Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Offer CHF 2,450 Monthly Research Support
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: research support
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2027–2028 provide CHF 2,450 monthly for basic living expenses. Additional benefits include a CHF 600 rental-deposit contribution, a half-fare transport card and applicable insurance and return-flight support. Tuition and semester fees are not covered. There is no family allowance, so this must not be presented as unconditional full-cost funding.
Eligibility and deadline
South African applicants can apply for research fellowships or PhD scholarships until 30 November 2026 at 23:59 Swiss time. Applicants must be born after 31 December 1991 and complete the required Master’s qualification by 31 July 2027, or 30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich. A Swiss academic supervisor’s support is essential. Scholarships begin on 1 September 2027.
How the application works
Use GO ESKAS through the official scholarship page. Applications are online, not by email or post. A fellowship lasts six to twelve months; PhD support can extend to 36 months subject to progress. Admission to a doctoral programme and scholarship selection are separate processes. Check the country list, exclusions, document checklist and academic requirements before starting.
Find an academically suitable host
The following is independent preparation guidance. Read the prospective supervisor’s recent work and identify a genuine connection with your own project. A useful initial enquiry explains the research question, your relevant preparation and why that particular group is appropriate. Generic messages make it harder for a researcher to judge whether they can offer meaningful supervision.
Keep admission and funding organised
Create separate checklists for the university’s admission process and the scholarship application. Record which documents can be reused and which must follow a specific format. A scholarship application does not replace academic admission, and an admission offer does not by itself establish funding. Keep copies of submissions and confirmation messages so that you can respond accurately to follow-up requests.
Budget for the uncovered costs
Make a personal budget using realistic accommodation and living-cost estimates alongside any university fees. Consider your obligations at home and do not assume that dependants will receive financial support. If a cost is not clearly included in the award, treat it as unresolved until the provider confirms otherwise. This approach is more reliable than relying on broad “fully funded” descriptions shared online.
Frequently asked questions
Are tuition fees included? No; the official rules say scholarship holders must cover relevant fees themselves.
Do I need a supervisor? Yes, an academic support letter is required.
Can I email my application? No; use the official online route.
Read the official programme requirements
Open the official application route
Official sources checked on 30 October 2026. Reign Gigs is an independent publisher, not the funding provider. Selection and funding decisions remain with the provider.
Explore other bursaries and scholarships on Reign Gigs, checking each award’s current terms separately.
