The Government of Switzerland is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program. This prestigious initiative offers fully funded scholarships, providing international students the opportunity to pursue Master's or PhD degrees at top-tier Swiss institutions.
Overview of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Administered by the Swiss Confederation, this scholarship promotes international academic collaboration and research excellence. The scholarship includes:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly living stipend of CHF 3,500
Accommodation and additional support
Host Institutions
Scholarship recipients may study at:
Ten Swiss Public Universities
Two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology
Public teaching and research institutes
Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences
Types of Scholarships Offered
The program features two types of awards:
Research Scholarships: Open to postgraduate researchers with at least a Master’s degree. These scholarships support doctoral, post-doctoral, or fellowship-level research across all academic disciplines.
Art Scholarships: Offered to students pursuing an initial Master's degree in arts, available to nationals of selected countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2026, candidates must:
Hold a university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) by the start of the scholarship
Be born on or after January 1, 1990 (under age 35)
Demonstrate strong academic achievements and clear research or artistic goals
Show proficiency in the relevant language of instruction (English, French, German, or Italian)
Be planning to study at a Swiss public academic institution
Duration and Financial Benefits
Scholarships typically last for the duration of the chosen program and include:
Complete tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend of CHF 3,500 to cover living expenses
Accommodation and health insurance support
Selection Criteria
Applicants undergo a multi-phase evaluation process:
Pre-selection by national authorities or Swiss embassies
Final evaluation by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
The FCS selection is based on:
Academic profile and achievements
Quality and feasibility of the proposed research or artistic project
Potential for long-term academic collaboration
The FCS comprises professors from all public Swiss universities and announces final selections by mid-2027 for the 2026-27 academic year.
Required Documents
To apply, prepare and submit:
Completed application form
Academic curriculum vitae
Research proposal or artistic portfolio
University degree certificates and transcripts
Two academic recommendation letters
Language proficiency proof
Passport copies
Host institution admission letter or confirmation of supervision
Step-by-Step Application Process
Visit the official scholarship website
Select your country of origin to access tailored application guidelines
Review the available scholarship types and deadlines (as they vary by country)
Download the country-specific application package
Fill in all required forms and compile supporting documents
Submit your application to the designated Swiss diplomatic mission in your country before the national deadline
Note: Applications sent directly to the Swiss Government in Switzerland are not accepted.
Important Notes
Deadlines differ by country and can range from August to December 2025
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further evaluation
All application materials must be complete, accurate, and submitted by the stated deadline
This scholarship is a gateway for international students to access world-class education and research in one of Europe’s most peaceful and innovative nations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early and consult the official scholarship resources for their region.