Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–27 Open for International Students and Researchers

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the academic year 2026–27 are a prestigious initiative designed to attract international students to Switzerland for advanced studies in research and the arts. Offered by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships reflect the country’s global commitment to education, innovation, and academic exchange. The program invites applications from students across more than 180 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Switzerland.

The scholarships support master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies. Students of arts are eligible to apply for master’s-level programs, while those in other fields can pursue research and academic work at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate academic excellence, innovative thinking, and a clear commitment to cultural collaboration.

To be eligible for these Swiss Government scholarships, applicants must first secure a letter of acceptance from a Swiss professor willing to supervise their research. This requirement applies across all levels of study. Candidates for PhD and postdoctoral scholarships must hold a master’s degree equivalent to a Swiss graduate degree. Applicants for the master’s program in the arts must possess a bachelor's degree that aligns with Swiss undergraduate standards. Only individuals from countries with established diplomatic ties to Switzerland may apply. Students already residing in Switzerland for over one year or those who have previously received a Swiss Government scholarship are not eligible.

The benefits of the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships include a monthly stipend that supports living costs during the study or research period. There is no processing fee for applications, making the program accessible to a broader range of international students. Scholars also gain access to Switzerland’s world-class academic institutions, cutting-edge research facilities, and a diverse international community. This environment not only enhances their academic experience but also promotes long-term professional growth and global networking.

Applicants are required to submit a complete application package, which includes a signed application form, two passport copies, a detailed CV listing academic publications and achievements, a motivation letter, a five-page research proposal, and the CV of an academic mentor from their home institution. Additional documents include two sealed letters of recommendation, academic transcripts and certificates translated into an official Swiss language or English, a signed medical certificate, and a formal letter from the Swiss host professor confirming their willingness to supervise the applicant’s research. The submission must include two sets of all documents, with the original recommendation letters in one set only.

The application process for Swiss Government Scholarships involves two steps: submitting an application to the Swiss university of choice and to the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students. Arts students must check if their country is eligible before applying. All documents must be completed in English and prepared according to the official guidelines provided by the scholarship commission.

Deadlines for application submission vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, typically falling between September and December 2025. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of May 2026. These scholarships offer a unique opportunity to pursue higher education in Europe while contributing to global academic development and fostering intercultural understanding.