Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026
We are pleased to announce that the application for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2026 is now open.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer an outstanding opportunity for international graduates, researchers, and artists to pursue advanced studies or research in Switzerland. These scholarships support full-time Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral research, and one-year research fellowships at leading Swiss universities and research institutes.
Applicants are encouraged to choose study programs that align with their academic goals and long-term plans. If you are still exploring a suitable academic direction, here are some valuable resources to guide you in choosing your career path and future specialization:
10 Tips for Choosing a Career
SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship type, but general requirements include:
Research Fellowship / PhD / Postdoctoral Scholarships
Applicants must have:
- Completed a Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026)
- Date of birth after 31 December 1990
- A detailed research plan with timeline, milestones, and methodology
- A letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor including a short CV
- If already living in Switzerland: entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025
- Two academic referees for recommendation letters
- Copies of transcripts, certificates, research portfolio, passport, and medical fitness proof
Art Scholarships
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026
- Date of birth after 31 December 1990
- No Master’s degree already held
- Admission letter or application proof for a Swiss University of Arts or Conservatory
- A portfolio link or recording depending on the art field
Field of Study
These scholarships cover all academic and artistic fields, including:
Research scholarships: PhD, Postdoctoral scholarships and research fellowships
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Fribourg
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Lucerne
- University of Neuchâtel
- University of St. Gallen
- University of Zurich
- Università della Svizzera italiana
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
- Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
Research scholarships: Postdoctoral scholarships and research fellowships
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
- Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
- Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
- University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR)
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
- Universities of teacher education
- UniDistance Suisse (presence in Switzerland mandatory)
- Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)
Art scholarships at host institutions in Switzerland:
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
- Bern University of the Arts (HKB-BFH)
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
- University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland (OST)
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
- Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK)
Stipend Amount
Monthly scholarship support:
| Scholarship Type | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Research Fellowship | CHF 1,920 |
| PhD Scholarship | CHF 1,920 |
| Art Scholarship | CHF 1,920 |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | CHF 3,500 |
Additional benefits may include:
- Health insurance for non-EU/EFTA recipients
- CHF 300 rental deposit allowance
- Half-Fare Travelcard for Swiss public transport
- Return flight allowance (for eligible countries)
Note: Tuition/semester fees are not covered and must be paid by the scholarship holder.
SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- Check your country’s scholarship availability and deadline
- Identify a Swiss host institution and contact a potential academic supervisor
- Secure a letter of support from the supervisor
- Prepare all required documents, including:
- Detailed CV
- Research proposal or portfolio for art students
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts/certificates
- Passport copy and medical fitness form
- Submit the application online via the official portal.
For tips on strengthening your submission, see: How to Secure a Merit Scholarship
Apply here: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Application Portal
Application Deadline
Deadlines vary by country, so applicants must confirm their specific closing date in the official document below:
A–Z List of Eligible Countries & Timelines (PDF)
