The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year will open for applications on August 4th, 2025.
The program invites applicants from 183 countries to pursue research, study, or art projects in Switzerland.
According to DAAD Scholarship, the scholarships are awarded annually by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). They are intended for postgraduate researchers, including PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows, early-career scientists and academics, and Master’s students in the arts.
Recipients can study or conduct research at Swiss public universities, the ETH Domain (including ETH Zurich and EPFL), and universities of applied sciences. Each applicant must have a Swiss academic supervisor.
Scholarships for Art Students
The program also offers scholarships specifically for Master’s students in the arts. These scholarships are available to candidates from certain countries and provide an opportunity to study within Switzerland’s cultural institutions. Applicants interested in the arts can pursue degrees and projects in various creative fields.
Application Process and Requirements
Applications open on August 4th, 2025. Prospective candidates should check their country-specific application guidelines to understand available scholarship types;
- Eligibility criteria
- Required documents, and
- Deadlines for submission to Swiss embassies.
- Detailed application guides are available online for regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
- Applicants are reminded that applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is free of charge. They should avoid any suspicious emails requesting payment.
Selection Criteria and Timeline
Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s:
- Academic record
- The quality and feasibility of the proposed research or artistic project, and
- The potential for future international collaboration
Successful candidates will be notified by May 2026. Details note that the scholarships cover study or research beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Prepare Now for Your Application
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials ahead of the August 4th, 2025, opening date. The program, as stated, seeks to support international exchange and encourage global academic cooperation.
More information and application details can be found on the official portal link: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
