Overview
The Swiss Confederation funds Government Excellence Scholarships every year to encourage research cooperation and international exchange between Switzerland and more than 180 other countries.
These research scholarships are open to post-graduate researchers in any discipline who hold at least a master's degree and want to come to Switzerland for doctoral or post-doctoral research or further study.
Host Institution(s):
You can carry out your research at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities, the two Swiss federal institutes of technology, or public teaching and research institutes.
Subjects and level
Doctoral or Postdoctoral Studies or Research in any discipline.
Who can apply
International students from more than 180 countries. See the official website for the complete list of eligible countries.
What the award covers
The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month for basic living costs for one person, plus extra benefits: health insurance, a one-time grant of CHF 600 for a rental deposit, a half-fare travel card, and a return flight allowance (from non-EU/EFTA countries). Tuition and semester fees are not covered. In some cases, universities, universities of applied sciences or federal institutes of technology charge scholarship holders semester fees (approx. CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester) or reduced tuition fees. In some cases, PhD fees are not waived.
- Scholarship holders must cover these fees themselves.
The scholarship lasts 12 months and can be extended up to a maximum of 21 months, depending on the chosen Master's degree programme and the required ECTS credits.
Eligibility requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2027.
- Date of birth after 31 December 1991.
- Applicants must not yet hold a Master's degree at the start of the scholarship.
- Admission letter or proof of application from a Swiss University of the Arts or Music. If applicable: confirmation that the application period has not yet opened.
- If the applicant already lives in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2026 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).
How to apply
Applications open 20 August 2026.
Please see the country-specific fact sheets for eligibility criteria, application procedure, deadlines, and contact information specific to your country. If you meet the eligibility requirements, contact the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country of origin. They will give you all the necessary information about the procedure, including application forms and a list of required documents.
The application deadline falls between September-December 2026, depending on the Swiss Embassy to which you must submit your application.
Visit the official website (link below) for detailed information on how to apply.
Website:
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance
Related Scholarships: List of Switzerland Scholarships