?
The scholarship is awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) to promote international exchange. It supports:
- Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Postdoctoral Scholarships
- Art Scholarships for creative fields
- Institutions include Swiss cantonal universities, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and other top research centers (PSI, Empa, WSL, Eawag) Opportunities for Youth
Who Can Apply?
- Early-career researchers with a Master’s degree (completed by July 31, 2026; ETH Zurich deadline is June 30)
- Born after December 31, 1990
- Applicants must not have studied or worked in Switzerland before (special cases considered)
- A detailed research plan and supervisor support letter with CV are mandatory
Scholarship Benefits
- CHF 1,920/month living allowance (all scholarships except Postdoc)
- Postdoctoral grants: CHF 3,500/month
- Health insurance for non-EU/EFTA scholars
- One-time CHF 300 housing deposit support
- Half-Fare Swiss travel card for public transport
- Return flight for non-EU/EFTA scholars
- No funding for fieldwork or conferences; tuition/semester fees are not covered and must be paid by the scholar
Program Duration
| Scholarship Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Research Fellowship & Art | Up to 12 months |
| PhD Scholarship | Up to 36 months (renewable) |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | As specified per offer |
How to Prepare a Strong Application
- Identify a Swiss supervisor aligned with your research.
- Craft a research proposal with clear objectives and milestones.
- Prepare documents: Master’s certificate/transcripts, supervisor’s letter with CV, research plan.
- Check eligibility and country-specific application procedures via official sources.
Visa Process: Scholarship-Based Entry to Switzerland
Once awarded, follow these steps to apply for your study visa:
- Acceptance Letter: Get your scholarship acceptance letter from FCS or host institution.
- Visa Application: Apply for a Schengen D-type National Visa (for research/study), using your scholarship letter and other required documents.
- Submit Documents (consult embassy guidelines):
- Passport and photos
- Scholarship offer
- Accommodation confirmation or travel card proof
- Financial stability (scholarship coverage details)
- Health insurance (if not covered by scholarship)
- Attend Interview, if required.
- Collect Your Visa, then travel to Switzerland and complete any registration requirements upon arrival.
Useful Links
- Official Swiss Government Scholarship page: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
- Visa guidelines and procedures: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/china/en/home/visa/residency/studying.html
- Swiss Scholarship official YouTube channel for further guides:
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