Discover the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2024, offering outstanding graduates from around the world the opportunity to pursue advanced studies and research in Switzerland.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide graduates from all fields with the opportunity to pursue masters, doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland at one of the public-funded universities or recognized institutions.
Every year, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is offered for Ph.D., Postdoctoral, and Research for Foreign Students from Africa and other Countries to Study Abroad in Switzerland. New information as more countries has been included.
Now Open (Deadline varies by country, but generally 30th December). Submission to Swiss Representation is from Sept to Dec. However, be sure to check the application deadline in your own country.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Offered By | Swiss Government through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) |
| Eligible Programs | – Masters – Doctoral – Postdoctoral – Research (for any discipline) – Art (for initial master’s degree) |
| Eligible Institutions | – All Swiss cantonal universities – Universities of applied sciences – Two federal institutes of technology |
| Eligibility Requirements | – Hold a university degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s) – Demonstrate academic abilities and research aims – Contact and be nominated by an academic mentor in Switzerland – Be under the age of 35 (born on or after 1st January 1987) – Proficient in the language of instruction (French, German, Italian, or English) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by country, generally 30th December Submission to Swiss Representation from September to December |
| Selection Criteria | – Candidate profile – Quality of the research project or artistic work – Synergies and potential for future research cooperation |
| Rewards | – Monthly payment – Exemption of tuition fees – Health insurance – Airfare – Special lodging allowance |
| Selection Process | Preliminary selection by national authorities and/or Swiss diplomatic representation, final decision by FCS |
| Application Process | – Select country of origin – Find out scholarship types, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines – Read and follow Application Guidelines – Submit two complete copies of the application to the relevant office in the country of origin by the deadline |
Facts About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Global Opportunity for Excellence: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide a unique chance for graduates from all fields and from around the world, including Africa, to pursue advanced studies in one of the most prestigious education systems globally.
- Wide Range of Academic Levels: Whether you’re aiming for a master’s, Ph.D., postdoctoral research, or specific artistic studies, the scholarship supports a diverse range of academic pursuits.
- Generous Financial Support: The scholarship covers a comprehensive package including monthly payments, tuition fee exemptions, health insurance, airfare, and special lodging allowances, ensuring that recipients can focus entirely on their studies and research.
- Exclusive Mentorship and Research Opportunities: Scholarship recipients are required to be nominated by an academic mentor at a Swiss higher education institution, offering a direct path to mentorship from some of the top academics in their fields.
- High Standards of Selection: The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) selects candidates based on strict criteria including candidate profile, research project quality, and potential for future research collaboration, ensuring that only the best and brightest are chosen.
- Prestigious Swiss Institutions: Scholars get to study at renowned Swiss institutions such as cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, and the two federal institutes of technology, places known for their cutting-edge research and academic excellence.
- Art Scholarships: Beyond traditional academic fields, the scholarship also supports art students aiming for a master’s degree in Switzerland, reflecting the program’s commitment to diverse forms of excellence.
- Historic and Modern Innovation Hub: Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most innovative research and development, making it an ideal environment for scholars looking to make groundbreaking contributions to their fields.
- Unmatched Academic Network: Being a recipient of this scholarship opens doors to a vast network of academics, researchers, and professionals, fostering invaluable international connections and collaborations.
- Multiple Deadlines and Flexible Application: With application deadlines varying by country, candidates have a broad window to apply, ensuring they can prepare their submissions thoroughly and meet country-specific requirements.
Details For 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships For Foreign Students And Artists
The Swiss government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards various postgraduate scholarships to foreign scholars and researchers:
The research scholarship is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree as a minimum). Also, beneficiaries must be planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral 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. Only candidates nominated by an academic mentor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered.
Art scholarships are 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. Only those who have already been awarded a place to study may apply. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only.
Requirements For 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships For Foreign Students And Artists
Candidates for the University Scholarships must:
- Hold a university degree (Bachelors/Masters) on commencement of the scholarship.
- Be able to demonstrate their academic abilities and what they aim to achieve.
- Contact the institution and/or the professor supervising their period of research. Universities may request supplementary information and/or set certain additional conditions to determine whether or not you qualify for admission.
- Be under the age of 35 (born on or after 1st January 1987).
- Be suitably proficient in the language of instruction (French, German, Italian, or English) in order to draw full benefit from their studies in Switzerland.
Please refer to the country-specific fact sheets for general and specific eligibility criteria.
Reward For 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships For Foreign Students And Artists
The scholarship covers a monthly payment, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, special lodging allowance, etc. See the fact sheets for exact scholarship benefits.
Note
Applications are subject to preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. The short-listed applications are then assessed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which takes the final decision.
The 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
- Applications are subject to preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. The short-listed applications are then assessed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) which subsequently takes the final decision.
The FCS is composed of professors from all Swiss public universities. Scholarship awards are decided on the basis of academic and scientific excellence.
How To Apply For 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships For Foreign Students And Artists
Interested and qualified applicants should apply using the link below.
- Select your country of origin according to your passport. Find out about the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria and application deadlines for your country. For more information and questions, please contact the address provided in the list of contacts (PDF, 136 kB, 02.08.2023).
- Read the Application Guidelines and follow the instructions. Prepare your application and submit two complete copies to the relevant office in your country of origin according to the list of contacts (PDF, 136 kB, 02.08.2023) by the deadline.