Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

If you’re an international researcher or doctoral candidate looking for a fully funded research stay in Switzerland, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are one of the strongest options available. Every year the Swiss Confederation, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS / ESKAS), awards these competitive scholarships to early-career researchers from more than 180 countries.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year open on 20 August 2026. Here’s everything you need to know — updated with the latest official details.

Key Details at a Glance

• Host country: Switzerland
• Funding body: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS / ESKAS)
• Scholarship types: Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships (Art scholarships available only for selected countries)
• Who can apply: Early-career researchers who already hold a Master’s degree
• Application opens: 20 August 2026
• Deadlines: Country-specific, usually between September and December 2026
• Results announced: By the end of May 2027
• Scholarship starts: 1 September 2027

Important update: Postdoctoral fellowships are no longer offered from the 2027–2028 academic year onward.

Available Scholarship Categories

1. Research Fellowships
For postgraduate researchers who want to carry out full-time research at a Swiss university, ETH Zurich, EPFL, a university of applied sciences, or one of the ETH Domain research institutes (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag).
Duration: up to 12 months.

2. PhD Scholarships
For candidates who want to pursue a full doctoral degree at an eligible Swiss institution.
Initial funding covers 12 months and can be extended up to a total of 36 months based on progress.

3. Art Scholarships
Available only to applicants from a limited number of countries. These support a first Master’s degree in an artistic field at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts (up to 21 months).

What the Scholarship Covers

Successful applicants receive:

• Monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 (covers basic living costs for one person)
• One-time housing/rental deposit grant of CHF 600
• Mandatory Swiss health insurance premiums paid by FCS for non-EU/EFTA scholars
• Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport
• Return flight allowance (for non-EU/EFTA scholars, paid at the end of the scholarship)

What is not covered: Tuition or semester fees (some universities still charge reduced fees of roughly CHF 600–2,000 per semester), conference costs, or fieldwork expenses. The scholarship is not a salary and does not include family allowances.

Eligibility Requirements

You generally need to meet these conditions (always check your country’s specific fact sheet):

• Hold a recognised Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed by the required deadline (usually 31 July 2027; earlier for ETH Zurich in some cases)
• Be no older than 35 (typically born after 31 December 1991 for research and PhD tracks)
• Secure a formal letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor — this is mandatory for research and PhD applications. Without it, your application will be rejected
• Not have lived in Switzerland for an extended period before the scholarship starts (specific residency rules apply)

Required Documents

You’ll need to prepare:

• Detailed CV (including publications if any)
• Motivation letter
• Comprehensive research proposal with methodology, timeline and clear goals
• Signed support letter from your Swiss supervisor + their short CV
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Certified copies of degrees and transcripts (with official translations if needed)
• Valid passport copy

All applications are submitted online only through the official Grants Online (GO ESKAS) portal. Paper or email submissions are not accepted.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. Find a Swiss supervisor (start as early as possible)
   Search for professors at Swiss universities, ETH Zurich, EPFL or research institutes whose work matches yours. Send a short, targeted email with your CV and a clear research idea.
2. Check your country’s fact sheet
   Official lists of eligible countries, available scholarship types and exact deadlines are published on the SBFI website.
3. Register and apply online
   From 20 August 2026, create an account on the GO ESKAS portal and complete your application there.
4. Submit before your country’s deadline
   Deadlines vary by Swiss embassy/representation and usually fall between September and December 2026.

Timeline Overview

• 20 August 2026: Applications open
• September–December 2026: Country-specific deadlines
• End of May 2027: Selection results announced
• 1 September 2027: Scholarship period begins

Final Tips for a Strong Application

The single most important factor is securing a solid invitation letter from a Swiss professor. Start contacting potential supervisors well before the application window opens. A clear, well-structured research proposal and a strong academic track record also make a big difference.

Always rely on the official sources:

• Main page: sbfi.admin.ch – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
• Benefits and institutions overview: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance

If you’re planning to apply, begin looking for a supervisor now. The competition is high, and early preparation gives you a real advantage.