Category
Masters & PhD
Details
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are intended for foreign scholars and artists to pursue research, a PhD, a Postdoc, or a Master's degree in fine arts/music at one of Switzerland's public universities, federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL), or universities of applied sciences.
The selection process is conducted by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Candidates are evaluated based on their academic profile, research project quality, and potential for future scientific collaboration.
Applications are submitted to the Swiss diplomatic representation (embassy or consulate) in the candidate's country of origin. Specific application packages and exact deadlines vary by country.
Eligibility Criteria
•Master's degree or equivalent educational qualification achieved prior to the start of the scholarship (for Research, PhD, and Arts scholarships)
•PhD degree or equivalent achieved prior to the start of the scholarship (for Postdoctoral scholarships)
•Applicants must meet the age limit specified for their chosen program (e.g., born after 31 December 1989 for PhD applicants)
•Applicants must provide a detailed research proposal including a clear timeline
•Mandatory written confirmation / support letter from an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss host university who is willing to supervise the research
•Proficient language skills in the instruction/research language (English, German, French, or Italian depending on the university)
•Citizenship of an eligible country included in the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program
Financial Benefits
•Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920/month for PhD, Research, and Arts scholars; CHF 2,700/month for Postdoctoral scholars)
•Comprehensive mandatory Swiss health insurance coverage
•Flight allowance for return travel for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders
•Housing allowance of CHF 300 (one-off payment at the start of the scholarship)
•Half-fare public transportation card for travel within Switzerland
•Tuition fee waiver (at most Swiss public host universities)
•Excursions, networking events, and support services for scholarship holders