Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2026
About this scholarship
Fully funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and some arts students for research, PhD, postdoctoral, and selected arts master's study in Switzerland.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are funded by the Swiss Confederation and administered through Switzerland's official scholarship framework for foreign students and researchers. The programme is designed to promote international research collaboration and academic exchange with Swiss higher education institutions.
These scholarships mainly support research fellowships, PhD study, and postdoctoral research in Switzerland across a wide range of academic fields. Reference postings also indicate an Arts scholarship route for selected master's-level study in artistic disciplines at Swiss conservatories or arts institutions. Awards may be held at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and other recognized host institutions.
The scholarship is generally considered fully funded. Reported benefits include a monthly stipend that varies by category, Swiss health insurance, a housing allowance, a transport benefit such as a half-fare public transport card, and a return travel contribution. Some postings also mention tuition support where applicable, although tuition arrangements can depend on the host institution and scholarship category.
Applicants are typically early-career international researchers or artists from countries eligible under the annual country list. For research-based categories, candidates usually need a relevant master's degree or PhD, a strong academic record, a research proposal, and a confirmed Swiss academic supervisor willing to host the project. Research is normally expected to be full-time and carried out in Switzerland. Language ability in the language of instruction or research environment may also be required by the host institution.
Applications are usually handled through the Swiss embassy or diplomatic representation in the applicant's home country, following country-specific instructions published each year. Because eligibility, available scholarship types, and deadlines can vary by nationality, applicants should always consult the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships guidance for their country before applying.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Open to international applicants from eligible countries under the annual Swiss Government country list, commonly described in postings as over 180 countries. Research applicants are typically early-career researchers holding at least a master's degree; postdoctoral applicants must hold a PhD; arts master's applicants generally need a bachelor's degree in an arts field. A confirmed Swiss host supervisor is usually required for research-based categories. Applicants are generally expected not to have been residing in Switzerland for an extended period before the scholarship start, and some country calls specify an age limit.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Proficiency in the language of instruction or research environment may be required; postings mention English, German, French, or Italian depending on the host institution and programme.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
