Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028: Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students and Researchers
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer international students, researchers and artists the opportunity to study or conduct research in Switzerland with financial support from the Swiss Confederation.
Every year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange, research cooperation and academic collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.
The scholarships are awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS.
Applications open: 20 August 2026.
Important: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application is free of charge. Applicants should be alert to fraudulent emails and websites asking for money for visa processing, social insurance or other fees.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 – Overview
| Scholarship | Target Group | Main Requirements | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Scholarship | Postgraduate researchers from 183 countries | Master’s degree + Swiss academic supervisor | Up to 12 months |
| PhD Scholarship | PhD students from 183 countries | Master’s degree + Swiss academic supervisor | Up to 36 months |
| Art Scholarship | Art students from 26 countries | Bachelor’s degree + admission or proof of application | Up to 21 months |
The programme is primarily designed for talented early-career researchers from abroad who have already completed a Master’s degree.
What Are the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious scholarships funded by the Swiss Confederation for international researchers and artists.
The programme supports academic and research cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world. Depending on the applicant’s country and scholarship category, successful candidates can undertake research, doctoral studies or postgraduate studies in Switzerland.
The scholarships are available across a wide range of academic disciplines.
1. Swiss Government Research Scholarships
The Research Scholarship is designed for postgraduate researchers from abroad who wish to conduct research in Switzerland.
Applicants can undertake research at:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
- EPFL
- Research institutes within the ETH Domain, including PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag
A key requirement is that the research proposal must be supported by an academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to guide and supervise the applicant’s research.
Who can apply?
Research scholarships are available to applicants from 183 countries, subject to the specific eligibility requirements and application procedures for their country of origin.
Applicants generally need to have completed a Master’s degree and meet the programme’s academic and eligibility requirements.
2. Swiss Government PhD Scholarships
The PhD Scholarship supports international researchers who want to undertake doctoral studies in Switzerland.
The scholarship is available to eligible applicants from 183 countries.
Main requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- A suitable PhD research proposal
- Support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland
- To meet the eligibility requirements applicable to their country of origin
The maximum scholarship duration is 36 months.
3. Swiss Government Art Scholarships
The Art Scholarship is intended for international students who wish to pursue an initial Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland.
Unlike the research and PhD scholarships, the Art Scholarship is available to applicants from a more limited number of countries.
Main requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Admission to an appropriate Swiss institution or proof that an application for admission has been submitted
- To meet the specific requirements for their country of origin
The maximum scholarship duration is 21 months.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide financial support to successful international applicants.
The scholarship information currently highlights funding of approximately CHF 2,450 per month for the relevant scholarship categories.
The exact benefits, conditions and allowances can vary depending on the scholarship type and applicant’s country.
Applicants should therefore check the official scholarship information for their country before submitting an application.
Who Can Apply?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed primarily at international researchers and talented early-career academics.
Eligibility depends on:
- Your country of origin
- Your academic qualifications
- The type of scholarship
- Your proposed research or study programme
- Your age and academic background
- Admission requirements
- Support from a Swiss academic institution or supervisor, where required
For research and PhD scholarships, applicants should pay particular attention to the requirement for a Swiss academic supervisor.
Application Deadline
The application deadlines for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 vary according to the applicant’s country of origin.
The Swiss authorities publish country-specific information, including:
- Application deadlines
- Available scholarship types
- Eligibility requirements
- Application procedures
- Country-specific documents
Applicants should check the official information for their country before preparing their application.
When do applications open?
Applications open on 20 August 2026.
Country-specific application deadlines and scholarship availability are published by the Swiss authorities.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Applicants should carefully follow the application instructions provided for their country of origin.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Confirm that you meet the academic and country-specific eligibility requirements for the scholarship you wish to apply for.
Step 2: Identify the appropriate scholarship
Choose between the available categories, such as:
- Research Scholarship
- PhD Scholarship
- Art Scholarship
Step 3: Find a Swiss academic supervisor
Applicants for research-based scholarships generally need to identify a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support and supervise their proposed research.
Step 4: Prepare your application
Prepare all required documents, which may include academic qualifications, research proposals, CVs, letters and other supporting documents specified for your country.
Step 5: Submit your application
Applications are submitted through the process specified by the Swiss authorities and the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation.
How Are Applications Selected?
After applications are submitted, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) assesses candidates according to several criteria.
The selection process considers:
- Candidate profile
- Quality of the research project or artistic work
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
Successful applicants are selected for the following academic year.
When Will Scholarship Decisions Be Announced?
The FCS aims to announce scholarship decisions by the end of May at the latest for the following academic year.
Applicants should therefore monitor their application and official communications after submission.
Beware of Fake Swiss Government Scholarship Offers
Important warning: There are fraudulent scholarship offers circulating online and through email that falsely use the name of the Swiss Government.
Scammers may claim that applicants have been selected for a scholarship and then request money for:
- Visa processing
- Social insurance
- Registration
- Administrative costs
- Other supposed fees
Do not send money in response to these messages.
The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships warns applicants not to respond to fraudulent scholarship emails and stresses that applications for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are free of charge.
If you receive an unexpected scholarship offer asking for payment, verify the information through the official Swiss Government scholarship website before taking any action.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Applications open | 20 August 2026 |
| Country-specific deadlines | Varies by country |
| Scholarship decisions | By the end of May at the latest |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| 2028–2029 scholarships advertised | August 2027 |
Who Should Apply?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships may be particularly suitable for:
- International researchers
- PhD candidates
- Early-career researchers
- Master’s graduates seeking research opportunities
- Students pursuing postgraduate research
- International artists from eligible countries
- Applicants interested in research collaboration with Swiss institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides financial support to successful applicants, including a monthly scholarship allowance. The exact benefits and conditions depend on the scholarship category and country of origin.
How much does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship pay?
The published scholarship information lists funding of approximately CHF 2,450 per month for the relevant scholarship categories. Applicants should check the official country-specific information for the latest details.
Can I apply without a Swiss academic supervisor?
For research and PhD scholarships, applicants generally need support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland. Applicants should identify a suitable supervisor and obtain the required confirmation before submitting their application.
How many countries are eligible?
The research and PhD scholarship categories are currently available to applicants from 183 countries, while the Art Scholarship is available to applicants from 26 countries.
When does the 2027–2028 application open?
Applications for the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle open on 20 August 2026.
Is there an application fee?
No. The application for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is free of charge. Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay money to obtain the scholarship.
Official Application Information
Applicants should always use the official Swiss Government source for the latest information, country-specific deadlines and application instructions.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Official Information
Final Advice for Applicants
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive, so applicants should begin preparing early.
For research and PhD applicants, one of the most important steps is identifying a suitable Swiss academic supervisor and developing a strong research proposal.
Before applying, carefully check the requirements for your country of origin, confirm the applicable deadline and prepare all required documents.
Never pay anyone claiming to guarantee a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. The official application is free.
Interested?
Applications are open starting August 20, 2026. Here you will find useful information on how to prepare your scholarship application.
Scholarship Summary
Scholarship: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Study destination: Switzerland
Academic year: 2027–2028
Opening date: 20 August 2026
Target group: International researchers, PhD students and eligible art students
Research/PhD countries: 183 countries
Art scholarship countries: 26 countries
Funding: Approximately CHF 2,450 per month for relevant categories
Research duration: Up to 12 months
PhD duration: Up to 36 months
Art duration: Up to 21 months
Application fee: Free
Deadline: Varies by country
Official source: Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
Applicable legislation (in German)
- Bundesgesetz über Stipendien an ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz
- Verordnung über Stipendien für ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz
- Verordnung des WBF über die Vergabe von Stipendien an ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz
- Verordnung über die Informationssysteme im Berufsbildungs- und im Hochschulbereich (IBH-V)
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