YBB – Are you an international student or early-career researcher looking to pursue doctoral studies or conduct research in Switzerland? The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer eligible international researchers an opportunity to pursue research projects or PhD studies at designated Swiss higher education institutions and research institutes.
Awarded by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS, the program aims to promote international academic exchange and research collaboration. Applicants from eligible countries can apply for research fellowships or PhD scholarships, depending on the opportunities available in their country of origin.
The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450 to help cover basic living expenses, along with additional benefits subject to the program’s conditions. Applicants must secure support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland and prepare a detailed research proposal.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be offered. Applicants should therefore check the official scholarship categories and country-specific requirements before beginning their applications.
Program Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Organization: Swiss Confederation
- Awarding Body: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
- Academic Year: 2027–2028
- Available Categories: Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship
- Eligible Fields: Various academic disciplines, subject to the selected institution and scholarship category
- Monthly Scholarship: CHF 2,450
- Program Start Date: September 1, 2027, for the research fellowship and PhD categories listed in the official guidelines
- Application Deadline: Varies by country of origin
- Application Fee: Free of charge
About the Program
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed to encourage international exchange and strengthen research cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world.
The program primarily supports talented early-career researchers who have completed a master’s degree and wish to pursue doctoral research or conduct a research project at a Swiss higher education institution or recognized research institute.
The available research fellowship supports a research project connected to doctoral studies, while the PhD scholarship provides funding for eligible candidates pursuing a doctoral degree in Switzerland.
Both categories require applicants to identify a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support the proposed research project. Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s academic background, research competence, motivation, project quality, and potential for future research collaboration.
Also read: Stamps Scholarship 2027 Offers Fully Funded Undergraduate Study at the University of Miami
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive the following benefits, subject to the official scholarship conditions:
- Monthly allowance: CHF 2,450 to help cover basic living expenses.
- Health insurance: Coverage of compulsory health insurance premiums for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries.
- Rental deposit allowance: A one-time grant of CHF 600.
- Public transportation: A Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport.
- Return flight allowance: Available to scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries, with the amount determined by their country of origin.
- Academic and cultural activities: Opportunities to participate in excursions and activities organized for federal scholarship holders.
Important: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship does not automatically cover tuition or semester fees. Some universities may charge semester fees or reduced tuition fees, and scholarship holders may need to pay these costs themselves. Expenses related to international conferences and field research are also generally the responsibility of the scholarship holder. Applicants should confirm the financial requirements with their prospective host institution.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship category and the requirements established for each country of origin. The following criteria apply to the research fellowship and PhD scholarship categories described in the official guidelines.
Applicants generally must:
- Hold a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification by July 31, 2027. For ETH Zurich, the deadline is June 30, 2027.
- Have been born after December 31, 1991.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal that includes a timeline, milestones, and planned activities.
- Obtain a letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution, accompanied by the supervisor’s short CV.
- Meet the country-specific eligibility and application requirements.
- If already residing in Switzerland, provide proof of registration or a residence permit and meet the applicable entry-date requirements.
Applicants should note that a supervisor’s support is mandatory for research fellowship and PhD scholarship applications. Applications without the required academic supervision will not be considered.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required by their selected scholarship category and the official application instructions. These may include:
- Completed application form through the official online system.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing academic qualifications, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant professional experience.
- Letter of motivation explaining the purpose of the research stay and its relevance to the applicant’s academic and professional goals.
- Research proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, timeline, milestones, and expected outcomes.
- Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor confirming support for the proposed research project.
- Short CV of the Swiss academic supervisor.
- Academic certificates and transcripts from previous institutions.
- Two academic recommendation letters, arranged through the application system according to the official instructions.
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Proof of residence or registration in Switzerland, if applicable.
- Additional documents required for the selected scholarship category or country of origin.
Documents issued in languages other than English, French, German, or Italian may require certified translations.
Eligible Fields of Study
The research fellowship and PhD scholarship categories cover a wide range of academic disciplines. Applicants must select a research topic that aligns with the expertise of their proposed academic supervisor and the research capabilities of their host institution.
Before applying, candidates should verify that their intended research field, proposed institution, and scholarship category are eligible under the requirements for their country of origin.
Participating Universities and Research Institutions
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support research at designated Swiss higher education institutions and recognized research institutes.
Participating institutions include:
Universities
- 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
Federal Institutes of Technology
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich)
Research Institutes within the ETH Domain
- Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)
Other Participating Institutions
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
- 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
- Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)
The availability of specific institutions and programs depends on the scholarship category. Applicants should consult the official list of designated study locations before selecting a host institution.
How to Apply
The application process involves identifying an academic supervisor, preparing the required documents, and submitting the application through the official online system or the procedure specified by the Swiss diplomatic representation responsible for the applicant’s country.
Step 1: Check Your Country’s Eligibility and Deadline
Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website and locate the requirements for your country of origin.
Confirm which scholarship categories are available, the application deadline, and any country-specific conditions.
Step 2: Find an Academic Supervisor in Switzerland
Search the websites of eligible Swiss universities and research institutions for professors or research group leaders whose expertise matches your proposed research topic.
Contact a suitable supervisor with a concise introduction, your academic background, a preliminary research plan, and relevant supporting documents. Allow sufficient time for this process, as finding a supervisor may take several weeks or months.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Prepare your CV, motivation letter, research proposal, academic certificates, transcripts, passport copy, and other required documents.
Ask your prospective Swiss supervisor to provide the required letter of support and short CV. Arrange recommendation letters according to the instructions in the official application system.
Step 4: Register and Complete the Online Application
Access the official Grants Online (GO ESKAS) application system through the Swiss government scholarship website.
Create an account, complete the required sections, and upload the requested documents in the specified format.
Follow any additional instructions provided by the Swiss diplomatic representation responsible for your country of origin.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application
Check that all required documents are complete and comply with the application guidelines.
Submit your application before the deadline specified for your country. The Swiss government states that scholarship applications must be submitted through the designated online process rather than by email or in paper form.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 is November 30, 2026.
Official Website and Application Portal
- Official Scholarship Overview: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
- Scholarship Categories and Benefits: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions: Official Scholarship FAQ
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer international researchers an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies or research projects at designated institutions in Switzerland. With a monthly allowance, health insurance benefits for eligible recipients, and additional support, the program can help qualified candidates advance their academic and research careers. However, applicants must carefully review the eligibility criteria, identify a suitable Swiss academic supervisor, and confirm the application deadline for their country of origin. Visit the official Swiss government website for the latest information and begin preparing your application well in advance.
