The wait is over for aspiring researchers and artists around the globe—Switzerland’s prestigious Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 are now open for applications starting August 4, 2025. This is your chance to study or conduct cutting-edge research in one of the world’s most academically rigorous and innovation-driven countries.
Swiss Research Scholarship Categories Available
The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), is offering several fully funded opportunities for international students in the following categories:
- Research Fellowships (for Master’s or PhD holders)
- PhD Scholarships
- Postdoctoral Scholarships
- Art Scholarships (for students aiming for their first Master’s degree in music, visual arts, acting, or other artistic fields)
These scholarships are available at Switzerland’s top-tier institutions including ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Geneva, and Zurich University of the Arts, among many others.
Who Can Apply?
For Research, PhD & Postdoc Scholarships:
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- Applicants must have completed at least a Master’s degree by July 31, 2026.
- A Swiss academic supervisor is mandatory. Applications without a letter of support will not be accepted.
- The research proposal must be academic, feasible, and clearly outlined.
- Postdoctoral applicants must not have previously worked under the same Swiss supervisor for their PhD.
For Art Scholarships:
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- Applicants must be born after December 31, 1990.
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree and not yet a Master’s degree.
- Must be applying to a Swiss conservatory or art school (with admission process already underway).
- Artistic portfolios (music recordings, artwork photos, etc.) are required as part of the application.
Swiss Research Scholarship Funding Package
| Scholarship Type | Monthly Stipend | Duration | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research/PhD/Art | CHF 1,920 | 12-21 months | Health insurance, Half-Fare travelcard, rental grant |
| Postdoctoral | CHF 3,500 | 12 months | Same benefits + higher stipend |
Note: The scholarship is not a salary and does not cover family or dependents’ expenses.
Important Notes for Applicants
- No tuition fee coverage: Universities may still require semester or admin fees (CHF 600–2,000).
- Academic supervisor search is your responsibility: Only professors or research leaders at Swiss institutions can act as hosts.
- Dual application ban: You cannot apply for multiple institutions or scholarship types in the same year.
- Residency restrictions: You cannot have resided in Switzerland for more than one year before September 1, 2026.
Eligible Host Institutions Include
- ETH Zurich and EPFL
- All Swiss cantonal universities (Geneva, Zurich, Basel, etc.)
- Universities of Applied Sciences (FHNW, BFH, OST, etc.)
- Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID)
- Art schools like Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK), Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana, and Bern University of the Arts (HKB)
Apply: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance
The application window for the Swiss Government Research Scholarships 2026 opens on August 4, 2025 and will be closing its applications window in all countries by December 2025.