Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships 2026

 Fully Funded

The Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 are now open for international students from over 180 countries. Offered annually by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships support scholars and researchers who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland.

The program aims to promote international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and the rest of the world. This fully funded scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to highly qualified postgraduate researchers and artists.

About the Scholarship

The Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships are administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). The scholarships are awarded for:

• Research scholarships for doctoral and postdoctoral candidates

• Art scholarships for students of art and music (offered to a limited number of countries)

These scholarships provide the opportunity to study at one of Switzerland’s public universities, universities of applied sciences, or art institutions.

Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship provides full financial support, including:

• Monthly stipend to cover living costs

• Full tuition fee waiver or reduction

• Free accommodation in some institutions

• Health insurance

• Airfare allowance in certain cases

• Research funding support where applicable

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must:

• Hold at least a master’s degree before the start of the scholarship

• Be born after 1980 for most programs

• Have a strong academic record

• Present a well-planned research proposal or artistic portfolio

• Secure a supervisor or host professor from a Swiss university

Language proficiency in English, French, or German may be required depending on the institution and program.

Application Process

1. Visit the official website of the Swiss Government Scholarship program

2. Download the country-specific application package

3. Prepare the required documents:

   • Research proposal or project description

   • CV with academic achievements

   • Copies of academic certificates and transcripts

   • Two academic recommendation letters

   • Acceptance letter from a Swiss professor

   • Language certificate (if required)

4. Submit the completed application to the Swiss Embassy in your country by the deadline

Each country has its own application timeline, usually between August and November 2025 for studies starting in the 2026 academic year.

Participating Institutions

Scholarship recipients can study at any Swiss public institution, including:

• ETH Zurich

• University of Geneva

• University of Lausanne

• University of Basel

• University of Bern

• University of Zurich

• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)

Why Study in Switzerland

• World-class universities and research institutions

• Multilingual academic environment

• Central location in Europe with strong global links

• High quality of life and student support

• Opportunities for research funding and academic partnerships

Official Website

To learn more and apply, visit the official Swiss Government Scholarships page: Here