Art scholarships from SWISS Government Excellence Opens for Application Today 20 August 2026: The Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarships 2027–2028 are now open for applications, giving highly talented international artists an opportunity to pursue their first Master’s degree in Switzerland.
The art scholarship is part of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships programme and is designed specifically for students in artistic disciplines who want to continue their education at a recognised Swiss art school, university of the arts, conservatory or music institution. The programme is not available to applicants from every country, so prospective applicants must first confirm that the scholarship is offered to citizens of their country.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications open on 20 August 2026. The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month toward basic living expenses, with the award initially covering 12 months and potentially extending to a maximum of 21 months, depending on the Master’s programme and required ECTS credits.
This guide explains the scholarship’s eligibility requirements, portfolio requirements, funding, eligible institutions, application documents and the steps applicants should take to submit a competitive application.
Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship |
| Academic level | First Master’s degree |
| Study location | Switzerland |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Application opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Study begins | 1 September 2027 |
| Monthly scholarship | CHF 2,450 |
| Initial duration | 12 months |
| Maximum duration | Up to 21 months |
| Degree requirement | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent |
| Age requirement | Born after 31 December 1991 |
| Master’s degree already held | Not permitted at scholarship start |
| Portfolio | Required |
| Swiss art-school admission/application | Required |
| Countries eligible | Selected countries only |
| Application fee | Free |
| Selection body | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) |
The Swiss Government confirms that its Excellence Scholarships are currently available to applicants from 183 countries, but the Art Scholarship is restricted to a limited number of countries. Therefore, applicants should not assume that they are eligible simply because their country participates in the wider Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship programme.
What Is the Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship?
The Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship is designed for international art students who want to obtain their first Master’s degree in Switzerland.
The programme supports study at Swiss conservatories and art schools and is intended for talented young artists who have not previously obtained a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
The scholarship is valid only for full-time studies in Switzerland.
It forms part of the broader Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships programme, which aims to strengthen international exchange and cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world. The programme is administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).
Who Is the Art Scholarship For?
The scholarship targets highly talented young artists who want to pursue their first Master’s degree in an artistic discipline in Switzerland.
Applicants should demonstrate more than academic qualifications. Their artistic profile, portfolio, motivation and potential are central to the selection process.
Priority is given to applicants who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, although the official eligibility rules contain exceptions.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2027–2028 Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the programme’s requirements.
1. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification by 31 July 2027.
The degree should provide an appropriate foundation for the intended Master’s programme.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991.
3. Must Not Already Hold a Master’s Degree
The scholarship is intended for applicants seeking their first Master’s degree.
Therefore, applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification at the beginning of the scholarship.
4. Apply to a Swiss Art or Music Institution
Applicants need an admission letter or proof that they have applied to a Swiss University of the Arts or Music.
If the relevant institution has not yet opened its admission period, applicants can provide confirmation from the institution showing when the admission process will begin.
5. Switzerland Residence Requirement
Applicants who are already living in Switzerland must have entered the country no earlier than 1 August 2026, subject to the programme’s detailed rules.
Such applicants must provide a copy of their registration confirmation or residence permit.
6. Country Eligibility
This is particularly important.
Art scholarships are available only to applicants from selected countries.
The fact that the wider Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship programme is available to citizens of 183 countries does not mean the Art Scholarship is available to all 183 countries.
Applicants should therefore check the official country-specific list before preparing their application.
What Artistic Fields Are Eligible?
The Art Scholarship can support Master’s-level study in a range of artistic disciplines.
Depending on the institution and programme, this can include areas such as:
- Fine arts
- Visual arts
- Music
- Composition
- Instrumental performance
- Vocal performance
- Dance
- Theatre
- Acting
- Film
- Creative writing
- Design
- Other recognised artistic disciplines
The exact programmes available depend on the participating Swiss institution and the applicant’s admission options.
The Most Important Part: Your Art Portfolio
For an art scholarship, your portfolio can be one of the most important parts of your application.
The Swiss Government requires applicants to submit an art portfolio, with the format depending on their artistic discipline.
Applicants should therefore treat the portfolio as more than a collection of their best work. It should demonstrate artistic maturity, originality, technical ability and future potential.
Portfolio Requirements for Music Applicants
Applicants in music should submit a PDF document containing a link or QR code leading to a high-quality recording.
The recording should demonstrate three different styles of music.
Applicants should ensure that:
- The recording is high quality.
- The audio is clear.
- The links work.
- The QR code can be scanned.
- The performance represents the applicant’s current ability.
- The three selections demonstrate range.
Composers
Applicants who are composers should submit their scores as required by the application instructions.
Portfolio Requirements for Visual Artists
Applicants in visual arts should provide a link or QR code to a portfolio showing three pieces of artwork together with sketches.
The works should demonstrate the applicant’s artistic development and creative process.
The portfolio should clearly identify the applicant using their:
- First name
- Surname
- Country
The sketches are particularly useful because they can help demonstrate how an artistic idea developed from concept to final work.
Portfolio Requirements for Other Artistic Fields
Applicants in disciplines such as:
- Dance
- Acting
- Writing
- Performance
- Other artistic domains
should provide a link or QR code to appropriate recordings or examples of their artistic performances and creations.
The material should allow the selection committee to assess the applicant’s artistic ability, maturity and potential.
What the Selection Committee Looks For
According to the Swiss Government, Art Scholarship applications are evaluated using criteria including:
Artistic Profile
The applicant’s artistic background, qualifications and achievements are considered.
Motivation
The applicant needs to explain why they want to study in Switzerland and how the programme fits their artistic and professional development.
Portfolio Quality
The portfolio is assessed for artistic maturity and potential.
Availability of Enrolment
Applicants must also have a realistic pathway to enrolment at the desired Swiss institution.
The broader Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship selection framework also considers the candidate profile, quality of the artistic work and potential synergies for future cooperation.
How Much Does the Scholarship Pay?
Successful Art Scholarship recipients receive:
CHF 2,450 per month
The allowance is intended to cover basic living expenses for one person.
The Federal Council increased the monthly scholarship contribution to CHF 2,450 from January 2026. The same amount applies to foreign doctoral students and artists under the revised programme.
Importantly, the scholarship is not a salary.
Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic financial plan for living in Switzerland and understand which costs are and are not covered by the programme.
How Long Does the Art Scholarship Last?
The scholarship initially covers:
12 months
It can potentially be extended to a maximum of:
21 months
The possibility and length of extension depend on the chosen Master’s degree programme and the number of ECTS credits required.
Scholarship Start Date
The scholarship begins on:
1 September 2027
Additional Scholarship Benefits
In addition to the monthly scholarship allowance, the Swiss Government lists additional benefits for Excellence Scholarship recipients.
These include:
- Health insurance coverage for compulsory health insurance for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries
- A one-time CHF 600 rental-deposit grant
- A Half-Fare Travelcard for public transportation
- Organised excursions and activities
- Return-flight allowance for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries, subject to the programme’s conditions
Applicants should read the official benefits and conditions carefully because some benefits depend on nationality or other circumstances.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants should begin preparing their documents well before the application deadline.
1. Complete CV
Your CV should include:
- Educational background
- Degrees
- Awards
- Exhibitions
- Concerts
- Teaching experience
- Practical experience
- Artistic achievements
For artists, the CV should present your creative development clearly rather than simply listing unrelated activities.
2. Motivation Letter
The motivation letter must be a maximum of two pages.
It should explain:
- Why you want to study in Switzerland
- Why you selected the particular Master’s programme
- How the scholarship fits your artistic development
- How the experience will benefit your future career
- Your professional plans after the scholarship
Avoid using generic statements such as “Switzerland has excellent universities.”
Instead, explain specifically why the chosen Swiss institution and programme are relevant to your artistic goals.
3. Art Portfolio
Your portfolio must follow the requirements for your particular discipline.
Music
Provide a link or QR code to a high-quality recording demonstrating three different musical styles.
Visual Arts
Provide a link or QR code showing three artworks together with sketches.
Other Artistic Fields
Provide recordings or examples of performances and creative work.
4. Academic Certificates and Transcripts
Provide copies of your previous university certificates and transcripts.
If your documents are not in:
- English
- French
- Italian
- German
you should provide certified translations according to the application requirements.
5. Passport
Submit a copy of your passport.
Applicants with dual citizenship should provide copies of both passports where required.
6. Recommendation Letters
Applicants must provide the email addresses of two different professors in the relevant field.
The professors will be contacted through the application system and asked to submit recommendation letters using the FCS/ESKAS form. (SERI)
Choose professors who know your work well enough to provide meaningful recommendations.
7. Swiss University Admission Confirmation
You must provide confirmation from your chosen Swiss University of the Arts or Music showing that:
- You have already been admitted, or
- Your admission application is currently under review.
Conditional admission may also be accepted where it is subject to an entrance examination or another specific requirement. (SERI)
What If Applications Have Not Opened Yet?
If registration or admission applications have not yet opened at your chosen institution, the university can provide confirmation showing when its admission process will begin.
For example, an official email from the university confirming the opening date can serve as evidence under the programme requirements. (SERI)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Check Your Country
Before anything else, verify that the Swiss Government offers the Art Scholarship to applicants from your country.
This is essential because Art Scholarships are available only to selected countries.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Swiss Art School or Conservatory
Research the available Swiss institutions and identify Master’s programmes that match your artistic discipline.
Step 3: Check the Master’s Admission Requirements
Do not assume that applying for the scholarship automatically applies you to the university.
The Swiss Government scholarship application and university admission process are separate.
Check the institution’s own admission requirements, entrance examinations, portfolio requirements and deadlines.
Step 4: Apply to the Swiss Institution
Submit your application to the University of the Arts, conservatory or other eligible institution.
If the admission period has not opened, obtain official confirmation of when it will open.
Step 5: Build Your Portfolio
Prepare the strongest possible selection of your artistic work.
For digital portfolios, test every:
- Link
- QR code
- Video
- Audio recording
- Website
before submitting.
Step 6: Prepare Your Motivation Letter
Keep it focused and personal.
Explain why the Swiss Master’s programme is the right next step in your artistic career.
Step 7: Prepare Your Recommendations
Select two professors in your relevant field who can provide strong academic or artistic recommendations.
Step 8: Complete the Swiss Government Application
Applications open on:
20 August 2026
The official Swiss Government application information and country-specific instructions should be used for the submission process.
Step 9: Submit Before Your Country’s Deadline
There is not one universal deadline for every country.
The Swiss Government publishes the available scholarship types and deadlines by country.
Therefore, applicants should check their country’s official entry rather than relying on a deadline published for another nationality.
Application Timeline
20 August 2026
Applications open for the 2027–2028 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
August–October/November 2026
Country-specific application deadlines apply. The exact deadline depends on the applicant’s country.
2026–2027
Applicants complete university admission processes and prepare for any required entrance examinations.
By May 2027
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students communicates scholarship decisions for the following academic year by the end of May at the latest. (SERI)
31 July 2027
Applicants must have completed the required Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
1 September 2027
Scholarship period begins.
Why Applicants Should Apply Early
One of the biggest mistakes an applicant can make is waiting until the scholarship application deadline before contacting their preferred art school.
Admission to Swiss art and music institutions may involve:
- Portfolio reviews
- Auditions
- Entrance examinations
- Interviews
- Artistic assessments
- Programme-specific requirements
These processes can take time.
Start with the university, not the scholarship form.
Your scholarship application is much stronger when you already have a clear Master’s programme, a realistic admission pathway and evidence that the Swiss institution is considering your application.
Tips for Creating a Strong Art Portfolio
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Do not overwhelm the selection committee with dozens of mediocre pieces.
Select a small number of works that best represent your artistic ability.
Demonstrate Development
Where appropriate, include sketches, drafts or developmental work to show how your ideas evolve.
Show Your Individual Voice
Your portfolio should communicate what makes your artistic approach distinctive.
Keep It Professional
Use clear labels, consistent formatting and high-quality files.
Test Your Links
A broken YouTube link or inaccessible portfolio can undermine an otherwise strong application.
Don’t Submit Work You Cannot Explain
Be prepared to discuss the ideas, techniques and creative decisions behind the works you submit.
Swiss Art and Music Institutions
The scholarship can be used at Swiss conservatories and art schools, subject to the programme’s eligibility and admission requirements. The official scholarship information specifically describes the Art Scholarship as being available at Swiss conservatories and art schools.
Potential applicants should therefore research the Master’s programmes offered by recognised Swiss institutions in their specific artistic field.
Importantly, admission to an institution is not automatically guaranteed by the scholarship. You must meet the institution’s own academic and artistic admission requirements.
Who Selects the Scholarship Winners?
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) is the awarding body for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
The FCS includes representatives from Swiss higher education institutions and related academic bodies, and its secretariat is administered by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Applications are submitted through the designated Swiss diplomatic channels and assessed competitively.
Is This a Fully Funded Scholarship?
The term “fully funded” should be used carefully when describing this scholarship.
The Art Scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month, along with additional benefits such as health insurance for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars, a rental-deposit grant and other support.
However, applicants should not assume that every possible university or personal expense is automatically covered.
For an accurate article, it is better to describe it as a Swiss Government-funded scholarship with a monthly living allowance and additional benefits rather than promising that every cost is covered.
Is the Application Free?
Yes.
The Swiss Government states that applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are free of charge.
The government also warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers that use the Swiss Government’s name to request money for supposed visa, insurance or other expenses.
Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Swiss Government Art Scholarship 2027–2028 open?
Applications open on 20 August 2026.
Who can apply for the Art Scholarship?
Highly talented international artists who want to pursue their first Master’s degree in Switzerland and meet the programme’s academic, age, country and admission requirements can apply.
Do I need a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes. The Bachelor’s degree or equivalent must normally be completed by 31 July 2027.
Can someone who already has a Master’s degree apply?
No. Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification when the scholarship begins.
How much does the scholarship pay?
The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month.
How long does the scholarship last?
It initially lasts 12 months and can potentially be extended up to 21 months, depending on the Master’s programme and ECTS requirements.
Do I need admission to a Swiss art school?
You need an admission letter, proof that you have applied, or—where the admission period has not yet opened—confirmation from the Swiss institution regarding the start of its admission process.
Is an art portfolio required?
Yes. Portfolio requirements vary according to the artistic discipline.
Can music students apply?
Yes. Music applicants must provide a high-quality recording demonstrating three different musical styles. Composers submit scores as required.
Can visual artists apply?
Yes. Visual-art applicants should provide a portfolio showing three artworks together with sketches, following the official identification and submission requireme
Is the scholarship available to every country?
No. Art Scholarships are available only to applicants from selected countries.
When does the scholarship begin?
The 2027–2028 scholarship begins on 1 September 2027
Current Application Deadline
Application Opens: 20 August 2026
The deadline is country-specific. Applicants should consult the official Swiss Government country list for the exact deadline applicable to their nationality and to confirm that the Art Scholarship is offered to their country.
This is especially important for applicants from Africa and other regions where scholarship availability can differ by nationality.
Official Application and Information
For your website, I recommend directing readers to the official Swiss Government page rather than a third-party application website:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 – Official Information
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance – Eligibility and Benefits
- Official FAQ for Applicants
The official page confirms that applications open on 20 August 2026 and provides the country-specific application information.
Final Advice for Applicants
The Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarship is highly competitive, so applicants should avoid treating the application as a simple funding form.
Your artistic portfolio is central to your application. Before submitting, ask whether the work demonstrates your current ability, artistic maturity and potential for Master’s-level study.
At the same time, make sure your academic and administrative requirements are equally strong. A brilliant portfolio cannot compensate for failing to meet a basic eligibility requirement such as the Bachelor’s degree deadline, age requirement, country eligibility or Swiss institution admission requirement.
Most importantly, check your country’s eligibility before investing substantial time in the application. The Swiss Government explicitly states that Art Scholarships are restricted to applicants from selected countries. (SERI)
If you are eligible, begin preparing immediately: identify your preferred Swiss art school or conservatory, review its Master’s admission requirements, prepare your portfolio, contact your referees, organise your transcripts and passport, and prepare a focused two-page motivation letter.
With applications opening today, 20 August 2026, the best-prepared applicants are those who already understand both sides of the process: admission to the Swiss art or music institution and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application.
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