Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2027–2028

Key facts:

• Funding: Research and PhD scholarships provide CHF 2,450 per month. Additional benefits and support conditions should be confirmed in the official scholarship guidelines.
• Study level: Postgraduate research, PhD and initial Master's degree in an artistic field.
• Field of study: Research scholarships are available in any academic discipline. Art scholarships cover eligible artistic fields.
• Duration: Research: up to 12 months; PhD: up to 36 months; Art: up to 21 months.
• Host institution: Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), EPFL and four ETH Domain research institutes: PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag. Art applicants must follow the eligible institution and programme requirements.
• Language requirement: Not specified on the main announcement page. Requirements may depend on the host institution and proposed research or artistic programme.

About the programme

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded annually by the Swiss Confederation to encourage international academic exchange and strengthen research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries.

The programme is administered through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS.

The scholarships are mainly intended for talented early-career researchers from abroad who have already completed a Master's degree. The 2027–2028 programme is open to applicants from 183 countries for research and PhD scholarships, while art scholarships are available to applicants from 26 countries.

There are three main scholarship categories:

• Research scholarships: For postgraduate researchers who wish to conduct research at an eligible Swiss institution.
• PhD scholarships: For applicants seeking to pursue doctoral studies in Switzerland.
• Art scholarships: For students from eligible countries who wish to pursue an initial Master's degree in an artistic field.

Who can apply

Eligibility depends on the scholarship category and the applicant's country of origin.

Research scholarships

• Applicants must have completed a Master's degree.
• Applicants must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support and guide the proposed research.
• The research proposal must be suitable for an eligible Swiss university, university of applied sciences or research institution.
• Applicants must meet the country-specific eligibility requirements.

PhD scholarships

• Applicants must hold a Master's degree.
• Applicants must secure a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland.
• Applicants must meet the relevant doctoral admission and country-specific requirements.

Art scholarships

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree.
• Applicants must be from one of the 26 eligible countries.
• Applicants must have admission to, or proof of application for, an eligible artistic programme in Switzerland.

The programme overview also states a maximum age of 35. Applicants should check the detailed guidelines for the applicable age conditions and any category-specific exceptions.

What you get

The published programme overview provides the following funding and duration information:

• Research scholarship: CHF 2,450 per month for up to 12 months.
• PhD scholarship: CHF 2,450 per month for up to 36 months.
• Art scholarship: Funding for up to 21 months. The monthly funding amount is not specified in the overview provided.

The scholarships also provide an opportunity to work with Swiss academic institutions, develop research experience and build international academic partnerships.

Applicants should consult the detailed guidelines to confirm additional benefits, allowances and funding conditions.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through Swiss diplomatic representations in the applicant's country of origin.

To prepare an application:

1. Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.
2. Open the scholarship information page and select your country of origin.
3. Check which scholarship categories are available to applicants from your country.
4. Review the detailed eligibility criteria, application instructions and deadlines.
5. For research and PhD applications, identify a suitable Swiss academic supervisor and obtain the required support.
6. For art scholarships, secure admission or proof of application to an eligible artistic programme.
7. Prepare the required documents and submit your application through the Swiss diplomatic representation responsible for your country.

Applications are free of charge. The Swiss Government warns applicants against fake scholarship offers requesting payments for visa processing, insurance or other supposed administrative costs.

Documents required

The main announcement does not provide a complete document checklist. Requirements depend on the scholarship category and country of origin.

Applicants should consult the official application guidelines for their country. Research and PhD applicants should pay particular attention to the academic supervisor and research proposal requirements, while art applicants should check the admission documentation required by their chosen institution.

Important dates

• 20 August 2026: Applications open.
• Country-specific deadlines: Vary depending on the applicant's country of origin.
• By the end of May 2027: The FCS is expected to announce scholarship decisions for the following academic year.
• August 2027: Scholarships for the 2028–2029 academic year are expected to be advertised.

Important: The application deadline for each country is different. Check the official country-specific information before applying.

Official application information: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance

Contact: sgs@sbfi.admin.ch

Scholarship safety warning: The application is free. Do not send money to anyone claiming they can secure a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for you.