Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAS) for Foreign Scholars and Artists: 2025-2026
The Swiss Confederation offers Government Excellence Scholarships annually to foster international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries. These scholarships are awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) and are designed to support young researchers and artists from around the world.
Who Can Apply?
- Research Scholarships
For postgraduate researchers with a master’s degree, the research scholarship covers study or research at doctoral or postdoctoral levels. Eligible candidates must be nominated by an academic supervisor at a Swiss university, university of applied sciences, or one of the two federal institutes of technology. - Art Scholarships
Available to art students pursuing a master’s degree in Switzerland, this scholarship is limited to students from specific countries and is intended for study at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts.
Application Procedure
- Call for Applications
The program for over 180 countries is released in early August. Applicants must download the necessary documents and prepare their submissions according to the guidelines. - Submission Deadline
The deadline varies by country, typically falling between September and December. Submissions must be made to the Swiss representation in the applicant’s home country. - Selection Process
The FCS evaluates applications based on the candidate’s profile, the quality of the research or artistic project, and the potential for future collaboration. Scholarship decisions are announced by the end of May.
How to Apply
- Determine your eligibility based on your country of origin.
- Download and read the application guidelines.
- Prepare and submit your application to the relevant office in your country by the specified deadline.
Key Dates
- Call for Applications: Early August 2024
- Submission Deadline: September – December 2024 (varies by country)
- Scholarship Start: September 2025
To apply, kindly click HERE.
Note: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and adhere to the deadlines specific to your country.
