Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships give you a great chance to research at one of the world’s leading academic institutions. These fully funded scholarships support driven and competitive young researchers from over 180 countries. You can pursue a PhD, postdoctoral research, or specialized studies.
The program comes with generous financial support. PhD students receive monthly stipends of CHF 1,920, while postdoctoral researchers get CHF 3,500. You’ll also get tuition coverage, a one-way flight to Switzerland, and help with housing costs. These scholarships rank among the most complete study abroad programs accessible to more people today.
You’ll find three types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships in this piece. The guide explains eligibility requirements, funding coverage, and gives you clear steps to submit your application.
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program gives you three different funding options based on your research career stage. Each scholarship comes with its own requirements, time periods, and financial benefits to support your research trip in Switzerland.
PhD Scholarships
These scholarships give you substantial support for doctoral studies at Swiss universities. You can focus completely on your research, which is a great way to get started if you’re an early-career researcher in academia.
- Duration: The original term is 12 months (September through August), with possible extension up to 36 months based on your academic performance
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 (approximately CHF 23,040 annually)
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Master’s degree completed before July 31, 2025 (June 30, 2025 for ETH Zurich)
- Born after December 31, 1989
- Detailed research proposal with timeline
- Support letter from academic host professor who will supervise your doctoral studies
Your research proposal is the heart of your PhD scholarship application. The first 12-month period can lead to three additional 12-month extensions based on your academic achievements.
Postdoctoral Scholarships
These scholarships help early-career scientists boost their research expertise at Swiss institutions after completing their doctoral studies.
- Duration: 12 months maximum (September through August), with no extension possibility
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 3,500 (approximately CHF 42,000 annually)
- Eligibility Requirements:
- PhD degree completed after December 31, 2021 and before July 31, 2025 (June 30, 2025 for ETH Zurich)
- Detailed research proposal with timeline
- Support letter from academic host professor (cannot be your former PhD mentor)
This scholarship targets researchers who haven’t done academic work in Switzerland. You must conduct your research full-time within Switzerland as the scholarship doesn’t cover field trips to other countries.
Research Fellowships
Research fellowships give postgraduate researchers a chance to conduct specialized research at Swiss institutions while working on their PhD studies.
- Duration: 12 months maximum (September through August), with no extension possibility
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Master’s degree completed before July 31, 2025 (June 30, 2025 for ETH Zurich)
- Born after December 31, 1989
- Research proposal including timeline
- Support letter from academic host professor
We designed this fellowship for scholars who haven’t studied or researched in Switzerland. Unlike PhD scholarships, researchers who already have a doctoral degree cannot apply.
You can conduct research at Swiss cantonal universities, federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL), universities of applied sciences, or four designated research institutes. You’ll need nomination from an academic supervisor at one of these institutions to apply.
Official Website: Check the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website for the latest detailed information about all scholarship types.
Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply
Before you spend time on your Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application, you should know if you qualify. The requirements differ by scholarship type and your home country.
Age and degree requirements
The Swiss government has set specific age and academic qualification requirements for all scholarship categories:
- Age restrictions – Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989, for PhD scholarships and Research Fellowships
- Academic qualifications by scholarship type:
- Research Fellowships: Master’s degree completed before July 31, 2025 (June 30, 2025 for ETH Zurich)
- PhD Scholarships: Master’s degree completed before July 31, 2025 (June 30, 2025 for ETH Zurich)
- Postdoctoral Scholarships: PhD completed after December 31, 2021 and before July 31, 2025 (June 30, 2025 for ETH Zurich)
- Arts Scholarships: Bachelor’s degree completed before July 31, 2025
You must submit your degree certificates to the Federal Commission for Scholarships before your scholarship starts. Previous recipients of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships can’t apply again.
Country-specific eligibility
The scholarship program welcomes researchers from over 180 countries worldwide, with some restrictions:
- Only countries with diplomatic relations with Switzerland can apply
- Not every eligible country can access all scholarship types
- Art scholarships are open to students from select countries
- Students from Latin American countries can’t apply for art scholarships
Check the official ESKAS webpage and select your passport country to see which scholarships you can apply for.
You won’t qualify if you’ve lived in Switzerland for more than a year when the scholarship begins in September. Remember, scholarship holders must move to Switzerland during their grant period.
Language proficiency expectations
Your language skills play a vital role in your academic success:
- You need to know the language your chosen Swiss institution uses for teaching
- This could be English, French, German, or Italian based on the university’s location
- Some universities need TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove your language skills
- Submit all application documents in English, French, German, or Italian
- Documents in other languages need an authenticated English translation
The scholarship committee looks for candidates who can work well in their research environment. Your language abilities will affect both your application’s success and your experience in Switzerland’s multilingual academic setting.
These excellence scholarships favor applicants with clear research goals and strong academic records. Your research proposal stands as the cornerstone of your application, along with your academic achievements and language skills.
Note: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website has the latest eligibility details for your country.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships’ financial benefits package offers complete support that goes way beyond tuition coverage. This prestigious scholarship will give a funding package to cover everything in your academic and daily life in Switzerland.
Monthly stipend and health insurance
You’ll receive reliable financial support through monthly stipends based on your academic level:
- PhD scholarships and Research Fellowships: CHF 1,920 per month (approximately CHF 23,040 annually)
- Postdoctoral scholarships: CHF 3,500 per month (approximately CHF 42,000 annually)
Your health insurance coverage depends on your country of origin:
- Non-EU and non-EFTA grantees: The Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS) fully covers mandatory Swiss health insurance[152][153]
- EU and EFTA grantees: Must arrange their own health insurance coverage
It’s worth mentioning that the scholarship doesn’t cover family allowances or dependent coverage. You can focus on your research without financial stress and access Switzerland’s high-quality healthcare system.
Travel and housing support
The scholarship has practical assistance to help you relocate and find accommodation:
- One-time housing allowance: CHF 300 at the start of your scholarship helps with original housing deposits[152][143]
- Flight allowance: Non-EU and non-EFTA recipients get a lump sum at the end to purchase a return ticket home[152][153]
You’ll need to find your own accommodation through university housing services or private rentals. The housing allowance helps with upfront costs. Plan ahead since Switzerland’s housing market can be competitive, especially in major university cities.
Public transport and cultural activities
The scholarship improves your Swiss life experience through:
- One-year half-fare public transportation card: You’ll pay 50% less on trains, busses, and other public transit throughout Switzerland[152][153]
- Support services and cultural immersion: The program hosts trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours for scholarship holders[152][153][174]
Switzerland has one of the world’s best public transportation systems that’s safe and efficient. Your half-fare card cuts travel costs while you explore Switzerland’s regions and languages.
The cultural activities program creates connections with fellow researchers and lets you experience Swiss culture firsthand. These events are a great way to get networking opportunities and merge into Switzerland’s academic and social life.
Note: To get the latest details about scholarship benefits, check the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.
The scholarship doesn’t include support for fieldwork or conference attendance. Plan your research activities within Switzerland to get the most from this complete funding package.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships need a step-by-step approach and attention to detail. You can boost your chances of getting this prestigious funding by following these steps carefully.
Step-by-step application process
- Check your eligibility – Look up the scholarships available for your country based on your passport
- Download application materials – Get the complete application package from the official website
- Read guidelines thoroughly – Go through the Application Guidelines to understand what you need
- Contact for clarification – Ask questions using the address in the official contacts list
- Secure a host professor – Get confirmation from a Swiss academic who will supervise your research
- Prepare application documents – Fill out all required forms and collect supporting materials
- Submit by deadline – Send two complete sets to the right office in your country
Required documents checklist
- Signed FCS application form with photo
- Full CV with list of academic publications and achievements
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Complete research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed)
- Letter from academic host professor confirming supervision
- Two confidential recommendation letters from professors (sealed envelopes)
- Copies of academic certificates with grades
- Signed medical certificate
- Two copies of passport main page
Where and how to submit your application
You need to submit your application to the Swiss diplomatic representation or designated national authority in your home country—not directly to Swiss universities. National authorities make the initial selection before the Federal Commission for Scholarships makes the final assessment.
Important deadlines to remember
Deadlines vary by country:
- Application launch: Early August 2024 for most countries
- Submission deadlines: Between September-December 2024, depending on your country
- Results announcement: By end of May 2025
- Scholarship start date: September 2025
African countries have deadlines between November 8-29, 2024. Other countries might have until December 13, 2024.
External link: Official ESKAS Website
The Federal Commission looks at three main things: your profile, research proposal quality, and future research cooperation potential. A strong research proposal can substantially improve your application chances.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships attract fierce competition through a thorough selection process that identifies outstanding candidates. You can create a compelling application by knowing how to the review committee evaluates submissions.
Candidate profile and academic background
Academic achievements are the life-blood of evaluation when the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) reviews applications. Professors from Swiss public universities make up the commission that reviews candidates based on:
- Academic excellence – Your overall academic performance and growth
- Research capacity – Your proven track record in high-quality research
- Motivation – Your career goals and reasons to choose Switzerland
- Recommendation letters – These play a most important role in selection
Your country’s authorities or Swiss diplomatic representation conducts preliminary selection. Shortlisted applications then move to the FCS for final decisions.
Research proposal quality
Your research proposal acts as the intellectual foundation of your application. The FCS looks at:
- Originality – New points of view or innovative approaches
- Methodological soundness – Well-laid-out research design
- Potential impact – Your contribution to the field
- Alignment with host institution – Natural fit with Swiss research strengths
A strong research proposal shows intellectual depth and practical feasibility within your planned timeline.
Academic host and supervision context
Finding a supportive academic supervisor stands as the crucial element in the evaluation process. The supervision context quality shows through:
- Host professor support letter – Details about your research proposal, relationship, and possible collaboration
- Supervision quality – Your proposed mentor’s experience and availability
- Collaborative potential – Opportunities for meaningful academic connections between your home country and Switzerland
You should avoid generic requests. Instead, reach out to potential supervisors with detailed research proposals (4-5 pages) that explain your interest in that specific professor.
Official Website: For complete evaluation criteria details, visit the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships official website.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships rank among the most prestigious fully-funded research opportunities accessible to more people worldwide. This piece has shown you three scholarship categories designed for different academic stages. Each category provides generous financial support from CHF 1,920 to CHF 3,500 monthly.
Your application’s success depends on several crucial elements. Your research proposal must show originality, sound methodology, and fit well with Swiss academic strengths. A committed host professor’s support letter will substantially increase your selection chances during evaluation.
These scholarships are competitive, but you can boost your chances by:
- Learning about eligibility requirements specific to your country
- Creating a focused, innovative research proposal
- Reaching out to potential supervisors with tailored, well-crafted requests
- Getting all documents ready before your country’s deadline
- Showing potential for long-term research cooperation
These scholarships want to promote academic excellence and build lasting connections between Switzerland and your home country. The detailed benefits package covers stipends, health insurance, housing allowances, and transportation. You can focus on your research experience without worrying about finances.
Think over this chance if you meet the eligibility criteria. The effort you put into applying will reward successful candidates with access to Switzerland’s world-class academic environment. You can find the latest information and application materials on the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.
