About this opportunity
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded program by the Swiss Confederation for international researchers from 180+ countries. It supports PhD, postdoctoral, and research fellowships at world-class Swiss institutions including ETH Zurich and EPFL, with monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered by Swiss Confederation (Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students) for applicants heading to Switzerland. Applications close on Nov 30, 2026.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Hold a master's degree or PhD (depending on scholarship type)
- Be born after 31 December 1990 (for PhD/research fellowships)
- Secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss institution with invitation letter
- Submit a detailed research proposal
- Meet language requirements (English, German, French, or Italian depending on program)
- Not have previously received this scholarship
What the opportunity may offer
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (PhD/research) or CHF 3,500 (postdoctoral)
- Mandatory Swiss health insurance coverage (non-EU/EFTA)
- One-time housing allowance
- Half-fare public transport card
- Return flight allowance for non-European grantees
- Tuition and semester fees typically waived
Required documents
- CV with publications
- Research proposal
- Invitation letter from Swiss academic supervisor
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Language proficiency proof
- Medical certificate
- Two recommendation letters
Application process
- Find a professor at a Swiss university willing to supervise your research
- Obtain an invitation letter from the supervisor
- Prepare your research proposal and all documents
- Submit application via the GO ESKAS online portal
- Wait for FCS selection results (announced around May)
Before you apply
- □Apply before Nov 30, 2026 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Swiss Confederation (Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students)
- □Prepare your 7 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Deadline varies by country, typically September to December. Check your country's Swiss embassy for the exact date.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
Early-career researchers from 180+ countries who hold a master's degree or PhD. PhD and research fellowship applicants must be born after 31 December 1990.
How much is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship stipend?
PhD and research fellows receive CHF 1,920 per month (updated to CHF 2,450 for 2026-27), while postdoctoral researchers receive CHF 3,500 per month, plus health insurance and travel allowances.
What is the deadline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2026?
Deadlines vary by country, typically between September and December. For example, applications close November 30, 2026 for many countries. Check your local Swiss embassy.
Do I need a supervisor to apply?
Yes, you must secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss university or research institution who issues an invitation letter before you can submit your application.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Swiss Confederation (Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students). We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.