Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028: Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students and Researchers

<p class="isSelectedEnd">The <strong>Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028</strong> offer international students, researchers and artists the opportunity to study or conduct research in Switzerland with financial support from the Swiss Confederation.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Every year, the <strong>Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships</strong> to promote international exchange, research cooperation and academic collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The scholarships are awarded by the <strong>Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)</strong>, also known as ESKAS.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Applications open: 20 August 2026.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Important:</strong> The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application is <strong>free of charge</strong>. Applicants should be alert to fraudulent emails and websites asking for money for visa processing, social insurance or other fees.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 – Overview</h2> <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Scholarship</th> <th>Target Group</th> <th>Main Requirements</th> <th>Maximum Duration</th> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Research Scholarship</strong></td> <td>Postgraduate researchers from 183 countries</td> <td>Master&#8217;s degree + Swiss academic supervisor</td> <td>Up to 12 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>PhD Scholarship</strong></td> <td>PhD students from 183 countries</td> <td>Master&#8217;s degree + Swiss academic supervisor</td> <td>Up to 36 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Art Scholarship</strong></td> <td>Art students from 26 countries</td> <td>Bachelor&#8217;s degree + admission or proof of application</td> <td>Up to 21 months</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The programme is primarily designed for <strong>talented early-career researchers from abroad</strong> who have already completed a Master&#8217;s degree.</p> <h2>What Are the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious scholarships funded by the Swiss Confederation for international researchers and artists.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The programme supports academic and research cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world. Depending on the applicant&#8217;s country and scholarship category, successful candidates can undertake research, doctoral studies or postgraduate studies in Switzerland.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The scholarships are available across a wide range of academic disciplines.</p> <h2>1. Swiss Government Research Scholarships</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The <strong>Research Scholarship</strong> is designed for postgraduate researchers from abroad who wish to conduct research in Switzerland.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants can undertake research at:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Swiss cantonal universities</li> <li>Universities of applied sciences</li> <li>ETH Zurich (ETHZ)</li> <li>EPFL</li> <li>Research institutes within the ETH Domain, including PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd">A key requirement is that the research proposal must be supported by an <strong>academic supervisor in Switzerland</strong> who is willing to guide and supervise the applicant&#8217;s research.</p> <ul id="doc-1iut78nef1" class="list list--default" title=""> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance#Research-scholarships" target="_self" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Research fellowship">Research fellowship</a></li> </ul> <h3>Who can apply?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Research scholarships are available to applicants from <strong>183 countries</strong>, subject to the specific eligibility requirements and application procedures for their country of origin.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants generally need to have completed a <strong>Master&#8217;s degree</strong> and meet the programme&#8217;s academic and eligibility requirements.</p> <ul id="doc-1iut78nef1" class="list list--default" title=""> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance#Research-scholarships" target="_self" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Research fellowship">Research fellowship</a></li> </ul> <h2>2. Swiss Government PhD Scholarships</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The <strong>PhD Scholarship</strong> supports international researchers who want to undertake doctoral studies in Switzerland.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The scholarship is available to eligible applicants from <strong>183 countries</strong>.</p> <h3>Main requirements</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants generally need:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>A Master&#8217;s degree or equivalent qualification</li> <li>A suitable PhD research proposal</li> <li>Support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland</li> <li>To meet the eligibility requirements applicable to their country of origin</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The maximum scholarship duration is <strong>36 months</strong>.</p> <h2>3. Swiss Government Art Scholarships</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The <strong>Art Scholarship</strong> is intended for international students who wish to pursue an initial Master&#8217;s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Unlike the research and PhD scholarships, the Art Scholarship is available to applicants from a more limited number of countries.</p> <ul id="doc-1iut78nef7" class="list list--default" title=""> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance#Art-scholarships" target="_self" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Art scholarship">Art scholarship</a></li> </ul> <h3>Main requirements</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants generally need:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>A Bachelor&#8217;s degree or equivalent qualification</li> <li>Admission to an appropriate Swiss institution or proof that an application for admission has been submitted</li> <li>To meet the specific requirements for their country of origin</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The maximum scholarship duration is <strong>21 months</strong>.</p> <ul id="doc-1iut78nef7" class="list list--default" title=""> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance#Art-scholarships" target="_self" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Art scholarship">Art scholarship</a></li> </ul> <h2>Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Benefits</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide financial support to successful international applicants.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The scholarship information currently highlights funding of approximately <strong>CHF 2,450 per month</strong> for the relevant scholarship categories.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The exact benefits, conditions and allowances can vary depending on the scholarship type and applicant&#8217;s country.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants should therefore check the official scholarship information for their country before submitting an application.</p> <h2>Who Can Apply?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed primarily at <strong>international researchers and talented early-career academics</strong>.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Eligibility depends on:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Your country of origin</li> <li>Your academic qualifications</li> <li>The type of scholarship</li> <li>Your proposed research or study programme</li> <li>Your age and academic background</li> <li>Admission requirements</li> <li>Support from a Swiss academic institution or supervisor, where required</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd">For research and PhD scholarships, applicants should pay particular attention to the requirement for a <strong>Swiss academic supervisor</strong>.</p> <h2>Application Deadline</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The application deadlines for the <strong>Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028</strong> vary according to the applicant&#8217;s country of origin.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss authorities publish country-specific information, including:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Application deadlines</li> <li>Available scholarship types</li> <li>Eligibility requirements</li> <li>Application procedures</li> <li>Country-specific documents</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants should check the official information for their country before preparing their application.</p> <h3>When do applications open?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Applications open on 20 August 2026.</strong></p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Country-specific application deadlines and scholarship availability are published by the Swiss authorities.</p> <h2>How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants should carefully follow the application instructions provided for their country of origin.</p> <h3>Step 1: Check your eligibility</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Confirm that you meet the academic and country-specific eligibility requirements for the scholarship you wish to apply for.</p> <h3>Step 2: Identify the appropriate scholarship</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Choose between the available categories, such as:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Research Scholarship</li> <li>PhD Scholarship</li> <li>Art Scholarship</li> </ul> <h3>Step 3: Find a Swiss academic supervisor</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants for research-based scholarships generally need to identify a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support and supervise their proposed research.</p> <h3>Step 4: Prepare your application</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Prepare all required documents, which may include academic qualifications, research proposals, CVs, letters and other supporting documents specified for your country.</p> <h3>Step 5: Submit your application</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applications are submitted through the process specified by the Swiss authorities and the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation.</p> <h2>How Are Applications Selected?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">After applications are submitted, the <strong>Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)</strong> assesses candidates according to several criteria.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The selection process considers:</p> <ol start="1" data-spread="false"> <li><strong>Candidate profile</strong></li> <li><strong>Quality of the research project or artistic work</strong></li> <li><strong>Synergies and potential for future research cooperation</strong></li> </ol> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Successful applicants are selected for the following academic year.</p> <h2>When Will Scholarship Decisions Be Announced?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The FCS aims to announce scholarship decisions <strong>by the end of May at the latest</strong> for the following academic year.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants should therefore monitor their application and official communications after submission.</p> <h2>Beware of Fake Swiss Government Scholarship Offers</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Important warning:</strong> There are fraudulent scholarship offers circulating online and through email that falsely use the name of the Swiss Government.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Scammers may claim that applicants have been selected for a scholarship and then request money for:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Visa processing</li> <li>Social insurance</li> <li>Registration</li> <li>Administrative costs</li> <li>Other supposed fees</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Do not send money in response to these messages.</strong></p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships warns applicants not to respond to fraudulent scholarship emails and stresses that <strong>applications for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are free of charge</strong>.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">If you receive an unexpected scholarship offer asking for payment, verify the information through the official Swiss Government scholarship website before taking any action.</p> <h2>Important Dates</h2> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>Event</td> <td>Date</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Applications open</td> <td><strong>20 August 2026</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Country-specific deadlines</td> <td><strong>Varies by country</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Scholarship decisions</td> <td><strong>By the end of May at the latest</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Academic year</td> <td><strong>2027–2028</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>2028–2029 scholarships advertised</td> <td><strong>August 2027</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>Who Should Apply?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships may be particularly suitable for:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>International researchers</li> <li>PhD candidates</li> <li>Early-career researchers</li> <li>Master&#8217;s graduates seeking research opportunities</li> <li>Students pursuing postgraduate research</li> <li>International artists from eligible countries</li> <li>Applicants interested in research collaboration with Swiss institutions</li> </ul> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The scholarship provides financial support to successful applicants, including a monthly scholarship allowance. The exact benefits and conditions depend on the scholarship category and country of origin.</p> <h3>How much does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship pay?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The published scholarship information lists funding of approximately <strong>CHF 2,450 per month</strong> for the relevant scholarship categories. Applicants should check the official country-specific information for the latest details.</p> <h3>Can I apply without a Swiss academic supervisor?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">For research and PhD scholarships, applicants generally need support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland. Applicants should identify a suitable supervisor and obtain the required confirmation before submitting their application.</p> <h3>How many countries are eligible?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The research and PhD scholarship categories are currently available to applicants from <strong>183 countries</strong>, while the Art Scholarship is available to applicants from <strong>26 countries</strong>.</p> <h3>When does the 2027–2028 application open?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applications for the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle open on <strong>20 August 2026</strong>.</p> <h3>Is there an application fee?</h3> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>No. The application for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is free of charge.</strong> Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay money to obtain the scholarship.</p> <h2>Official Application Information</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants should always use the official Swiss Government source for the latest information, country-specific deadlines and application instructions.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><a href="https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships – Official Information</a></p> <h2>Final Advice for Applicants</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive, so applicants should begin preparing early.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">For research and PhD applicants, one of the most important steps is identifying a suitable <strong>Swiss academic supervisor</strong> and developing a strong research proposal.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Before applying, carefully check the requirements for your <strong>country of origin</strong>, confirm the applicable deadline and prepare all required documents.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Never pay anyone claiming to guarantee a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. The official application is free.</strong></p> <h2 id="Interested?" class="h2">Interested?</h2> <p id="doc-1iut78nef12" class="font--regular"><strong>Applications are open starting August 20, 2026.</strong> <a class="link" href="https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance" target="_self" aria-label="Here" rel="noopener">Here</a> you will find useful information on how to prepare your scholarship application.</p> <h3>Scholarship Summary</h3> <p><strong>Scholarship:</strong> Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships<br /> <strong>Study destination:</strong> Switzerland<br /> <strong>Academic year:</strong> 2027–2028<br /> <strong>Opening date:</strong> 20 August 2026<br /> <strong>Target group:</strong> International researchers, PhD students and eligible art students<br /> <strong>Research/PhD countries:</strong> 183 countries<br /> <strong>Art scholarship countries:</strong> 26 countries<br /> <strong>Funding:</strong> Approximately CHF 2,450 per month for relevant categories<br /> <strong>Research duration:</strong> Up to 12 months<br /> <strong>PhD duration:</strong> Up to 36 months<br /> <strong>Art duration:</strong> Up to 21 months<br /> <strong>Application fee:</strong> <strong>Free</strong><br /> <strong>Deadline:</strong> Varies by country<br /> <strong>Official source:</strong> Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="Applicable-legislation-(in-German)" class="h2">Applicable legislation (in German)</h2> <ul id="doc-1iut78nef25" class="list list--default" title=""> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19870116/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Bundesgesetz über Stipendien an ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz Open link in new tab">Bundesgesetz über Stipendien an ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz</a></li> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20121883/index.html" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Verordnung über Stipendien für ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz Open link in new tab">Verordnung über Stipendien für ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz</a></li> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20130049/index.html" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Verordnung des WBF über die Vergabe von Stipendien an ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz Open link in new tab">Verordnung des WBF über die Vergabe von Stipendien an ausländische Studierende und Kunstschaffende in der Schweiz</a></li> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2017/574/de" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" aria-label="Verordnung über die Informationssysteme im Berufsbildungs- und im Hochschulbereich (IBH-V) Open link in new tab">Verordnung über die Informationssysteme im Berufsbildungs- und im Hochschulbereich (IBH-V)</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="Links" class="h2">Links</h2> <div id="doc-1j1vagbmd0"> <ul class="list"> <li><a class="link" href="https://e2-news.ch/en/news/scholarships-as-a-career-booster" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" aria-label="E2-news: Scholarships as a career booster Open link in new tab">E2-news: Scholarships as a career booster</a></li> </ul> </div> <h2 id="Social-Media" class="h2">Social Media</h2> <ul id="doc-1iut78neg4" class="list list--default" title=""> <li><a class="link--external" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRZjsHok5N4" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" aria-label="YouTube: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Open link in new tab">YouTube: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships</a></li> </ul> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/20/swiss-government-excellence-scholarship-eskas-for-foreign-scholars-and-artists-2025-2026/">Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028: Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland for International Students and Researchers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>