Swiss Government Scholarships 2026 – 2027 | Fully Funded

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–27 offer international graduates the opportunity to pursue fully funded research or postgraduate studies in Switzerland. Sponsored by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships aim to promote international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries.

The program is open to master’s graduates, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and artists. Candidates are selected based on academic excellence and research potential. Scholars benefit from world-class education and research institutions in Switzerland, while immersing in a multicultural environment.

This is one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarships in Europe, covering all major costs including tuition, living allowance, and health insurance.

About the Swiss Government Scholarships 2026

Host Country: Switzerland
Host Institutions: Public Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, and arts institutions
Scholarship Type: Fully funded
Study Level: Master’s (for artists), PhD, Postdoctoral
Program Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 3 years for PhD)

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920 for PhD/postdoc)
• Tuition fee exemption (where applicable)
• Mandatory Swiss health insurance
• Airfare allowance (return ticket)
• Housing allowance (one-time payment)
• Access to research funding and Swiss networks

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent before the start of the scholarship
• Have a valid academic research proposal or artistic portfolio
• Be born after December 31, 1980 (age limit may vary)
• Provide a letter of invitation or supervision from a Swiss professor
• Not have resided in Switzerland previously for study or research
• Demonstrate strong academic and professional records
• Fields of Study
• All academic fields for PhD and Postdoc
• Arts scholarships available to students in music, fine arts, film, design, etc.
• Research proposals must align with Swiss institution expertise
• Required Documents
• CV with academic background
• Research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed)
• Motivation letter
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Two confidential recommendation letters
• Letter of invitation from Swiss academic supervisor
• Passport copy
• Portfolio (for arts applicants)

How to Apply

1. Visit the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website
2. Select your country of origin to view application details
3. Download the official application guidelines and documents
4. Contact a Swiss academic supervisor and secure an invitation letter
5. Submit your complete application by post to the Swiss Embassy in your country before the deadline

Application Timeline

• Call Opens: August 2025
• Country Deadlines: Vary between September to December 2025
• Final Results: Communicated by May 2026
• Program Start: September 2026

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