Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028 in Switzerland for International Students

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer opportunities for talented international researchers and selected arts students to study, conduct research, or pursue doctoral work in Switzerland. Funded by the Swiss Confederation, the programme promotes international academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and partner countries.

Successful applicants may receive a monthly scholarship of CHF 2,450, along with additional benefits that depend on their eligibility and scholarship category. Research opportunities are available across a range of academic disciplines at eligible Swiss universities and research institutions. Selected arts scholarships support students pursuing an initial master’s degree in an artistic field.

However, this programme is not a general scholarship for every international student seeking a taught master’s degree. Applicants should first confirm that their country and intended study or research category are eligible.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year opened on August 20, 2026. Deadlines vary by country, so applicants should consult the official information for their country of origin before submitting an application.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028: Overview

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students. The programme aims to strengthen international research partnerships, academic exchange, and cooperation between Switzerland and other countries.

The scholarships are primarily intended for talented researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree and want to undertake research or doctoral studies in Switzerland.

Research may take place at eligible Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology—ETH Zurich and EPFL—or specified research institutions within the ETH Domain.

A separate arts scholarship category is available for eligible applicants from a limited number of countries who wish to pursue an initial master’s degree in an artistic field.

The official programme currently lists applicants from 183 countries as eligible for relevant scholarship categories, but availability and requirements differ by country and award type.

Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

1. Research fellowships

Research fellowships are designed for qualified early-career researchers who want to undertake a research project at an eligible Swiss higher education institution or research institute.

Applicants generally need to have completed a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification by the applicable date. They must also prepare a research plan and secure support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland.

The research fellowship can last between six and twelve months, depending on the applicable rules. It is intended for full-time research in Switzerland and is not automatically a route to a full PhD degree.

2. PhD scholarships

The PhD scholarship category supports eligible international applicants pursuing doctoral studies in Switzerland.

Applicants generally need a completed master’s degree or equivalent qualification, a suitable doctoral research proposal, and an academic supervisor who is willing and authorised to supervise their research.

The scholarship may run for up to 36 months, subject to the applicable programme conditions and academic progress. The official rules should be checked carefully before applying, particularly for the planned doctoral institution and country of origin.

3. Arts scholarships

Arts scholarships support eligible international arts students seeking an initial master’s degree at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.

This category is restricted to applicants from selected countries. Applicants may need a bachelor’s degree, a portfolio or other evidence of artistic ability, and admission or proof of application to an eligible institution.

The maximum duration can be up to 21 months, depending on the programme and applicable conditions.

Important: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships do not generally provide a standard funding route for all taught master’s degrees. Arts scholarships are a distinct category, and research scholarships have different academic objectives.

Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028

The scholarship provides financial support to help successful candidates live and conduct their approved studies or research in Switzerland.

Monthly scholarship allowance

Successful recipients in the research, PhD, and arts categories receive a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450 to help cover basic living expenses.

This is a scholarship allowance, not a salary. Applicants should prepare a realistic budget because living costs in Switzerland can be high.

One-time housing allowance

Eligible scholarship holders may receive a one-time CHF 600 housing allowance to help with a rental deposit.

This is a one-off payment, not a recurring monthly accommodation benefit.

Health insurance

The Swiss government covers compulsory health insurance premiums for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries under the programme’s applicable conditions. Scholarship holders from EU/EFTA countries are generally responsible for these costs themselves.

Applicants should review the official insurance arrangements for their specific circumstances.

Return-flight allowance

Eligible scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries may receive a return-flight allowance. The amount depends on the country of origin, and the allowance is subject to the programme’s rules.

Public transport and programme activities

Scholarship holders may receive a Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport. The programme also organises excursions and activities that can help recipients connect with other scholars and experience Switzerland.

Academic and research opportunities

Depending on the scholarship category, recipients may benefit from:

• Access to an eligible Swiss university or research institution.
• Academic supervision and research collaboration.
• Opportunities to develop specialist research skills.
• International academic networking.
• Experience working in Switzerland’s research environment.

Does the scholarship cover all tuition fees?

The official programme information does not establish that every recipient receives a universal full-tuition-fee waiver. Tuition and other institutional charges can depend on the institution and the relevant programme. Applicants should confirm any fees directly with their intended host institution.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility varies by scholarship category and country. Before applying, check the official country-specific requirements and confirm that your proposed institution and study or research plan are eligible.

General eligibility considerations

Applicants should generally be prepared to demonstrate:

• Academic qualifications: A completed master’s degree or equivalent for research and PhD scholarship categories, or a bachelor’s degree for eligible arts scholarships.
• Academic excellence: A strong academic background and evidence of research ability or artistic potential.
• A suitable project: A clear and feasible research proposal, or an appropriate portfolio for an arts application.
• Academic supervision: A supporting academic supervisor in Switzerland for research and PhD applications.
• Language proficiency: Sufficient proficiency in the language required for the proposed research, study, or host institution.
• Country eligibility: Compliance with the rules applicable to the applicant’s country of origin.
• Previous residence or study restrictions: Applicants must check the rules governing previous study, research, or residence in Switzerland.

Age requirements

The programme’s general information gives a maximum age of 35 for relevant scholarship categories, but the precise eligibility rules and reference dates should be checked on the official scholarship page for the intended category and country.

Do not rely on an age rule copied from an earlier scholarship campaign without checking the current 2027–2028 requirements.

Is IELTS required?

The scholarship should not be advertised as universally available without IELTS.

Applicants must demonstrate appropriate language proficiency for their proposed study or research. The accepted evidence may depend on the host institution, the programme, the language of instruction or research, and the applicable application rules.

Check the requirements before assuming that IELTS, another language test, or other evidence of proficiency can be omitted.

Documents Required

The exact documents depend on the scholarship category and the country-specific application instructions. Applicants may be asked to prepare the following:

1. Completed online scholarship application.
2. Curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional experience.
3. Copies of university degrees and academic transcripts.
4. Research proposal with a clear plan and timeline, for research and PhD applicants.
5. Letter of support from an eligible academic supervisor in Switzerland.
6. Supervisor’s CV or other supporting documents, where required.
7. Evidence of language proficiency, if applicable.
8. Recommendation letters or other academic references, where required.
9. Portfolio or evidence of artistic achievement for arts applicants.
10. Admission letter or proof of application to an eligible arts institution, where applicable.
11. Passport or other identification documents requested in the official instructions.

This is a general preparation list, not a universal checklist for every applicant. Use the current application guidance for your country and scholarship category to confirm which documents are mandatory and how they must be submitted.

How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028

Applications must follow the official procedure. For the 2027–2028 campaign, the Swiss government provides an online application system and country-specific information.

Step 1: Check your country’s eligibility

Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships page and find the information applicable to your country of origin.

Confirm which scholarship categories are available, whether you meet the academic requirements, and the relevant deadline.

Official website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships

Step 2: Choose the appropriate scholarship category

Identify whether you are applying for a research fellowship, PhD scholarship, or eligible arts scholarship.

Do not select a category solely because it includes the word “master’s” or “research.” Make sure your intended programme and academic objective match the scholarship’s purpose.

Step 3: Find an academic supervisor, if required

Research and PhD applicants must identify a suitable academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss institution.

Look for a professor or research group whose expertise matches your proposed project. Contact the potential supervisor with a concise introduction, your CV, and a well-prepared research idea.

Applications that require academic supervision will not be considered without the necessary support.

Step 4: Prepare your research proposal or portfolio

Research and PhD applicants should prepare a clear proposal explaining the research question, objectives, methods, timeline, and expected contribution.

Arts applicants should prepare the portfolio and other artistic materials specified by their intended institution and the scholarship instructions.

Step 5: Register on the official online application portal

Follow the application link provided by the Swiss government for your country and category. Register in the designated online system and complete the required sections.

Use the official portal rather than unofficial application websites or links shared in unverified social media posts.

Step 6: Upload the required documents

Upload the required academic records, CV, proposal, supervisor documents, language evidence, and any other materials requested by the official instructions.

Check that your documents are complete, readable, and submitted in the required format.

Step 7: Submit before the country-specific deadline

The 2027–2028 application campaign opened on August 20, 2026. The closing date is not the same for every country.

Submit the application through the required channel before the deadline that applies to you. The official programme states that applications are free of charge; do not pay unofficial agents or individuals claiming they can guarantee an award.

Step 8: Wait for the selection decision

Applications undergo preliminary selection through the relevant national authorities and/or Swiss diplomatic representation. Shortlisted applications are then assessed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students.

The assessment considers the candidate’s profile, the quality of the research project or artistic work, and the potential for future research cooperation. Scholarship decisions are based on academic or artistic merit and the programme’s selection rules.

Application Deadline for 2027–2028

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship deadline varies by country of origin and scholarship category. There is no single closing date that applies to every applicant.

The official programme states that applications for the 2027–2028 academic year opened on August 20, 2026. Applicants should consult the official country-specific guidance to confirm their deadline, the available categories, and the required application process.

Start here:

Official scholarship page: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships

The Swiss government advises applicants to prepare early. Research proposals, academic supervision, transcripts, and other supporting documents can take time to organise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028 fully funded?

The programme provides a monthly allowance and additional benefits, which may include health insurance, a one-time housing allowance, and return-flight support for eligible recipients. However, applicants should not assume that every tuition fee and personal expense is automatically covered. Check the official award conditions and the host institution’s fee policy.

2. How much is the monthly stipend?

The official monthly scholarship allowance for the 2027–2028 programme is CHF 2,450 for the relevant research, PhD, and arts categories.

3. Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship available for master’s degrees?

The programme is not a general scholarship for all taught master’s degrees. Its main focus is research and doctoral opportunities. Arts scholarships may support an initial master’s degree in an artistic field, but they are restricted to applicants from selected countries.

4. Can I apply without IELTS?

There is no universal promise that IELTS is unnecessary. Language requirements depend on the proposed programme, host institution, and applicable application rules. Confirm what evidence of language proficiency is accepted before submitting your application.

5. Is there an application fee?

No. The Swiss government states that applications for its Excellence Scholarships are free of charge. Be cautious of anyone asking for payment in exchange for access to the scholarship or a guaranteed award.

6. Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on country of origin and scholarship category. The programme is open to applicants from many countries, but not every category is available to every nationality. Check the official country-specific information.

7. Do I need a supervisor in Switzerland?

Research and PhD scholarship applicants must have support from an eligible academic supervisor in Switzerland. Arts scholarship applicants follow the requirements for their category and intended institution.

8. What is the application deadline?

The deadline varies by country. Applicants should use the official Swiss government scholarship page to find the correct date and instructions for their country of origin.

9. How are applications selected?

Applications undergo preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or Swiss diplomatic representation. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students then evaluates shortlisted applications based on the candidate’s profile, project or artistic work, and potential for future cooperation.

10. Where can I apply?

Begin with the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships page and follow the country-specific application instructions:

https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships

Final Thoughts

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer a valuable opportunity for eligible international researchers and selected arts students to study or conduct research in Switzerland.

The programme provides a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450 and may include additional benefits, depending on the scholarship category and the recipient’s circumstances. However, it is important to distinguish research and PhD scholarships from the limited arts scholarship category rather than assuming that every international student can receive funding for a taught master’s degree.

Before applying, confirm your country’s eligibility, identify an appropriate Swiss institution or supervisor, prepare the required documents, and check the official deadline. Use only official Swiss government information and remember that the scholarship application is free.

Official resource: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships

Application form