SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS Academic Year 2027–2028: A Comprehensive Guide for International Applicants from across the globe. This Switzerland sponsored scholarship begins from 20th August 2026. Only 183 countries are allowed to participate for this scholarship program to improve education. All application forms should be filled through the GO ESKAS, while the official application eligibility is available at State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
1. Programme Overview
Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and more than 180 countries worldwide. The programme is administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS.
These scholarships primarily target talented early-career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed a Master’s degree. The programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries and territories.
Important note: From the 2027/28 academic year, postdoctoral scholarships are no longer awarded. The monthly stipend was increased to CHF 2,450 with effect from 1 January 2026. To maintain cost neutrality, the total number of scholarships has been adjusted (approximately 200–250 places per year, including ongoing awards).
Applications open on 20 August 2026. Country-specific deadlines and available scholarship types will be published on the official website in August 2026.
2. Scholarship Types
All research and art scholarships share the following general conditions: maximum age of 35 years and a monthly stipend of CHF 2,450.
2.1 Research Scholarships
Research scholarships are available to postgraduate researchers in any academic discipline who wish to conduct research at a Swiss higher education institution. A mandatory requirement is a formal commitment from an academic supervisor in Switzerland who agrees to guide the proposed research.
Two main categories exist:
- Research Fellowship – For researchers holding at least a Master’s degree. Maximum duration: 12 months.
- PhD Scholarship – For candidates pursuing a doctoral degree. Maximum duration: 36 months (with possible extension provisions in future cycles).
Eligible host institutions include all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL), and the four research institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag).
2.2 Art Scholarships
Art scholarships support students seeking to complete their first Master’s degree in an artistic discipline at a Swiss conservatory or art school. These scholarships are available only to applicants from a limited number of countries (approximately 26).
Maximum duration: 21 months. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree and provide proof of admission or application to a Swiss art institution.
3. Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Monthly Stipend | CHF 2,450 (covers basic living expenses of one person) |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
| Eligible Countries | 183 countries and territories |
| Application Opening | 20 August 2026 |
| Results Announcement | By the end of May 2027 (at the latest) |
| Scholarship Start | September 2027 (typical academic year start) |
| Postdoctoral Awards | No longer available from 2027/28 |
| Application Fee | None – the application is free of charge |
4. Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
The scholarship provides a monthly payment of CHF 2,450 intended to cover basic living expenses for one person. It is not a salary. No additional funding is provided for fieldwork or conference participation.
Additional Benefits
- Health insurance: The FCS covers compulsory health insurance premiums for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries. Holders from EU/EFTA countries must arrange and pay for their own insurance.
- Housing allowance: One-time grant of CHF 600 towards the rental deposit.
- Public transport: Half-Fare Travelcard for Swiss public transport.
- Return flight allowance: Scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries receive a return flight allowance (amount varies by country of origin). This may be used up to two months after the scholarship ends exclusively for the return journey.
- Cultural programme: The coordinating body organises excursions and activities for federal scholarship holders.
Costs to Be Borne by the Scholarship Holder
- Tuition and semester fees: The scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. Some institutions charge semester fees (approximately CHF 600–2,000) or reduced tuition. PhD fees are not always waived.
- Conferences and fieldwork: All related costs are the responsibility of the scholarship holder. PhD candidates may request up to six months of field research (without additional funding).
- Travel for EU/EFTA nationals: Scholarship holders from EU/EFTA countries must cover their own travel expenses to and from Switzerland.
5. Eligibility Requirements and Obligations
5.1 Core Eligibility
Applicants must generally meet the following conditions (exact criteria may vary slightly by country and scholarship type):
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) recognised by a Swiss university, completed before the start of the scholarship (typically by 31 July of the year the scholarship begins).
- Be no older than 35 years (date of birth after 31 December of the relevant year).
- For research scholarships: secure a letter of support and academic supervision from a professor or researcher at a Swiss host institution.
- Submit a detailed research plan (or artistic project proposal) with a clear timeline of milestones and activities.
5.2 Scholarship Holder Obligations
- Residence requirement: Scholarship holders must reside in Switzerland, specifically in the city or canton of their host institution, and comply with Swiss laws applicable to foreign nationals and the regulations of their host institution.
- Family and dependants: The stipend covers only one person. No family allowances are provided. Residence permits for accompanying family members are decided by federal and cantonal migration authorities under a currently restrictive policy. Neither the FCS nor host institutions offer support in this matter.
- Additional income: Any additional scholarships or income (including teaching or research assistant positions) must be reported to the FCS. The scholarship may not be used to supplement full-time employment. Some institutions (e.g., ETH Zurich, EPFL) may require supplementary funding from the academic supervisor.
- Field research: Field research outside Switzerland is not permitted during research fellowships.
6. Eligible Swiss Higher Education Institutions
Scholarship holders may pursue their research or studies at the following institutions:
Universities and Federal Institutes of Technology
Eligible Swiss Universities and Research Institutions
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
- University of Fribourg
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Lucerne
- University of Neuchâtel
- University of St. Gallen
- University of Zurich
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
- EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
- ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
- Research Institutes of the ETH Domain:
- Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
- Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
- Eawag – Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
Universities of Applied Sciences and Specialist Institutions
Universities of Applied Sciences and Other Eligible Institutions
- HES-SO – University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
- BFH – Bern University of Applied Sciences
- FHNW – University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
- OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
- FHGR – University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
- HSLU – Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- SUPSI – University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
- ZHAW – Zurich University of Applied Sciences
- Universities of Teacher Education
- UniDistance Suisse – Swiss Distance University (presence in Switzerland is mandatory)
- SFUVET – Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training
- SFISM – Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen
Art Schools and Conservatories
Eligible Swiss Art and Design Institutions
- Bern University of the Arts (HKB)
- FHNW Academy of Art and Design
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- SUPSI – University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
- Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
- Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)
- Other Recognised Swiss Art Institutions
7. Application Process
Applications are accepted exclusively online via the Grants Online (GO ESKAS) platform. Paper or email submissions are not accepted.
Recommended preparation steps:
- Verify eligibility: Consult the official country-specific lists (published August 2026) to confirm available scholarship types and exact deadlines for your country of origin.
- Identify an academic supervisor (research applicants): Contact potential supervisors at Swiss institutions well in advance. A formal letter of support is mandatory. Professors receive many requests; well-prepared, targeted inquiries significantly improve response rates.
- Register in GO ESKAS: Create an authenticated electronic identity via Switch edu-ID and register on the GO ESKAS platform (access opens 20 August 2026).
- Prepare and submit the complete application: Include academic transcripts, CV, degree certificates, research proposal or artistic project description, motivation letter, recommendation letters, language certificates (if required), passport copy, and the supervisor’s letter of support.
Allow sufficient time for preparation. Careful and complete applications have a higher chance of success. Country-specific deadlines for ESKAS SWISS Government Excellence typically fall between September and November/December 2026.
8. Selection Process and Timeline
Applications are submitted through the online platform and reviewed in coordination with Swiss diplomatic representations. The Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) evaluates each application according to three main criteria:
- Candidate profile – academic excellence, research potential, and overall suitability.
- Quality of the research project or artistic work – clarity, originality, feasibility, and scientific or artistic merit.
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation – contribution to long-term collaboration between Switzerland and the applicant’s home country.
Award decisions are communicated by the end of May of the following year at the latest. Successful candidates typically begin their scholarship in September of the award year.
9. Important Warnings and Advice
Beware of phishing and fraudulent offers. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the FCS warn against fake scholarship offers circulated by email or on social media. These scams often request payment for visa or insurance costs. The official application process is entirely free of charge. Never send money in response to such messages.
Always rely exclusively on the official website and the GO ESKAS platform for information and applications.
10. Official Resources and Contacts
- Main programme page: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
- Detailed guidelines (“At a Glance”): https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance
- Application portal (GO ESKAS): https://www.go.eskas.ch
- FAQ for applicants and supervisors: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/faq-swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
- Contact (ESKAS): sgs@sbfi.admin.ch
READ: Swiss Government Excellence Opens Application for Monthly Stipend Scholarship
What You Need to Know: Always Verify Scholarship Legitimacy, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding to Avoid Scam. Be careful and Take a look at How to Avoid Scams: Legitimate Government Grants, Fellowships, Scholarships will not ask you for any Upfront Payments.
This document is a summary compiled from official Swiss government sources (SERI / FCS–ESKAS) as of August 2026. Applicants are advised to consult the official website for the most current and country-specific information before preparing an application. Scholarships for the 2028–2029 academic year will be available online from 20 August 2027.