Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027

Want to study in Switzerland? I brought you an excellent opportunity. In this article, I will outline the application process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027. These are fully funded Scholarships in Europe for international students available to students from 183 countries. Students and researchers interested in studying in Switzerland can take advantage of these fully funded scholarships. The Swiss government annually offers these scholarships to promote international education and research.

If you are a researcher, PhD, postdoc, or even a master’s student in the arts, then it is an ideal option for you. The scholarship is so comprehensive that it even makes it more enticing. In case you are the selected one, you will receive a monthly allowance, free education, health insurance, transportation costs, and a housing allowance. This basically means that you won’t have to worry about most of your next big expenses.

You will be able to wholly concentrate on your studies and at the same time, enjoy living in an incredibly beautiful and serene country in Europe. Scholarships for master’s students (arts only), PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and even young medical doctors who want to do research in Switzerland are indeed open.

Besides a safe and clean environment, Swiss top universities are known for their quality research. Nobel prize winners numbering over one hundred have their names attached to Swiss institutions, which is a clear indication of the strong education system there. Studying in Switzerland can really do a lot to turn you into someone who values knowledge, cultural exchange, and international experience, and deepens your self-awareness as well as professional growth if this is what you consider most.

The scholarship is not easy to get. It means that you have to have a research proposal, recommendations, and other official documents. Check if the topic you want to study is among the ones offered by the Swiss universities. Also, it is important to remember that the application schedule in different countries is not the same, so be early in preparation.

Now let’s apply for the Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027. Follow the steps below👇.

Host Country:

Switzerland

Host Universities:

Different Swiss universities participate in Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships . Check the full list here.

Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

Research Scholarships:

If you have a master’s degree and want to do research or study more in Switzerland (like a PhD or postdoc), you can apply for this. You can pick any subject. The scholarship lets you study at Swiss universities, tech schools, or research institutes. You’ll need a professor in Switzerland to support your application.

Art Scholarships:

These are for students who want to do a master’s in the arts, like music, design, or fine arts. You can study at any Swiss art school or conservatory. But this one’s only open to students from certain countries.

Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

CHF 1,920/month for Research, PhD, and Art students
CHF 3,500/month for Postdocs
Free health insurance (if you’re not from an EU or EFTA country)
CHF 300 one-time to help with rent when you arrive
Half-Fare Travelcard so that you can travel around Switzerland at a discount
Return flight at the end of your scholarship (for non-EU/EFTA students)
Cultural events & networking trips, dinners, and activities to help you meet people and explore the country

Eligibility Criteria for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

You need to have a PhD that you got in the last 2 years.
Or, you’re about to finish, as long as you defend your thesis within 6 months after the deadline. If that’s the case, you’ll need a letter from your advisor confirming the plan.
You can’t have done your PhD at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
Also, if you’ve worked or studied at either place for more than 6 months, you’re not eligible.
You shouldn’t have lived, worked, or studied in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
You must have at least one paper published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Please note that scholarship benefits may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Documents Required for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027:

For Research applicants:

Your CV should include your education, experience, and any relevant publications or teaching experience.
A motivation letter explaining why you want to study in Switzerland and what your goals are.
A research proposal explaining your research idea, methods, and timeline (skip if you’re an art student).
Get a Support letter from a Swiss professor saying they’ll support your research.
Swiss professor’s CV: A short (max 2-page) CV from your Swiss academic host.
Home supervisor’s CV: Include this only if you’re applying for a research fellowship.
Proof of admission: For PhD applicants only, show confirmation from a Swiss university.
Two reference letters: Ask two professors to email your recommendation letters.
Educational documents: Attach transcripts and degree certificates (add translations if needed).
Medical Certificate: The Doctor must complete the official health form.
Passport copy: Please include a copy of your passport (both sides, if you have a dual citizenship).
Living in Switzerland? – Add your residence permit or registration.

For Arts applicants:

A motivational letter explaining why you want to study art in Switzerland and how it fits your goals.
Two reference letters must be emailed directly by your professors.
Transcripts and certificates: Add translations if not in English, French, German, or Italian.
Medical Certificate: Use the FCS form, which your doctor has completed.
Passport copy: Include both if you have dual citizenship.
If you’re in Switzerland, send your residence permit or registration.
Portfolio – Submit samples of your work based on your field:
Music: 3 audio tracks (high quality); composers should add scores.
Visual Arts: 3 photos of your work + sketches; add your name and country to each.
Other fields: Send videos or examples of your creative work.

School confirmation: Make sure the Swiss art school confirms they’re reviewing your application or that you’ve passed the first step.

How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027:

Fill out the FCS application form. Type, print, and sign it.
Prepare your documents:
1: CV with education, experience, and publications
2: Motivation letter (max two pages)
3: Research proposal (max five pages, signed, use FCS format)
4: Support letter from a Swiss professor + their short CV
5: Short CV of your home university supervisor (for research fellowships)
6: Two sealed reference letters (use FCS form – originals in 1st set only)
7: Copies of all diplomas and transcripts, with translations if needed
8: Signed FCS medical certificate (use official form)
9: Passport copies (both if you have dual nationality)
10: Swiss residence permit copy (if already in Switzerland)
Prepare your documents:
Set 1: All originals + sealed reference letters + translations
Set 2: A full copy of Set 1 (no recommendation letters)
No folders or binders. Just stack everything in order.
Apply to both the Swiss university and the FCS. These are two separate applications.
Art applicants, make sure your country is eligible before applying.
All documents must be in English (or one of Switzerland’s official languages).
Check your country’s Swiss Embassy website. That’s where you’ll find your specific application package and instructions.

Deadline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-27:

Applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 will open on August 4, 2025. Deadlines vary from country to country, but generally between September and December. Click here to check your country’s deadline.

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Some Commonly Asked Questions:

Who is eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027?

Eligibility depends on the program. Applicants must hold a master’s degree for research scholarships or a PhD earned within the last 2 years for postdocs. You should not have lived in Switzerland for over 12 months in the past 3 years and meet other specific criteria.

What does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship cover?

The scholarship offers a monthly stipend (CHF 1,920–3,500), free health insurance, tuition fee exemption, a one-time housing allowance, return airfare, and a Half-Fare Travelcard for transportation in Switzerland, along with access to cultural events and networking opportunities.

How do I apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Applicants must submit an FCS application form, academic CV, motivation letter, research proposal, recommendation letters, and get support from a Swiss professor. Applications must be sent to both the Swiss university and the Swiss government. Requirements vary by country.

What is the deadline to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Applications open on August 4, 2025. Deadlines depend on your country and generally fall between September and December 2025. You must check the official Swiss Embassy website in your country to find the exact deadline and country-specific instructions.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 | Fully Funded

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