Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
When is the deadline for applications?
The application deadline varies by country. Applicants must refer to the specific information provided by the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country. Applications open August 4, 2025.
Describe the award to me:
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered annually by the Swiss Confederation to promote international research collaboration and academic exchange. The program targets young researchers and artists from over 180 countries, offering them the chance to pursue fully funded Master’s, PhD, Postdoc, or research fellowships in Switzerland.
Scholarship types include:
- Research Scholarships for postgraduate research
- PhD & Postdoctoral Scholarships
- Art Scholarships for initial Master’s degrees in arts (available only to selected countries)
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Which fields qualify?
All academic fields are eligible for research and PhD/postdoctoral scholarships.
For Art Scholarships, only fields within the creative and performing arts are eligible.
The type:
Government-funded International Scholarship Program (Fully funded)
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (depending on scholarship type)
- Be born after January 1, 1990 (i.e., under 35 years old)
- Have a strong academic track record
- Be proficient in the language of instruction (English, French, German, or Italian)
- Have a host professor/supervisor in Switzerland (for research-focused applications)
How do they choose applicants?
The selection process is conducted by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), based on:
- The applicant’s academic profile
- The quality and feasibility of the proposed research or artistic project
- The potential for long-term collaboration between the applicant’s home country and Switzerland
Which nations are qualified?
Citizens of 183 countries are eligible. Refer to the A–Z country list for specific details, requirements, and deadlines.
Where will the prize be accepted?
At any of the following institutions in Switzerland:
- Public Swiss Universities
- Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences
- Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL Lausanne)
- Public research institutions in the ETH Domain
- Swiss conservatories and art universities (for art scholarships)
How many honors?
An exact number isn’t specified, but hundreds of applicants are awarded annually, depending on country allocations and available slots.
What advantage does the award offer?
- ✅ Full tuition coverage
- 💰 CHF 3,500 monthly stipend
- 🏠 Accommodation and health insurance support
- ✈️ Travel allowance (in some cases)
- 👨🏫 Access to top Swiss universities and professors
- 🌍 International networking and career growth opportunities
What’s the duration of the award?
- Research & PhD: 12 to 36 months
- Postdoc: 12 months
- Art scholarships: Duration of the Master’s program (usually 1–2 years)
How do I apply?
- Visit the official scholarship portal
- Download your country-specific application documents (available by August 4, 2025)
- Prepare all required materials, including:
- CV and academic certificates
- Research proposal or portfolio (for artists)
- Letter of invitation from a Swiss professor (for research applicants)
- Submit the complete application to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country
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