The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 provide international researchers and selected artists with an opportunity to pursue advanced study or research in Switzerland. The Swiss Confederation funds the programme and aims to encourage academic exchange and strengthen research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries.
For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants from 183 countries can be considered for different scholarship opportunities. These include Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Art Scholarships for eligible applicants. Applications open on 20 August 2026, while the final deadline depends on the applicant’s country and scholarship category.
About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
The programme mainly supports talented early-career researchers from outside Switzerland who have completed a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Depending on the scholarship category, recipients can study or conduct research at eligible Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and approved research institutions.
There is no single scholarship option for every applicant. The available category depends on the applicant’s academic background, nationality, and the opportunities offered for their country.
Scholarship Benefits – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 provide financial assistance to successful candidates during their stay in Switzerland.
Monthly Scholarship Allowance
For the 2027/28 cycle, eligible scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450. This support is intended to help recipients manage their living costs while studying or conducting research in Switzerland.
Additional Support
Depending on the applicant’s eligibility, the scholarship may also provide:
- A one-time CHF 600 housing allowance
- A Half-Fare Travelcard for public transportation
- Health insurance support for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders
- A return-flight allowance for eligible applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries
- Access to organised trips, activities, and other support services
Applicants should note that the scholarship should not be considered completely all-inclusive. Tuition and semester fees are not automatically covered for every recipient, so candidates should check the costs of their chosen institution.
Scholarship Categories
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship is designed for postgraduate researchers who want to conduct research at an eligible Swiss institution. Applicants generally need a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification and must have an appropriate Swiss academic supervisor.
For the 2027/28 cycle, the fellowship can last from 6 to 12 months and is scheduled to begin on 1 September 2027.
PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship is intended for international applicants who want to pursue doctoral studies in Switzerland. Candidates normally need a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification and must meet the academic and country-specific requirements.
The initial scholarship period is 12 months. Depending on academic progress, the funding may be renewed, with the total scholarship period reaching up to 36 months.
Art Scholarship
The Art Scholarship is available to applicants from selected countries who want to pursue their first Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland.
Applicants may need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, admission or proof of application to an eligible Swiss institution, and an artistic portfolio. The scholarship is initially awarded for 12 months and can potentially be extended up to 21 months.
Eligibility Criteria for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
The exact requirements depend on the scholarship category and the applicant’s country. However, research and PhD applicants generally need to meet several important conditions.
Applicants should:
- Hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Have a strong academic background.
- Meet the applicable age requirements.
- Prepare a clear and well-structured research proposal.
- Find a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland when required.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected institution.
- Fulfil any additional requirements specified for their country.
For research-based scholarships, support from a Swiss academic supervisor is particularly important. Applicants should therefore contact potential supervisors early and discuss their proposed research before preparing the final application.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their documents well before the deadline. The exact list can vary by scholarship type and country.
Commonly requested documents may include:
- Academic degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Research schedule or timeline
- Passport copy
- Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor
- Supervisor’s short CV
- Additional country-specific documents
Research Proposal
A strong research proposal is particularly important for Research Fellowship and PhD applicants. It should clearly explain the research topic, objectives, methodology, expected contribution, and planned timeline.
Applicants should make sure that their proposal matches their academic background and has a clear connection with the work of their proposed Swiss supervisor.
How to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
The first step is to check which scholarship category is available for your country. Applicants should also review the country-specific requirements and deadline before preparing their documents.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review the official scholarship information for your country and confirm that you meet the academic and other requirements.
Step 2: Choose a Swiss Institution
Select an eligible Swiss university or research institution that matches your academic goals and proposed research area.
Step 3: Find an Academic Supervisor
Research Fellowship and PhD applicants may need to find a suitable Swiss academic supervisor. Contact potential supervisors early and discuss your research idea with them.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic records, CV, motivation letter, research proposal, supervisor documents, and any other documents required for your country.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Complete the application according to the official instructions and submit it to the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation or required authority before the deadline.
Applications for the 2027/28 cycle open on 20 August 2026. Since deadlines vary by country and scholarship type, applicants should check the specific deadline for their country instead of relying on a general closing date.
Important Update for 2027/28
Applicants should use current information when preparing their application because some programme details have changed for the 2027/28 academic year.
One important change is that Postdoctoral Scholarships will no longer be offered from 2027/28. The monthly scholarship amount has also increased to CHF 2,450.
Applicants should also be careful about fraudulent scholarship offers. The official application process is free, and no person or agency can guarantee selection in exchange for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28?
They are scholarships funded by the Swiss Confederation to support international researchers and selected artists while encouraging academic exchange and research cooperation with Switzerland.
2. How much does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provide?
For the 2027/28 cycle, eligible scholarship holders receive a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450, along with certain additional benefits depending on their eligibility.
3. Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
It provides substantial financial support, but it should not be described as fully all-expenses-paid, as tuition and semester fees are not universally covered.
4. When do applications for the 2027/28 scholarships open?
Applications open on 20 August 2026. The exact closing date depends on the applicant’s country and the scholarship category.
