The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists offer a unique opportunity for postgraduate researchers and artists to pursue their work in Switzerland. These prestigious, fully funded scholarships are open to candidates from over 180 countries, aiming to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other nations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025-2026 program, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
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Overview of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to foster international talent and collaboration. The scholarships are aimed at young researchers who have completed a Master’s degree or PhD, and artists holding a Bachelor’s degree. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) assesses applications and selects scholarship holders based on academic and scientific excellence. Successful candidates for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced by the end of May 2025, with studies typically commencing in September 2025.
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and Eligibility
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are primarily for those at the postgraduate level. The main types are:
- Research Scholarships: Open to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (with a Master’s degree as a minimum) who are planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level.
- Art Scholarships: Open to art students wishing to pursue an initial Master’s degree in Switzerland.
General eligibility criteria often include (but can vary by country):
- A Master’s degree or equivalent for research/PhD scholarships; a Bachelor’s degree for art scholarships.
- Age limit (typically not older than 35 at the time of application for research/PhD).
- A research proposal or work plan (for research/PhD).
- A letter of acceptance from a Swiss academic supervisor or host institution.
- Proficiency in the language of instruction (German, French, Italian, or English).
- Applicants must not have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship.
It is crucial to check the specific eligibility criteria for your country of origin on the official State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) website or through the Swiss diplomatic mission in your country.
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Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
These are fully funded scholarships, providing comprehensive financial support:
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 for research and art scholarships; CHF 3,500 for postdoctoral scholarships.
- Tuition Fees: Exemption from tuition fees at Swiss universities (except for EPFL, where fees must be paid by the scholar).
- Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance is covered by the FCS.
- Airfare: A lump sum for airfare for non-European grantees (provided at the end of the scholarship).
- Special Lodging Allowance: A one-time lodging allowance of CHF 300 upon arrival.
- Public Transport: A one-year half-fare public transport card.
- Support Services: Various support services, trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours for scholarship holders.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Check Eligibility and Deadlines: Visit the official SERI website to find the specific information and deadlines for your country of origin. Deadlines can vary significantly (often August-December for a start in September of the following year).
- Find a Host Institution and Supervisor: For research/PhD scholarships, you must find a professor at a Swiss university who is willing to supervise your research. You will need a letter of acceptance from them. Art students need to be accepted by a Swiss conservatory or art school.
- Prepare Application Documents: Gather all required documents. These typically include:
- Application form (obtained from the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country).
- CV.
- Motivation letter.
- Research proposal (for researchers) or portfolio (for artists).
- Copy of Master’s degree or PhD degree if applicable; Bachelor’s degree for art students.
- Academic transcripts.
- Letter of acceptance from a Swiss academic supervisor/host institution.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Medical certificate.
- Passport copy.
- Submit Application: Submit the complete application package to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country by the specified deadline. Do NOT send applications directly to the FCS or to Swiss universities.
- Selection Process: Applications are pre-selected by the Swiss diplomatic mission and then forwarded to the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) for the final decision.
- Notification: Candidates are typically notified of the decision by the end of May.
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FAQ about Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Q1: Can I apply if I am already studying in Switzerland?
A: Generally, no. Applicants should not have resided in Switzerland for more than one year at the start of the scholarship.
Q2: Is the scholarship renewable?
A: Research scholarships are generally granted for one year and may be renewable depending on academic results. PhD scholarships can be for up to 3 years. Postdoctoral scholarships are typically for 12 months and not renewable.
Q3: Are there scholarships for Bachelor’s degrees?
A: No, these scholarships are for postgraduate (Master’s, PhD, Postdoc) or art studies at the Master’s level (for art scholarships).
Q4: Do I need to speak German, French, or Italian?
A: You need to have proficiency in the language of instruction of your chosen program. Many PhD programs and some Master’s programs are offered in English.
Q5: Where can I find the application form?
A: The application package can typically be obtained from the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin once the call for applications is open.
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Seoul National University Scholarship Guide
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals to pursue advanced studies and research in Switzerland’s world-class academic institutions. With comprehensive funding and a supportive environment, these scholarships are highly competitive. Interested candidates should carefully review the country-specific requirements and deadlines, and prepare a strong application. Pursuing this scholarship can be a significant step in your academic and professional career. Visit the SERI website for the most accurate and updated information.
