Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027: Fully Funded Research & Art Study Opportunities in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 are prestigious awards funded by the Swiss Confederation to promote international academic exchange and long-term research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), the program supports outstanding postgraduate researchers and artists seeking advanced academic and creative training at top Swiss institutions.

Applications open on August 4, 2025, and deadlines vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The program is designed primarily for early-career researchers and artists who demonstrate strong academic merit and potential for international collaboration. Scholars conduct research or advanced artistic studies at:

• Swiss cantonal universities

• Universities of applied sciences

• Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL)

• Research institutes in the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag)

Selection is based on academic excellence, quality of the research or artistic project, and potential for long-term collaboration.

Types of Scholarships Available

Research Scholarships

For postgraduate researchers in any academic discipline with a Swiss academic supervisor.

Includes:

• Research Fellowship

• PhD Scholarship

• Postdoctoral Scholarship

Art Scholarships

For students pursuing their first Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland. Available only for specific eligible countries.

Learn more about the research and art scholarship here.

Selection Process

Applications are submitted through Swiss diplomatic representations in each applicant’s home country. The Federal Commission evaluates applications using three main criteria:

• Candidate profile and academic record

• Quality of research or artistic proposal

• Potential for future research collaboration

Successful candidates are notified by the end of May for the following academic year.

Application Procedure

Applicants must prepare and submit materials through their country-specific application channel:

Country list and requirements:
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html

Guidelines and preparation details: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance

Important Dates

Applications open: August 4, 2025
Deadlines: Vary by country (consult country list)
Results announced: By end of May 2026

For more global scholarship opportunities, visit OFY here.