Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2024/2025

Are you looking for an opportunity to study in Switzerland without struggling for the payment of tuition fees? If yes, do yourself a favour by reading this article carefully to the end. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are those kind of opportunities that you have long waited for. It is great privilege that is made available for students from other countries of the world to study at “All expenses paid” in Switzerland by their government.

The application for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is currently being accepted by the university in Switzerland. Interested and suitably qualified foreign scholars are therefore invited to apply. As you read this article, you are going to get more detailed information about the scholarships, how to apply and how to get studying in the country of Switzerland.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are specially designed for young researchers from outside Switzerland who have finished at least a master’s degree or PhD and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree.

Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Swiss government scholarships are offered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students exclusively via Switzerland’s official diplomatic representations in the applicants’ countries of origin.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are broadly categorized into two, namely:

• Research scholarships
• Art scholarships

Research scholarships

The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) is the Swiss Government Scholarship that is available for post-graduate researchers in any area of specialization who hold at least a master’s degree certificate and must be ready to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level.

Research scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes. Only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered.

Swiss Government Research Scholarships include:

• Research fellowship 
• PhD scholarship 
• Postdoctoral scholarship

Art scholarships

Art scholarships are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial arts master’s degree in Switzerland.

Art scholarships are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only.

Recommended Scholarships:

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• University Of Alberta International Scholarship Award
• York University Tentanda Via Awards For International Students In Canada

Application Timeline

Release of programme for 180+ Countries
Go to: www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng	early August
Call for Applications
Download application documents,	this September
Prepare application
Forms, research proposal, support letters, references	before the submission deadline
Submission deadline at Swiss representation
This date and the postal address varies from country to country	September – December
Selection
By the Federal Commission for Scholarships FCS	by the end of May
Start of scholarships
At the Swiss academic host institution	next September

Who is Eligible for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Candidates with the following qualifications can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2025:

• Candidate must have obtained at least a Master’s Degree for PhD programmes
• Candidate must have a PhD Certificates for Postdoctoral programmes
• Readiness to travel to Switzerland

• List of Eligible Countries: Candidates from any of these countries are eligible for the application of the scholarships; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, United States of America

See Also: Eligible Countries For Chevening Scholarship

• Four admissible languages: The application documents have to be submitted in English, French, Italian or German. If your documents are not in one of these languages, then an authenticated translation in English must be included. Attestations can be done by a university or a government officer. Exception for India: Self attested documents are accepted.

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How to apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2024/2025

The application of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is done online. Applicants from all countries are advised to follow the guidelines given below for the application:

Step 1: Go to the website www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng

Step 2:

• Select your country of origin (this is the country according your passport)
• Check the scholarships available for your country (see list of countries and territories).
• Check the application deadlines for your country (see list of countries and territories).

Step 3:

• Read the „Application Guidelines for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships“.
• For further questions check the FAQ and
• Contact the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution (see list of countries and territories).

Step 4:

• Download the application package.
• Fill out and print.
• Note: Two paper copies of your application must be submitted.

Step 5:

• To submit your application:
• Send the application to the postal address of your country of origin (see list of countries and territories).

Scholarship applications are to be submitted at the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution in your country of origin.

Apply for:

Queen Elizabeth Common Wealth Scholarship For International Students

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships For International Students

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship

CSC Scholarship For American Students | Shaanxi Normal University, China

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Note:

• The application for a ESKAS Arts Scholarship and the application for admission by your chosen Swiss conservatory or art school (university of applied sciences) are two separate procedures.
• ESKAS applicants have to document that an institution has accepted them or a proof for «admission is under consideration» at the intended Swiss arts or music school (conservatory).
• This may be in the form of a conditional acceptance pending an entry exam or other specific requirements.
• Without such a document, the application will be rejected. If applicable: a copy of the letter from a professor confirming the supervision of the studies.
• Complete two sets of documents will be submitted and each must be in the precise order
• Include the following information in your CV: personal education and training, degrees and diplomas (with precise dates), if applicable: awards, academic positions (with precise dates), non-academic positions (with precise dates), publications with references, conferences, academic teaching experiences, extra academic experiences, links to your sciences blogs, your presentation online.
• FCS advises against the use of the Europass CV template.
• Complete and signed applications are valid only
• Please fill in the forms carefully and completely. Sign the application form and the research proposal.
• Only signed applications are valid and eligible.
• Results follow until end of May next year
• If the application is short listed by the national authority and/or the Swiss Diplomatic Representation it will be sent to Switzerland for the final selection by the FCS. The FCS will inform you by the end of May next year at latest whether your application has been successful or not.

Documents for Postgraduate Scholarships

Please submit 2 sets (= 1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable the attested translations in English. The other set is the copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.

1. Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.
2. A full CV with list of personal education and training, degrees and diplomas (with precise dates), awards, academic positions (with precise dates), non-academic positions (with precise dates), publications with references, conferences, academic teaching experiences, extra academic teaching experiences, links to your science blogs, your presentations online etc.
3. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
4. All applicants must have a clear research goal. Therefore research fellowship, postdoctoral scholarship as well as PhD scholarship candidates have to submit a complete research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed) including a layman abstract in English, using exclusively the FCS research proposal form provided with the application package. The research proposal is a central part of your application. Please devote the required attention to it and submit only a signed document.
5. A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV, maximum 2 pages) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to support and supervise the research.

For research fellowships in addition:

• A short CV (maximum 2 pages) of the academic mentor at the home institution.
• For PhD scholarships at doctoral schools (aka doctoral programmes) only, in addition: The confirmation for accepted admission is required. A support letter from a host professor is required in any case additionally.

6. Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field, and not identical with the academic supervisor at the host institution in Switzerland (use exclusively the FCS form – originals in sealed envelopes only, for the first set). No copies for 2nd set.

7. Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/ colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian or German with attested certified translations in English. Exception for India: Self attested documents are accepted. Do not submit the original certificates.

8. Signed certificate «Fit for mission» (use only the FCS form).

9. Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals add copies of both passports. Applicants already in Switzerland during their application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.

Documents for Arts Scholarships

Please submit 2 sets (= 1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable the attested translations in English. The other set is the copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.

1. Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.
2. A full CV with list of exhibitions, concerts, awards etc.
3. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages specifying the reasons to study in Switzerland, the importance of the choice for your future career as well as your professional projects at the end of the scholarship).
4. The applicants for art scholarships do not have to submit a research proposal.

4a) For musicians: High-quality file of 3 different styles of music if the music involves interpreters and directors. (USB memory stick or CD/DVD labelled with name, surname and country; link or QR-Code). Composers have to submit their scores.

4b) For painters, graphic artists and sculptors: Copies or photos of 3 pieces of your

work, along with rough drafts (incl. their dates of creation; work labelled with name, surname and country).

4c) For other artists (e.g. dancers, actors, authors): pieces of their art (USB memory stick or CD/DVD labelled with name, surname and country; link or QR-Code). (to be continued see next page)

5)    A proof for «admission is under consideration» at the intended Swiss arts or music school (conservatory). This may be in the form of a conditional acceptance pending an entry exam or other specific requirements. If applicable, a copy of the letter from a professor confirming the supervision of the studies.

6) Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field (use only the FCS form – originals in sealed envelopes only, for 1st set).

No copies for 2nd set.

7) Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/ colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian or German, attested certified translations in English. Do not submit the original certificates.

8) Signed medical certificate (use only the FCS health certificate form).

9) Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals add copies of both passports. Applicants already in Switzerland during their application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.

Please do not put the documents into plastic folders or binders. And do not use clips or staples.

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The 3 dimensions of selection criteria

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive. The following aspects of the application are considered mainly:

1)  The candidate

Her/his academic profile, the research capacity and motivation.

2)  The research proposal

Its originality and methodological soundness.

3)  The academic context

The quality and context of supervision and the potential for future academic cooperation

Duration of Swiss Government Excellence scholarships

All the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship starts in September. It is not possible to start the scholarship in the Spring semester or any other time in the year.

Research Fellowships

12 months (September – August) – no prolongation possible. Cannot be upgraded into a prolongable PhD scholarship.

Grant applications for stay lasting less than 9 months will not be treated as a priority. Grant applications for stay lasting less than 6 months will be rejected.

PhD Scholarship

12 months (September – August) – prolongable up to 36 months

The PhD scholarships can be prolonged in three steps of 12 months based on the achieved academic results.

It is the concerned grant holder’s and the supervisor’s responsibility to find sufficient funding beyond the maximal duration of the PhD scholarship (36 months) if it turns out to be necessary to end the doctorate.

Postdoctoral Scholarship

12 months (September – August) – no prolongation possible

Grant applications for stays lasting less than 9 months will not be treated as a priority. Grant applications for stays lasting less than 6 months will be rejected.

Arts Scholarships

12 months (September – August) – prolongable up to 21 months at most depending on the Master programme chosen and the necessary ECTS credits.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Requirements

It is important to know which scholarship that you are qualified for before application.

Research Fellowships (12 months)

• Intended for highly qualified postgraduate researchers from all academic fields.

• Master degree or equivalent achieved (degree certificate) before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024)

• Date of birth after 31 December 1988

• A copy of the support letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV, maximum 2 pages) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research. This letter is not the same as the also requested confidential recommendation letter.

• Research proposal including time frame

Furthermore, this scholarship type is not available for scholars holding a PhD degree.

Cotutelle de thèse: PhD students with an ongoing or planned doctoral project that is carried out within the framework of a formalised agreement between two universities («cotutelle de thèse» cooperation between a Swiss and a foreign university) and under the joint direction of two supervisors are eligible for this scholarship category only.

Validity: The Scholarship is valid only for full-time research in Switzerland. It is not valid for mixed research (part time in Switzerland and part time in another country).

This scholarship is not compatible with fieldtrips outside Switzerland. Therefore no possibility and no funding for fieldwork.

Applicants must have a research proposal including a timeframe. This is the centrepiece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it.

Special Condition: Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during their grant period.

PhD Scholarships

(12 months up to 36 months prolongable in 3 steps of 12 months each based on the achieved academic results)

Intended for highly qualified PhD students from all academic fields.

• Master degree or equivalent achieved (degree certificate) before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024)
• Date of birth after 31 December 1988
• A copy of the support letter (including a short CV, maximum 2 pages) from an academic host professor who is entitled and willing to supervise a PhD at the chosen Swiss university during the entire duration of the doctoral studies. The support letter should contain the reasons why she/he is willing to supervise and support the PhD thesis. If an assistant professor supports a candidature, a full professor who is entitled to supervise the PhD during the entire scholarship has to co-sign the support letter. This letter is not the same as the also requested confidential recommendation letter.

For PhD studies at a University of Applied Sciences an additional letter of support from a faculty member of the host research university at which the PhD will be completed is mandatory. Please note: Doctoral degrees can only be awarded by research universities.

• Research proposal including time frame. This is the centrepiece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it.

The scholarship is valid only for full-time PhD studies in Switzerland at a Swiss university. It is not valid for mixed PhD programmes (part time in Switzerland and part time in another country).

Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during their grant period.

PhD students whose studies require mandatory fieldwork must indicate this in their application (research proposal), stating the duration and destination outside Switzerland. Please note: During the entire PhD scholarship (36 months) the maximum duration of the PhD field work abroad in principle cannot exceed a total of 6 months. There is no additional financial support for fieldwork (e.g. travel costs, housing, travel insurance etc.).

PhD students with an ongoing or planned doctoral project that is carried out within the framework of a formalised agreement between two universities («cotutelle de thèse» cooperation between a Swiss and a foreign university) and under the joint direction of two supervisors are eligible for a 12 month research fellowship only.

Further important information for PhD applicants: The ESKAS application for a PhD scholarship and the application for admission by a Swiss university for PhD studies are two separate procedures. It is the applicant’s responsibility to manage both procedures in parallel.

Admission Requirement for PhD Students

Option 1: For PhD studies under the supervision of an academic supervisor (mentor):

The scholarship applicants for a regular PhD must hand in the support letter of their academic supervisor, however, a PhD admission letter is not required at that point.

Option 2: PhD studies at a doctoral school where you don’t get an assigned supervisor in the first year:

The admission to the doctoral school (aka doctoral programme) is a conditio sine qua non for a scholarship application. The proof for admission (admission letter) from the doctoral school has to be submitted together with the scholarship application simultaneously and additionally together with the support letter of the academic supervisor.

Please note: If the chosen doctoral school does not allow you to contact a supervisor before being admitted to the school, the application for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is not possible. In case you do not get the admission to the doctoral school until the application deadline, and therefore cannot apply for the next academic year, you can always begin your studies without the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship and then apply for the following academic year.

Please note: the exclusion criteria «Applicants who have been in Switzerland since more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible» stays effective. If you are not sure which option applies for your case please enquire all possible questions (e.g. admission etc.) directly with the corresponding university respectively the doctoral school at the host institution.

Postdoctoral Scholarships (12 months)

Intended for highly qualified early career scientists on postdoctoral level from all scientific fields.

• PhD degree achieved after 31 December 2020 and before 31 July 2024 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2024) PhD degree certificate completed.

• Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland.

• No funding for sabbaticals.

• A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV, maximum 2 pages) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the postdoctoral research.

• Not accepted as academic supervisors for Postdoctoral scholarship applicants are their former PhD mentors and their co-directors for the co-tutelle PhD.

• A research proposal including a timeframe. This is the centrepiece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it.

• This scholarship is valid only for full-time postdoctoral research in Switzerland. It is not compatible with fieldtrips outside Switzerland. Therefore no possibility and no funding for fieldwork.

• Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during their grant period.

• In the case of double doctorates, the date of the 1st degree counts.

• It is not valid for mixed research (part time in Switzerland and part time in another country).

Art Scholarships

(12 months prolongable up to 21 months at most depending on the MA chosen and the necessary ECTS credits)

Intended for highly qualified art students from all artistic fields wishing to pursue an master’s degree course.

• The arts scholarships are granted at any Swiss conservatory or universities of the arts.
• Valid for full-time studies in Switzerland only.
• Bachelor degree or equivalent achieved before 31 July 2024 (degree certificate)
• Applicants should start their scholarship no later than three years after graduating with their Bachelor’s degree.
• Applicants must be born after 31 December 1988
• A proof for “admission is under consideration” at the intended Swiss arts or music school (conservatory). This may be in the form of a conditional acceptance pending an entry exam or other specific requirements. If applicable: a copy of the letter from a professor confirming the supervision of the studies.

Or, if applicable the confirmation from the art or music school that the admission procedure cannot be started before the scholarship application deadline.

• Invalid: All applications for a second master’s degree.

Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during their grant period

Eligible Host Institutions of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Swiss public academic institutions

• The Swiss Government Scholarships are granted for research in one of the Swiss public universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, University of Applied Sciences or Schools of music and arts. The arts and music scholarships are granted for studies in the public music academies, as well as art and design schools.
• The scholarship is valid only for full-time research in Switzerland. It is not valid for on-the-job studies, part-time studies, correspondence courses or mixed programmes (part time in Switzerland and part time in another country). During their scholarship grant holders are resident in Switzerland.
• The scholarship is meant for conducting research in the Swiss host institution. For Research as well as Postdoctoral scholarships, no fieldwork abroad of Switzerland is possible during the scholarship period. PhD students working in an academic field where fieldwork is indispensable, have to submit a request for acceptance of fieldwork indicating in advance the exact period, destination and purpose. A support letter by the academic supervisor has to be enclosed.
• There is no additional financial support for fieldwork by ESKAS.
• This scholarship primarily offers an opportunity to scholars who have not already been to Switzerland. Applicants who have been in Switzerland since more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible. Reference document if applicable: residence permit to be added to the application documents.

The following institutions are eligible to host the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2025:

For postgraduate scholarships

(Research Fellowships, PhD, Postdoctoral)

• 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
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
• Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)

For postgraduate scholarships

(Research fellowships and Postdoctoral only)

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
• Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)
• University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
• University of Applied ScKiences of the Grisons (FHGR)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
• Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
• Universities of teacher education
• Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training SFUVET
• Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM

For Art scholarships

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
• Bern University of the Arts
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
• University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
• Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
• Zurich University of the Arts

What the Scholarships Cover

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships cover the following:

Scholarship amount

Research scholarship:1’920.- Swiss Francs per month = 23’040.- CHF for 1 year

PhD scholarship:1’920.- Swiss Francs per month = 23’040.- CHF for 1 year

Arts scholarship:1’920.- Swiss Francs per month = 23’040.- CHF for 1 year

Postdoctoral scholarship: 3’500.- Swiss Francs per month = 42’000.- CHF for 1 year

No financial support for fieldwork or for conferences. Grant holders receive a one-year half-fare public transportation card in Switzerland. Support services organise various trips, dinners and sightseeing tours for Swiss Government Scholarship holders.

All scholarship holders receive a one-time lump sum of CHF 300.- with the first grant payment to help them pay part of the housing deposit.

Tuition fees and Master fees for artists

The FCS does not pay for tuition and/or semester fees. In some cases the universities and the Federal Institute of Technology do require scholarship holders to pay semester fees (generally around 600.- CHF per semester) or at least reduced tuition fees. In some cases the universities do not waive the PhD fees. In case the Universities and the Universities of Applied Sciences and Art Schools should not waive the fees, it is up to the grantee to pay for the fees.

Health insurance

According to the Swiss law, every resident in Switzerland must be covered by a Health Care Insurance (except for dental care). For non-EU and non-EFTA grantees only: the FCS pays mandatory Swiss health insurance.

Please note, each FCS scholarship holder from an EU and EFTA Member State is responsible for his/her insurance coverage and all resulting costs.

Travel expenses

Grantees from EU and EFTA member states pay for their own travel expenses to Switzerland as well as back to their country of origin.

Grantees from outside the European Union and the EFTA pay for their own travel expenses to Switzerland, but Scholarship holders from non-EU and non-EFTA countries receive a return flight allowance (lump sum depending upon the country of origin) for a ticket back to their country of origin (provided at the end of the scholarship).

Return allowance

However, the return allowance will not be paid if the scholarship holders extend their stay in Switzerland beyond six months after completion of their research, if they take up employment pending the continuation of their research or if they move to a Third country.

Conferences/ Congress

Valid for all scholarship types: There are no allowances for international conferences.

Fieldwork

Once the scholarship is awarded PhD scholarship holders may submit a special request regarding their PhD thesis and the potentially necessary fieldwork. The scholarship may continue during the fieldwork up to six months. No additional financial support is possible though for fieldwork by FCS. For other scholarship types, no fieldwork abroad of Switzerland is possible during the scholarship period.

I hope you have found this article helpful. In case of any other questions about Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2024/2025, kindly make use of the comment section below this article.

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