Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028. Fully funded research, PhD, and arts scholarships in Switzerland with a CHF 2,450 monthly stipend for applicants from 183 countries.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 are officially set to open for applications, offering talented international researchers and artists the opportunity to study, conduct research, or pursue artistic training at some of Switzerland’s most prestigious higher education institutions.
Administered by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), the programme is one of the world’s most respected government-funded international scholarship initiatives.
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards these prestigious scholarships to promote international academic exchange, strengthen global research cooperation, and foster long-term partnerships between Switzerland and more than 180 countries worldwide.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications officially open on 20 August 2026, providing outstanding early-career researchers and selected art students with an opportunity to undertake fully funded studies and research in Switzerland.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships were established to encourage international collaboration in higher education and scientific research by attracting exceptional talent from across the globe.
The programme supports promising postgraduate researchers and artists who wish to further their academic or creative careers while collaborating with Swiss universities, research institutes, and higher education institutions.
Recipients are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) through a competitive evaluation process that assesses academic excellence, research potential, and prospects for future international cooperation.
Scholarship Categories
The programme offers three primary scholarship pathways depending on the applicant’s academic background and career objectives.
1. Research Fellowship
Research Fellowships are designed for postgraduate researchers who already hold a Master’s degree and wish to undertake research at a Swiss institution.
Applicants must secure the support of an academic supervisor based in Switzerland before submitting their application.
Duration:
- Up to 12 months
Eligibility:
- Available to applicants from 183 countries
- Master’s degree required
- Maximum age: 35 years
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship supports international students pursuing a full doctoral degree at eligible Swiss higher education institutions.
Like the Research Fellowship, applicants must first identify and obtain support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
Duration:
- Up to 36 months
Eligibility:
- Applicants from 183 eligible countries
- Master’s degree required
- Maximum age: 35 years
3. Art Scholarship
The Art Scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing an initial Master’s degree in an artistic discipline in Switzerland.
Unlike the research scholarships, this category is available only to applicants from a limited number of participating countries.
Applicants must demonstrate admission to, or proof of application for, an eligible Swiss arts institution.
Duration:
- Up to 21 months
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive generous financial support throughout their studies.
According to the programme overview, scholarship recipients receive:
- Monthly stipend of CHF 2,450
- Opportunity to study or conduct research at leading Swiss universities and research institutions
- Access to internationally renowned academic environments
- Opportunities for international networking and research collaboration
- Experience within Switzerland’s globally recognized higher education system
The scholarship is intended to allow recipients to focus on their academic or artistic work while strengthening international cooperation.
Eligible Institutions
Research scholars may undertake their studies or research at a wide range of Swiss higher education institutions, including:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of Applied Sciences
- The two Federal Institutes of Technology:
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
- EPFL
- Four research institutes within the ETH Domain:
- Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
- Empa
- Eawag
Applicants must identify an academic supervisor willing to oversee their research project before submitting an application.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship programme primarily targets talented early-career researchers from abroad.
To be eligible, applicants should generally:
- Hold a completed Master’s degree (research and PhD scholarships)
- Be no older than 35 years
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement
- Secure supervision from a Swiss academic institution (where required)
- Come from one of the eligible participating countries
For Art Scholarships, applicants must instead hold a Bachelor’s degree and obtain admission—or provide proof of application—to an eligible Swiss arts institution.
Selection Process
Applications are submitted through the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation in the applicant’s country of origin.
The Federal Commission for Scholarships evaluates applications using three main criteria.
1. Candidate Profile
Reviewers assess the applicant’s academic achievements, qualifications, motivation, and overall potential.
2. Quality of the Research Project or Artistic Work
Strong, innovative, and well-developed research proposals or artistic projects receive greater consideration.
Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed work contributes to their field and why Switzerland is the ideal location for their studies.
3. Potential for Future Research Cooperation
The programme also considers whether the scholarship will strengthen long-term collaboration between Switzerland and the applicant’s home country.
This emphasis reflects the scholarship’s objective of building sustainable international academic partnerships.
Application Timeline
Prospective applicants should note the following important dates:
- Applications Open: 20 August 2026
- Country-specific application information becomes available during August 2026.
- Scholarship decisions are expected by the end of May 2027.
- Successful candidates begin their studies during the 2027–2028 academic year.
Because application procedures vary by country, candidates should consult the guidance issued through the relevant Swiss diplomatic mission.
Beware of Scholarship Scams
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation has issued an important warning regarding fraudulent scholarship offers circulating via email and social media.
Fraudsters have been impersonating Swiss Government scholarship programmes and requesting payments for:
- Visa processing
- Social insurance
- Administrative fees
- Other fabricated expenses
Applicants should remember that:
- Applications for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are completely free of charge.
- No legitimate scholarship application requires payment.
- Applicants should never transfer money in response to unofficial scholarship communications.
Always rely on official Swiss Government channels when preparing your application.
Why Study in Switzerland?
Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s leading destinations for higher education and research.
Students and researchers benefit from:
- World-class universities
- Cutting-edge research infrastructure
- International academic collaboration
- Strong innovation ecosystem
- High research funding
- Multicultural academic environment
- Excellent quality of life
Institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL are internationally recognized for excellence across engineering, science, technology, and innovation, making Switzerland an attractive destination for ambitious scholars worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 represent an outstanding opportunity for talented international researchers and artists seeking fully funded study or research opportunities in one of the world’s leading academic destinations.
With generous monthly funding, access to globally respected universities and research institutes, and opportunities to build lasting international collaborations, the programme continues to attract exceptional applicants from across 183 eligible countries.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposals, identifying suitable academic supervisors, and gathering the required documentation ahead of the 20 August 2026 application opening.
