Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a genuine, government-run, fully funded scholarship, but it’s narrower than many “study in Switzerland” articles suggest. It mainly targets postgraduate researchers, PhD candidates, and a limited number of art students, not general bachelor’s or taught master’s applicants.
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards government excellence scholarships to strengthen international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.
The programme is run by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) under the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). It’s completely free to apply.
For the 2027-2028 cycle, applications open on 20 August 2026, with country-specific deadlines published shortly before through Swiss embassies and consulates worldwide.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Summary
- Host: Swiss Government
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | CHF 3’500 Monthly Stipend
- Deadline: Varies by Country
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Financial Benefits
All three scholarship categories pay CHF 2,450 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person. This is described officially as a living allowance, not a salary.
Additional support includes a one-time CHF 600 grant toward a rental deposit, a Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport, and mandatory health insurance coverage for scholars from non-EU/EFTA countries.
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | CHF 2,450 for research fellowships, PhD scholarships, and art scholarships |
| Rental Deposit Grant | One-time CHF 600 payment |
| Health Insurance | Premiums covered for non-EU/EFTA scholars; EU/EFTA scholars pay their own |
| Public Transport | Half-Fare Travelcard included |
| Return Flight | Allowance for non-EU/EFT A scholars, usable within 2 months of scholarship end |
| Tuition Fees | Not covered; scholars typically pay CHF 600-2,000 per semester |
Available Study Programs
Research Fellowships
A one-year, full-time research project as part of doctoral studies at a Swiss university or recognised research institute. Open to early-career researchers, including young medical doctors.
PhD Scholarships
Full doctoral study at a Swiss university or research institute, initially for 12 months and renewable twice for up to 36 months total, subject to academic progress.
Art Scholarships
Reserved for talented artists pursuing their first master’s degree at a Swiss conservatory or art school. Only open to applicants from a limited number of countries.
Fields of Study
Research and PhD scholarships cover virtually any academic discipline, from engineering and life sciences to humanities and social sciences, as long as a Swiss supervisor agrees to host the project.
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Top Universities
Scholars can apply to any recognised Swiss university, federal institute of technology, or research institute, depending on their scholarship category and research field.
| University | City | QS World Ranking 2027 | Tuition Range (per semester) | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | Zurich | #8 | Approx. CHF 730 (may vary for doctoral scholars) | Yes, research fellowships and PhD scholarships |
| EPFL | Lausanne | #22 | Approx. CHF 700-1,500 | Yes, research fellowships and PhD scholarships |
| University of Zurich | Zurich | #98 | Approx. CHF 600-1,200 | Yes, research fellowships and PhD scholarships |
Note that ETH Zurich uses a slightly earlier master’s completion deadline (30 June 2027) than other institutions (31 July 2027), so check your target university’s exact cut-off.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility differs slightly by scholarship type, but some rules apply across the board for the 2027-2028 cycle.
- Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2027 (30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich) for research and PhD scholarships
- Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2027 for art scholarships, with no Master’s degree yet held
- Date of birth after 31 December 1991
- A detailed research plan with a timeline, or an artistic portfolio for art scholarships
- A letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland, required before applying
- Priority given to applicants who haven’t previously studied or done research in Switzerland
If you’ve already been living in Switzerland for more than 13 months before the scholarship start date, you’re not eligible. Only one application per cycle is allowed, and a fourth attempt after three rejections is not accepted.
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Required Documents
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Complete CV (education, degrees, publications, experience) | Research and art applications |
| Letter of motivation (max 2 pages) | All applications |
| Research proposal on FCS/ESKAS form (max 5 pages) | Research fellowships and PhD scholarships |
| Letter of support and short CV from Swiss supervisor | Research fellowships and PhD scholarships |
| Art portfolio (recording, links, or QR code) | Art scholarships |
| Certified transcripts and degree certificates | All applications |
| Copy of passport | All applications |
| Two academic reference emails (system-generated requests) | All applications |
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the 2027-2028 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship cycle:
- Confirm your country is on the eligible list and check your country-specific deadline once published.
- Decide which scholarship type fits you: research fellowship, PhD scholarship, or art scholarship.
- For research and PhD applicants, identify a Swiss professor or lab leader working in your field.
- Contact potential supervisors early, since finding one can take weeks or months.
- Once a supervisor agrees, ask for a signed letter of support and their short CV.
- Draft your research proposal on the official FCS/ESKAS form, or prepare your art portfolio.
- Gather transcripts, certificates, and translations if your documents aren’t in English, French, Italian, or German.
- Create your application through the official online portal once it opens on 20 August 2026.
- Submit your complete application before your country-specific deadline; incomplete applications are automatically excluded.
- Wait for the FCS/ESKAS decision, expected by around May 2027 for a September 2027 start.
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Student Visa Guide
Non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders need a National Visa Type D from the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country before travelling to Switzerland.
After entering the country, you must register with your local commune within 14 days and apply for a B residence permit (for education) at the cantonal migration office.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | National Visa D (non-EU/EFTA); registration only for EU/EFTA citizens |
| Processing Time | Typically 8-12 weeks |
| Financial Proof | Generally around CHF 21,000/year; FCS scholarship confirmation usually satisfies this |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory before or shortly after arrival |
| Post-Arrival Step | Register at commune within 14 days; biometric data collected for the B permit |
| Permit Validity | Usually 1 year, renewable for the duration of study or research |
Since FCS coordinates directly with Swiss authorities for its scholarship holders, some applicants find the process moves a little more smoothly, but you should still apply as early as possible.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for every resident in Switzerland, including students and researchers, regardless of scholarship status.
For non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders, FCS covers the compulsory health insurance premiums directly as part of the award. EU/EFTA scholars must arrange and pay for their own coverage.
Standard student-rate health insurance in Switzerland typically costs around CHF 300-400 per month if you’re paying independently, so this benefit is a meaningful part of the overall package.
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Accommodation & Living Costs
Switzerland is one of the more expensive countries to live in, so the CHF 2,450 monthly stipend is designed to cover, rather than exceed, typical living costs.
Scholars must live in the city or canton of their host institution. Options include university-affiliated student residences, shared flats, or private rentals, with the one-time CHF 600 grant helping cover a rental deposit.
General living costs across Swiss cities typically range from CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,500 a month, with Zurich and Geneva at the higher end and smaller cities somewhat cheaper.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Switzerland doesn’t offer an open post-study work visa like some countries. Non-EU/EFTA graduates can apply for a 6-month permit to search for a job after finishing their studies.
During this job-search period, you can work up to 15 hours a week. If you secure a position, your employer must then apply for a standard work permit, which involves a labour market test.
Graduates of ETH Zurich, EPFL, and other Swiss institutions are generally treated as a priority talent pool, especially in engineering, life sciences, pharma, and technology roles based in Zurich, Basel, and Geneva.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google FAQs)
Does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship cover bachelor’s or master’s study?
Only art students pursuing their first master’s degree qualify; research fellowships and PhD scholarships are for postgraduate researchers who already hold a master’s degree.
When do applications open for the 2027-2028 cycle?
Applications open on 20 August 2026, with country-specific deadlines published shortly beforehand through Swiss embassies.
Do I need a Swiss supervisor before applying?
Yes, for research fellowships and PhD scholarships, a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor is mandatory before you can submit your application.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
No, tuition and semester fees are not automatically covered. Some institutions waive fees for FCS scholars, while others charge CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester.
Is health insurance included in the scholarship?
Yes, for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders, FCS pays the mandatory health insurance premiums directly.
Can I bring my family to Switzerland on this scholarship?
The scholarship only covers one person’s living expenses, and residence permits for accompanying family members are subject to a currently restrictive migration policy.
How competitive is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
It’s highly competitive, since it funds a limited number of scholars each year across all applicant countries combined, so a strong supervisor match and research proposal matter greatly.
Can I stay in Switzerland after the scholarship ends?
You may apply for a 6-month job-search permit, but any further stay depends on finding an employer willing to sponsor a standard work permit.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a genuinely fully funded opportunity, but it’s built for postgraduate researchers, PhD candidates, and select art students rather than general undergraduates.
Start early by identifying a Swiss supervisor and preparing a strong research proposal well before applications open. Apply only through the official SERI/FCS website and your country’s Swiss embassy to avoid scams.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship Page | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (sbfi.admin.ch) | Country-specific, published from August 2026; applications open 20 August 2026 | Opening Soon |
| Official Application Portal | FCS/ESKAS Online Application (go.eskas.ch) | Access from 20 August 2026 | Opening Soon |
| University Admissions | swissuniversities (swissuniversities.ch) | Varies by Program | Official |
| Student Visa | State Secretariat for Migration SEM (sem.admin.ch) | N/A | Official |
| Immigration | State Secretariat for Migration SEM (sem.admin.ch) | N/A | Official |
Note: Country-specific deadlines, exact benefit amounts, and eligibility details can change. Always confirm the latest information on the official SERI/FCS website and with your local Swiss embassy before applying.