The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists for the 2026/2027 academic year are now accepting applications. The scholarship funds qualifying foreign scholars and artists in an effort to enhance international interchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other nations.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at young international researchers who have achieved a master’s or PhD degree, as well as foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree.
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Brief Description
Scholarship Sponsor(s): Swiss Government
Host Institution(s): All Swiss Public Universities
Scholarship Worth: Fully-funded (covers full cost of study and related expenses)
Number of Awards: Several (Not Stated)
Study Level:Master’s & PhD degree
Nationality: International students
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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027
The following types of scholarships will be awarded to either for foreign scholars and artists respectively;
- The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, postdoc) is available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree as a minimum) who are planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at the doctoral or postdoctoral level.
Research scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes. Only candidates nominated by an academic mentor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered. - Art scholarshipsare open to art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland. Art scholarships are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only.
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Eligibility Criteria | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026
To be eligible for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/2027, you must:
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are targeted at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree. Ideally,
- The applicant must be an international student (a foreign scholar or artist)
- The applicant must be admitted into a master’s or PhD program.
- For the master’s program, the applicant must hold (or are about to obtain) a undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) from a reputable institution;
- For PhD program, the applicant must hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent);
- The applicant must have a track record of engaging with research. This may include contributions to publications/articles, promoting their research to a wider audience, prizes for research or project work.
Selection criteria
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) assesses scholarship applications according to three criteria:
- Candidate profile
- Quality of the research project or artistic work
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
Scholarship Benefits
- The scholarship covers full funding for the course of study
- All university tuition fees at the international rate; health insurance, air fare, housing allowance, etc.
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How to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026
All interested and eligible applicants for Swiss Government Scholarships must first apply and receive an unconditional offer of admission to study full-time in a master’s or PhD program at any Swiss public university before applying for the scholarship. Please follow the steps outlined here.
Application Deadline: Varies
