Swiss Government’s Excellence Scholarships
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries.
Recipients are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which offers these scholarships in Brazil to young researchers who have completed either a master’s degree or a doctorate.
Check the details of the research scholarship category available to applicants from Brazil:
Research Scholarships
The research scholarship (research fellowship or PhD scholarship) is open to postgraduate researchers from any discipline who wish to pursue research or further studies in Switzerland at the doctoral level. Scholarships are awarded for study or research at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, and the four research institutes.
Candidates must be nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these institutions.
Application Procedure
Once applications open, candidates can complete the entire process through an online form, making it easier to apply and submit all required documents digitally, including the research project, support letters, and references. Learn more about the selection process below:
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Program announcement in more than 180 countries
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Final deadline for submitting applications through the online form
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Selection process conducted by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)
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Announcement of the selected candidates
Selection Criteria
Applications first undergo a preliminary review by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. Shortlisted candidates are then evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), a body composed of professors from Swiss public universities, which makes the final decision based on academic and scientific excellence.
Applications are assessed according to three main criteria:
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Candidate profile
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Quality of the research project
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Synergies and potential for future research collaboration
Awards & Outlook
The Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) announces the selected candidates during the first quarter of the year. In Switzerland, the academic year begins in September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn moreAccess the FAQ for key information and answers to common questions about the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships application process.
Are you Brazilian and have questions about the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Contact us at: [email protected]
Latest Open Calls
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Swiss Government’s Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027
12 August 2025Applications are now open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year, starting in Switzerland in September 2026. The call, open to foreign scholars, includes Ph.D., Postdoctoral, and Research positions. Applications for Brazilians are open until 27 October 2025.
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Swiss Government’s Excellence Scholarships
9 September 2024Applications are now open for the Swiss Government's Excellence Scholarships for the academic year 2025/2026, with the scholarship starting in Switzerland in September 2025. The call includes Ph.D., Postdoctoral, and Research positions. Applications for Brazilians until 28 October 2024.
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff at Swissnex in Brazil, Larissa Hess provides strategic leadership and operational oversight, ensuring the alignment of the organization’s initiatives with its mission to foster innovation and collaboration between Switzerland and Brazil.