If you are looking for a prestigious and fully funded opportunity to pursue your master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral research in Switzerland, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027 could be the perfect fit for you.
This scholarship program aims to support talented early career researchers and international students by providing financial assistance, world-class education, and research opportunities in Switzerland’s top institutions.
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Scholarships Quick Table
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount | Application Deadline | Official Link |
| Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship (Master’s & PhD) | Master’s degree or equivalent; Letter of acceptance from Swiss professor; Born after Dec 31, 1990 | CHF 1,920/month | October 27, 2025 | Swiss Gov Scholarships |
| Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarship | PhD completed between Jan 1, 2023 – July 31, 2026; Support letter from Swiss researcher | CHF 3,500/month | October 27, 2025 | Swiss Gov Scholarships |
| Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship | Bachelor’s degree; Admission letter from Swiss arts/music university | Varies | Country-specific – To be announced | Swiss Gov Scholarships |
Objectives of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program is designed to:
- Promote international exchange and academic cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries.
- Support early career researchers and artists to pursue full-time research or master’s level artistic studies in Switzerland.
- Strengthen Switzerland’s education, research, and innovation strategy by attracting global talent.
- Facilitate cultural exchange by enabling scholars to experience Swiss lifestyle and academic culture.
- Promote future research collaboration between recipients and Swiss institutions.
- Empower students, especially those from developing countries, to access world-class education and contribute to global scientific and artistic advancement.
These objectives make the scholarships an excellent pathway for students seeking financial support and professional growth abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Academic Qualification:
- For research scholarships (master’s or PhD level), you must hold at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent to the Swiss education system by July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich). Master’s scholarships require a bachelor’s degree equivalent, and PhD/postdoctoral scholarships require a master’s or PhD degree respectively.
- Art scholarships require a bachelor’s degree and an admission letter from a Swiss arts or music university.
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Switzerland (including India).
- Age: Born on or after December 31, 1990.
- Residency: If already living in Switzerland, the date of entry must not be earlier than August 1, 2025.
- Research Supervisor: You need a letter of support from a Swiss professor or researcher who agrees to supervise your project.
- No Past Swiss Scholarships: Applicants must not have received Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships previously.
- Full-time Research: The scholarship covers full-time study or research only.
Note: The scholarships do not cover undergraduate studies or initial master’s degrees in general, except for art scholarships, which are limited to certain countries.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027
Applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships involves several key steps. Following these carefully will ensure your application is complete and considered:
- Check Eligibility for Your Country:
Visit the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website to confirm that scholarships are offered for your country and check the specific type of scholarship available (research master’s, PhD, postdoc, or arts).
- Identify Your Research Topic and Swiss Supervisor:
You must find a professor or researcher affiliated with a Swiss university or institute who agrees to supervise your research project or artistic work. Contact potential supervisors well in advance and discuss your project to get their support and a formal letter of invitation.
- Prepare Your Application Documents:
Gather all required documents, including your academic certificates, research proposal, motivation letter, CV, supervisor’s support letter, recommendation letters, proof of nationality, and medical certificate. Make sure all documents are translated into one of the official Swiss languages (German, French, Italian) or English, if required.
- Complete the Online Application:
Most applications are submitted digitally via the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships online platform or through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country. Carefully fill out the application form and upload all documents in the specified formats.
- Submit Application Before Deadline (October 27, 2025):
Submit your application before the deadline (which may vary slightly by country) as late submissions are not accepted. Follow any additional country-specific submission procedures mentioned on the official scholarship webpage.
- Wait for the Selection Process:
The scholarship committee reviews all applications thoroughly, usually announcing results by late spring (May 2026). If selected, you will receive an official scholarship award letter with further instructions.
- Plan Your Travel and Arrival:
After acceptance, arrange your visa, accommodation, and travel to Switzerland. The scholarship supports you financially once you arrive and start your research or studies.
Scholarship Amount and Stipend Details
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses, which is not considered a salary:
- Research Scholarships (Master’s/PhD): Approximately CHF 1,920 per month (covers accommodation, meals, insurance, travel, etc.).
- Postdoctoral Scholarships: Approximately CHF 3,500 per month due to higher costs and responsibilities.
- Art Scholarships: Amount varies depending on institution and country.
The scholarship lasts up to 12 months initially and is renewable up to 36 months for research scholarships based on academic progress, but postdoc scholarships cannot be extended. The stipend supports your living costs while you pursue your research or studies in Switzerland.
Application Deadline and Process
- Application Period: Opens August 4, 2025.
- Deadline: October 27, 2025, for submitting your application digitally online (deadlines may vary slightly by country).
- Results Announcement: Final results are usually announced by end of May 2026.
- Start Date: Scholarships typically start September 1, 2026.
You must:
- Identify the scholarship type available for your country on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website.
- Secure a supervisor in Switzerland willing to support your research or study.
- Prepare and submit the full application package through your local Swiss diplomatic mission or online portal as per instructions.
- Include all required documents (see the next section).
Always check the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website for country-specific instructions and deadlines.
Required Documents
The application requires careful preparation of the following documents:
- Completed application form (available on the official scholarship portal).
- Curriculum Vitae including academic publications, awards, and experience.
- Motivation letter describing your interest and goals (max 2 pages).
- Detailed research proposal or artistic project description (max 5 pages).
- Support letter and short CV from the Swiss academic supervisor.
- Two confidential recommendation letters from your home country.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas (translated into English, German, French, or Italian).
- Medical certificate signed by a physician.
- Proof of nationality (passport copies).
- For applicants already in Switzerland, a residence permit copy.
- For art scholarships, proof of admission to the Swiss arts institution.
You must submit two sets of the documents: one original and one copy. Digital submission is often required now, but check local Swiss diplomatic missions’ rules.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Indian Nationals
Indian students are eligible for research and postdoctoral scholarships. These scholarships encourage young Indian researchers who have completed a master’s or PhD to conduct full-time research in Switzerland.
- Indian candidates need to contact the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India or the Swissnex office for specific application guidelines and support emails.
- To apply, Indian students also need a letter of acceptance from a Swiss supervisor.
- The scholarships for Indian nationals do not include undergraduate or general master’s degrees but emphasize research-based opportunities.
It is advisable to check the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website or Swissnex India for the latest updates and country-specific details.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Undergraduate and Master’s Students
Generally, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are focused on research and postgraduate levels rather than undergraduate or initial master’s degrees. However, there is a specific provision for artistic studies:
- Undergraduate: No scholarships are offered for undergraduate studies under this program.
- Master’s: Master’s scholarships are mainly for research-oriented master’s (not coursework master’s unless tied to research). Artistic master’s scholarships are available only for certain countries.
For students aiming at a traditional master’s program, it is better to explore other scholarship opportunities or directly apply to Swiss universities with their own funding options.
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Final Tips for Applicants
- Start early to secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland; this is crucial.
- Thoroughly read the scholarship guidelines specific to your country at the official website to avoid mistakes.
- Prepare a clear, convincing research proposal aligned with your supervisor’s expertise.
- Gather all required documents carefully before the deadline.
- Remember the monthly stipend is to support living expenses, so plan your budget responsibly.
- Keep track of deadlines, as late applications are not considered.
- Use the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website for accurate updates and application portals.