2026 - 2027
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 awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree.
Discover the scholarship categories:
Research scholarships
The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree is the minimum qualification required) who are 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, the two federal institutes of technology, and the four research institutes. Only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered.
Options for Research fellowship, PhD scholarships, and Postdoctoral scholarship
Art scholarships
Art scholarships are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial arts 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.
First steps for your application
First, select your region of origin according to your passport. Find out about the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria and application deadlines for your country:
→ North America
→ South America
→ Europe
→ Africa
→ Asia
→ Australia and Oceania
Want to learn more about the key elements to consider and the documents you need to submit with your application? Visit the official website for detailed information.
Below, you can find more about the new application process:
Application procedure
To streamline the application process, you can now apply and submit your documents via an online form. Although printed copies are no longer required, you still need to prepare and submit all necessary documents digitally, including your research proposal, support letters, and references.
Please review the new process:
-
0
1
August 4 | Release of the program for 180+ Countries
-
0
2
27 October | Deadline to submit your application via the online form
-
0
3
May 2026 | Selection process by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)
-
0
4
September 2026 | Start of scholarships at the Swiss academic host institution
Selection
Applications undergo an initial selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. After this stage, the shortlisted applications are evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students, which is responsible for the final decision. This commission is composed of professors from Swiss public universities, who award scholarships based on academic and scientific excellence.
The evaluation of applications is carried out according to three main criteria:
-
0
1
Candidate profile
-
0
2
Quality of the research project or artistic work
-
0
3
Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
Awards & Outlook
The FCS will announce its decisions on the new scholarship awards for the 2025–2026 academic year by the end of May 2026 at the latest.
_______
The FCS will select scholarship recipients for the 2027–2028 academic year by the end of May 2026. Applications for scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year will open online starting in August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access the FAQ with essential information for interested applicants and academic supervisors. Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships application process.
Are you Brazilian and have questions about the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Feel free to send them to: [email protected]