Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded)

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2026/27 are now open for applications! This fully funded scholarship for international students from over 183 countries aims to foster cooperation between Switzerland and other nations through research and arts scholarships, sponsored by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS). It's open to beginners and those wanting a first Master's degree in Arts in Switzerland, covering fields through research scholarships for doctoral or postdoctoral studies and arts scholarships for a first Master's in arts at Swiss conservatories or universities of arts.

Host Country: Switzerland

Degree Level: Master, Doctoral, or Post Doctoral level.

Financial Coverage: Fully Funded

Deadline: Each Country has a Different Deadline.

Financial Support

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship will cover:

Round Airfare Tickets

Monthly Allowance for Living and Expenses

Housing Allowance

Half-fare public transport card for one year.

Health Insurance

Universities cover Tuition Fees, but not all of them.

Scholarship Types Under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program

Research Scholarships

Art Scholarships

Research Scholarships Types

Research Fellowships: This scholarship covers one year full-time doctoral research in Switzerland.

PhD Scholarship: This scholarship covers full-time PhD research in Switzerland.

Post Doc Scholarship: Grant for full-time postdoctoral study in Switzerland.

Art Scholarships

It assists in funding your first Master's in art on a full-time basis at a Swiss university.

Eligibility Criteria

The Scholarship is available for Citizens of 183 Countries.

View List of Eligible Countries.

Application is on the candidate's CV, quality of his/her research/artistic work, and his/her potential for future collaboration.

The Scholarship will commence on 1 September 2026.

Requirements for a Research Fellowship

For young, early-career scientists (young medical physicians included).

Master's degree (equivalent) achieved by July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich).

Born after December 31, 1990.

Requires well-documented research plan with time schedule.

Swiss academic supervisor letter of support (with his/her short CV) required.

If in Switzerland, entry date following August 1, 2025.

Conditions for a PhD Scholarship

Master's degree (equivalent) by July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich).

Born after December 31, 1990.

Well-documented research plan with time schedule required.

Required letter of recommendation from Swiss academic advisor (with his/her brief CV).

Already in Switzerland: date of entry after August 1, 2025.

Preferably without prior studies or research in Switzerland.

Requirements of Post Doc Scholarship

For very well-qualified early-career postdocs.

PhD obtained between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich).

Needs detailed research plan with time schedule.

Committed letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (short CV included).

If on-site in Switzerland, entry date after August 1, 2025.

Scholarships fully paid

Criteria for an Arts Scholarship

For highly gifted young artists pursuing their first complete Master's degree in Switzerland.

Bachelor's degree (equivalent) obtained by July 31, 2026.

Born after December 31, 1990.

Should not possess a Master's degree.

Date of entering a Swiss music/art school should have been previously submitted.

In case of residence in Switzerland, the entry date must be subsequent to August 1, 2025.

Will be kept for few countries; priority for recent entrants to studying/researching in Switzerland.