The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028 provide international researchers and selected artists with an opportunity to undertake postgraduate research, doctoral studies or an eligible first master’s degree in the arts at higher education institutions in Switzerland. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) provides all announcements.
The programme is offered by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) and is designed to strengthen international exchange, research cooperation and academic relationships between Switzerland and other countries. It is intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master’s degree. The 2027–2028 programme is open to applicants from 183 countries, although the scholarship type and deadline depend on the applicant’s country of origin.
Important funding clarification: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are widely described online as “fully funded,” but the official Swiss Government information shows that the award does not automatically cover tuition or semester fees. It provides a monthly scholarship of CHF 2,450, health-insurance support for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars, a CHF 600 rental-deposit grant, a Half-Fare Travelcard and a return-flight allowance for eligible non-EU/EFTA recipients. Applicants should therefore not assume that all university fees are covered.
For the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028 cycle, online applications become available through the official GO ESKAS system on 20 August 2026. Applicants should begin preparing well before the application portal opens because research applicants must secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
The programme is particularly relevant to researchers who already hold a master’s degree and want to pursue doctoral research or a research fellowship in Switzerland. Importantly, postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027–2028 academic year following changes announced by the Swiss Federal Council.
Facts & Quick Verification Tracker
| Category | 2027–2028 Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Funding country | Switzerland |
| Administering body | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) |
| Coordinating authority | State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Countries/territories | 183 |
| Application portal | GO ESKAS |
| Online applications open | 20 August 2026 |
| Main target | Early-career international researchers |
| Research fellowship | Up to 12 months |
| PhD scholarship | Up to 36 months |
| Monthly allowance | CHF 2,450 |
| Health insurance | Covered for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars |
| Rental deposit | One-time CHF 600 |
| Transport | Half-Fare Travelcard |
| Return flight | Allowance for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars |
| Tuition | Not automatically covered |
| Fieldwork | Not additionally funded |
| Conferences | Not funded |
| Postdoctoral scholarship | Not available from 2027/28 |
| Start date | 1 September 2027 |
The exact scholarship type and deadline is available by your country of origin, so applicants should consult the official country-specific list before submitting an application.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Coverage & Requirements Matrix
| Requirement/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Fellowship | For researchers pursuing a PhD in their home country |
| PhD Scholarship | For applicants pursuing a PhD in Switzerland |
| Arts Scholarship | First master’s degree in an artistic field; only selected countries |
| Academic qualification | Generally master’s degree for research/PhD awards |
| Age | Date of birth after 31 December 1991 for the 2027/28 general criteria |
| Research proposal | Required |
| Swiss supervisor | Required for research and PhD applications |
| Monthly support | CHF 2,450 |
| Health insurance | Covered for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders |
| Rental support | CHF 600 one-time deposit grant |
| Transport | Half-Fare Travelcard |
| Return flight | Allowance for eligible non-EU/EFTA applicants |
| Tuition | Applicant normally pays applicable tuition/semester fees |
| Conferences | Applicant pays |
| Field research | No additional funding |
| Residence | Must reside in Switzerland during the scholarship |
The official funding information specifically warns that the Federal Excellence Scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. Some institutions may charge approximately CHF 600–CHF 2,000 per semester, while some PhD fees may not be waived.
Scholarship Types Overview
| Academic Level | target group | main requirements | max. duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research | PhD Students(183 countries) | Master’s DegreeSupervisor | 12 months |
| PhD | PhD Students(183 countries) | Master’s DegreeSupervisor | 36 months |
| Art | Art Students(26 countries) | Bachelor’s DegreeAdmission or proof of application | 21 months |
Official Source & Portal Verification
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is the official Swiss federal source for the scholarship programme.
The official 2027–2028 scholarship page confirms that applications open on 20 August 2026 and must be submitted through the GO ESKAS online system. The Swiss Government also warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers and states that the official application is free.
Official scholarship information:
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Official eligibility and funding guide:
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance
The Official application portal:
GO ESKAS Application Portal
Applicants should never pay an agent or individual claiming to guarantee a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. The Swiss authorities specifically warn about fake scholarship offers and phishing attempts.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Step 1: Identify the Correct Scholarship Type
First determine whether you qualify for:
- Research Fellowship
- PhD Scholarship
- Arts Scholarship
Not every scholarship type is available to applicants from every country.
Step 2: Check Your Country’s Deadline
The deadline is determined according to the applicant’s country of origin. The Swiss Government publishes country-specific scholarship types and deadlines.
Step 3: Find a Swiss Academic Supervisor
Research and PhD applicants must identify an academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support the proposed research project.
This should be done before submitting the scholarship application.
Step 4: Develop Your Research Proposal
Prepare a focused research proposal explaining:
- The research problem
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Timeline
- Academic significance
- Potential contribution to future cooperation
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Typical documents include:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Academic certificates
- Transcripts
- Passport
- Supervisor’s support letter
- Supervisor’s short CV
- Recommendation information
The official application guide specifies the required documentation and formats.
Step 6: Register on GO ESKAS
Create your account when the application system opens on 20 August 2026.
Step 7: Complete the Online Application
Enter your academic, professional and research information carefully.
Step 8: Submit Before Your Country’s Deadline
Do not wait until the final day. Country deadlines can fall between October and December depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Step 9: Wait for Selection
Applications are reviewed through the Swiss selection process, with decisions based on the candidate, proposed project and potential for future academic cooperation.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
Academic collaboration is at the heart of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
For research and PhD applicants, the Swiss Government requires a supporting academic supervisor. The supervisor is expected to endorse the proposed research, provide appropriate academic guidance and create suitable conditions for the scholarship holder’s work.
Applicants should therefore avoid sending generic emails to dozens of professors.
A much better approach is to identify professors whose current research closely matches your proposed project and send a concise, personalised enquiry with your CV, motivation and research proposal.
The Swiss Government advises applicants to begin the supervisor search early because professors may receive many requests and the process can take weeks or months.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship lasts between six and 12 months, with a maximum duration of 12 months and no extension. It begins on 1 September 2027.
PhD Scholarship
The PhD scholarship is initially awarded for 12 months and can be renewed twice, allowing funding for up to 36 months, subject to academic progress.
Arts Scholarship
For eligible countries, the arts scholarship begins on 1 September 2027 and lasts 12 months, with possible extension up to 21 months depending on the master’s programme and required ECTS credits.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The scholarship programme covers research across a broad range of academic disciplines.
Research applicants can pursue projects in areas such as:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Environmental sciences
- Climate studies
- Agriculture
- Public health
- Economics
- Social sciences
- International development
- Natural sciences
- Mathematics
- Medicine and related research areas
- Humanities
The key requirement is not simply the subject itself but the quality and originality of the proposed research and the suitability of the Swiss academic environment for the project.
The official selection criteria include the applicant’s academic profile, research competence and motivation, as well as the originality and methodological quality of the project.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
The scholarship is intended to strengthen research cooperation between Switzerland and countries around the world.
A successful applicant does not simply travel to Switzerland to conduct independent research. The programme creates a structured relationship between the researcher, the Swiss supervisor and the host institution.
The Swiss Government explicitly considers the potential for future research cooperation when assessing applications.
This makes the quality of the proposed academic partnership particularly important.
Broader Fellowship Mission
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships have existed for decades as an instrument for international academic exchange.
The programme’s broader mission is to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and more than 180 countries. Recipients are selected competitively by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students.
The programme therefore combines:
Academic excellence + international exchange + research cooperation + future collaboration.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
Scholarship holders are expected to conduct serious academic work during their stay.
Research applicants must have a clear research objective and a detailed plan containing milestones and activities.
The research proposal is a central component of the application and should demonstrate that the applicant understands:
- The research problem
- Existing knowledge
- Research gap
- Proposed methodology
- Expected contribution
- Feasibility
- Timeline
The official application requirements specify a research proposal of up to five pages, including a summary written for non-specialists.
Scholarship or Fellowship Overview and Academic Purpose
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are postgraduate scholarships rather than general study-abroad awards.
The programme is mainly intended for talented early-career researchers who have already completed a master’s degree. Research and PhD scholarships are available across academic disciplines.
There is also an Arts Scholarship for talented applicants seeking their first master’s degree in an artistic field, but this option is restricted to selected countries.
One major change for the 2027–2028 cycle is that postdoctoral scholarships are no longer offered.
What Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Offers (The Advantage)
The scholarship provides more than a monthly allowance.
For eligible non-EU/EFTA recipients, the package can include:
- CHF 2,450 monthly scholarship
- Compulsory health-insurance premiums
- CHF 600 one-time rental-deposit grant
- Half-Fare Travelcard
- Return-flight allowance
- Access to a Swiss academic research environment
- Academic supervision
- International research networking
- Opportunities for future research cooperation
The Swiss coordinating body also organises excursions and activities for federal scholarship holders.
Features of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
CHF 2,450 Monthly Scholarship
Research and PhD scholars receive CHF 2,450 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person.
Academic Supervisor Required
Research and PhD applicants must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
International Research Environment
Scholars can conduct research at eligible Swiss universities, federal institutes of technology and recognised research institutions.
Health Insurance Support
For scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries, the FCS covers compulsory health-insurance premiums.
Housing Support
A one-time CHF 600 grant is provided for a rental deposit.
Transport Support
Scholarship holders receive a Half-Fare Travelcard.
Return Flight Allowance
Eligible non-EU/EFTA recipients receive a return-flight allowance based on their country of origin.
No Automatic Tuition Coverage
This is an important point for applicants: tuition and semester fees are not automatically covered by the Federal Excellence Scholarship.
Eligible Academic Fields / Courses
The Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship are available across all academic fields, subject to the availability of an appropriate Swiss academic supervisor and institution.
Possible research areas include:
- Engineering
- Technology
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Medicine and health research
- Environmental science
- Climate research
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Political science
- International development
- Sociology
- Education
- Law
- Humanities
The programme’s eligible host institutions include universities such as Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, St. Gallen and Zurich, as well as ETH Zurich, EPFL, the Graduate Institute and several universities of applied sciences and research institutes.
Who can Apply
The principal target group is highly qualified international researchers.
Research Fellowship Applicants
Research Fellowship applicants should be early-career researchers who are pursuing a PhD in their home country.
They must have completed a master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2027, or by 30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich.
PhD Scholarship Applicants
Applicants seeking a Swiss PhD scholarship must have completed a master’s degree or equivalent by the relevant deadline.
They must also have a detailed research plan and a Swiss academic supervisor willing to support the project.
Arts Applicants
Arts scholarships are available only to applicants from selected countries and are intended for talented young artists seeking their first master’s degree in Switzerland.
Key Eligibility Requirements
1. Master’s Degree
Research and PhD applicants must have completed a master’s degree or equivalent by the specified 2027 deadline.
2. Age Requirement
For the general 2027–2028 eligibility criteria, applicants must have been born after 31 December 1991.
3. Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal with a timeline.
4. Swiss Academic Supervisor
A Swiss academic supervisor must support the application.
Applications without the required supervisor support are not considered.
5. Academic Excellence
The selection committee assesses the candidate’s academic profile, research competence and motivation.
6. Research Quality
The originality and methodological quality of the proposed research are assessed.
7. Future Collaboration
The quality of the academic environment and potential for future research cooperation are also considered.
8. Previous Stay in Switzerland
Applicants who have been living, studying or working in Switzerland for more than 13 months before the scholarship starts may be excluded under the programme rules.
9. Previous Swiss Government Scholarship
Applicants who have already received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are excluded.
How To Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
The 2027–2028 application process is completed online through GO ESKAS.
Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Website
Start with the official SERI scholarship page by using this Link
Step 2: Check Your Country
Find your country in the official country list and confirm:
- Scholarship type available
- Application deadline
- Contact details
- Country-specific conditions
Step 3: Find a Swiss Supervisor
Identify a professor whose research matches your proposed project.
Step 4: Contact the Professor
Send a professional academic enquiry with your:
- CV
- Research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Relevant academic information
The Swiss Government recommends making enquiries targeted and personal.
Step 5: Obtain the Support Letter
Your Swiss supervisor must provide the required letter confirming support for your research.
Step 6: Prepare Your Application Documents
Prepare your CV, motivation letter, research proposal, certificates, transcripts, passport and recommendation information.
Step 7: Register on GO ESKAS
Applications open online on 20 August 2026.
Step 8: Complete the Application
Upload the required documents and provide the requested academic information.
Step 9: Submit Online
The Swiss Government specifically states that applications should not be sent by email or in paper form for the 2027–2028 online process
Study Period and funding
The scholarship begins on 1 September 2027.
Research Fellowship
6–12 months, with a maximum of 12 months and no extension.
PhD Scholarship
12 months initially, renewable twice for a maximum of 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Arts Scholarship
12 months, with possible extension up to 21 months depending on the master’s programme.
The monthly scholarship is CHF 2,450.
Applicants should budget separately for tuition/semester fees, conferences and other expenses that the scholarship does not cover.
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
The Swiss Government has published surveys examining the experiences of former scholarship holders. These provide a more reliable source than anonymous social-media discussions or student forums.
The programme’s alumni research highlights the career and academic value former scholarship holders have attached to their experience. The official scholarship website provides access to surveys of former FCS scholarship holders from different periods.
Applicants can also find informal discussions about Swiss scholarships on student forums and social media, but these should be treated cautiously.
The most useful lesson from previous scholars is that academic preparation and the relationship with the Swiss host institution are central to the application.
About the University offering the Scholarship in Switzerland
There Is No Single University Offering the Scholarship
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is not a scholarship offered by one particular university.
It is a Swiss federal scholarship administered through the FCS/ESKAS.
Successful applicants may undertake their research at eligible Swiss higher education institutions and recognised research institutes. These include:
- 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
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL
- Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
- Research Institutes within the ETH Domain
- Selected universities of applied sciences
The official list includes the institutions at which Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship holders may undertake their studies or research.
Applicants should therefore select a host institution based on research fit, supervisor expertise, facilities and the suitability of the academic environment, rather than simply choosing a university because of its international reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship fully funded?
It is commonly advertised as a fully funded scholarship, but applicants should use the official funding description rather than assuming that every expense is covered.
The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month and several additional benefits, but tuition and semester fees are not automatically covered.
How much does the scholarship pay?
Research, PhD and eligible arts scholars receive CHF 2,450 per month.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. The Swiss Embassy in Nigeria (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) confirms that Nigerian researchers can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
However, Nigerian applicants must check the 2027–2028 country-specific scholarship types and deadline before applying.
Can I apply for a bachelor’s degree?
No. The main Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are postgraduate awards. The official programme does not offer bachelor’s scholarships.
Can I apply for a master’s degree?
The general research and PhD scholarships are not master’s scholarships. However, Arts Scholarships are available for a first master’s degree in an artistic field for applicants from selected countries.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. The PhD Scholarship supports eligible applicants pursuing doctoral studies at Swiss universities or recognised research institutions.
Do I need a supervisor?
Yes. Research and PhD applicants must have an academic supervisor in Switzerland who supports the proposed project.
How long does the PhD scholarship last?
The scholarship is initially granted for 12 months and can be renewed twice for a maximum of 36 months, subject to academic progress.
Are postdoctoral scholarships available?
No. Postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027–2028 academic year.
Does the scholarship cover tuition?
Not automatically. The Federal Excellence Scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. Some universities may charge semester fees of approximately CHF 600–CHF 2,000 or reduced fees, while some PhD fees may not be waived.
Does it cover health insurance?
For scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries, the FCS covers premiums for compulsory health insurance.
Does it cover travel?
Eligible non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders receive a return-flight allowance. EU/EFTA scholarship holders are responsible for their own travel costs.
Does it pay for fieldwork?
No additional funding is provided for fieldwork. PhD scholars may request field research of up to six months, but the associated costs must be covered by the scholar.
Is there funding for conferences?
No. International conference costs are the responsibility of the scholarship holder.
Is the application free?
Yes. The Swiss Government states that the application for a Swiss Government Scholarship is free of charge.
Current Application Deadlines:
The 2027–2028 online application opens on 20 August 2026. However, there is no single universal closing date for every applicant.
The deadline depends on the applicant’s country of origin and the scholarship type available to that country.
The Swiss Government’s official country list provides the relevant deadline for each country.
For Nigerian Applicants
The Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria confirms that Nigerian researchers can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Important: Applicants from Nigeria should verify the 2027–2028 Nigerian deadline in the official country-specific list before submitting their application. The deadline is expressed in Swiss local time and can differ from deadlines for other African countries.
The safest approach is to check the official SERI country list immediately before submitting rather than relying on dates published on third-party scholarship websites.
Contact Information for Applicants
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The central programme is administered by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).
Official scholarship email:
sgs@sbfi.admin.ch
Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria
For Nigerian applicants, the Swiss Embassy in Abuja is the relevant diplomatic representation.
Embassy of Switzerland
157, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent
Wuse II
Abuja 900288
Nigeria
Email: abuja@eda.admin.ch
Applicants should use official Swiss Government or embassy contacts rather than private agents.
Concluding Remarks
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 offer a valuable opportunity for international researchers seeking to undertake postgraduate research or doctoral studies in Switzerland.
The programme is particularly attractive because it combines a CHF 2,450 monthly scholarship with additional benefits such as health-insurance support for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars, a CHF 600 rental-deposit grant, public-transport support and a return-flight allowance.
However, applicants should pay close attention to one important detail: the scholarship is not a blanket tuition-free award. The official Swiss Government information states that tuition and semester fees are not covered by the Federal Excellence Scholarship, meaning applicants may still need to budget for university fees.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, applications become available through GO ESKAS on 20 August 2026. Research and PhD applicants should start preparing well in advance because finding a suitable Swiss academic supervisor can take weeks or months.
The strongest applicants will typically have more than good academic qualifications. They should present a clear research question, strong methodology, relevant academic experience, a convincing motivation for studying or researching in Switzerland, and a credible basis for future international research collaboration.
Another important change is that postdoctoral scholarships are no longer available from the 2027–2028 academic year, making the current cycle particularly relevant to master’s graduates seeking doctoral opportunities and researchers pursuing eligible research fellowships.
Official Application Resources
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
- GO ESKAS Official Application Portal is https://www.go.eskas.ch/
- Swiss Embassy in Nigeria – Scholarship Information
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.
Warning against fake scholarship offers using the name of the Swiss Government (Phishing):
The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation issues this warning against fake Swiss Federal Government Scholarships advertised by e-mail or published on social medias. Through these fake scholarship offers, crooks try to lead their victims to money transfers (under the pretext of visa and social insurance costs for example). The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) recommends never to answer to these e-mails and above all not to send any money. Please note that the application for a Swiss Government Scholarship is free of charge.