Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28 are awarded by the Swiss Confederation to promote international academic exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. Recipients are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).

The programme has three main routes for 2027–28: Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships and Art Scholarships. Postdoctoral scholarships are no longer offered from the 2027–28 academic year.

Research Fellowship

The Research Fellowship is designed for highly qualified early-career researchers from any academic discipline who are pursuing a PhD outside Switzerland. It enables scholars to undertake a full-time research project at an eligible Swiss institution for between 6 and 12 months. An academic supervisor in Switzerland is mandatory.

PhD Scholarship

The PhD Scholarship supports highly qualified researchers who have completed a Master’s degree and wish to pursue a doctorate at a Swiss university or recognised research institute. The scholarship initially covers 12 months and may be renewed twice, allowing support for up to 36 months subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Art Scholarship

Art Scholarships are available to talented applicants seeking their first Master’s degree in an artistic field at a Swiss art school or conservatory. Unlike the research scholarships, art scholarships are available only to applicants from selected countries.

All three scholarship categories currently provide CHF 2,450 per month to contribute towards one person’s basic living expenses. This scholarship is not treated as a salary.

Research Fellowship

• Applicants should be highly qualified early-career researchers pursuing a PhD in a country other than Switzerland.
• Applicants may come from any academic discipline.
• A Master’s degree or equivalent must be completed by 31 July 2027; for ETH Zurich, by 30 June 2027.
• Applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991.
• A detailed research proposal with milestones and activities is required.
• Applicants must secure the support of an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss institution.
• The supervisor must provide a letter of support and short CV.
• Applicants already residing in Switzerland must have entered Switzerland no earlier than 1 August 2026.
• Priority is given to applicants who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland.

PhD Scholarship

• Applicants must have completed, or complete by the relevant deadline, a Master’s degree or equivalent.
• The Master’s degree must be completed by 31 July 2027, or by 30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich.
• Applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991.
• A detailed research proposal is required.
• A Swiss academic supervisor must agree to supervise the proposed research and provide a letter of support.
• Applicants already residing in Switzerland must have entered Switzerland no earlier than 1 August 2026.
• Applicants to doctoral schools must satisfy the relevant doctoral-school admission requirements.
• Priority is given to researchers who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland.

Art Scholarship

• Applicants must be applying for their first Master’s degree in an artistic field.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent must be completed by 31 July 2027.
• Applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991.
• Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree when the scholarship begins.
• Applicants need an admission letter, proof of application, or relevant confirmation from a Swiss University of the Arts or Music.
• Applicants already residing in Switzerland must have entered Switzerland no earlier than 1 August 2026.

• CHF 2,450 per month towards basic living expenses.
• One-time CHF 600 rental-deposit grant.
• Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport in Switzerland.
• Compulsory health-insurance premiums covered for scholars from non-EU/EFTA countries.
• Return-flight allowance for scholars from non-EU/EFTA countries, with the amount determined by country of origin.
• Participation in excursions and activities organised for Swiss Government scholarship holders.
• Access to recognised Swiss universities and research institutions.
• Research Fellowship: 6–12 months of support.
• PhD Scholarship: initially 12 months, renewable up to 36 months subject to academic progress.
• Art Scholarship: 12 months, with possible extension up to 21 months depending on programme requirements

Research Fellowship / PhD

• Complete CV covering education, qualifications, awards, employment, publications, teaching and relevant practical experience.
• Motivation letter of up to 2 pages.
• Research proposal using the FCS/ESKAS format, maximum 5 pages including a non-specialist summary.
• Letter of support from the Swiss academic supervisor.
• Short CV of the Swiss supervisor.
• For Research Fellowships: short CV of the academic supervisor at the applicant’s home university.
• For relevant PhD graduate-school applications: confirmation of admission.
• Email addresses of two professors in the relevant field who will be contacted to provide recommendation letters.
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• Certified translations where documents are not in English, French, Italian or German.
• Copy of passport.
• Copy of residence permit or registration confirmation where the applicant already lives in Switzerland.

Art Scholarship

• Complete CV.
• Motivation letter of up to 2 pages.
• Contact details for two academic/professional referees.
• Degree certificates and transcripts.
• Certified translations where necessary.
• Copy of passport.
• Residence documentation where applicable.
• Art portfolio appropriate to the artistic discipline.
• Admission letter, proof of application or relevant confirmation from the chosen Swiss arts institution.

Research Fellowship and PhD

• Academic profile.
• Research competence.
• Applicant motivation.
• Originality of the proposed research project.
• Methodological quality of the project.
• Quality of academic supervision.
• Potential for future research collaboration.

Art Scholarship

• Artistic profile and qualifications.
• Applicant motivation.
• Quality and artistic maturity demonstrated through the portfolio.
• Artistic potential.
• Availability of enrolment at the selected Swiss institution.

At programme level, FCS assesses candidate quality, the proposed research or artistic work, and potential synergies for future cooperation.

• Conduct research or postgraduate study within Switzerland’s higher-education and research system.
• Work with an academic supervisor in your specialist field.
• Develop international research experience.
• Build long-term academic and professional connections.
• Strengthen your research profile through an independent project.
• Access universities, ETH institutions and recognised research institutes across Switzerland.
• Participate in a programme designed to encourage international research cooperation.
• Receive structured financial support while completing the approved research or study period.