Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028. Get CHF 2,450/month, health insurance, and study at ETH Zurich. Full guide on eligibility, benefits, and application steps for researchers and artists.
Studying in Switzerland sounds expensive. However, this scholarship makes it possible for talented international researchers and artists to live, study, and work in one of the world’s most innovative countries — completely funded.
Every year, the Swiss Confederation awards prestigious scholarships to postgraduate researchers and artists from over 183 countries. Moreover, this program is managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) under the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
In this guide, we will walk you through everything: eligibility, benefits, application steps, deadlines, and how to increase your chances of winning this scholarship.
What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028 is a flagship international scholarship program of the Swiss Confederation. Its main goal is to promote academic excellence, scientific innovation, and cultural exchange between Switzerland and the rest of the world.
Unlike typical student grants, this scholarship is fully funded and targets only postgraduate-level candidates. In other words, there are no bachelor’s or general master’s scholarships.
Furthermore, the program covers 3 main categories:
1. Research Fellowships – for postdoctoral researchers
2. PhD Scholarships – for doctoral candidates
3. Art Scholarships – for advanced-level artists pursuing a Master’s degree
As a result, whether you are a scientist, academic, or artist, this scholarship offers you a chance to work with professors at top institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL.
Key Details and Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
Before applying, it is important to understand exactly what the scholarship covers. Fortunately, this scholarship is one of the most comprehensive packages in Europe.
Financial Coverage
Recipients of this scholarship receive:
– Monthly stipend: CHF 2,450/month (~USD 2,700). For postdoctoral scholars, this can be up to CHF 3,500/month.
– Health insurance coverage for non-EU/EFTA citizens
– Return airfare allowance
– One-time housing allowance: CHF 300 and rental deposit grant: CHF 600
– Swiss Half-Fare Travel Card for public transport
– Tuition fee coverage at the host institution
Duration
– Research Fellowship: 12 months
– PhD Scholarship: Up to 36 months, renewable
– Art Scholarship: 12 months, extendable up to 21 months depending on ECTS credits
– Start Date: 1 September 2027
Because of this full coverage, you can focus 100% on research and creativity without financial stress.
Who Can Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028?
This scholarship is open to applicants from 183 countries. However, selection is highly competitive.
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
– Hold a Master’s degree for research/PhD applicants, or Bachelor’s for Art applicants
– Be born after January 1, 1990 (under age 35 for some categories)
– Have strong academic and professional profiles
– Not have lived in Switzerland for more than 1 year at the start of the scholarship
– Not have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
– Be proficient in the language of instruction: English, French, German, or Italian. Note: IELTS is not always required.
Specific Requirements by Category
1. Research and PhD Scholarships
You must secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss university before applying. Without a letter of support from a professor, your application will be rejected.
2. Art Scholarships
These are only available for a limited number of countries. You must submit a portfolio demonstrating artistic maturity and potential.
Priority is also given to candidates who have not previously studied in Switzerland.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
The application process is free. However, it is country-specific and must be done through the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Check if your country is eligible. Visit the official FCS website and select your country of origin.
2. Find a Swiss supervisor. For research/PhD, contact professors at Swiss universities, ETH Zurich, EPFL, or Universities of Applied Sciences.
3. Prepare your research proposal or portfolio. This is the centerpiece of your application. It must include a clear timeframe.
4. Gather required documents. These include CV, motivation letter, certificates, recommendation letters, and supervisor support letter.
5. Submit online. Applications now go through an online form. Printed copies are no longer required.
Important Dates for 2027-2028
– Application Opens: 20 August 2026
– Country Deadlines: Vary by country, published August 2026
– Selection by FCS: By end of May 2027
– Scholarship Start: 1 September 2027
Always check your local Swiss Embassy website for exact deadlines.
Selection Criteria for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
The Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) evaluates applications based on 3 main criteria:
1. Quality of Research Project or Artistic Work
Your proposal must be original, feasible, and academically strong. For artists, the portfolio must show creativity and potential.
2. Candidate Profile
The FCS looks at your academic background, publications, and motivation.
3. Potential for Future Collaboration
They assess synergies between your work and Swiss institutions. In short, they want scholars who will build long-term research cooperation.
Top Swiss Universities and Institutions for Scholarship Holders
As a recipient of this scholarship, you can study at leading institutions including:
– ETH Zurich and EPFL – ranked among the top 10 universities globally
– University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Bern
– University of Basel, University of Lausanne, University of St. Gallen
– Graduate Institute Geneva, Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences
– Leading Swiss Arts and Music Institutions
Consequently, you will be learning in a cutting-edge research environment.
Tips to Win the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
Competition is tough. Therefore, here are proven strategies:
1. Start early. Applications open 20 August 2026. Begin contacting supervisors 6-9 months before.
2. Tailor your research proposal. Align it with a Swiss professor’s expertise. This increases acceptance chances.
3. Show impact. Explain how your research benefits both your home country and Switzerland.
4. Avoid scams. The FCS does not advertise by email or ask for money. Never pay anyone.
5. Proofread everything. Language skills are required.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028 fully funded?
Yes. It covers stipend, health insurance, travel, housing allowance, and tuition.
Can I apply for a Master’s degree?
Only for Art scholarships. For research, you need at least a Master’s to apply for PhD.
Do I need IELTS?
No standardized English test is required by FCS, but individual universities may ask.
How many scholarships are awarded?
Up to 500 scholarships are available.
Official Links for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
To avoid fake offers, always use official sources:
– Official FCS Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
– EDA Scholarships Page: https://www.eda.admin.ch
– Country-specific application portal: Check with your local Swiss Embassy
Conclusion
Why You Should Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027-2028
This Scholarship offers more than funding. It is an opportunity to join Switzerland’s world-class research and art community, work with top professors, and build an international career.
With CHF 2,450 monthly stipend, full health coverage, and access to ETH Zurich and EPFL, this is one of Europe’s best scholarships.
Therefore, start preparing now. Find your supervisor, refine your proposal, and submit when applications open on 20 August 2026.
Your future in Switzerland starts with one application.