The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 are opening applications for international students, researchers, and artists seeking advanced academic and research opportunities in Switzerland.
The scholarships are offered by the Swiss Confederation and administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS). The program promotes international academic exchange and research collaboration with Swiss higher education and research institutions.
The scholarship opportunities include Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Art Scholarships. Applicants should note that deadlines vary by country, so it is important to check the specific deadline for your country of citizenship.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 – Details
Financial Benefits
Depending on the scholarship category and applicable conditions, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides:
Important: Tuition-fee arrangements can vary. Some Swiss universities cover tuition fees, while others may still charge tuition. Applicants should therefore check the conditions of their chosen institution.
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
1. Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship is designed for highly qualified early-career researchers.
Successful applicants can conduct a full-time research project at eligible Swiss institutions, including:
Applicants should have a strong research profile and a clearly defined research project.
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship is intended for qualified researchers who have completed a Master’s degree and wish to pursue doctoral research in Switzerland.
The scholarship can support doctoral studies for up to 36 months, subject to the applicable conditions and satisfactory academic progress.
3. Art Scholarship
The Art Scholarship is designed for highly talented young artists who want to pursue their first Master’s degree at an eligible Swiss art school or conservatory.
Applicants for this category have different academic and admission requirements from Research Fellowship and PhD applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements depend on the scholarship category and country of origin.
For the 2027/28 Research Fellowship and PhD categories, applicants generally need to:
Requirements for Art Scholarships
Applicants generally need to:
Important: You Need a Swiss Academic Supervisor
One of the most important requirements for Research Fellowship and PhD applicants is finding an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
The supervisor must be willing to support and supervise your proposed research project.
Applications without the required academic supervisor will not be considered.
Therefore, prospective applicants should begin contacting suitable professors or research groups well before submitting the scholarship application.
Country-Specific Deadlines
There is no single application deadline for every country.
The deadline depends on your country of citizenship and the scholarship category. Applicants should check the official country-specific list before preparing their application.
This is especially important for African applicants because the deadline applicable to one country may differ from another.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027/28
The application process is conducted through the official Swiss Government scholarship system.
Step 1: Check Your Country
First, identify the specific scholarship opportunities and deadline applicable to your country.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Scholarship
Determine whether you are applying for:
Step 3: Find a Swiss Academic Supervisor
Research and PhD applicants should identify an appropriate Swiss academic supervisor and obtain the required support before submitting the application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic qualifications, research proposal, supporting documents, and any additional documents required for your country and scholarship category.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Complete the application according to the official instructions before your country-specific deadline.
Application Deadline
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 open on:
20 August 2026
However, the application deadline is different for each country.
Check the official country list carefully to find your exact deadline.
How to Apply
For the official scholarship information, country-specific requirements, deadlines, and application instructions:
APPLY FOR THE SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
