2025 Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a highly esteemed scholarship program offered by the Swiss government to support international students and researchers seeking to advance their education and research in Switzerland. Administered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), the program aims to foster international academic collaboration and contribute to the development of global talent by providing financial support for advanced studies and research.
The scholarship is available for various levels of study, including postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral research. It targets highly qualified students and researchers from around the world who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and research potential. The goal of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is to attract top international talent to Switzerland, thereby enhancing the country’s academic and research environment.
Recipients of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship receive a comprehensive funding package that covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend that helps cover living costs during the course of the study or research period. This financial support ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic and research endeavors without the burden of financial constraints.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is open to candidates from a wide range of countries, and the selection process is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic records, the quality and relevance of their research proposals, and their potential to contribute significantly to their field of study. The scholarship is awarded through a rigorous selection process, which includes evaluations by academic and research experts.
One of the distinctive features of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is the opportunity it provides for scholars to engage with Switzerland’s prestigious institutions. Scholars have access to world-class universities and research centers, where they can collaborate with leading academics and researchers. This exposure to a high-quality academic environment enhances the overall research experience and facilitates professional growth.
In addition to the financial and academic support, the scholarship fosters cultural exchange by bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds. This international exposure enriches the academic experience and promotes intercultural understanding. Scholars have the chance to immerse themselves in Swiss culture, engage with local communities, and build networks with other international and Swiss scholars.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship program aligns with Switzerland’s broader commitment to supporting global education and research. By investing in international talent, Switzerland not only enhances its own academic and research capabilities but also contributes to the global exchange of knowledge and ideas.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious and comprehensive program that provides exceptional international students and researchers with the opportunity to advance their studies and research in Switzerland. Through its generous financial support and access to top academic institutions, the scholarship helps scholars achieve their academic and professional goals while promoting international collaboration and cultural exchange.
The Government of Switzerland is inviting applications for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program from interested international students.
The Scholarship is of two types and candidates can apply for any of them
- Research Scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes.
- Art scholarships are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only.
Requirements For The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
To be considered for the 2025 Swiss Government Scholarship, you must:
- Hold a university degree (Bachelors/Masters) on commencement of the scholarship
- Be able to demonstrate their academic abilities and what they aim to achieve
- Be under the age of 35 (born on or after 1 January 1979)
- Be suitably proficient in the language of instruction (French, German, Italian, or English)
- The research scholarship: Available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree as a minimum) who are planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc).
- Art scholarships: Open to art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland (arts).
Duration and Reward
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships will run throughout the period of study with
- Full Tuition Fee
- CHF 3’500 Monthly Stipend.
- Accommodation
Selection Criteria
Applications are subject to preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. The short-listed applications are then assessed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which takes the final decision.
The FCS assesses scholarship applications according to three criteria:
- Candidate profile
- Quality of the research project or artistic work
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
The FCS is composed of professors from all Swiss public universities. Scholarship awards are decided on the basis of academic and scientific excellence.
The FCS will select scholarship holders for the 2025-26 academic year by the end of May 2026.
Method of Application
- Interested applicants are expected to select the continent with their country of origin (this is the country according to your passport) for receiving further information and the application documents.
- Check the application deadline and the different types of scholarships on offer. These vary according to country. You will also find details where you can get answers to your questions.
- Click the link below to start the application process
