The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025-26 play a crucial role in the Swiss Government’s global education, research, and innovation strategy. These scholarships are open to master’s, PhD, and Post-Doc students worldwide. However, research grants are specifically available for motivated PhD and Post-Doc students, while the international Swiss Government Scholarship is exclusively for master’s degree students in the arts.
Every year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to facilitate international collaboration and exchange in research and the arts, involving Switzerland and more than 180 countries. These European scholarships are offered to individuals from countries with diplomatic ties with Switzerland, thereby enhancing Switzerland’s international standing in promoting a culture of research and as a key player in ERI (education, research, and innovation).
Switzerland is widely recognized for its education system, attracting a high number of international students in tertiary education. Furthermore, 113 Nobel Prize winners have been affiliated with Switzerland’s education system. Switzerland’s educational institutions consistently rank highly, attesting to the country’s enduring commitment to sustainable education, research, and innovation, which serves as a cornerstone of its success.
The rich cultural heritage and high standard of living in Switzerland empower students to gain confidence and excel in their fields of study. Additionally, the Swiss Government Scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for foreign scholars to establish connections with university professors in Switzerland and conduct notable research. Upon completing the scholarship, scholars become part of a strong alumni network, promoting global collaboration and a culture of tolerance, which is an essential necessity in today’s world.
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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026:
Table of Contents
Country:
- Switzerland
Programs:
- Masters, PhD, and Postdoc,
Duration:
- PhD up to 36 Months
- Research Scholarship Is Up to 12 months.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026 Benefits:
- The monthly scholarship payment is CHF 1,920.
- Non-EU and non-EFTA grantees will have their mandatory Swiss health insurance paid by the FCS.
- No family allowances are available.
- Scholarship recipients from non-EU and non-EFTA countries will receive a lump sum flight allowance for a ticket back to their home country, provided at the end of the scholarship.
- A special housing allowance (paid once at the beginning of the scholarship) is offered.
- A one-year half-fare public transportation card will be provided.
- Support services, various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours are organized for Swiss Government
- Excellence Scholarship holders.
- Refer to the country-specific fact sheets for precise scholarship benefits.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026 Eligibility Criteria:
In order to be eligible for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of a Master’s degree or equivalent university qualification by 31 July 2024 (degree certificate) recognized by a Swiss university. The degree must be submitted to the Federal Commission for Scholarships prior to the commencement of the scholarship.
- Birth after 31 December 1989 is a prerequisite.
- Applicants who have resided in Switzerland for more than one year at the start of the scholarship in September are not qualified.
- Submission of a letter from an academic host professor at the selected Swiss university, along with their brief curriculum vitae, confirming their willingness to supervise and support the research. Applications lacking this support will be rejected.
- A detailed research proposal with a timeline is required and is the focal point of the application. The applicant should give it their full attention.
- Proficiency in the required language for the research/studies is essential.
- Individuals who have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to relocate to Switzerland during the funding period.
Application Procedure For Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026:
Please adhere to the application guidelines for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships by completing the following steps:
(1) Gather the required documents:
- Complete and sign the FCS application form (typed and printed) along with a comprehensive CV detailing academic publications, awards, and a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages).
- Develop a detailed research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed) using only the FCS research proposal template.
- Include a letter from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss university, along with their abbreviated CV, confirming their willingness to supervise and support the research.
- Provide a brief CV of the academic mentor at your home institution.
- Submit two sealed confidential letters of recommendation from different professors in your field using the FCS reference form. Only originals should be enclosed in the first set.
- Prepare photocopies of certificates, grade sheets from previous universities/colleges, and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian, or German, include attested certified translations in English. Do not send the original certificates.
- Complete and sign the medical certificate using the FCS health certificate form.
- Submit two copies of your passport’s main page with personal data. Dual nationals need to include copies of both passports. If you’re already in Switzerland during the application process, add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.
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Application Deadline?
The Application Deadline For Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026 Varies From country to country.