The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for foreign students and artists is open for applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Swiss scholarship is offered by the Swiss Government via the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS aka ESKAS, CFBE). The Swiss Government Scholarships are granted for research in one of the Swiss public universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, University of Applied Sciences, or Schools of music and arts.
Arts and music scholarships” are granted for studies in the public music academies, as well as art and design schools. The Swiss government scholarship 2024-2025 is intended for highly motivated, competitive young researchers who have graduated from university (postgraduates). These scholarships will enable applicants to undertake research work in the fields in which the Swiss universities are particularly active.
The Switzerland government scholarship aims to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). The scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD or are foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree. This program is one of the top free scholarships to study abroad.
This is a fully funded scholarship program for international students and is valid only for full-time research in Switzerland. It is not valid for on-the-job studies, part-time studies, correspondence courses, or mixed programs (part-time in Switzerland and part-time in another country). During their scholarship, grant holders are residents in Switzerland. This government scholarship program has four categories as shown below:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for master’s in art
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for PhD in all fields
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Postdoctoral in all fields
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Research in all fields.
Program Details
- Host institutions: Higher education institutions in Switzerland.
- Areas: Available field of study at Swiss universities and institutions.
- Number of awards: Not specified.
- Duration: Please find full details below.
- Target group: Open to citizens of all countries.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Benefits
Selected candidates for the Swiss government scholarship 2024-2025 will have the following benefits:
Scholarship amount
- Research scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month
- PhD scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month
- Arts scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month
- Postdoctoral scholarship: 3500 Swiss Francs per month.
Note : No financial support for fieldwork or for conferences. Grant holders receive a one-year half-fare public transportation card in Switzerland. Support services organize various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours for Switzerland scholarship holders.
Housing allowance
All scholarship holders receive a one-time lump sum of CHF 300 with the first grant payment to help them pay part of the housing deposit.
Tuition fees and Master fees for artists
The FCS does not pay for tuition and/or semester fees. In some cases, the universities and the Federal Institute of Technology do require scholarship holders to pay semester fees (generally around 600 CHF per semester) or at least reduced tuition fees. In some cases, the universities do not waive the PhD fees. In case the Universities and the Universities of Applied Sciences and Art Schools should not waive the fees, it is up to the grantee to pay for the fees.
Health insurance
According to Swiss law, every resident in Switzerland must be covered by Health Care Insurance (except for dental care). For non-EU and non-EFTA grantees only: the FCS pays mandatory Swiss health insurance. Please note that each FCS scholarship holder from an EU and EFTA Member State is responsible for his/her insurance coverage and all resulting costs.
Travel expenses
Grantees from EU and EFTA member states pay for their own travel expenses to Switzerland as well as back to their country of origin. Grantees from outside the European Union and the EFTA pay for their own travel expenses to Switzerland, but receive a return flight allowance (lump sum depending upon the country of origin) for a ticket back to their country of origin (provided at the end of the scholarship).
Fieldwork
Once the scholarship is awarded, PhD scholarship holders may submit a special request regarding their PhD thesis and the potentially necessary fieldwork. The scholarship may continue during fieldwork for up to six months. No additional financial support is possible though for fieldwork by FCS. For other scholarship types, no fieldwork abroad in Switzerland is possible during the scholarship period.
Note : Valid for all scholarship types, the Swiss government scholarship does not provide any allowances for international conferences.
Also Check : Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students, 2024-2025
Switzerland Government Scholarship Duration
All Swiss government scholarships start in September and it is not possible to start the scholarship in the Spring semester or any other time in the year.
Switzerland Research Fellowships
- 12 months (September – August) – no prolongation possible.
- Cannot be upgraded into a prolongable PhD scholarship.
- Grant applications for a stay lasting less than 9 months will not be treated as a priority.
- Grant applications for a stay lasting less than 6 months will be rejected.
Switzerland PhD Scholarship
- 12 months (September – August) – prolongable up to 36 months.
- The PhD scholarships can be prolonged in three steps of 12 months based on the achieved academic results.
- It is the concerned grant holder’s and the supervisor’s responsibility to find sufficient funding beyond the maximal duration of the PhD scholarship (36 months) if it turns out to be necessary to end the doctorate.
Switzerland Postdoctoral Scholarship
- 12 months (September – August) – no prolongation possible.
- Grant applications for stays lasting less than 9 months will not be treated as a priority.
- Grant applications for stays lasting less than 6 months will be rejected.
Switzerland Arts Scholarships
12 months (September – August) – prolongable up to 21 months at most depending on the Master programme chosen and the necessary ECTS credits.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Host Institutions
For postgraduate scholarships (Research Fellowships, PhD, Postdoctoral):
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Fribourg
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Lucerne
- University of Neuchâtel
- University of St. Gallen
- University of Zurich
- Università della Svizzera italiana
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
- Swiss Federal Institute of TechnologyZurich (ETHZ)
- Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID).
For postgraduate scholarships (Research fellowships and Postdoctoral only):
- University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland
- Bern University of Applied Sciences
- University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland
- University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
- University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
- Universities of teacher education
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen
- Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training.
For art scholarships:
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
- Bern University of the Arts
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
- University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
- Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
- Zurich University of the Arts.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Eligibility
for all scholarship programs, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be in command of the necessary language skills required for the program.
- Have not been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September 2024.
- be able to move to Switzerland during the scholarship period.
- Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship.
Furthermore, this Europe scholarship applicants must satisfy specific requirements of the scholarship type they’ve chosen.
Swiss Excellence Master’s Scholarships Eligibility
The arts scholarships are granted at any Swiss conservatory or universities of the arts. Applicants must meet the following requirements in addition to the general requirements above.
- Applicants must be born after 31 December 1988.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent achieved before 31 July 2024 (degree certificate).
- Applicants should start their scholarship no later than three years after graduating with their Bachelor’s degree.
- Valid for full-time studies in Switzerland only.
- A proof for “admission is under consideration” at the intended Swiss arts or music school (conservatory). This may be in the form of a conditional acceptance pending an entry exam or other specific requirements. If applicable: a copy of the letter from a professor confirming the supervision of the studies.
- Or, if applicable the confirmation from the art or music school that the admission procedure cannot be started before the scholarship application deadline.
- Not holding a master’s degree already.
- Art scholarships are only available to citizens of countries with which Switzerland has a reciprocity agreement for art scholarships. Please find below the full list of eligible countries.
Art scholarship is only available for the following: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, United States of America.
Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships Eligibility
This scholarship is intended for highly qualified postgraduate students (possessing the required degrees to start a PhD) from all academic fields. To apply for the Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements in addition to the general requirements above.
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent university degree achieved before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024)
- be born after 31 December 1988
- have a mandatory letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the selected Swiss university
- have a copy of the support letter (including a short CV, maximum 2 pages) from an academic host professor who is entitled and willing to supervise a PhD at the chosen Swiss university during the entire duration of the doctoral studies. The support letter should contain the reasons why she/he is willing to supervise and support the PhD thesis.
- If an assistant professor supports a candidature, a full professor who is entitled to supervise the PhD during the entire scholarship has to co-sign the support letter. This letter is not the same as the also requested confidential recommendation letter.
- For PhD studies at a University of Applied Sciences, an additional letter of support from a faculty member of the host research university at which the PhD will be completed is mandatory. Please note: Doctoral degrees can only be awarded by research universities.
Note : PhD students with an ongoing or planned doctoral project that is carried out within the framework of a formalized agreement between two universities («cotutelle de thèse» cooperation between a Swiss and a foreign university) and under the joint direction of two supervisors are eligible for a 12-month research fellowship only.
Swiss Excellence Research Fellowships Eligibility
This scholarship is for highly qualified postgraduate researchers from all academic fields as well as young medical doctors. Swiss Excellence Research Fellowships applicants must meet the following requirements in addition to the general requirements above.
- Master degree or equivalent achieved (degree certificate) before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024)
- Date of birth after 31 December 1988
- A copy of the support letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV, maximum 2 pages) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research. This letter is not the same as the also requested confidential recommendation letter.
- A research proposal including a timeframe.
- Not available for scholars holding a PhD degree.
Note : PhD students with an ongoing or planned doctoral project that is carried out within the framework of a formalized agreement between two universities («cotutelle de thèse» cooperation between a Swiss and a foreign university) and under the joint direction of two supervisors are eligible for this scholarship category only.
Swiss Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships Eligibility
This program is intended for highly qualified early career scientists at the postdoctoral level from all scientific fields. To apply for the Swiss Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements in addition to the general requirements above.
- Hold a PhD degree achieved after 31 December 2020 and before 31 July 2024 (except ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024) PhD degree certificate is completed.
- Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland.
- No funding for sabbaticals.
- A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV, maximum 2 pages) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the postdoctoral research.
- Not accepted as academic supervisors for Postdoctoral scholarship applicants are their former PhD mentors and their co-directors for the co-tutelle PhD.
- A research proposal including a timeframe. This is the centerpiece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it.
- This scholarship is valid only for full-time postdoctoral research in Switzerland. It is not compatible with fieldtrips outside Switzerland. Therefore no possibility and no funding for fieldwork.
- In the case of double doctorates, the date of the 1st degree counts.
- It is not valid for mixed research (part time in Switzerland and part time in another country).
Similar opportunities
- EPOS DAAD Scholarships In Germany For Development;
- Singapore Government Scholarship.
- Government of the Czech Republic Scholarships.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Interested candidates in this government scholarship must download this PDF file to see specific instructions about their countries. Please select your country of origin (according to your passport) in order to find the application deadline. Questions and application documents (FSC Form) should be requested from and, then, be submitted to the address mentioned in the call of application specific to your country (available in the List of all countries (A-Z))
Note : The application package for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships can be obtained by e-mail from the Swiss Embassy in the candidate’s home country, or from the contact indicated in the List of all countries (A-Z) PDF file.
Documents for Postgraduate Scholarship Applications
The following documents are for Research, PhD, and Postdoctoral scholarship applications. Please submit 2 sets (= 1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in the exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable, the attested translations in English. The other set is the copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only the 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
- Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.
- A full CV with a list of personal education and training, degrees and diplomas (with precise dates), awards, academic positions (with precise dates), non-academic positions (with precise dates), publications with references, conferences, academic teaching experiences, extra academic teaching experiences, links to your science blogs, your presentations online, etc.
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
- All applicants must have a clear research goal. Therefore, research fellowships and postdoctoral scholarships, as well as PhD scholarship candidates, have to submit a complete research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed) including a layman abstract in English, using exclusively the FCS research proposal form provided with the application package. The research proposal is a central part of your application. Please devote the required attention to it and submit only a signed document.
- A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to support and supervise the research. For research fellowships in addition: A short CV of the academic mentor at the home institution. For PhD scholarships at doctoral schools only, in addition: Confirmation of accepted admission is required. A support letter from a host professor is required in any case additionally.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field (use exclusively the FCS from – originals in sealed envelopes only, for the first set). No copies for 2nd set.
- Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/ colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian, or German with attested certified translations in English. Exception for India: Self-attested documents are accepted. Do not submit the original certificates.
- Signed medical certificate (use only the FCS health certificate form).
- Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals add copies of both passports. Applicants already in Switzerland during their application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.
Documents for Art Scholarship Applications
Arts scholarship applications. Please submit 2 sets (= 1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in the exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable, the attested translations in English. The other set is the copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only the 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
- Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.
- A full CV with list of exhibitions, concerts, awards etc.
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages specifying the reasons to study in Switzerland, the importance of choice for your future career as well as your professional projects at the end of the scholarship).
- The applicants for arts scholarships do not have to submit a research proposal.
- For musicians: High-quality file of 3 different styles of music if the music involves interpreters and directors. (USB memory stick or CD/DVD labeled with name, surname, and country; link or QR-Code). Composers have to submit their scores.
- For painters, graphic artists, and sculptors: Copies or photos of 3 pieces of your work, along with rough drafts (incl. their dates of creation; work labeled with name, surname, and country).
- For other artists (e.g., dancers, actors, authors): pieces of their art (USB memory stick or CD/DVD labeled with name, surname, and country; link or QR-Code).
- A proof for «admission is under consideration» at the intended Swiss arts or music school (conservatory). This may be in the form of a conditional acceptance pending an entry exam or other specific requirements. If applicable, a copy of the letter from a professor confirming the supervision of the studies.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field (use only the FCS from – originals in sealed envelopes only, for the 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
- Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/ colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian or German, attested certified translations in English. Do not submit the original certificates.
- Signed medical certificate (use only the FCS health certificate form).
- Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals can add copies of both passports. Applicants are already in Switzerland during their application procedure to add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.
Note : The application documents have to be submitted in English, French, Italian or German. If your documents are not in one of these languages, then an authenticated translation into English must be included. Attestations can be done by a university or a government officer. Exception for India: Self-attested documents are accepted. Please do not put the documents into plastic folders or binders. And do not use clips or staples. Do respect the precise order of documents.
Please click here to download the application package.
Application deadlines vary depending on the country and fall between September and December. For example, the application deadline for citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan is while the deadline is for citizens of Cuba and Jamaica. For more details on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Students, please consult the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.