About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships were established to encourage international collaboration in higher education and scientific research by attracting exceptional talent from across the globe.
The programme supports promising postgraduate researchers and artists who wish to further their academic or creative careers while collaborating with Swiss universities, research institutes, and higher education institutions.
Recipients are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) through a competitive evaluation process that assesses academic excellence, research potential, and prospects for future international cooperation.
Scholarship Categories
The programme offers three primary scholarship pathways depending on the applicant’s academic background and career objectives.
1. Research Fellowship
Research Fellowships are designed for postgraduate researchers who already hold a Master’s degree and wish to undertake research at a Swiss institution.
Applicants must secure the support of an academic supervisor based in Switzerland before submitting their application.
Duration:
Up to 12 months
Eligibility:
Available to applicants from 183 countries
Master’s degree required
Maximum age: 35 years
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship supports international students pursuing a full doctoral degree at eligible Swiss higher education institutions.
Like the Research Fellowship, applicants must first identify and obtain support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
Duration:
Up to 36 months
Eligibility:
Applicants from 183 eligible countries
Master’s degree required
Maximum age: 35 years
3. Art Scholarship
The Art Scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing an initial Master’s degree in an artistic discipline in Switzerland.
Unlike the research scholarships, this category is available only to applicants from a limited number of participating countries
How to apply