Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Fully Funded

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 2027 stands as one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities available to international researchers and artists worldwide. Unlike many scholarship programs that offer partial support, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide comprehensive funding that enables exceptional postgraduate researchers to pursue their academic dreams in Switzerland without financial constraints. As a result, this program has become a symbol of academic excellence and international cooperation, offering talented scholars from over 180 countries access to world-class education at Switzerland’s finest universities and research institutes. Also check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027 is not merely a funding opportunity; it is a life changing experience that shapes global researchers, fosters international understanding, and builds bridges between nations. With the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027, scholars can immerse themselves in Swiss academic culture while receiving exceptional education and full financial support. The program plays a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding between Switzerland and countries around the world.

Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship opens doors to an extraordinary educational and cultural journey. It welcomes academically outstanding and highly motivated young researchers to become part of a prestigious international network, engage with diverse perspectives, and conduct research at some of Europe’s most renowned institutions, such as ETH Zurich and EPFL. Moreover, the scholarship supports research across virtually all academic disciplines, welcoming Research Fellows, PhD students, Postdocs, and Art students. Through these opportunities, the program prepares scholars to contribute meaningfully to their home countries and the international scientific community while building lasting connections with Switzerland. check: ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships.

Switzerland has long been a global hub for innovation and research, attracting top-tier talent from every corner of the globe. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, awarded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), were created to promote international exchange and research cooperation. Today, Switzerland boasts a high concentration of top-ranked universities and research institutes, offering cutting edge facilities, innovative methodologies, and unparalleled academic resources. check: EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Living Stipend: A  monthly allowance to cover living expenses. For PhD and Research Fellows, this is typically CHF 1,920 per month. Postdoctoral fellows receive a higher stipend of CHF 3,500 per month.
• Health Insurance: Payment of health insurance premiums for non-EU/EFTA grantees, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
• Housing Allowance: A one-time payment of CHF 300 is provided upon arrival to assist with lodging costs.
• Transportation: A one-year Half-Fare Travelcard for public transportation, allowing affordable travel across the Swiss rail and bus network.
• International Airfare: A return flight allowance (lump sum) for scholars from non-EU/EFTA countries at the end of the scholarship.
• Professional Development: Access to trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours organized for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship holders to foster networking.
• Tuition Note: While the scholarship does not explicitly cover tuition, many Swiss universities waive tuition fees for scholarship holders. Note: Researchers should verify this with their specific host university. Check KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 |Fully Funded in Korea

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: 
• Educational Background:
  • Research/PhD: Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (achieved before July 31, 2026).
  • Postdoc: Must hold a PhD (obtained after Dec 31, 2022, and before July 31, 2026).
  • Arts: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree.
• Age Requirement: applicants for PhD and Research scholarships must be born after December 31, 1990. 
• Academic Supervisor (Crucial): For Research, PhD, and Postdoc applicants, you must have a letter from an academic host professor at a Swiss university confirming they are willing to supervise your research. Without this, your application will be rejected.
• Language Proficiency: Sufficient language skills for the research/studies (English, German, French, or Italian).
• Research Proposal: A clear, detailed, and time-bound research proposal.
• Health Requirements: Applicants must be in good health and submit a medical certificate.

Required Documents

• FCS Application Form
• Letter of Motivation
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• Research Proposal 
• Letter from Host Professor
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Academic Transcripts & Degrees
• Medical Certificate
• Passport Copy

Deadline

Application deadlines vary significantly by country, typically falling between September and December 2026-27 for programs beginning in September 2027. You must check the specific deadline for your country on the official Swiss government website. Also check: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Graduate Programs in France

Step by step Application Process

• Step 1: Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website (sbfi.admin.ch) and find the specific requirements for your country.
• Step 2: Find a Supervisor: Contact a professor at a Swiss university who aligns with your research interests and secure their written commitment to supervise you. Start this early!
• Step 3: Request the application package from the Swiss Embassy or capable national institution in your home country (email addresses are usually listed in the country-specific PDF on the official site).
• Step 4: Prepare all required documents, including the research proposal and medical certificate.
• Step 5: Submit the complete application (usually 3 paper sets) to the Swiss Embassy or specified address in your home country by the deadline.
• Step 6: Applications are reviewed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS).
• Step 7: Final selection results are announced by May 2026.
• Step 8: Accepted candidates receive visa guidance and prepare for their move.
• Step 9: Travel to Switzerland and begin studies/research in September 2026.