2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship | Fully Funded
Pursue Your Studies in Switzerland with the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026
Great news for international students! The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for the academic year 2025-2026 is now open for applications. This article will provide you with detailed information about this prestigious scholarship, including its benefits and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Overview
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity designed for international students pursuing master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland. This scholarship covers monthly stipends, tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, and housing allowances, offering comprehensive support to help you focus on your studies.
The scholarship is sponsored by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS) in partnership with the Swiss government. It is available to students from over 180 countries, making it a truly global opportunity. This scholarship is open to highly qualified postgraduate researchers from all academic fields, as well as young medical professionals.
Scholarship Summary
– Level of Study: Masters, PhD, Postdoctoral
– Host Institutions: Swiss Government / Swiss Universities
– Location: Switzerland
– Program Duration: Varies depending on the chosen degree
– Application Deadline: Varies by country (Check your country-specific deadline)
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
1. Research Scholarships:
– Available for postgraduate researchers in any discipline who hold at least a master’s degree.
– These scholarships support research or further studies at the doctoral or postdoctoral level.
– Research can be conducted at any Swiss cantonal university, university of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, or one of the four research institutes.
– Applicants must be nominated by an academic mentor at one of these institutions.
2. Art Scholarships:
– Available for students pursuing an initial master’s degree in arts at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
– This scholarship is limited to students from select countries.
Scholarship Coverage
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide the following benefits:
– Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920.
– Health Insurance: Provided for non-EU and non-EFTA grantees.
– Airfare Allowance: A lump sum for a return ticket to the country of origin (for non-EU and non-EFTA countries).
– Housing Allowance: A one-time payment of CHF 300.
– Public Transportation: A one-year half-fare card.
– Support Services: Includes various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours for scholarship holders.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Required Language: Proficiency in English.
– Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries.
– Educational Background: Must hold a master’s degree or equivalent before July 31, 2024.
– Age Requirement: Born after December 31, 1989.
– Residency: Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible.
– Academic Host: Must provide a letter from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss university, including their short CV and reasons for supporting the research.
– Research Proposal: A well-developed research proposal, including a timeline, is required.
– Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate the necessary language skills for the research or studies.
– Previous Scholarship Holders: Applicants who have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible for a second scholarship.
– Residency Requirement: Scholarship holders must reside in Switzerland during the grant period.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:
1. Prepare the Required Documents:
– Signed FCS application form (typed and printed).
– A full CV including a list of academic publications and awards.
– A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages).
– A complete research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed), using the FCS research proposal template.
– A letter from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss university, including their short CV.
– A short CV of the academic mentor at the home institution.
– Two confidential letters of recommendation from professors in the applicant’s field (use the FCS reference form; originals in sealed envelopes).
– Copies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/colleges, starting with the most recent (with certified translations if not in English, French, Italian, or German).
– Signed medical certificate (use the FCS health certificate form).
– Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data).
2. Obtain the Application Package:
– Contact the Swiss representation in your country to obtain the application package.
3. Submit the Application:
– Submit two sets of application documents (1 original + 1 copy) in the exact order listed. The first set should contain the original signed documents and the confidential letters of recommendation. The second set is a copy of the first set, except for the letters of recommendation. Do not use plastic folders or binders.
Additional Information
For specific eligibility criteria, benefits, and deadlines for your country, please refer to the country-specific fact sheets available on the scholarship website.
Take the first step towards your academic journey in Switzerland by applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship today!
