Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027: Launch Your Research or Artistic Journey in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships represent one of the most prestigious fully‑funded international opportunities for emerging researchers and artists. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), these scholarships aim to strengthen international exchange and foster research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries.

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Who Can Apply & What’s on Offer

Eligibility extends to young researchers and artists who have completed their Master’s or higher degrees. The scholarships cater to four streams:

1. Research Fellowships – For early-career researchers to engage in postgraduate research as part of a PhD.
2. PhD Scholarships – To pursue full-time doctoral research in Switzerland.
3. Postdoctoral Scholarships – For recent PhD graduates aiming to conduct postdoctoral research.
4. Arts Scholarships – For artists seeking to complete a first Master’s degree in visual, performing, or fine arts.

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates who have not previously lived in Switzerland, emphasizing fresh, outward-to-Switzerland mobility.

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Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

Each scholarship stream shares standard requirements, plus additional, stream-specific conditions:

• General Requirements:
  • Hold the relevant academic qualification by 31 July 2026 (with a June 30 cut-off for ETH Zurich).
  • Be born after 31 December 1990.
  • Submit a research or artistic proposal with clear timelines and milestones.
  • Secure a letter of support from a Swiss academic host or supervisor, including their short CV.
  • No more than one year of prior residence in Switzerland before the scholarship’s start.
• Research Fellowships:
  • Eligibility: Master’s-degree holders undertaking PhD-related research.
  • Duration: 12 months, non-renewable.
  • Start Date: 1 September 2026.
  • Funding: CHF 1,920/month for living expenses.
• PhD Scholarships:
  • Requirements: Same as above, plus admission confirmation to a recognized Swiss doctoral programme.
  • Duration: Initially 12 months, renewable up to 36 months (3 years total) based on academic progress.
  • Funding: CHF 1,920/month.
• Postdoctoral Scholarships:
  • Requirements: PhD completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich).
  • Duration: One year only.
  • Funding: CHF 3,500/month.
• Arts Scholarships:
  • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree only (no prior Master’s), admission under consideration to Swiss arts institutions.
  • Duration: Up to 21 months, depending on ECTS credits.
  • Funding: CHF 1,920/month.

Additional Benefits

Beyond monthly stipends, scholarship holders enjoy complementary support to help with living and cultural integration:

• CHF 300 housing deposit upon arrival.
• Free or reduced health insurance for non-EU/EFTA scholars.
• Swiss Half-Fare Travel Card for discounted public transport.
• Return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA scholars (provided near the end of the scholarship).
• Optional cultural excursions and networking events to promote community building

Note: Tuition or semester fees are typically not covered—they may range between CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester depending on institution policy, and must be paid by the scholar. Additionally, no funding is provided for fieldwork or conference travel.

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How to Apply & Deadlines

Applications open 4 August 2025, with exact deadlines varying by country (typically between September and December 2025). The FCS expects final selections to be made by May 2026.

Steps to apply:

1. Download your country’s A–Z application package from the official site.
2. Prepare required documents: proposal, supervisor support, transcripts, references, CV, passport, etc., and submit them via your Swiss diplomatic mission.

Why This Scholarship Matters

• Prestige and credibility: Backed by the Swiss federal government, the scholarship enhances academic credibility and global networks.
• Institutional access: It opens the door to leading Swiss universities, such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, and others—among Europe’s top institutions.
• Focused academic support: From hands-on supervision to funded research time, scholars gain a supportive platform—a rare luxury in early-career academia.
• International exposure & collaboration: The scholarship fosters transnational partnerships, pivotal for scholars aiming for global impact.

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Conclusion

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 offer a life-changing opportunity for top international researchers and artists. Whether you’re embarking on doctoral research, postdoctoral exploration, or artistic innovation, this scholarship offers generous funding, academic mentorship, and cultural enrichment in one of Europe’s most dynamic research environments.

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