List of Scholarships in Switzerland for Spring 2026 for International Students

Imagine launching your academic journey from a place where every lecture, laboratory, and research lab ranks among the very best in the world — where a degree doesn’t just open doors, it kicks them wide open. Switzerland routinely sits at the top of global university rankings and research benchmarks. Its institutions—ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Geneva and more—combine rigorous education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and global networks.

Right now, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (2026-27) are inviting applications, along with high-prestige fellowships at CERN (including the Theoretical Physics Research Fellowship), and other seldom-seen residencies in the humanities, radiology, and applied sciences. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill grants; they offer full stipends, health insurance, research supervision, access to world-class facilities, and global collaborations.

If you’re thinking about where to study, why settle for good when you can go for the best? Swiss scholarships give you academic prestige plus real, life-changing benefits. This Spring 2026 intake could be your chance to study not just with the top, but among them.

1# Swiss Government Scholarships for Central & Eastern Europe & the Caucasus (PhD, Postdoc, Short Research)

This highly competitive Swiss Government call supports advanced researchers from Central & Eastern Europe and the Caucasus with full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and access to Switzerland’s leading universities and research institutes.

Tracks include short-term research stays, full PhD funding (typically up to three years), and postdoctoral fellowships (12–24 months). Applicants must already hold a Master’s degree (for PhD/Research) or a PhD (for Postdoc); undergraduate and taught-Master’s awards are not offered under this call. This is ideal if you aim to begin research in 2026 and want time to align supervisors and a strong proposal.

Deadline: 10 November 2025.
Apply/Info: GO-ESKAS portal (country call page as provided).

2# CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics — 2026 Session (Post-PhD)

CERN offers a world-class Theory Department environment for early-career theoretical physicists (≤6 years post-PhD) from CERN Member/Associate States (with limited Non-Member options under a separate track).

Fellows receive a 24-month contract (extendable to 36 months), a net monthly stipend (~CHF 6,911–7,326), health and pension coverage, installation/travel allowances, family/child benefits where applicable, and paid leave. You’ll need a PhD (or scheduled defense before start), a focused research statement, and three (03) recent recommendation letters.

Deadline: 3 November 2025 (23:59 CEST).
Apply/Info: CERN Theory Fellowship (job call mirror).

3# Archivio Luigi Pericle (Ascona) – Dahlem Humanities Center Fellowship (FU Berlin)

Beginning 1 March 2026 for up to six (06) weeks, this residency welcomes one postdoctoral or senior scholar (professor) affiliated with Freie Universität Berlin (Departments of Philosophy & Humanities; History & Cultural Studies; or central institutes LAI/JFKI/OEI).

The award covers room and board at Hotel Ascona and provides a CHF 600 stipend, with rich archival access on Monte Verità, utopian communities, Luigi Pericle’s work, and related cultural themes. Travel is not covered, though FU postdocs may request up to €500 in supplemental support. Deadline: 2 November 2025 (decisions in December 2025).

Apply/Info: Call for Applications – FU Berlin / DHC.

4# Swiss Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (SSSR) Travelling Fellowship 2026

The SSSR Travelling Fellowship selects three MSK-interested radiologists employed in Switzerland to visit leading centers across at least two language regions over one intensive week, engaging in conferences, procedures, and research discussions while presenting their own work. SSSR covers accommodation and travel plus a flat CHF 1,000 reimbursement.

For 2026, one slot is dedicated to an applicant with outstanding educational or clinical excellence. The tour typically ends at the SSSR Annual Meeting.

Application deadline: 30 November 2025; fellows announced 15 January 2026; the fellowship tour runs September 2026.
Apply/Info: TF_2026 Requirements (PDF)

5# CERN Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme (PhD Placement)

For PhD candidates from Non-Member States, this programme funds part of your PhD at CERN (Geneva), usually up to two years (can be split to coordinate with your home university). You’ll receive CHF 3,891 per month (net), travel support, family supplements where applicable, comprehensive health insurance, and paid leave. Eligibility includes at least one year of PhD studies completed, a co-supervision agreement with your home university, and strong English/French. This is a capacity-building track—highlight impact on your home research ecosystem.

Deadline: 20 October 2025 (23:59 CET).
Apply/Info: CERN Non-Member State Doctoral Student Programme

6# EPFL Social Scholarship – Spring Semester 2026

EPFL’s last-resort social scholarship supports students experiencing sudden, documented financial hardship. International students become eligible after completing at least one academic year at EPFL; Swiss students/C-permit holders/refugees/Swiss-secondary graduates may qualify from CMS level. Awards run up to 10 months per academic year.

For Spring 2026, deadlines are 1 Dec 2025 (mid-Feb notification; early-Mar payment), 1 Feb 2026 (early-Apr), and 1 Mar 2026 (end-Apr). This is ideal for current EPFL students needing immediate Spring 2026 support.

Apply/Info: EPFL Social Scholarship

7# CERN Short-Term Internship 2025

A rolling, 1–6 month internship for full-time students in technical (applied physics, engineering, computing, instrumentation, etc.) or administrative fields (HR, legal, finance, translation, logistics). Interns receive ~CHF 1,577 per month, work alongside CERN experts, and build practical skills in a global environment.

You must remain enrolled for the full internship, be 18+, have valid Switzerland/France insurance, and possess good English and/or French. Although labeled 2025, applying early lets you target a slot that complements your Spring 2026 study plans.
Apply/Info: CERN Short-Term Internship (rolling)

8# Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Separate from item 1’s regional call, the broader Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships open by country between September and December 2025, with notifications by end-May 2026 and starts typically in Autumn 2026.

These Swiss scholarship awards fund PhD/postdoc/artist residencies with a monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance, and generally require a Swiss host’s acceptance plus a tightly scoped proposal. If your main start is later in 2026, apply now to secure funding decisions early.

Apply/Info: Swiss Excellence scholarship.

9# ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship 2025 (US & Canada)

ThinkSwiss supported 2–3-month research stays (May–Dec 2025) with CHF 1,800/month (up to CHF 5,400 total) for qualified U.S./Canadian undergraduates (≥sophomore) and graduate students who secure a Swiss host professor.

Info: Programme details (USI page)

List of Switzerland Scholarships Valid for Spring 2026 Admissions

Following is the complete summarized table of all the fully funded Switzerland’s scholarships for international students:

Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.