Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 in Switzerland

Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28. Check CHF 2,450 monthly funding, eligibility, documents, deadlines and application process.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer international researchers and young artists an opportunity to pursue advanced study, research or artistic education in Switzerland. The programme is funded by the Swiss Confederation and administered through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).

The scholarships are primarily designed for talented early-career researchers who have completed a Master’s degree, while a separate scholarship route is available for highly talented artists seeking their first Master’s degree in Switzerland. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the programme is open to applicants from 183 countries, although the scholarship type and deadline vary according to nationality.

Important: This is not a general Bachelor’s or conventional Master’s scholarship. The main research scholarships target researchers with a completed Master’s degree, while the Arts scholarship is specifically for eligible applicants pursuing their first Master’s degree in an artistic field.

Scholarship Overview

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships aim to promote international academic exchange, research cooperation and collaboration between Switzerland and countries around the world. Selected scholars can conduct research or pursue eligible doctoral/artistic studies at recognised Swiss higher education institutions and research institutions.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Scholarship	Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Country	Switzerland
Academic Year	2027–2028
Funding Body	Swiss Confederation
Selection Body	Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
Eligible Countries	183 countries
Main Target Group	Early-career researchers
Research Requirement	Master’s degree or equivalent
Arts Route	First Master’s degree in an artistic field
Scholarship Amount	CHF 2,450/month
Research Fellowship Duration	6–12 months
PhD Scholarship	Up to 36 months
Arts Scholarship	12 months, extendable up to 21 months
Start Date	1 September 2027
Application Opens	20 August 2026
Application Fee	Free
Tuition Fees	Generally not covered
Application Platform	GO ESKAS

The official Swiss government guidance confirms that applications opened on 20 August 2026 and that applicants must check the country-specific scholarship type and deadline before applying.

University Overview

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are not restricted to one university. Depending on the scholarship type and field, scholars may study or conduct research at a range of Swiss higher education institutions.

Eligible institutions include universities such as University of Basel, University of Bern, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, University of Zurich, University of St. Gallen and Università della Svizzera italiana, as well as ETH Zurich, EPFL, research institutes within the ETH Domain and several universities of applied sciences.

This makes the scholarship particularly attractive for applicants who already have a clear research direction and want to work with a specific Swiss research group or academic supervisor.

Country Overview

Study in Switzerland

Switzerland is internationally recognised for its universities, research institutions, innovation ecosystem and high-quality academic infrastructure.

The country hosts major institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL, alongside several internationally recognised universities and research centres.

However, Switzerland is also one of Europe’s more expensive countries. Even with a government scholarship, applicants need to understand that the scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. Some institutions may charge approximately CHF 600–2,000 per semester, although the exact amount depends on the institution and programme.

Therefore, applicants should calculate their complete budget before accepting a scholarship.

Why Choose the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

Research at Leading Swiss Institutions

The programme provides opportunities to conduct research at recognised Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology and research institutes.

International Research Collaboration

The programme is designed to strengthen research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries, making international academic networking an important component.

Strong Monthly Financial Support

The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month for basic living expenses for one person.

Multiple Academic Fields

Research scholarships are available across academic disciplines, allowing applicants from different research backgrounds to compete.

Additional Support

Eligible non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders receive health insurance coverage through the FCS, along with other benefits such as a rental-deposit grant and public transportation support.

Degree Levels

The programme has different routes depending on the applicant’s academic profile.

Research Fellowship

This is designed for early-career researchers who are pursuing a PhD in their home country and want to conduct a research project in Switzerland.

The research fellowship lasts 6–12 months and cannot be extended.

PhD Scholarship

The PhD scholarship supports highly qualified researchers who have completed a Master’s degree and want to pursue a PhD in Switzerland.

It is initially awarded for 12 months and can be renewed twice, reaching a maximum of 36 months, subject to academic progress.

Master in Arts

The Arts scholarship supports highly talented young artists who want to obtain their first Master’s degree at an eligible Swiss art school or conservatory.

It is available only to applicants from a limited number of countries.

Available Fields of Study

The research scholarships cover all academic fields, subject to the availability of an appropriate Swiss host institution and academic supervisor.

Popular areas can include:

• Engineering & Technology
• Computer Science
• Natural Sciences
• Medicine & Health
• Social Sciences
• Economics & Business
• Environmental Sciences
• Humanities
• Political Science
• Arts & Creative Disciplines

For research applicants, the most important consideration is not simply the field but whether a suitable Swiss academic supervisor and research environment are available.

Scholarship Benefits

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides a monthly amount of:

CHF 2,450 per month

This amount is intended to cover the basic living expenses of one person and is not considered a salary.

Additional benefits can include:

• Health insurance for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
• CHF 600 one-time rental deposit grant
• Half-Fare Travelcard for public transportation
• Return flight allowance for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
• Organised excursions and activities for federal scholarship holders

What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover

One of the most important points for applicants is that the scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees.

Depending on the institution, scholarship holders may need to pay approximately CHF 600–2,000 per semester, although the actual amount varies.

The scholarship also does not provide additional funding for conference participation or field research expenses.

Hidden Costs

Cost	What Applicants Should Know
Tuition/Semester Fees	Not covered by the scholarship
University Fees	May range around CHF 600–2,000 per semester depending on institution
Accommodation	Rent and possible deposit
Food	Daily living expenses
Local Expenses	Phone, internet and personal costs
Conference Costs	Generally paid by the scholarship holder
Field Research	Additional fieldwork expenses are not funded
Travel	EU/EFTA scholarship holders pay their own travel
Family Expenses	No family allowance is provided
Study Materials	Depending on research area
Residence Costs	Permit-related expenses may apply

The official guidance specifically states that the scholarship amount covers one person’s basic living expenses and provides no family allowance.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the scholarship category.

Research Fellowship

Applicants generally need to:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2027.
• Be born after 31 December 1991.
• Be pursuing a PhD in their home country.
• Prepare a detailed research plan.
• Obtain support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
• Meet the country-specific requirements.

PhD Scholarship

Applicants should:

• Have a Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2027.
• Be born after 31 December 1991.
• Present a strong research proposal.
• Obtain support from a qualified Swiss academic supervisor.
• Meet the relevant nationality and institutional requirements.

Arts Scholarship

Applicants should:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2027.
• Be born after 31 December 1991.
• Not already hold a Master’s degree at the start of the scholarship.
• Have an admission letter or proof of application to an eligible Swiss art or music institution.
• Be from a country eligible for the Arts scholarship.

Required Documents

✓	Required Document	Research/PhD	Arts
☐	Complete CV	✓	✓
☐	Motivation Letter	✓	✓
☐	Research Proposal	✓	—
☐	Swiss Supervisor Support Letter	✓	—
☐	Supervisor’s Short CV	✓	—
☐	Academic Certificates	✓	✓
☐	Academic Transcripts	✓	✓
☐	Passport Copy	✓	✓
☐	Two Professor Email Addresses	✓	✓
☐	Graduate School Admission	If applicable	—
☐	Art Portfolio	—	✓
☐	Swiss Art/Music Institution Admission	—	✓
☐	Certified Translations	If applicable	If applicable
☐	Residence Permit/Registration	If applicable	If applicable

The research proposal must use the FCS/ESKAS form and can be a maximum of five pages including a summary for non-specialists. The motivation letter has a maximum length of two pages.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to Do	Practical Guidance
Check your country	Confirm whether your country is eligible	Scholarship types and deadlines vary by country
Choose scholarship type	Research fellowship, PhD or Arts	Select only the route matching your profile
Check eligibility	Review academic, age and other conditions	Do this before contacting institutions
Choose a Swiss institution	Identify a suitable university/research institute	Check that your field is supported
Find a supervisor	Contact a suitable Swiss professor	Essential for research and PhD applications
Develop research proposal	Prepare your project and timeline	Keep the methodology realistic
Prepare CV	Highlight education, research, publications and experience	Keep it complete and focused
Write motivation letter	Explain your reasons for choosing Switzerland	Connect the scholarship with your career plans
Collect certificates	Prepare degrees and transcripts	Arrange certified translations if necessary
Secure recommendations	Provide required professor contacts	They will be contacted through the system
Prepare additional documents	Graduate-school admission or portfolio where applicable	Category dependent
Register on GO ESKAS	Create your online application account	Applications opened 20 August 2026
Complete application	Upload and enter all required information	Check carefully for formal errors
Submit online	Finalise before your country’s deadline	Do not email or mail the application
Wait for selection	FCS reviews applications	Selection is competitive
Receive decision	Results are announced by the end of May at the latest	Prepare for the 2027 academic year

The official application procedure requires applicants to register in Grants Online (GO ESKAS) and submit the scholarship application through the online system. The Swiss government explicitly states that applications should not be sent by email or in paper form.

Application Timeline

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications opened on 20 August 2026. However, there is no single worldwide deadline. The deadline and available scholarship types depend on the applicant’s country of origin.

Period	Activity
20 August 2026	Applications open
August–Country Deadline	Prepare and submit application
After Deadline	National/diplomatic and FCS evaluation
Following Months	Academic and scholarship selection
By end of May 2027	Scholarship decisions announced
1 September 2027	Scholarship start date

Applicants should not assume that 20 August 2026 is the deadline. It is the opening date. The official country-specific list must be checked for the actual deadline applicable to your nationality.

Selection Criteria

The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications according to three broad criteria:

• Candidate profile
• Quality of the research project or artistic work
• Synergies and potential for future research cooperation

For research and PhD applications, this means that academic strength alone is not enough. The proposed project should be original, methodologically sound and well matched with the selected Swiss supervisor.

For Arts applicants, artistic profile, qualifications, motivation, portfolio quality and availability at the desired institution are important.

Accommodation & Living Costs

Switzerland has a high cost of living, particularly in major cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne.

The monthly CHF 2,450 scholarship is designed to cover basic living expenses for one person, but applicants should carefully compare the cost of living in their host city.

Accommodation will usually be one of the largest expenses. The scholarship provides a one-time CHF 600 rental-deposit grant, which can help with the initial housing cost.

Students should also budget for:

• Food
• Local transportation
• Mobile and internet
• Personal expenses
• University fees
• Research-related costs not covered by FCS

Part-time Jobs

The scholarship should be treated as the primary financial support during the funded period rather than assuming that part-time employment will cover additional expenses.

The FCS states that the scholarship may not be used to supplement full-time employment, and any additional financial support or income must be reported where applicable.

Research scholars should also prioritise their academic obligations because the scholarship is intended for full-time research or study in Switzerland.

Student Visa & Residence Process

International scholarship recipients may need a Swiss visa and residence permit depending on their nationality.

A typical process is:

Scholarship Selection → Admission/Host Confirmation → Visa/Entry Application → Travel to Switzerland → Residence Registration → Begin Research/Study

Applicants should prepare:

• Valid passport
• Scholarship award documents
• Admission or institutional documentation where applicable
• Proof of accommodation
• Required financial/insurance documentation
• Visa application forms
• Other documents requested by Swiss authorities

The exact procedure varies by nationality. Applicants should therefore follow the instructions provided by the relevant Swiss embassy or consulate.

Tips from Previous Applicants

• Start looking for a Swiss supervisor months before the deadline.
• Read the supervisor’s recent research before contacting them.
• Make your research proposal specific and realistic.
• Connect your proposed research with your long-term career.
• Check your country’s deadline rather than relying on a general deadline.
• Prepare certified translations early.
• Remember that tuition fees are not covered.

The official guidance notes that finding a suitable supervisor can take weeks or even months, because professors receive many enquiries.

Common Mistakes

• Applying without a Swiss academic supervisor
• Assuming the scholarship covers tuition fees
• Submitting more than one research project proposal
• Missing the country-specific deadline
• Sending the application by email or post
• Submitting incomplete or formally incorrect documents
• Treating CHF 2,450 as a salary rather than a living allowance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

It is a Swiss government-funded scholarship programme supporting international researchers and selected young artists for research and advanced study in Switzerland.

2. Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?

It provides substantial financial support, but it is not a fully funded scholarship in the sense of covering every cost. Tuition and semester fees are generally not covered, and some research-related expenses must also be paid by the scholar.

3. How much is the scholarship?

The scholarship amount is CHF 2,450 per month for basic living expenses for one person.

4. Does it cover tuition fees?

No. The Federal Excellence Scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. Some institutions may charge approximately CHF 600–2,000 per semester.

5. Who can apply for the Research Fellowship?

Highly qualified early-career researchers from eligible countries who are pursuing a PhD in their home country and have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent can be considered, subject to the detailed requirements.

6. Can I apply for a PhD in Switzerland?

Yes. The PhD scholarship supports eligible researchers with a completed Master’s degree who wish to pursue a PhD at a recognised Swiss institution.

7. Do I need a Swiss supervisor?

Yes. Research fellowship and PhD scholarship applicants must identify an appropriate academic supervisor in Switzerland and provide a support letter.

8. What is the age limit?

For the 2027–2028 programme, applicants generally need to have been born after 31 December 1991 for the research and Arts scholarship routes.

9. When must I have completed my Master’s degree?

For research and PhD scholarships, the Master’s degree or equivalent must generally be completed by 31 July 2027; for ETH Zurich, the deadline is 30 June 2027.

10. How long is the PhD scholarship?

It is initially awarded for 12 months and can be renewed twice, for a maximum of 36 months, subject to academic progress.

11. Is there a scholarship for Arts students?

Yes. The Arts scholarship supports eligible highly talented artists pursuing their first Master’s degree in Switzerland, but it is available only to applicants from selected countries.

12. Can I apply if I already studied in Switzerland?

Previous study or research in Switzerland can affect eligibility. The programme generally gives priority to applicants who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, and specific exclusion criteria apply.

13. Is the application free?

Yes. The Swiss government warns applicants about fake scholarship offers and confirms that the application for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is free of charge.

14. When does the application open?

Applications for the 2027–2028 scholarships opened on 20 August 2026.

15. When will the results be announced?

The FCS states that scholarship decisions for the following academic year will be announced by the end of May at the latest.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 are a highly competitive opportunity for talented international researchers and eligible artists who want to study or conduct research in Switzerland.

The programme stands out because it combines a CHF 2,450 monthly living allowance, health-insurance support for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars, a rental-deposit grant, public-transport support and a return-flight allowance for eligible non-EU/EFTA recipients.

However, applicants should understand the scholarship’s limitations. Tuition and semester fees are not covered, and research, conference and some travel-related costs may remain the responsibility of the scholarship holder.

For research applicants, finding the right Swiss academic supervisor should be one of the first steps. A strong supervisor match, a clear research proposal and a convincing academic profile can significantly strengthen the application.

The 2027–2028 application cycle is already open from 20 August 2026, but deadlines vary by country. Before applying, check the official country-specific list and make sure you are applying for the correct scholarship category.