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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland - PhD, Post a Comment

Provider
Swiss Confederation
Host country
Switzerland
Deadline
Annual – varies by country
Region
Europe
Official source Track this application

Topics

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.
Funding
Stipend Only
Study level
PhD
Deadline
Annual – varies by country

Key eligibility criteria

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.

Recorded funding information

  • Stipend Only

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland (2026)

##### Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards the Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Find out more about the opportunity below. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at foreign student artists and researchers looking to study in Switzerland. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Aspiring scholars must have completed a minimum of a master’s degree in any discipline and plans to pursue research or further studies at a doctoral or post-doctoral level. ### Table of contents - [Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#h-benefits-of-the-swiss-government-excellence-scholarships) - [Types of Scholarship Available for Study in Switzerland](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#h-types-of-scholarship-available-for-study-in-switzerland) - [Eligibility Criteria](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#h-eligibility-criteria) - [How to Apply](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#h-how-to-apply) #001 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships - One Minute Intro - YouTube Tap to unmute 1x [#001 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships - One Minute Intro](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRZjsHok5N4) [SBFI SEFRI SERI](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucD43ut3DEx6QDK2JOEI1w) ![thumbnail-image](https://yt3.ggpht.com/ytc/AIdro_nfZFv2I3fsYv8fL7r9QD_e5HaBA-LTv3OSoh8SpZpofQ8=s68-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj) SBFI SEFRI SERI6.93K subscribers [Watch on](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRZjsHok5N4) ## Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for foreign students shall cover a monthly payment, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, housing allowance, and other necessities as applicable. One of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities, the two Swiss federal institutes of technology or public teaching and research institutes are the available host institutions for the said opportunity. ## Types of Scholarship Available for Study in Switzerland - The **research scholarship** is 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 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. Only candidates nominated by an academic mentor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered. - **Art scholarships** are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland. 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. ## Eligibility 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: 1. Candidate profile 2. Quality of the research project or artistic work 3. 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. In addition, international students from across 180 countries are welcome to apply for the scholarship. Please check out the following available countries listed by the Swiss government: [Countries A-L](https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships/countries-a-l.html) [Countries M-Z](https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships/countries-m-z.html) ## How to Apply The application process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships vary from country to country. Interested applicants are advised to check the application deadlines, offerings, and other pertinent information according to their country of origin. **Select your country of origin according to your passport for receiving further information and the application documents:** [Countries A-L](https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships/countries-a-l.html) [Countries M-Z](https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships/countries-m-z.html) Please refer to the [scholarship website](https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html) for further questions and concerns. * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. Be a part of our growing community! **JOIN:** [Scholarships for Africans Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScholarshipsforAfricans) **LIKE:** [African Scholar Initiative Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AfricanScholarInitiative) ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window)X](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Telegram](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=telegram&nb=1) - [More](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#) - [Print (Opens in new window)Print](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#print?share=print&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/?share=pinterest&nb=1) ### Like this: LikeLoading... ### _Related_ [The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) – Study in Switzerland](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/the-swiss-federal-institute-of-technology-in-lausanne-ecole-polytechnique-federale-de-lausanne-study-in-switzerland/ "The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) – Study in Switzerland") [Top Universities in Switzerland According to Times Higher Education](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/top-universities-in-switzerland-according-to-times-higher-education/ "Top Universities in Switzerland According to Times Higher Education") [Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – Fully-funded Master’s and PhD for Study in France](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/eiffel-excellence-scholarship-program-fully-funded-masters-and-phd-for-study-in-france/ "Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program – Fully-funded Master’s and PhD for Study in France") In[phd scholarships](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/phd-scholarships/), [study in switzerland](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/study-in-switzerland/) ## 2 thoughts on “Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland” 1. Pingback: [Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland – Scholarship Hippo](https://scholarshiphippo.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/) 2. I don’t know the reason how they select. I have tried many times. but Loading... [Reply](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-for-foreign-students-to-study-in-switzerland/#comment-1978)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Stipend Only

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Annual – varies by country. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Annual – varies by country. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Annual – varies by country

      Provider deadline information: Annual – varies by country. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland?+

    Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.

    What funding does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to Study in Switzerland offer?+

    Listed funding: Stipend Only. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Annual – varies by country. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Annual – varies by country. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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