Fantastic news just dropped from Berne, Switzerland, and it’s a game-changer for international students and researchers dreaming of studying in the land of mountains and innovation!
The Swiss Federal Council has officially announced a massive increase in the monthly allowance for the highly coveted Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SGES)! Get ready to do the math, because this isn’t just a slight bump—it’s a dramatic rise that will significantly impact your finances and your potential life in Switzerland.
The Good News: More Money in Your Pocket!
Starting from January 1, 2026, the monthly scholarship contribution for foreign doctoral students and artists will skyrocket from the long-standing CHF 1,920 to a generous CHF 2,450!
That’s over 500 Swiss Francs extra every month, ensuring this prestigious funding remains fiercely competitive and attractive on the global stage.
But wait, there’s more!
- Bigger Moving Bonus: The one-off housing allowance is doubling from CHF 300 to CHF 600.
- Continued Coverage: The federal government will still cover your health and accident insurance premiums if you’re from a non-EU/EFTA country.
- Longer Doctoral Support: Starting January 1, 2028, doctoral scholarships can be extended from a maximum of three years to a full four years, offering unparalleled stability for your research!
This massive commitment reaffirms Switzerland’s dedication to attracting the world’s brightest minds and strengthening international exchange at its top-tier universities.
The Impact on Scholarships: Time to Get Competitive!
Now for the critical part. While the value of each scholarship is soaring, the number of scholarships available will be reduced to keep the program cost-neutral.
To fund this significant increase in monthly contributions and housing allowances, the Federal Council is making two key strategic changes:
- Fewer Slots: The annual number of funded scholarship places (new and ongoing) will be reduced from 350 to a narrower range of 200 to 250.
- Focus on Doctoral Research: Postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded starting from the 2027/28 academic year. The focus is shifting to doctoral and artistic scholarships.
What does this mean for you?
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If you are a prospective Doctoral Student: This is fantastic news! The money is great, the commitment is longer, and the focus is on you. However, you must prepare for hyper-competition. With fewer overall spots, your application needs to be absolutely flawless and your research proposal exceptional.
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If you are a prospective Postdoctoral Researcher: You have a window of opportunity, but it is closing. You must aim to secure an SGES Postdoctoral Scholarship before the 2027/28 academic year—or you will need to seek alternative funding sources thereafter.
Seize the Opportunity!
This major policy change is a clear sign: Switzerland is investing heavily in the quality and attractiveness of its doctoral scholarships. The increased funding will vastly improve the quality of life for recipients, allowing you to focus on your groundbreaking research without constant financial stress.
If you’ve been on the fence about applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, this is your wake-up call. The rewards have never been higher, but the competition is about to become even fiercer!
Are you ready to submit an application that stands out?
Press Release: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/newnsb/rHf5BGSRRfGZj0hEuSxGw.