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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 – CHF 2,450 Monthly Stipend for International Students and Researchers

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 offer an excellent opportunity for talented international researchers and artists who want to continue their academic journey in Switzerland. The programme is funded by the Swiss Confederation and is designed to promote international academic exchange, research cooperation and professional development.

For the 2027/28 academic year, eligible candidates may apply for different scholarship categories, including a Research Fellowship, PhD Scholarship and Art Scholarship. The available scholarship options depend on the applicant’s country of origin.

The programme is administered through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS). According to the official scholarship information, the programme is available to applicants from 183 countries, and applications opened on 20 August 2026. Country-specific deadlines and available scholarship types must be checked before applying. (SERI)

One of the major benefits is a monthly scholarship contribution of CHF 2,450 to support the basic living expenses of eligible scholarship holders in Switzerland. However, applicants should understand that the scholarship payment is not considered a salary, and tuition or other arrangements may vary depending on the host institution and scholarship category. (SERI)

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 – Quick Overview

Scholarship Details	Information
Host Country	Switzerland
Scholarship Provider	Swiss Confederation
Administered By	Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
Academic Year	2027/28
Available For	Eligible International Applicants
Scholarship Categories	Research Fellowship, PhD and Art Scholarship
Monthly Scholarship	CHF 2,450
Applications Open	20 August 2026
Scholarship Start Date	1 September 2027
Deadline	Varies by Country
Application Method	Online

The official programme encourages international research cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world. (SERI)

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28

Every year, the Swiss Confederation offers Government Excellence Scholarships to outstanding international researchers and artists.

The programme is mainly intended for talented early-career researchers who have completed the academic qualifications required for their selected scholarship category.

Eligible research activities can take place at recognised Swiss institutions, including universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology and selected research institutions.

The scholarship is competitive, which means applicants should carefully prepare their academic documents, research proposal or artistic portfolio.

An important update for the 2027/28 academic year is that postdoctoral fellowships will no longer be offered under this scholarship programme. (SERI)

Financial Benefits of the Scholarship

Successful applicants receive financial assistance to support their stay in Switzerland.

Main Benefits

The scholarship programme includes:

CHF 2,450 monthly scholarship contribution
Financial support towards basic living expenses
CHF 600 one-time grant for rental deposit
Half-Fare Travelcard for public transportation
Health insurance support for eligible scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
Return flight allowance for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders
Activities and support provided for scholarship recipients

The exact benefits and eligibility conditions can depend on the applicant’s nationality and scholarship category. The official information clearly states that the CHF 2,450 monthly contribution is intended to cover basic living expenses and should not be treated as a salary. (SERI)

Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

1. Research Fellowship

The Research Fellowship is intended for highly qualified early-career researchers who are pursuing doctoral studies and want to conduct a research project in Switzerland.

Eligible applicants may conduct research at institutions such as:

Swiss cantonal universities
Universities of applied sciences
ETH Zurich
EPFL
Recognised research institutions within the ETH Domain

The fellowship is generally available for full-time research in Switzerland.

Research Fellowship Duration

Minimum duration: 6 months
Maximum duration: 12 months
Expected start date: 1 September 2027

Applicants must have support from an eligible academic supervisor in Switzerland. (SERI)

2. Swiss Government PhD Scholarship

The PhD Scholarship is designed for qualified international applicants who want to pursue doctoral research in Switzerland.

Applicants must meet the academic requirements and secure support from an appropriate Swiss academic supervisor.

The scholarship is initially awarded for 12 months and may be renewed based on academic progress.

Maximum Duration

Eligible PhD scholarship support can extend for up to 36 months, subject to the programme conditions and satisfactory academic progress. (SERI)

3. Swiss Government Art Scholarship

The Art Scholarship is available for talented international artists who want to pursue their first Master’s degree in an eligible artistic field.

This scholarship is available only to applicants from selected countries.

Eligible fields may include programmes offered by recognised Swiss universities of the arts and music institutions.

Art Scholarship Duration

Initial duration: 12 months
Possible extension depending on programme requirements
Maximum possible duration: 21 months

Applicants may need to provide admission information, proof of application and an artistic portfolio. (SERI)

Eligibility Criteria for Research and PhD Applicants

The exact requirements may vary by country and scholarship category. However, applicants for research and PhD opportunities generally need to meet requirements such as:

Completion of a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification by 31 July 2027
For ETH Zurich applicants, qualification requirements may have an earlier deadline of 30 June 2027
Date of birth after 31 December 1991
A strong academic and research profile
A detailed research plan
A clear research timeline and milestones
Support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland
Compliance with country-specific requirements

Applicants who are already living in Switzerland may also need to meet specific residency requirements. (SERI)

Eligibility Criteria for Art Scholarship Applicants

Applicants for an Art Scholarship generally need to:

Complete a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification by the required deadline
Be born after 31 December 1991
Apply for their first eligible Master’s degree
Meet the academic requirements of the selected institution
Provide an admission letter or proof of application where required
Submit an artistic portfolio
Meet the country-specific eligibility conditions

Because scholarship availability varies by nationality, applicants should always check the official information for their country before applying. (SERI)

Academic Supervisor Requirement for Research and PhD Applicants

Finding an academic supervisor in Switzerland is one of the most important parts of the application process.

Research Fellowship and PhD applicants must find an eligible academic supervisor who is willing to support their proposed research.

The supervisor is required to provide support for the proposed project. Applications without the required academic supervision will not be considered.

Applicants are responsible for identifying and contacting suitable professors or research leaders themselves. (SERI)

How to Find a Swiss Academic Supervisor

You can improve your chances by following these steps:

Identify Swiss universities and research institutions related to your field.
Search for professors working on subjects related to your research idea.
Read their research profiles and recent publications.
Prepare a professional academic CV.
Develop a clear and realistic research proposal.
Write a personalised email.
Explain why your research project matches the professor’s expertise.
Request academic support professionally.

Avoid sending the same generic message to many professors. A well-researched and personalised email can make your application more professional.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship applications are evaluated based on important academic and professional factors.

The main selection criteria include:

Candidate Profile

The selection process considers academic qualifications, research competence, experience, achievements and motivation.

Research Project or Artistic Work

Research applicants are evaluated on the originality and methodological quality of their project.

Art applicants are assessed based on their artistic qualifications, portfolio and potential.

Future Collaboration Potential

The selection process also considers the potential for future research and academic cooperation between Switzerland and the applicant’s home country or institution. (SERI)

Required Documents

The exact documents may differ depending on your country and scholarship category.

Applicants may need to prepare:

Completed online application
Academic CV
Degree certificates
Academic transcripts
Research proposal
Research timeline
Motivation letter
Academic supervisor’s letter of support
Supervisor’s CV, where required
Recommendation letters
Passport or identification documents
Admission letter or proof of application for art programmes
Artistic portfolio for eligible applicants

Always check the official country-specific instructions before submitting your application.

How to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28

The application process is completed online.

Step 1: Check Your Country Eligibility

First, confirm whether your country is eligible and identify the scholarship types available for your nationality.

Step 2: Review the Requirements

Read all academic and application requirements for your chosen category.

Step 3: Find an Academic Supervisor

Research and PhD applicants should begin contacting suitable Swiss academic supervisors as early as possible.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your CV, academic records, research proposal, motivation letter and other required documents.

Step 5: Register Online

Applicants need to register through the official Grants Online (GO ESKAS) system.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete the application and submit all required documents before your country-specific deadline.

Applications should not be submitted by email or paper form. (SERI)

Application Deadline for 2027/28

The deadline is different for each country.

Applicants should check the official country information to confirm:

Available scholarship types
Eligibility requirements
Application deadlines
Application procedures
Relevant Swiss diplomatic representation

Do not wait until the final date. Finding an academic supervisor and preparing a strong research proposal can take considerable time.

When Will Results Be Announced?

Applications are processed through the relevant Swiss diplomatic representations and evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students.

According to the official programme information, applicants can expect decisions regarding scholarship awards by the end of May 2027 at the latest.

The scholarships are scheduled to begin on 1 September 2027. (SERI)

Important Tips to Improve Your Chances

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive. Consider these tips:

Start Early

Begin preparing months before the deadline.

Focus on Research Fit

Make sure your proposed research closely matches the expertise of your intended supervisor.

Write a Strong Research Proposal

Your proposal should clearly explain:

Research problem
Main objectives
Research methodology
Expected outcomes
Timeline
Academic importance of the project

Personalize Your Emails

Do not send identical messages to different professors.

Check Country-Specific Information

The scholarship type and deadline may be different depending on your country.

Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28

Applicants should use the official Swiss Government scholarship information and application system.

Official Scholarship Information:
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028

Scholarship Details, Country Deadlines and Application Information:
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance

The official application information states that scholarship applications are free of charge. Be cautious of fraudulent scholarship offers or individuals asking for money in exchange for a scholarship or visa assistance. (SERI)

Final Words

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 provide a valuable opportunity for eligible international researchers and talented artists to study, conduct research and build international academic connections in Switzerland.

With a CHF 2,450 monthly scholarship contribution, additional benefits and opportunities at recognized Swiss institutions, the programme can be highly attractive for qualified applicants. However, competition is strong, and careful preparation is essential.

Research and PhD applicants should start searching for an academic supervisor as early as possible. Art applicants should focus on preparing a strong portfolio and meeting university admission requirements.

Check your country’s eligibility and deadline carefully, prepare all documents in advance and submit your application only through the official online system.