Deadline: September to December

The Switzerland Government Scholarship, known as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, is a prestigious program offered to international students and researchers for postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies at Swiss public universities and recognized institutions. It provides financial support, including a monthly stipend, health insurance, and often a tuition fee waiver. The program targets candidates with a strong academic record and a detailed research proposal or artistic project. Applications are evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), with selection based on academic merit, motivation, and research relevance.

Types of Scholarships

• Research Scholarships: For postgraduate researchers in any discipline who are planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at the doctoral or postdoctoral level.
• PhD Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a full-time PhD program at a Swiss university.
• Postdoctoral Scholarships: For researchers with a PhD degree, aiming to conduct postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
• Arts Scholarships: For art students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland, available to students from a limited number of countries.

Eligibility

• Obtain a letter of acceptance from a Swiss university professor
• A master’s degree or equivalent is required for PhD and Post-doctoral positions
• The applicant must be a citizen of a country with which Switzerland maintains diplomatic ties
• Applicants who have spent more than a year in Switzerland are ineligible to apply
• Any candidate who has previously received a Swiss government grant is ineligible to apply

Benefits

• Research Scholars and PhD Students monthly stipend: CHF 1920 per month
• Postdoctoral Researchers: CHF 3500 per month
• The scholarship cover tuition and registration fees at Swiss universities
• Basic health and accident insurance is provided
• A lump sum for air fare is granted for scholars coming from overseas countries
• A special lodging allowance of CHF 300 per month is provided (paid once at the beginning of the scholarship)
• One-year half fare public transportation card: This allows scholars to travel at reduced fares within Switzerland

For more information, please visit: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html