The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer an opportunity for qualified international researchers to pursue doctoral studies or research fellowships at participating Swiss universities and recognised research institutions. The programme supports academic excellence, international research cooperation and the development of future researchers.
Applications are open, and the deadline announced for the programme is 30 November 2026. However, application deadlines and available scholarship categories can vary by country, so applicants should confirm the requirements applicable to their nationality.
For graduates planning an academic career, the Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028 are worth exploring, particularly if they have a strong research background and a clear academic proposal.
At a Glance
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Host country | Switzerland |
| Main opportunities | Research fellowships and PhD scholarships |
| Monthly scholarship contribution | CHF 2,450 |
| Age requirement | Generally, applicants must meet the official birth-date criterion |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026, subject to country-specific confirmation |
| Eligible applicants | Qualified international researchers from participating countries |
| Application method | Official online application portal |
| Official website | https://www.sbfi.admin.ch |
About the Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students. The programme promotes international academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and participating countries.
The Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028 primarily target talented early-career researchers who have completed a master’s degree or equivalent qualification and wish to undertake doctoral research or an eligible research project.
Depending on the scholarship category, recipients may work with academic supervisors at Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology, universities of applied sciences or recognised research institutions.
Important: These research scholarships are not general undergraduate or master’s degree scholarships. Applicants seeking funding for a bachelor’s degree or an ordinary master’s programme should explore other scholarship opportunities. Separate arts scholarships may be available to eligible applicants from selected countries.
Types of Scholarships Available
1. Research Fellowships
Research fellowships support qualified researchers undertaking a research project in Switzerland. According to the official programme guidance, eligible candidates may use this opportunity to conduct a full-time research project connected to their doctoral studies or academic development.
Research fellowships generally last between six and twelve months, depending on the approved project. Applicants must develop a detailed research plan and secure support from an eligible academic supervisor in Switzerland.
These fellowships may suit candidates who want to strengthen their research skills, collaborate with Swiss academics and develop expertise in their chosen discipline.
2. PhD Scholarships
PhD scholarships support eligible international applicants pursuing doctoral studies at participating Swiss institutions.
Candidates typically need a completed master’s degree or equivalent qualification, a suitable research proposal and a supporting letter from an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
The standard doctoral scholarship may be renewable for up to 36 months, subject to academic progress and the programme’s conditions. Applicants should also check whether their chosen doctoral school requires admission before the scholarship application can be submitted.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants interested in the Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028 should carefully review the official requirements for their country.
The principal requirements for research and doctoral scholarships include:
- Academic qualifications: A master’s degree or equivalent must generally be completed by 31 July 2027. For ETH Zurich, the stated deadline is 30 June 2027.
- Age criterion: The official guidance specifies a date of birth after 31 December 1991 for the relevant research scholarships. Applicants should use this exact criterion rather than relying only on a general age-limit statement.
- Research proposal: Candidates must prepare a detailed proposal outlining the research question, methodology, objectives and timeline.
- Academic supervision: Applicants need support from an eligible academic supervisor at a Swiss institution.
- Academic record: Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance, research potential and motivation.
- Country eligibility: Scholarship types, quotas and deadlines depend on the applicant’s country of origin.
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Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection. The programme is competitive, and applications are assessed on their academic and research merits.
Scholarship Benefits and Funding
The Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028 provide financial support to selected candidates while they undertake eligible academic activities in Switzerland.
The official programme lists a monthly contribution of CHF 2,450 to help cover basic living expenses for one person.
Other benefits may include:
- Compulsory health insurance premiums for eligible recipients from non-EU/EFTA countries.
- A one-time housing deposit contribution of CHF 600.
- A Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport.
- A return-flight allowance for eligible recipients from non-EU/EFTA countries.
- Opportunities for academic collaboration and research development.
However, applicants should understand that this is not necessarily a fully funded package covering every expense. Tuition and semester fees may remain payable, while conference participation and fieldwork costs are generally not covered. Benefits also vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and scholarship category.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should begin preparing their documents early because finding an academic supervisor can take weeks or months.
Common requirements include:
- An updated academic CV.
- Copies of degree certificates and university transcripts.
- A detailed research proposal.
- A motivation letter explaining the research objectives and future plans.
- A letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
- The supervisor’s short CV.
- Recommendation letters from two professors, submitted through the prescribed process.
- A valid passport copy.
- Certified translations of documents where required.
Additional documents may be necessary depending on the scholarship category, country and host institution.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Scholarships
Follow these steps to prepare an application:
Step 1: Check your country’s requirements. Visit the official scholarship website and identify the opportunities, deadlines and eligibility rules for your country of origin.
Step 2: Find a suitable supervisor. Identify a professor whose research interests match your proposed project. Explain your academic background and research objectives professionally.
Step 3: Prepare your documents. Complete your CV, research proposal, motivation letter and supporting academic documents.
Step 4: Access the official application portal. Register through the designated Grants Online (GO ESKAS) system and follow the instructions for your scholarship category.
Step 5: Submit before the applicable deadline. Check that all required documents and supervisor endorsements are included. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
Official information and application guidance: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
The programme states that applications are free. Avoid anyone demanding payment in exchange for a guaranteed scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Swiss Government Scholarships open to international applicants?
The programme is available to eligible candidates from participating countries. Applicants must verify the opportunities available to their nationality.
Can undergraduate students apply?
The research scholarship categories described here do not fund ordinary bachelor’s degrees. They generally require a completed master’s degree or equivalent.
Can applicants pursue a master’s degree?
Ordinary master’s studies are not covered by these research scholarships. Certain arts scholarships are a separate exception for eligible candidates from selected countries.
What is the application deadline?
The announced deadline is 30 November 2026, but applicants must confirm the applicable deadline for their country.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides a monthly contribution and certain additional benefits, but some tuition, semester, conference and fieldwork expenses may remain the recipient’s responsibility.
Final Thoughts
The Swiss Government Scholarships 2027–2028 offer a valuable opportunity for qualified researchers seeking doctoral education or research experience in Switzerland. Applicants should focus on academic preparation, a compelling research proposal and securing support from an appropriate Swiss supervisor.
Start by checking the official requirements for your country, confirm the deadline and prepare your application carefully. Early preparation can help you avoid missing important requirements for this competitive international scholarship programme.
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