Study in Europe - Apply now for the fully funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2026

The Government of Switzerland is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program. This prestigious initiative offers fully funded scholarships, providing international students the opportunity to pursue Master's or PhD degrees at top-tier Swiss institutions.

Overview of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

Administered by the Swiss Confederation, this scholarship promotes international academic collaboration and research excellence. The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly living stipend of CHF 3,500

• Accommodation and additional support

Host Institutions

Scholarship recipients may study at:

• Ten Swiss Public Universities

• Two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology

• Public teaching and research institutes

• Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences

Types of Scholarships Offered

The program features two types of awards:

1. Research Scholarships: Open to postgraduate researchers with at least a Master’s degree. These scholarships support doctoral, post-doctoral, or fellowship-level research across all academic disciplines.

2. Art Scholarships: Offered to students pursuing an initial Master's degree in arts, available to nationals of selected countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2026, candidates must:

• Hold a university degree (Bachelor's or Master's) by the start of the scholarship

• Be born on or after January 1, 1990 (under age 35)

• Demonstrate strong academic achievements and clear research or artistic goals

• Show proficiency in the relevant language of instruction (English, French, German, or Italian)

• Be planning to study at a Swiss public academic institution

Duration and Financial Benefits

Scholarships typically last for the duration of the chosen program and include:

• Complete tuition fee waiver

• Monthly stipend of CHF 3,500 to cover living expenses

• Accommodation and health insurance support

Selection Criteria

Applicants undergo a multi-phase evaluation process:

1. Pre-selection by national authorities or Swiss embassies

2. Final evaluation by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)

The FCS selection is based on:

• Academic profile and achievements

• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research or artistic project

• Potential for long-term academic collaboration

The FCS comprises professors from all public Swiss universities and announces final selections by mid-2027 for the 2026-27 academic year.

Required Documents

To apply, prepare and submit:

• Completed application form

• Academic curriculum vitae

• Research proposal or artistic portfolio

• University degree certificates and transcripts

• Two academic recommendation letters

• Language proficiency proof

• Passport copies

• Host institution admission letter or confirmation of supervision

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official scholarship website

2. Select your country of origin to access tailored application guidelines

3. Review the available scholarship types and deadlines (as they vary by country)

4. Download the country-specific application package

5. Fill in all required forms and compile supporting documents

6. Submit your application to the designated Swiss diplomatic mission in your country before the national deadline

Note: Applications sent directly to the Swiss Government in Switzerland are not accepted.

Important Notes

• Deadlines differ by country and can range from August to December 2025

• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further evaluation

• All application materials must be complete, accurate, and submitted by the stated deadline

This scholarship is a gateway for international students to access world-class education and research in one of Europe’s most peaceful and innovative nations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early and consult the official scholarship resources for their region.

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