The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 are fully funded awards from the Swiss Confederation that let international students, researchers and artists study or conduct research in Switzerland. They are administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS, and promote academic exchange between Switzerland and more than 180 countries. Applications open on 20 August 2026, and the application is completely free of charge.
Complete guide to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028, covering scholarship categories, target groups, eligibility requirements, monthly funding, application steps, selection process, important dates, official links and fraud warnings.
Quick Highlights of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Parameter
Details
Organization
Swiss Confederation – Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
Scholarship
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Scholarship Types
Research Scholarship, PhD Scholarship, Art Scholarship
Job Type
Fully funded scholarship (research, doctoral and art study)
Location
Switzerland (cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, ETH Zurich, EPFL and ETH Domain institutes such as PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag)
Eligibility
Country-specific; generally a Master's degree for research/PhD and a Bachelor's degree for art
Experience Required
Early-career researchers who have completed a Master's degree
Sector
Higher education, research and arts
Preferred Applicants
International researchers, PhD candidates and eligible art students
Working Language
Not specified
Application Method
Through the process specified by the Swiss authorities and the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation
About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Programme
The Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships every year to encourage international exchange, research cooperation and academic collaboration, with awards available across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Area
Details
Awarding Body
Swiss Confederation
Administering Commission
Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS
Official Source
Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
Purpose
Promote international exchange, research cooperation and academic collaboration
Partner Reach
More than 180 countries
Target Group
Talented early-career researchers from abroad who have already completed a Master's degree
Application Fee
Free of charge
Scholarship Categories and Target Groups
Scholarship
Target Group
Main Requirements
Maximum Duration
Research Scholarship
Postgraduate researchers from 183 countries
Master's degree + Swiss academic supervisor
Up to 12 months
PhD Scholarship
PhD students from 183 countries
Master's degree + Swiss academic supervisor
Up to 36 months
Art Scholarship
Art students from 26 countries
Bachelor's degree + admission or proof of application
Up to 21 months
Research Scholarship Details
Detail
Information
Who Can Apply
Postgraduate researchers from abroad who wish to conduct research in Switzerland
Eligible Host Institutions
Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), EPFL, and research institutes within the ETH Domain including PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag
Key Requirement
The research proposal must be supported by an academic supervisor in Switzerland willing to guide and supervise the research
Country Eligibility
Applicants from 183 countries, subject to country-specific eligibility requirements and procedures
Academic Requirement
Generally a completed Master's degree plus the programme's academic and eligibility requirements
Eligibility Criteria for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Requirement
Details
Country of Origin
Eligibility depends on the applicant's country of origin
Academic Qualifications
Must meet the qualification level for the chosen scholarship type
Scholarship Type
Requirements differ between Research, PhD and Art scholarships
Proposed Programme
A proposed research or study programme is required
Age and Academic Background
Considered as part of eligibility
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements must be met where applicable
Swiss Academic Supervisor
Required for research and PhD scholarships; support from a Swiss academic institution or supervisor where required
Application Fee
None – the application is free of charge
Benefits and Funding
Detail
Information
Funding Source
Swiss Confederation
Monthly Allowance
Approximately CHF 2,450 per month for the relevant scholarship categories
Benefits Variability
Exact benefits, conditions and allowances vary by scholarship type and applicant's country
Research Scholarship Duration
Up to 12 months
PhD Scholarship Duration
Up to 36 months
Art Scholarship Duration
Up to 21 months
Application Fee
Free of charge
Verification Advice
Check the official scholarship information for your country before applying
Documents Required
Document
Details
Academic Qualifications
Required as proof of degree and academic record
Research Proposal
Required for research-based applications
CV
Required as part of the application
Letters
Letters and other supporting documents as specified for the country
Supervisor Confirmation
Required for research and PhD scholarships
Admission Proof
Admission or proof of application to a Swiss institution for Art Scholarship applicants
Country-Specific Documents
As specified in the official country-specific information
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Step
Action
1
Check your eligibility and confirm you meet the academic and country-specific requirements for your chosen scholarship
2
Identify the appropriate scholarship category: Research Scholarship, PhD Scholarship or Art Scholarship
3
Find a Swiss academic supervisor willing to support and supervise your proposed research (for research-based scholarships)
4
Prepare all required documents, which may include academic qualifications, research proposals, CVs, letters and other country-specific supporting documents
5
Submit your application through the process specified by the Swiss authorities and the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation
Selection Process
Criterion
Details
Assessing Body
Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
Candidate Profile
Assessed as part of the selection process
Quality of Research Project or Artistic Work
Assessed as part of the selection process
Synergies and Future Research Cooperation
Potential for future research cooperation is considered
Selection Outcome
Successful applicants are selected for the following academic year
Decision Timeline
The FCS aims to announce decisions by the end of May at the latest for the following academic year
Important Dates
Event
Date
Applications open
20 August 2026
Country-specific deadlines
Varies by country
Scholarship decisions
By the end of May at the latest
Academic year
2027–2028
2028–2029 scholarships advertised
August 2027
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
International researchers
Yes
PhD candidates
Yes
Early-career researchers
Yes
Master's graduates seeking research opportunities
Yes
Students pursuing postgraduate research
Yes
International artists from eligible countries
Yes
Applicants interested in research collaboration with Swiss institutions
Yes
Fraud Warning and Application Fee
Point
Details
Application Fee
Free of charge
Fake Offers
Fraudulent scholarship offers circulate online and by email falsely using the Swiss Government's name
Scam Tactics
Scammers claim applicants are selected and request money for visa processing, social insurance, registration, administrative costs or other supposed fees
Official Warning
The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships warns applicants not to respond to fraudulent scholarship emails
Action to Take
Do not send money; verify unexpected offers through the official Swiss Government scholarship website before acting
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Official Information
Q1. What are the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028?
They are scholarships funded by the Swiss Confederation for international researchers and artists to study or conduct research in Switzerland.
Q2. Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides financial support to successful applicants, including a monthly scholarship allowance; exact benefits and conditions depend on the category and country of origin.
Q3. How much does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship pay?
Published information lists funding of approximately CHF 2,450 per month for the relevant scholarship categories; check official country-specific information for the latest details.
Q4. Can I apply without a Swiss academic supervisor?
For research and PhD scholarships, applicants generally need support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland and must obtain the required confirmation before submitting an application.
Q5. How many countries are eligible?
Research and PhD scholarships are available to applicants from 183 countries, while the Art Scholarship is available to applicants from 26 countries.
Q6. When does the 2027–2028 application open?
Applications for the 2027–2028 cycle open on 20 August 2026.
Q7. Is there an application fee?
No, the application is free of charge; be cautious of anyone asking for money to obtain the scholarship.
Q8. What is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by country of origin, and country-specific deadlines are published by the Swiss authorities.
Q9. When will scholarship decisions be announced?
The FCS aims to announce scholarship decisions by the end of May at the latest for the following academic year.
Q10. Where can I find official application information?
Always use the official Swiss Government source (SERI/SBFI) for the latest information, country-specific deadlines and application instructions.
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Review the official scholarship overview and confirm your country's eligibility and deadline
2
Select your scholarship category and secure a Swiss academic supervisor if required
3
Prepare your documents and submit before your country-specific deadline
4
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