The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028 will open for online applications on 20 August 2026, offering a highly competitive opportunity for international researchers seeking to pursue a PhD at a Swiss university or recognised research institution.
The PhD Scholarship is designed for highly qualified early-career researchers who have completed a master’s degree or equivalent and have a strong research proposal supported by an academic supervisor in Switzerland. The scholarship is available across academic disciplines, subject to the availability of an appropriate Swiss host institution and supervisor.
Unlike many scholarships where applicants first submit an application and search for a supervisor later, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship places considerable importance on the Swiss academic supervisor. Applicants are responsible for finding a suitable professor or laboratory group leader who is willing to endorse the proposed research and provide the required letter of support.
The PhD scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month to help cover basic living expenses. The award is initially granted for 12 months and can be renewed twice, allowing funding for up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
This guide explains the eligibility requirements, funding, research proposal requirements, supervisor requirements, application documents, selection process, exclusions and application procedure for the 2027–2028 PhD Scholarship.
Facts & Quick Verification Tracker
| Category | PhD Scholarship 2027–2028 |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship |
| Host country | Switzerland |
| Study level | PhD/doctoral research |
| Target group | Highly qualified international researchers |
| Academic background | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Academic fields | All academic fields |
| Application opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Scholarship begins | 1 September 2027 |
| Initial funding | 12 months |
| Maximum duration | Up to 36 months |
| Monthly scholarship | CHF 2,450 |
| Swiss supervisor | Mandatory |
| Research proposal | Mandatory |
| Supervisor support letter | Mandatory |
| Supervisor CV | Mandatory |
| Research mode | Full-time research in Switzerland |
| Selection body | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) |
| Administration | State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
| Application platform | GO ESKAS |
| Application cost | Free |
| Deadline | Varies by country of origin |
The Swiss Government confirms that applications for the 2027–2028 programme open on 20 August 2026, while country-specific deadlines and available scholarship types must be checked in the official country list.
Scholarship Coverage & Requirements Matrix
| Requirement/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| PhD study | Supported |
| Research location | Switzerland |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Monthly allowance | CHF 2,450 |
| Duration | 12 months initially |
| Possible renewal | Twice |
| Maximum duration | 36 months |
| Master’s degree | Required |
| Research proposal | Required |
| Swiss supervisor | Required |
| Supervisor support letter | Required |
| Supervisor CV | Required |
| Academic recommendations | Two professors must be provided |
| Passport | Required |
| Academic transcripts | Required |
| Motivation letter | Maximum 2 pages |
| Research proposal | Maximum 5 pages |
| Supervisor CV | Maximum 2 pages |
| Tuition | Not automatically covered by the federal scholarship |
| Application fee | None |
| Start date | 1 September 2027 |
The monthly scholarship is intended to cover basic living expenses for one person and is not a salary. The Swiss Government specifically states that it should not be treated as regular remuneration either financially or legally.
Official Source & Portal Verification
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), with the secretariat of the FCS operated by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
The official programme confirms that applications for the 2027–2028 academic year open on 20 August 2026.
Official Scholarship Information
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Official Eligibility and Application Guide
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance
Official FAQ
Applicants should also be aware of scams. The Swiss Government warns that fraudulent individuals sometimes use the name of the Swiss Government to request money for supposed visa, insurance or other costs. The official scholarship application is free.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap
Applying for the Swiss Government PhD Scholarship requires preparation well before the online application opens.
Step 1: Confirm That the PhD Scholarship Is Available in Your Country
The Swiss Government does not offer exactly the same scholarship types to every country.
Before applying, check your country’s entry in the official list to determine:
- Whether the PhD Scholarship is available
- The application deadline
- The responsible Swiss diplomatic representation
- Any country-specific eligibility requirements
The Swiss Government advises applicants to check the available scholarship types and deadline for their country before beginning the application.
Step 2: Confirm Your Academic Qualification
You must hold a master’s degree or equivalent by the required deadline.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, the general deadline for completion is 31 July 2027, while applicants intending to undertake their PhD at ETH Zurich must complete the degree by 30 June 2027.
Step 3: Develop Your Research Idea
Your research proposal is one of the most important components of the application.
It should clearly explain:
- The research problem
- Research objectives
- Existing research
- Research gap
- Proposed methodology
- Expected results
- Academic relevance
- Timeline
- Key milestones
- Potential contribution
Step 4: Search for a Swiss Supervisor
This is one of the most important steps.
You must identify a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland who is prepared to support your proposed research.
The search may take weeks or even months, so applicants should not wait until August 20 to begin contacting professors.
Step 5: Obtain the Supervisor’s Support
Your potential supervisor must provide a letter of support and a short CV.
Applications without an academic supervisor and the required support letter will not be considered. (SERI)
Step 6: Prepare Your Documents
Start collecting:
- Academic certificates
- Transcripts
- Passport
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Supervisor support letter
- Supervisor CV
- Recommendation information
- Residence documents, where applicable
Step 7: Register on GO ESKAS
The online application becomes accessible from 20 August 2026.
Step 8: Complete the Application
Enter your personal, academic and research information carefully and upload the required documents.
Step 9: Submit Before Your Country’s Deadline
Do not assume that all countries have the same deadline.
Country-specific deadlines are published by the Swiss Government in its official country list.
Step 10: Wait for the Selection Process
The applications are assessed competitively by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students.
The main selection considerations include the candidate’s profile, research project quality and potential for future research cooperation.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
The relationship between the applicant and the Swiss academic supervisor is central to the programme.
Applicants are responsible for finding their own supervisor. The supervisor should have expertise relevant to the proposed research and be able to provide appropriate academic guidance.
Who Can Serve as a Supervisor?
Suitable supervisors include:
- Professors
- Laboratory group leaders
- Academics authorised to supervise doctoral theses
For PhD applications, the supervisor must be authorised to supervise doctoral research.
For doctoral studies at a university of applied sciences, two academic supervisors are required. At least one must be authorised to confer doctorates at a traditional university.
How to Find the Right Supervisor
Before contacting a professor, applicants should investigate:
- The professor’s research interests.
- Recent publications.
- Current research projects.
- Laboratory or research group activities.
- Whether the professor supervises PhD students.
- Whether the institution offers the doctoral pathway you need.
- Whether your proposed research fits the professor’s expertise.
A generic message sent to a professor is unlikely to be as effective as a carefully personalised academic enquiry.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
The Swiss Government PhD Scholarship is structured around an initial 12-month award.
Subject to satisfactory academic progress, the scholarship can be renewed twice, allowing a maximum scholarship duration of 36 months.
Monthly Scholarship
Successful PhD scholars receive:
CHF 2,450 per month
The allowance is designed to support basic living expenses for one person. It is a scholarship allowance rather than an employment salary.
Applicants should also carefully examine the official information regarding tuition and other costs rather than assuming that every university expense is automatically covered.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The PhD Scholarship is open to applicants from all academic fields, provided they meet the programme requirements and can establish an appropriate academic relationship with a Swiss institution.
Potential research areas include:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Medicine
- Public health
- Biotechnology
- Environmental sciences
- Climate science
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Finance
- Education
- Law
- Political science
- International development
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Architecture
- Humanities
- Social sciences
The subject itself does not guarantee selection. The quality, originality and methodological strength of the proposed research are important selection considerations.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is more than a financial award.
The programme is designed to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world. The Swiss Confederation currently offers the programme to applicants from 183 countries.
For this reason, the potential for future academic cooperation is part of the selection criteria.
A strong application should therefore demonstrate not only:
“Why do I want to study in Switzerland?”
but also:
“Why is this research best developed through this Swiss academic environment, and how can the resulting knowledge contribute to future cooperation?”
Scholarship Mission
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have been awarded competitively since 1961 and are intended to support academic, cultural and science diplomacy between Switzerland and other countries
The programme encourages:
- International academic exchange
- Research cooperation
- Scientific collaboration
- Knowledge transfer
- Long-term academic relationships
- Internationalisation of Swiss higher education
This broader mission helps explain why the selection process considers both the quality of the individual candidate and the potential for future collaboration.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
A PhD applicant should approach the scholarship as a serious research opportunity rather than simply as a route to obtain funding.
Your proposal should show that you understand your research field and can develop a feasible project.
A Strong Research Proposal Should Explain
- Research problem: What problem are you investigating?
- Research gap: What is missing from existing knowledge?
- Research objectives: What specifically will your study accomplish?
- Methodology: How will you answer your research questions?
- Expected outcomes: What do you expect to discover or produce?
- Significance: Why does the research matter?
- Timeline: How will the project progress from beginning to completion?
The official application requires a detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities. The FCS/ESKAS form is limited to five pages, including a summary for non-specialists.
Scholarship Overview and Academic Purpose
The Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarship supports selected international researchers pursuing doctoral studies at eligible Swiss universities or recognised research institutions.
The scholarship is valid for full-time research in Switzerland.
It is intended primarily for highly qualified researchers who have already completed a master’s degree and demonstrate the academic ability and research potential necessary for doctoral-level work.
Priority is given to applicants who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, subject to the programme’s exceptions.
What This Scholarship Offers
The principal financial benefit is the CHF 2,450 monthly scholarship.
Beyond the financial support, successful applicants gain the opportunity to:
- Conduct doctoral research in Switzerland
- Work with a Swiss academic supervisor
- Join a Swiss research environment
- Develop international academic networks
- Access Swiss research expertise and infrastructure
- Build potential long-term research collaborations
- Strengthen their international academic profile
The Swiss Government has also increased the importance of doctoral scholarships within the programme as part of reforms to its scholarship system.
Features of the PhD Scholarship
1. PhD-Level Opportunity
The award is specifically intended for doctoral research.
2. All Academic Fields
The programme is available across academic disciplines, subject to an appropriate host institution and supervisor.
3. CHF 2,450 Monthly Support
Scholars receive a monthly allowance for basic living expenses.
4. Up to 36 Months
The award is initially for 12 months and can be renewed twice based on academic progress.
5. Swiss Academic Supervisor Required
Every applicant must identify a suitable academic supervisor in Switzerland.
6. Research Proposal Required
The proposed research must be clearly developed and presented according to the FCS/ESKAS requirements.
7. Competitive Selection
Applications are evaluated based on academic profile, research competence, motivation, research quality, supervision and potential future collaboration.
Eligible Academic Fields / Courses
The PhD Scholarship is available to qualified researchers in all academic fields.
Applicants may therefore propose doctoral research in areas including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Natural Sciences
- Medicine
- Health Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Economics
- Business
- Finance
- Social Sciences
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Education
- Law
- Humanities
- Architecture
- Arts-related research
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
However, the availability of a suitable doctoral programme and supervisor remains essential.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is aimed at highly qualified international researchers who have completed a master’s degree or equivalent.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Strong academic preparation
- Research competence
- A well-developed doctoral research idea
- Motivation for undertaking research in Switzerland
- A suitable Swiss academic supervisor
- Potential for future academic collaboration
Applicants should also satisfy the programme’s nationality-specific conditions and deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Master’s Degree
You must complete a master’s degree or equivalent by:
31 July 2027
For applicants pursuing the PhD at ETH Zurich, the degree must be completed by:
30 June 2027.
Age Requirement
For the general 2027–2028 criteria, applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991.
Research Proposal
A detailed research plan with a timeline and milestones is required.
Swiss Academic Supervisor
A Swiss academic supervisor must endorse the project.
Supervisor’s Support Letter
The supervisor must provide a formal letter of support accompanied by a short CV.
Residence in Switzerland
If you already live in Switzerland, your date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2026, subject to the programme’s detailed eligibility rules. Applicants already residing in Switzerland must provide appropriate registration or residence documentation.
How to Find a Swiss PhD Supervisor
Finding a supervisor is arguably one of the most important parts of the entire application.
The responsibility lies with the applicant, not the Swiss Government.
Start Early
Do not wait until the scholarship portal opens on August 20.
Professors receive many enquiries, and securing agreement from a suitable supervisor can take weeks or months.
Search for Academic Fit
Look for professors whose current research overlaps with your proposed doctoral project.
Check Their Qualifications
For PhD applications, ensure the proposed supervisor is authorised to supervise doctoral theses.
Prepare a Professional Email
Your initial email should briefly explain:
- Who you are
- Your academic background
- Your proposed research topic
- Why you selected the professor
- Why the project fits their research
- What you are requesting
Attach a concise CV and, where appropriate, your research concept or proposal.
Remember: Scholarship and PhD Admission Are Separate
This distinction is extremely important.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application and the application for admission to a doctoral programme at a Swiss institution are separate procedures.
Being nominated for or applying for the scholarship does not automatically mean you have been admitted to a PhD programme.
Elements of the Scholarship Application
Applicants should prepare the following documents.
1. Complete Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should include:
- Educational background
- Degrees
- Awards
- Academic positions
- Publications
- Teaching experience
- Practical experience
- Research experience
2. Motivation Letter
The motivation letter should be no more than two pages.
Explain:
- Why you want to conduct your research in Switzerland
- Why the proposed research matters
- How the scholarship fits your career plans
- What you intend to do after the scholarship
3. Research Proposal
The research proposal must:
- Describe the project in detail
- Include a timeline
- Identify milestones
- Explain activities
- Include a summary understandable to non-specialists
The proposal must be submitted using the FCS/ESKAS form and is limited to five pages including the non-specialist summary.
4. Swiss Supervisor’s Support Letter
This is mandatory.
5. Swiss Supervisor’s Short CV
The supervisor must provide a CV of no more than two pages.
6. Home-University Supervisor CV
For research fellowships, a short CV from the home-university supervisor is required. This is relevant to the research-fellowship route rather than the standard Swiss PhD scholarship.
7. Graduate School Admission
For PhD applications to graduate schools, official confirmation of admission from the recognised graduate school is required.
Individual-doctorate applications do not require this admission letter at the scholarship application stage, according to the programme’s rules.
8. Two Academic Recommendations
Applicants must provide the email addresses of two different professors in the relevant academic field.
They will be contacted through the application system and asked to submit recommendation letters using the FCS/ESKAS form.
9. Academic Certificates and Transcripts
Submit copies of certificates and transcripts from previous universities.
Documents not written in English, French, Italian or German require certified translations, subject to the specific country instructions.
10. Passport
Provide a copy of your passport.
Dual citizens should submit copies of both passports where required.
11. Swiss Residence Documentation
Applicants already residing in Switzerland should provide their residence permit or registration confirmation.
Exclusion Criteria for PhD Scholarships
Applicants should carefully check the exclusion rules before spending significant time preparing an application.
You may be excluded if:
- Your application is incomplete.
- Your application contains formal errors.
- You submit multiple applications simultaneously for different host universities or scholarship types.
- You have been living, studying or working in Switzerland beyond the permitted period before the scholarship begins.
- You have already received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
- You are submitting your fourth application after three unsuccessful attempts.
- You have not identified an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
- Your supervisor’s required support letter is missing.
- You submit more than one research proposal.
- For a graduate-school PhD application, you fail to provide the required official admission confirmation.
- Your doctoral project is being carried out under a formal cotutelle de thèse agreement between a Swiss and foreign university.
For cotutelle arrangements, the applicant is eligible only for a 12-month Research Fellowship, rather than the standard PhD Scholarship.
PhD Scholarship vs Research Fellowship: Important Difference
Applicants sometimes confuse the Swiss Government’s PhD Scholarship with the Research Fellowship.
They are not the same.
PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship is intended for applicants pursuing a PhD at a Swiss university or recognised research institution.
It can provide funding for:
12 months + two renewals = up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship supports a one-year research project carried out as part of doctoral studies in the applicant’s home country.
It lasts between six and 12 months and cannot be extended.
Therefore, applicants should determine which scholarship type matches their actual doctoral situation before preparing the application.
Study Period and Funding
The PhD Scholarship begins on:
1 September 2027
The initial award covers 12 months.
If the scholar makes satisfactory academic progress, it can be renewed twice, making a maximum funding period of 36 months.
Monthly Amount
CHF 2,450 per month
This is a scholarship allowance intended to cover basic living expenses for one person.
It is important to understand that this amount is not a conventional salary.
The Swiss Government explicitly states that the scholarship should not be treated as regular remuneration either financially or legally.
What Makes a Strong PD Application?
A competitive application should demonstrate a clear connection between the candidate, the research project and the Swiss academic environment.
Strong Academic Profile
Your transcripts, degrees, publications, research experience and academic achievements should establish that you are prepared for doctoral-level research.
Strong Research Proposal
Avoid vague proposals.
Your project should have:
- A clear research question
- A defined problem
- Strong theoretical or practical justification
- Appropriate methodology
- Realistic objectives
- Measurable milestones
- A feasible timeline
Strong Supervisor Match
Do not select a professor simply because they work at a famous Swiss university.
Choose someone whose research genuinely aligns with your project.
Strong Motivation
Explain why Switzerland and the particular research environment are important to your work.
Future Contribution
Explain how the research could contribute to your academic career, institution, country or wider field.
Selection Criteria
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications competitively.
For the PhD Scholarship, the major criteria include:
Academic Profile
The committee considers the applicant’s academic preparation and achievements.
Research Competence
Your previous research experience and ability to undertake doctoral research are important.
Motivation
Your reasons for choosing Switzerland and the proposed project should be convincing.
Originality
The proposed research should demonstrate originality.
Methodological Quality
The research methodology should be appropriate, rigorous and realistic.
Quality of Supervision
The suitability of the Swiss supervisor and research environment matters.
Future Collaboration
The potential for future research cooperation is also considered.
What Happens After You Apply?
Applications are assessed through the Swiss Government’s scholarship selection process.
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) is the awarding body.
According to the Swiss Government, scholarship decisions for the following academic year are announced by the end of May at the latest.
Successful applicants then proceed with the relevant arrangements for their studies and research in Switzerland.
Application Deadline for 2027–2028
The online application opens on: 20 August 2026
However, there is no single deadline applicable to every country.
The Swiss Government publishes country-specific deadlines and available scholarship types. Applicants should therefore check their country in the official list before submitting an application.
This is particularly important for applicants from African countries because different countries may have different closing dates.
Important Advice
Do not wait until August 20 to start preparing.
By the time the portal opens, a strong PhD applicant should ideally already have:
- Identified potential Swiss supervisors
- Contacted relevant professors
- Developed a research proposal
- Prepared a CV
- Obtained supervisor support
- Started gathering academic documents
- Checked the country-specific deadline
Application Process at a Glance
The entire process can be summarised as follows:
- 1. Check your country eligibility
- 2. Confirm you meet the PhD requirements
- 3. Identify a suitable Swiss university/research institution
- 4. Find an authorised academic supervisor
- 5. Develop your research proposal
- 6. Obtain the supervisor’s support letter and CV
- 7. Prepare your academic and personal documents
- 8. Register on GO ESKAS from August 20, 2026
- 9. Complete the online application
- 10. Submit before your country’s deadline
- 11. Wait for the FCS/ESKAS selection process
- 12. If successful, begin the scholarship on September 1, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swiss Government PhD Scholarship fully funded?
It provides substantial financial support, including CHF 2,450 per month, but applicants should not automatically interpret “fully funded” as meaning that every university and personal expense is covered. The official programme information should be checked for tuition, insurance, travel and other benefits applicable to the applicant’s country and scholarship type.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month for basic living expenses.
How long is the PhD scholarship?
It is initially awarded for 12 months and can be renewed twice, for a maximum of 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Do I need a master’s degree?
Yes. A master’s degree or equivalent must normally be completed by 31 July 2027. For ETH Zurich, the deadline is 30 June 2027.
Do I need a Swiss supervisor?
Yes. This is a mandatory requirement for the PhD Scholarship. Applications without the required academic supervisor and support letter will not be considered.
Can I choose any Swiss university?
You must choose an eligible Swiss higher education institution or recognised research institution that can support your proposed doctoral research and provide the appropriate academic supervision.
Can I apply without a research proposal?
No. A detailed research proposal with a timeline is a central part of the application.
Can I submit more than one research proposal?
No. Submitting applications with more than one research project proposal can result in exclusion.
Can I apply if I already live in Switzerland?
Potentially, but specific conditions apply. For the 2027–2028 cycle, applicants already residing in Switzerland must have entered the country no earlier than 1 August 2026, subject to the programme’s detailed rules.
Is admission to a Swiss PhD programme the same as receiving the scholarship?
No.
The scholarship application and doctoral admission process are separate procedures. Applicants should follow the admission requirements of their chosen Swiss institution in addition to completing the scholarship application.
Can I apply for a cotutelle PhD?
Applicants with an ongoing or planned doctoral project under a formal cotutelle agreement between a Swiss and foreign university are only eligible for a 12-month Research Fellowship, according to the programme rules.
Is there an age requirement?
Under the general 2027–2028 criteria, applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991. Country-specific exceptions may apply, so applicants should always check their official country information.
When does the scholarship start?
The PhD Scholarship starts on 1 September 2027.
When does the application open?
The 2027–2028 online application opens on 20 August 2026.
Is the application free?
Yes. The Swiss Government states that applications for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are free of charge. Applicants should be suspicious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for an official scholarship application or guaranteed selection.
About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation to encourage international academic exchange and research cooperation.
The programme is administered through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), with administrative support from SERI. It currently covers applicants from 183 countries.
The programme is not tied to one university. Eligible scholars can undertake their research at participating Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology and recognised research institutions, depending on the scholarship type and academic project.
Important Change for the 2027–2028 Cycle
Applicants should be aware of an important reform to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship programme.
The Swiss Federal Council increased the monthly scholarship contribution to CHF 2,450 from 1 January 2026. At the same time, the government decided to reduce the overall number of funded places and discontinue postdoctoral scholarships from the 2027–2028 academic year.
The reforms also place greater emphasis on doctoral scholarships.
This makes the 2027–2028 PhD opportunity particularly relevant to international master’s graduates who are preparing for doctoral research in Switzerland.
Contact Information
The official scholarship programme is administered by SERI/FCS.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Email: sgs@sbfi.admin.ch
Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
Applicants should use the official Swiss Government website and their country’s designated Swiss diplomatic representation for country-specific questions and deadlines.
Concluding Remarks
The Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarship 2027–2028 is an excellent opportunity for highly qualified international researchers who want to pursue doctoral research in Switzerland.
The programme opens for online applications on 20 August 2026, but applicants should begin preparations much earlier. The most important early step is finding an appropriate Swiss academic supervisor who is willing to endorse the proposed research project.
Successful applicants receive CHF 2,450 per month, with the PhD Scholarship initially covering 12 months and potentially renewable twice for a maximum of 36 months, provided the scholar makes satisfactory academic progress.
However, applicants should not treat the scholarship as simply a source of financial support. The selection process places substantial emphasis on the candidate’s academic profile, research competence, motivation, originality and methodological quality of the project, quality of supervision and potential for future research collaboration.
A strong application therefore begins with a strong research idea and a strong academic partnership.
If you are planning to apply for the 2027–2028 cycle, use the period before 20 August 2026 to identify potential supervisors, refine your research proposal, prepare your CV and gather your academic documents. Once applications open, check your country’s specific deadline carefully because Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship deadlines vary by country.
Official Application Resources
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 – Official Page
- Official Eligibility, Funding and Application Guide
- Official Scholarship FAQ
- Application opening date: 20 August 2026
- Scholarship start date: 1 September 2027
- Monthly scholarship: CHF 2,450
- Maximum PhD funding: up to 36 months
- Academic supervisor: Mandatory
- Application fee: Free
Other Scholarships
- Swiss Government Excellence Opens Application for Monthly Stipend Scholarship
- GO ESKAS Opens SWISS Government Excellence Scholarship for International Students
- One-Year Research Fellowship Opens at SWISS Government Excellence Scholarship in Switzerland
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.
NOTE: The official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships opened on 20th August 2026, and the funding package has specific conditions and does not mean that every university or personal cost is automatically covered.