The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 provide outstanding international students, researchers, and artists with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies, research, and artistic programmes in Switzerland.
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international academic exchange and strengthen research cooperation between Switzerland and more than 180 countries worldwide.
The programme is managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), which evaluates applications and selects successful candidates.
The scholarships are designed mainly for early-career researchers who have already completed a Master’s degree, as well as talented art students seeking advanced education opportunities in Switzerland.
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year open on:
20 August 2026
About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious international awards supporting academic and research collaboration between Switzerland and global partner countries.
The programme provides opportunities for:
- PhD students
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Research fellows
- Art students
Recipients join Switzerland’s world-class higher education and research environment while developing expertise in their chosen fields.
The scholarship programme is currently available to applicants from 183 countries.
Scholarship Categories Available
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are divided into three main categories:
- Research Scholarships
- PhD Scholarships
- Art Scholarships
Each category has different eligibility requirements and funding durations.
1. Swiss Government Research Scholarships
The research scholarship supports postgraduate researchers from abroad who wish to conduct research in Switzerland.
Applicants can pursue research in any academic discipline at eligible Swiss institutions, including:
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Federal Institutes of Technology:
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
- EPFL
- Research institutes within the ETH Domain:
- PSI
- WSL
- Empa
- Eawag
A key requirement is that applicants must have support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to guide their proposed research project.
2. Swiss Government PhD Scholarships
The PhD scholarship supports international students pursuing doctoral studies in Switzerland.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A completed Master’s degree
- A confirmed academic supervisor in Switzerland
Scholarship Duration
Maximum duration: 36 months
Funding
Successful PhD scholarship recipients receive financial support of approximately:
CHF 2,450 per month
3. Swiss Government Art Scholarships
The Art Scholarship supports talented international students who want to pursue an initial Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland.
Eligible fields may include:
- Fine arts
- Design
- Creative disciplines
- Artistic studies
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Admission or proof of application to a Swiss art institution
Duration
Maximum duration: 21 months
Availability
Art scholarships are available only for applicants from selected countries.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive financial support that helps them study and conduct research in Switzerland.
Benefits include:
- Monthly scholarship funding
- Access to Swiss universities and research institutions
- International academic networking opportunities
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Exposure to Switzerland’s advanced academic environment
The scholarship allows talented researchers and artists to focus on academic and creative development.
Who Can Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
The programme is mainly intended for:
- Early-career researchers
- International PhD candidates
- Postgraduate researchers
- Talented artists
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong academic background
- Research potential
- Commitment to international cooperation
- High-quality research or artistic proposals
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
Requirements vary depending on the scholarship category.
Research and PhD Applicants
Applicants generally need:
- A completed Master’s degree
- A suitable research proposal
- A Swiss academic supervisor
Art Scholarship Applicants
Applicants generally need:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Admission or proof of application to a Swiss arts institution
How Applications Are Evaluated
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications based on three main criteria:
1. Candidate Profile
The committee assesses:
- Academic achievements
- Qualifications
- Professional background
- Research potential
2. Quality of Research Project or Artistic Work
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Research quality
- Innovation
- Feasibility
- Artistic excellence
3. Future Research Cooperation Potential
The FCS considers how the scholarship may contribute to:
- International collaboration
- Long-term academic partnerships
- Knowledge exchange between Switzerland and other countries
How to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Applications will open on:
20 August 2026
Applicants should prepare their documents before applications open.
The application process includes:
- Checking eligibility requirements for your country
- Preparing academic documents
- Developing a research proposal or artistic portfolio
- Securing a Swiss academic supervisor where required
- Submitting the application through the appropriate Swiss diplomatic representation
Applications are submitted to Swiss diplomatic representations.
Required Application Documents
Applicants may need to prepare:
- Academic certificates
- University transcripts
- Curriculum vitae
- Research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Academic references
- Supervisor confirmation
- Artistic portfolio (for art applicants)
Applicants should review country-specific requirements before submitting.
Important Dates for Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028
Application opening date:
20 August 2026
Country-specific deadlines:
Published from August 2026
Scholarship decisions announced:
By the end of May at the latest
Warning About Fake Swiss Government Scholarship Offers
The Swiss Government warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers using the name of the Swiss Government.
Applicants should be aware:
- Official applications are free
- The government does not request money transfers for visa or insurance costs
- Applicants should not respond to suspicious emails requesting payment
Always use official Swiss government scholarship information channels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Who can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
International researchers, PhD students, and artists from eligible countries can apply.
How many countries are eligible?
The programme is open to applicants from 183 countries.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides financial support, including monthly funding for successful recipients.
Do I need a supervisor in Switzerland?
Yes, research and PhD applicants need support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
When do applications open?
Applications open on 20 August 2026 for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer a prestigious opportunity for international researchers, PhD students, and artists to study and conduct research in Switzerland.
Through financial support, access to leading academic institutions, and international research collaboration opportunities, the programme helps develop future researchers and innovators.
Eligible candidates seeking advanced academic and research opportunities in Switzerland should begin preparing their applications before the opening date of 20 August 2026.
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