Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded

Imagine a life-changing scholarship to Switzerland – with all expenses covered! The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 are open to international students and researchers, offering generous support for a year of study or research in Switzerland. Sponsored by the State Secretariat for Education (SERI), this prestigious program encourages global exchange and academic cooperation. In practice, it means a monthly stipend, health insurance and travel support are provided so you can focus on learning and discovery in Swiss universities without financial worries. Let’s explore this opportunity and how you can apply.

Overview of the Scholarship

Each year the Swiss government awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international research exchange. More than 180 countries participate, and the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) selects recipients based on academic merit. There are several tracks: Research/PhD scholarships, Postdoctoral fellowships, Arts Master’s scholarships, and research fellowships. The program targets “young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD” as well as foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree. In short, if you’ve got a strong academic record and want to conduct your next project in Switzerland, this program might be for you.

For example, research scholarships are for post-graduate students planning to do doctoral or postdoctoral work in Switzerland, and require that a Swiss professor nominates you. (You must reach out to a potential Swiss supervisor in your field early on – without a nomination letter your application won’t be considered.) The arts scholarships are for students in visual arts, music or performing arts; you need a bachelor’s degree and admission to a Swiss arts university. Overall, this is a fully funded award: the Swiss state covers most living costs, making it much more than a tuition waiver.

Also Available: NHR Scholarships in Germany 2026: Fully Funded HPC PhD

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these scholarships, you must meet several conditions:

• Academic requirements: For the Research/PhD track, you need a Master’s degree (or equivalent) by summer 2026. For a PhD scholarship, you also need official admission to a Swiss doctoral program. For a Postdoctoral fellowship, your PhD must have been awarded recently (for 2026-27, roughly between Jan 1, 2023 and July 31, 2026). For an Arts Master’s scholarship, you need a Bachelor’s degree by mid-2026 and admission to a Swiss art/music school.
• Nationality and residence: You must be a foreign (non-Swiss) citizen from an eligible country. Applicants should not have been living in Switzerland for more than 12 months before the scholarship starts. (The idea is to bring new people into Switzerland for this program.)
• Age limit: Generally, applicants must be born on or after Dec 31, 1990 (about 35 years old or younger).
• Host nomination: A key requirement is a formal letter of support from a Swiss professor or institution. You must line up a Swiss supervisor who agrees to host your research. Without that, your application cannot move forward.
• Other rules: You must satisfy the language requirements of your chosen program (usually English, German, French or Italian), plan to reside in Switzerland for the full study period, and you cannot be a previous recipient of a Swiss Excellence Scholarship.

In summary, if you have the right degree, a strong CV, and a willing Swiss mentor, you can apply. (Check the official website for your country’s specific rules.)

Scholarship Benefits (Funding)

This is a fully funded scholarship. Awardees receive several generous benefits, including:

• Monthly stipend: CHF 1,920 (~USD 2,100) per month for PhD, research and arts scholarship holders; CHF 3,500 (~USD 3,850) per month for postdoctoral fellows. This helps cover your living expenses in Switzerland.
• Housing allowance: A one-time payment of CHF 300 is added to the first stipend to help with your apartment security deposit.
• Health insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance premiums are fully covered for scholarship recipients from non-EU/EFTA countries. (If you are from the EU/EFTA, you must arrange and pay for your own insurance.)
• Travel and transport: You get a Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard (50% off trains, buses, etc.) for one year. For non-EU/EFTA scholars, a lump-sum flight allowance is provided at the end of the scholarship to return home. (EU/EFTA scholars pay their own travel.)
• Cultural programs: Many host institutions organize museum visits, city tours or networking dinners for international scholars.

Not covered: The scholarship generally does not pay tuition fees, visa costs, or your travel to Switzerland. (Swiss public universities have relatively low fees—typically CHF 600–2,000 per semester—or may waive them, but you should plan for this.) It also does not fund conference travel or personal expenses.

You Can Also Check: University of Bern Scholarships 2025-2026 (Fully Funded)

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Check your country and prepare early: Go to the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website and select your region/country. This will list the scholarship categories available to you, the eligibility details, and your local application deadlines. Make a checklist of required documents (see below).
2. Secure a Swiss supervisor: Reach out to professors at Swiss universities working in your field. Introduce your research or project idea and ask if they can support your application. You will need a formal Letter of Acceptance or support from a Swiss host.
3. Gather your documents: You will need (among other things): a current CV; transcripts and diplomas; a detailed research or study proposal (max. 5 pages); a motivation/cover letter (1–2 pages); two recommendation letters; your Swiss supervisor’s acceptance letter and CV; a signed medical certificate; and passport copies. If any documents aren’t in English, German, French or Italian, include a certified translation.
4. Create an account on ESKAS: Starting August 4, 2025, applications are submitted online only via the new ESKAS portal (go.eskas.ch). (You no longer mail paper forms.) Make sure to fill in all required fields and upload your documents well before the deadline.
5. Submit by deadline: Deadlines vary by country (see next section), but don’t delay – late submissions are not accepted. Double-check you’ve uploaded everything (form, CV, proposal, letters, etc.) and then hit submit.
6. Wait for results: After submission, your application is screened by Swiss embassies or authorities and then by the Federal Commission (FCS) which makes the final decision. Winners are usually announced by May 2026. Successful scholars will be asked to confirm their participation and then prepare to begin their studies in Switzerland in September 2026.

Ready to apply? Apply Now on the official ESKAS portal when applications open.

Important Deadlines

• Application opens: August 4, 2025. Mark your calendar and start preparing in advance.
• Country-specific deadlines: These fall around Oct–Nov 2025. For example, Brazil’s final deadline is Oct 27, 2025; India’s is Nov 10, 2025; the USA is Nov 14, 2025. (Each country’s Swiss embassy/site will confirm the exact date.)
• Selection results: Decisions are announced by May 2026.
• Scholarship start: Scholars usually arrive in Switzerland by September 2026.

Be sure to check the official website or Swiss embassy in your country for your exact deadline and follow any additional local instructions.

Tips and Motivation

• Plan ahead: The application is competitive (~15-20% success rate), so start preparing several months in advance. Reach out to potential supervisors in spring 2025.
• Tailor your proposal: Clearly explain your project, its timeline and why Switzerland is the best place for it. Highlight how your work could build a bridge between Swiss research and your home country. Strong projects often emphasize collaboration potential.
• Polish your CV and letters: Emphasize your academic achievements, publications, or exhibitions. Ask recommenders to comment on your skills and motivation. A concise, well-written motivation letter can make a big difference.
• Show excitement: Convey your passion for your field and Swiss culture. Commit to making the most of this opportunity – join labs, attend conferences, learn the local language if you can. The selection committee values motivated, mature applicants.
• Stay organized: Keep copies of all your documents and correspondence. Note every deadline in your calendar. Late or incomplete applications are usually disqualified.
• Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to contact the Swiss embassy’s science attaché or local office if you have questions. They often hold information sessions or Q&As about this scholarship.

Remember: thousands of people around the world have won this scholarship before you. With careful preparation and a standout application, you could join their ranks. It’s your chance to launch an international academic adventure in Switzerland – so go for it!

Also Check: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2025 – Fully Funded Opportunity

Conclusion

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 are an incredible opportunity to advance your education or research in one of the world’s top academic environments, all without financial strain. With generous stipends, insurance and support, these awards help ambitious students and researchers concentrate on their goals. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate to apply and give yourself the chance of a lifetime. Check the deadlines, gather your documents, and apply now via the official portal. Also, share this opportunity with classmates or friends – good opportunities multiply when shared!

You’ve got what it takes – seize this fully funded chance and make your Swiss dream a reality. Good luck, and reach for the stars!