Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will begin accepting applications in early August 2024. Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards research and arts scholarships to foreign students from over 180 countries to foster international cooperation. This scholarship, sponsored by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS), is a prestigious opportunity to study in Switzerland.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship targets young researchers who have completed a master’s or PhD degree in any discipline and are looking to pursue further studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level. It also caters to foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland. More details about the scholarship are provided below.

All You Need to Know About Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Degree Level: Master’s, Doctoral, or Post-Doctoral level
• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
• Deadline: Varies by country, as set by the Swiss Embassy

Financial Support

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides:

• Round-trip airfare
• Monthly stipend for expenses and accommodation
• Housing allowance
• One-year half-fare public transportation card
• Tuition fee coverage

Types of Scholarships

Research Scholarships

Available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline (holding a master’s degree), these scholarships support research fellowships, PhDs, and postdoctoral studies.

• Research Fellowship: For conducting research in the field of your PhD at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities.
  • Target Group: Postgraduate researchers from all fields and young medical doctors.
  • Criteria: Master’s degree or equivalent, research proposal with timeframe, letter from an academic host professor (including their short CV).
  • Duration: 12 months
• PhD Scholarship: For undertaking a PhD.
  • Criteria: Master’s degree or equivalent university degree.
  • Duration: Up to 36 months
• Post-Doctoral Scholarship: For early career scientists to undertake postdoctoral research.
  • Target Group: Highly qualified early career scientists.
  • Criteria: PhD degree achieved.
  • Duration: 12 months

Art Scholarships

For foreign art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in arts in Switzerland.

• Universities: Any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
• Criteria: Highly qualified young artists with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Eligibility: Available to a limited number of countries.

Application Process

1. Select Your Origin Country: Determine the types of scholarships available for your nationality, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
2. Initial Selection: Made by the Swiss Diplomatic Embassy in your country.
3. Final Decision: Made by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Application Timeline

• Call for Applications: Early August
• Submission Deadline: September to December
• Selection: By the end of May
• Start of Scholarship: September 2026

Also see: UNS Scholarship in Indonesia 2025 Intake

The FCS will select scholarship holders for the 2025-26 academic year by the end of May 2025.

How to Apply

Visit the official website, carefully read the application details, required documents, and eligibility criteria. Conduct thorough research, join relevant Facebook groups, and connect with current scholarship holders.