Applications are now open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025-26, a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international students aiming to pursue postgraduate studies in Switzerland. Funded by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships are available for Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral programs across top-ranked Swiss universities.
This scholarship program offers comprehensive benefits, including monthly stipends, tuition fee exemptions, health insurance, travel support, and housing allowance. Designed for high-achieving students and researchers worldwide, this is a unique chance to experience world-class education in Switzerland.
Scholarship Overview: Key Details
- Scholarship Provider: Swiss Government / Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Study Levels: Master’s, Doctoral (PhD), Postdoctoral
- Eligible Applicants: International Students from over 180 countries
- Fields of Study: All academic disciplines
- Application Deadline: Country-specific (check with the Swiss embassy in your country)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Available Scholarship Categories
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Research Scholarships
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- For postgraduate researchers (Master’s holders) intending to pursue PhD or postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
- Available across Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and affiliated research centers.
- Requires a letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss institution.
- Art Scholarships
- Offered to students wishing to pursue an initial Master’s degree in arts.
- Available at Swiss conservatories and universities of the arts.
- Limited to applicants from selected countries only.
Scholarship Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025 provide the following comprehensive funding:
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920
- Full tuition fee exemption
- Swiss health insurance (for non-EU/EFTA students)
- Return airfare allowance (lump sum)
- CHF 300 housing allowance (one-time)
- One-year half-fare public transport card
- Access to support services and organized events (trips, networking, etc.)
Note: Benefits may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s country. Please refer to the official fact sheets for country-specific details.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025-2026 Swiss Government Scholarships, applicants must:
- Hold a recognized Master’s degree before 31 July 2024
- Be born after 31 December 1989
- Not have lived in Switzerland for more than one year before the scholarship begins
- Obtain a support letter from a Swiss professor willing to supervise the research
- Submit a well-developed research proposal with a realistic timeline
- Demonstrate language proficiency necessary for the research
- Not have received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship in the past
- Commit to relocating to Switzerland during the scholarship period
Note: Additional eligibility conditions may apply based on your country of origin.
Application Process for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must compile and organize the following:
- Completed FCS application form
- Updated CV including academic achievements and publications
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed)
- Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (with short CV)
- CV of academic mentor at the applicant’s home institution
- Two confidential letters of recommendation (sealed and original)
- Certified academic transcripts and diplomas with English or official translations
- Signed medical certificate (FCS form only)
- Two passport copies (dual nationals submit both)
- Residence permit copy (if already in Switzerland)
| Release of programme for 180+ Countries | |
| Go to: www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng | early August |
| ▼ | |
| Call for Applications | |
| Download application documents, questions? see list of contacts | this September |
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| Prepare application | |
| Forms, research proposal, support letters, references |
before the submission deadline |
| ▼ | |
| Submission deadline at Swiss representation | |
| This date and the postal address varies from country to country | September – December |
| ▼ | |
| Selection | |
| By the Federal Commission for Scholarships FCS | by the end of May |
| ▼ | |
| Start of scholarships | |
| At the Swiss academic host institution | next September |
Step 2: Obtain Application Package
The full application guidelines and materials can be obtained from the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 3: Submit Two Application Sets
- Set 1 (Original): Signed original forms, confidential letters, and certified documents
- Set 2 (Copy): A complete duplicate of Set 1 (excluding confidential letters)
Do not use binders or plastic folders when submitting your documents.
Official Website and Country-Specific Information
To learn more and access application documents, visit the official scholarship portal:
👉 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Official Website
For country-specific deadlines, eligibility, and procedures, contact the Swiss Embassy or official representation in your country.
