The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-27 provide international students with a unique opportunity to pursue master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral programs in Switzerland. These partially funded scholarships aim to promote research, education, and innovation while fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. They are open to candidates from over 180 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Switzerland. Students in the arts are eligible to apply for master’s programs, while PhD and postdoctoral scholarships are targeted toward ambitious research-driven candidates.
Switzerland has a strong academic reputation, with 113 Nobel laureates affiliated with its educational institutions. Its universities consistently rank among the top worldwide, offering an ideal environment for innovative research and advanced studies. Scholarship recipients gain access to prestigious Swiss institutions, mentorship from distinguished professors, and opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects. Additionally, scholars can connect with peers from around the world, building a valuable global network and contributing to a culture of collaboration and tolerance.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships cover multiple fields, with two main categories: research scholarships and art scholarships. Research scholarships are open to all areas of study and can be pursued at universities of applied sciences, Swiss cantonal universities, federal institutes of technology, or four research institutes. Art scholarships are designed for master’s degree students from selected countries, enabling study at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts. Available scholarships include Swiss Government Arts Scholarships, Research Scholarships, Postdoctoral Scholarships, PhD Scholarships, and Master’s Scholarships.
Eligibility requirements include holding a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree equivalent to Swiss qualifications, being a national of a country with diplomatic ties to Switzerland, and securing acceptance from a Swiss university professor. Students residing in Switzerland for over a year or those who have previously received a Swiss Government grant are not eligible. Requirements for master’s applicants may vary depending on the country of origin.
Recipients of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses. The scholarship also provides access to Switzerland’s world-class educational and research facilities and fosters cultural immersion and international collaboration. Scholars gain exposure to cutting-edge research, enhancing their professional growth and career prospects.
Applicants must submit an FCS application form, copies of passports, a CV with academic publications, a motivation letter, a complete research proposal, recommendation letters, grade sheets, a signed medical certificate, and a confirmation letter from a host professor agreeing to supervise the research or artistic project. Two sets of documents are required, including signed originals and copies.
Applications for doctoral, postdoctoral, and master’s programs must be submitted both to the desired Swiss university and the Federal Commission of Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Applicants are responsible for securing a supervisor and ensuring all documents are prepared in English. Arts scholarship applicants should confirm their country’s eligibility before applying.
Deadlines vary by country, typically falling between September and December, with results announced by the end of May 2026. This scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for international students to study and conduct research in Switzerland, gain global exposure, and advance their careers in education, research, and the arts.