Apply now for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027. Fully funded research & art study in Switzerland. Secure your future today.
Fully Funded Research & Art Study Opportunities in Switzerland
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 offer a fully funded opportunity for talented researchers and artists from over 180 countries to pursue advanced study and research in Switzerland. Funded by the Swiss Confederation and administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), this prestigious program promotes international academic exchange and long-term research collaboration.
If you are aiming to study in Switzerland on a fully funded scholarship, this is your chance to secure your future at world-class institutions. Apply now and start your journey today.
Overview of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed for highly qualified postgraduate researchers and emerging artists who wish to undertake research, PhD, postdoctoral studies, or artistic Master’s programs in Switzerland.
The program supports:
- International research cooperation
- Academic excellence and innovation
- Cross-cultural exchange
- Long-term collaboration between Switzerland and participating countries
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Universities and research institutes that host scholars under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) programme:
Participating Universities
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ETH Zurich
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École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
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University of Zurich
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University of Geneva
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University of Lausanne
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University of Bern
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University of Basel
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University of Fribourg
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University of Neuchâtel
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University of St. Gallen (HSG)
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University of Lugano (USI)
Research Institutes (ETH Domain)
These research centres are part of the ETH Domain and also host scholarship recipients:
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Paul Scherrer Institute
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Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
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Empa
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Eawag
These universities and institutes cover a wide range of fields from science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, arts, and interdisciplinary research. Don’t miss this opportunity to study at some of Europe’s most respected academic institutions.
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Scholarship Details and Important Dates
Here are the key details for the 2026–2027 cycle:
- Funded by: Swiss Confederation
- Administered by: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
- Application opening: August 4, 2025
- Deadline: Varies by country
- Results announcement: By end of May 2026
- Study location: Switzerland
Applications are submitted through the Swiss diplomatic representation in your home country. Each country has specific guidelines and deadlines, so applicants must carefully review country-specific instructions.
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Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Swiss Scholarship
Eligibility depends on the type of scholarship and the applicant’s nationality. However, general requirements include:
- Strong academic record
- Recognized Master’s degree (for PhD and research applicants)
- Clear and well-structured research or artistic proposal
- Academic or artistic excellence
- Motivation for international collaboration
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Is a Supervisor Required?
Yes, for Research, PhD, and Postdoctoral Scholarships, a Swiss academic supervisor is mandatory. Applicants must secure a professor in Switzerland who agrees to supervise their research project before applying.
For Art Scholarships, a supervisor is not required in the same way, but applicants must meet admission requirements of the selected Swiss university.
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Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded Opportunity)
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are fully funded and cover essential expenses, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic or artistic goals.
Financial benefits include:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fee coverage (where applicable)
- Health insurance
- Airfare allowance (for certain countries)
- Housing allowance
- Public transportation card
- One-time settling-in allowance
This comprehensive funding package makes it one of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Europe. Secure your future with financial peace of mind.
Duration of the Scholarship Program
The duration depends on the scholarship track:
- Research Fellowship: 12 months (possible extension depending on track)
- PhD Scholarship: Up to 3–4 years (subject to progress)
- Postdoctoral Scholarship: 12 months
- Art Master’s Scholarship: Duration of the Master’s program
The exact duration is determined by the academic track and institutional regulations.
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Available Scholarship Tracks
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are divided into two main categories:
Research Scholarships
Open to postgraduate researchers in all academic disciplines. These include:
- Research Fellowship
- PhD Scholarship
- Postdoctoral Scholarship
Available fields include:
- Natural sciences
- Engineering and technology
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Medicine and health sciences
- Environmental studies
- Economics and management
- Law and political science
Applicants must have a confirmed Swiss academic supervisor.
Art Scholarships
Designed for students pursuing their first Master’s degree in artistic fields.
Eligible artistic disciplines include:
- Fine arts
- Design
- Visual arts
- Music
- Film
- Performing arts
Note: Art scholarships are only available to applicants from selected countries.
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Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare a complete and well-organized application package. Required documents typically include:
- Completed application form
- Detailed CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research proposal or artistic portfolio
- Motivation letter
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Copy of passport
- Supervisor confirmation letter (for research tracks)
Incomplete applications are not considered, so ensure all documents meet official guidelines.
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Application Process Step-by-Step
Follow these steps carefully to apply:
- Check your country’s eligibility and deadline through the Swiss diplomatic mission.
- Contact a Swiss professor and secure supervision (for research tracks).
- Prepare your research proposal or artistic portfolio.
- Collect required documents.
- Submit your complete application to the Swiss embassy in your home country.
The Federal Commission evaluates applications based on:
- Academic profile
- Quality of research or artistic proposal
- Potential for future collaboration
Selection is highly competitive. Apply now and give your application the attention it deserves.
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Start Your Journey Today
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 offer an exceptional fully funded opportunity to conduct research or pursue artistic excellence in Switzerland. With world-class universities, cutting-edge research institutes, and generous financial support, this program opens doors to global academic success.
If you are passionate about research or the arts and ready to take your career to the next level, don’t miss this opportunity.
Apply now, secure your future, and start your journey today in Switzerland.