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).
Who is eligible
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD.
What is offered
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 doctoral or post-doctoral level.
Research scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes. Only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered.
Types of research scholarships:
1 - Research fellowships
To enable selected applicants to undertake research in the realm of their PhD at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities, the two Swiss federal institutes of technology, the public teaching and research institutes or the universities of applied sciences. Valid for full-time research in Switzerland only.
Target Group
- Highly qualified postgraduate researchers from all academic fields as well as young medical doctors.
- Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree or equivalent achieved before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024). Degree certificate completed.
- Applicants must be born after 31 December 1988.
Duration
- Scholarship starts for the academic year 2024-25: 1 September 2024.
- 12 months maximum (starting in September). No prolongation possible.
Amount
- The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 1’920.-
- The scholarship amount covers the living costs of one person only.
2 - PhD scholarships
To enable selected applicants to undertake a PhD at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities, the two Swiss federal institutes of technology or the Graduate Institute. Valid for full-time research in Switzerland only.
Target Group
- Highly qualified postgraduate students (possessing the required degrees to start a PhD).
- Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master’s degree or equivalent university degree achieved before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024). Degree certificate completed.
- Applicants must be born after 31 December 1988.
- A research proposal including a timeframe.
Duration
- Scholarship starts for the academic year 2024-25: 1 September 2024.
- 12 months (starting in September). Prolongable up to 36 months. The scholarship is awarded in three steps of 12 months each based on the achieved academic results.
Amount
- The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 1’920.-
- The scholarship amount covers the living costs of one person only.
- This scholarship is not a salary.
3 - Postdoctoral scholarships
To enable selected applicants to undertake a PhD at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities, the two Swiss federal institutes of technology or the Graduate Institute.Valid for full-time research in Switzerland only. Valid for full-time research in Switzerland only.
Target Group
- Highly qualified early career scientists on postdoctoral level.
- Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria
- PhD degree achieved after 31 December 2020 and before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024). PhD degree certificate completed.
- A research proposal including a timeframe.
- Mandatory letter from an academic host professor (including their short CV).
Duration
- Scholarship starts for the academic year 2024-25: 1 September 2024.
- 12 months (starting in September). No prolongation possible.
Amount
- The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 3'500.-
- The scholarship amount covers the living costs of one person only.
Selection Criteria
- The candidate: academic profile, research capacity and motivation.
- The research project: originality and methodological soundness.
- The academic context: quality and context of supervision and potential for future academic cooperation.
4- Art scholarships
Art scholarships are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial 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. No Latin American countries eligible in this call.
How to apply
1. Select your country of origin according to your passport. For South American countries, you can find the list here.
2. Find out about the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria and application deadlines for your country. For more information and questions, please contact the address provided in the list of contacts.
3. Download the Application Package.
4. Read the Application Guidelines and follow the instructions. Prepare your application and submit two complete copies to the relevant office in your country of origin according to the list of contacts by the deadline.
Deadline: vary from country to country, ranging from October to December 2023.
Read our Focus here to learn more about Switzerland research landscape