Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students 2023-2024
The Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships each year to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and more than 180 other countries. Recipients are chosen by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are intended for young foreign researchers with a master’s or Ph.D. degree, as well as foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree.
Brief Description of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships each year to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and more than 180 other countries.
The research scholarship is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (with a master’s degree or higher) who plan to come to Switzerland to pursue doctoral or post-doctoral studies.
- Sponsor: Swiss Government
- Scholarship Level: Ph.D./Postdoctoral Degree
- Deadline: varies, Sept-Dec 2021
- Study in: Switzerland
- Next course starts in 2023
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Types Of Scholarships Involved
1. The research scholarship is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (minimum master’s degree) who plan to come to Switzerland to conduct research or further their studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level (research fellowship, Ph.D., Postdoc).
All Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes, offer research scholarships for research or study. Only candidates nominated by an academic mentor at one of these institutions of higher learning will be considered.
2. Art scholarships are available to students pursuing an initial master’s degree in Switzerland (arts).
Scholarships for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts are available. This scholarship is currently available.

Host Institutions-Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships For Foreign Students
One of the ten Swiss cantonal universities, one of the two Swiss federal institutes of technology, or a public teaching and research institute.
See Also: Top Scholarship Opportunites in Europe
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Field/Level of study:
Doctoral or Postdoctoral Studies and/or Research in any discipline.
People Targeted/Target Group
The scholarship targets international students from more than 180 countries. Visit the official website for the complete list of eligible countries.
Scholarship recipients/inclusion:
The scholarship includes a monthly payment, tuition fee exemption, health insurance, airfare, housing allowance, and other benefits as applicable. For specific scholarship benefits, please see the country-specific fact sheets.
Eligibility:
Kindly refer to the country-specific fact sheets for general and specific eligibility criteria.
Application Procedure:
Please see the country-specific fact sheets for eligibility criteria, application procedures, deadlines, and contact information specific to your country.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, contact the Swiss diplomatic representative in your country of origin. The diplomatic representation will provide you with all of the necessary information about the procedure, including application forms and a list of required documentation.
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The application deadline varies depending on the Swiss Embassy to which the applications must be submitted.
It is critical to visit the official website (link provided below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
How To Apply
Select the continent with your country of origin (that is, the country on your passport) to receive additional information and application documents.
Check the application deadline and the various types of scholarships available. These differ depending on the country. You will also find information on how to get answers to your questions.
Application Deadline:
September-December
Note: The application deadline varies from country to country.
See Also: Top Scholarship Opportunites in Europe
Scholarship Website
Click here to visit the official scholarship website.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program
What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program is a scholarship program offered by the Swiss government to promote international exchange and research collaboration. The program provides opportunities for foreign researchers to study at Swiss universities, research institutes, and other institutions of higher education.
Who is eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program?
The eligibility requirements vary depending on the level of the scholarship (PhD, Postdoc, or Faculty). Generally, applicants must have a master’s degree or a PhD, be under the age of 35 (for PhD and Postdoc), and have good proficiency in the language of instruction (usually either German, French, or English).
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and other costs associated with studying in Switzerland. The exact amount of the scholarship varies depending on the level of the scholarship and the specific program.
How do I apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program?
Applications are submitted online through the Swiss government’s scholarship portal. Applicants must provide a project proposal, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline varies depending on the level of the scholarship and the specific program. Generally, the application deadline is in September for the following academic year.
How competitive is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program?
The program is highly competitive, with a limited number of scholarships available each year. The selection process is based on academic excellence, research potential, and the quality of the project proposal.
Can I apply for multiple programs at once?
Applicants can only apply for one program at a time. However, applicants who are not selected for one program may be eligible for another program.
How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship duration varies depending on the level of the scholarship and the specific program. Generally, PhD scholarships last for up to three years, Postdoc scholarships last for up to two years, and Faculty scholarships last for up to one semester.
Can I extend my scholarship?
Extensions are generally not possible, although in some cases, a scholarship may be extended for up to six months.
Can I work while studying in Switzerland?
Ph.D. and Postdoc scholarship holders are allowed to work part-time (up to 15 hours per week) during the academic semester and full-time during the semester breaks. Faculty scholarship holders are not allowed to work during their stay in Switzerland.
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