Good news, everyone! The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is now open, and we’re here to explain what it is, how it helps you, and how to apply step by step.
What Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
This is a special program that helps students from all over the world study in Switzerland. It’s like getting a super gift to follow your dreams of learning! This scholarship is for people who want to study after college—like earning a master’s degree, a PhD, or doing advanced research.
Amazing Benefits of This Scholarship
If you get this scholarship, you’ll receive:
- Money every month to help with your expenses.
- No tuition fees—you study for free!
- Health insurance to keep you safe and healthy.
- Free air travel to Switzerland.
- Money for housing so you have a place to stay.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is offered by the Swiss Government and the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS). Every year, students from more than 180 countries are awarded this opportunity! Anyone from any nationality can apply.
This program is especially for:
- Students who are already super good at studying and have finished college.
- People who want to do research, study for a PhD, or continue learning after their master’s degree.
- Even young doctors can apply!
Where Can You Study?
If you win the scholarship, you can study or do research in any field at Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, and special schools like the federal institutes of technology.
So, if you’re dreaming big and love learning, Switzerland might just be the perfect place for you to take the next step in your studies. Start your application today—your adventure is waiting!
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Masters, PhD, Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): Swiss Government / Swiss Universities
- Study in: Switzerland
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Various fields (see types below).
- Program Period: Depends on the degree you choose.
- Deadline: Varies by country—check the specific deadlines for your country! follow the link!
Types of Swiss Government Scholarships
- Research Scholarships
- Who Can Apply?
Post-graduate researchers in any field who already have at least a master’s degree. - Purpose:
To allow researchers to do advanced studies or research at the doctoral or post-doctoral level in Switzerland. - Where Can You Study?
- Swiss cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Two federal institutes of technology
- Four research institutes
- Special Note:
To apply, you must be nominated by an academic mentor at one of these institutions.
- Who Can Apply?
- Art Scholarships
- Who Can Apply?
Art students who want to pursue their first master’s degree in Switzerland. - Where Can You Study?
- Swiss conservatories
- Universities of the arts
- Special Note:
These scholarships are available only to students from a limited number of countries.
- Who Can Apply?
Whether you’re interested in groundbreaking research or exploring your creative passions, Switzerland offers opportunities to help you shine!
Scholarship Coverage
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer fantastic support for recipients, including:
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 to cover living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Free Swiss health insurance for students from non-EU and non-EFTA countries.
- Flight Allowance: A lump sum for a return flight ticket for students from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, provided at the end of the scholarship.
- Housing Allowance: CHF 300, paid once at the start of the scholarship.
- Transportation: A one-year half-fare public transportation card to make travel around Switzerland more affordable.
- Support & Activities: Special services, trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours organized for scholarship holders.
⚠️ Note: Family allowances are not included, and benefits may vary by country. Check the country-specific fact sheets for complete details on what is offered!
Eligibility Criteria for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
To qualify, you must meet all the following requirements:
General Requirements
- Language: You must be proficient in English.
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Education:
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by July 31, 2024.
- The degree must be recognized by the Swiss university.
- Submit proof of your degree to the Federal Commission for Scholarships before the scholarship starts.
Specific Conditions
- Age: Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989.
- Residency:
- If you’ve lived in Switzerland for over a year before the scholarship starts in September, you are not eligible.
- Academic Host:
- Provide a letter from a host professor at a Swiss university who agrees to supervise your research.
- Include their short CV. Without this letter, your application will be rejected.
- Research Proposal:
- Submit a detailed research proposal with a clear timeline.
- This is the most important part of your application—dedicate extra attention to it.
- Language Skills:
- You must have the required language skills for your research or studies.
Other Restrictions
- Previous Scholarship Holders: If you’ve already received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, you cannot apply again.
- Residency During Grant: Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during the scholarship period.
⚠️ Note: Additional criteria may apply depending on your country. Refer to the country-specific fact sheets for further details.
How to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Please follow the following application instructions to Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:
(1) Prepare the following documents:
- Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with
- A full CV with list of academic publications, awards,
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
- A complete research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed), using exclusively the FCS research proposal
- A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research.
- A short CV of the academic mentor at the home institution.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field (use exclusively the FCS reference form – originals in sealed envelopes only for the 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
- Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian or German with attested certified translations in English. Do not submit the original certificates.
- Signed medical certificate (use only the FCS health certificate form).
- Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals add copies of both passports. Applicants already in Switzerland during the application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.
(2) The application package can be obtained Swiss representation of your country.
(3) Please submit 2 sets (=1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable the attested translations in English. The other set is the copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
Note: Please do not put the documents into plastic folders or binders.
To know more about Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, please visit the official website: