Great news! The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are now open for applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. This article provides an overview of the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, and application steps for this fully funded opportunity.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for international students pursuing master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies in Switzerland. These scholarships cover a monthly stipend, tuition fee waivers, health insurance, airfare, and housing allowance, making them an ideal option for those seeking financial support for higher education.

This scholarship program, funded by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS) in partnership with the Swiss government, is open to applicants from over 180 countries. It supports highly qualified postgraduate researchers and young medical professionals from all academic disciplines.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
• Institution(s): Swiss Government / Swiss Universities
• Location: Switzerland
• Programme Duration: Depends on the chosen degree programme
• Deadline: Varies by country; please check the specific country deadline.

Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

1. Research Scholarships: Open to postgraduate researchers (holding at least a master’s degree) in any field who wish to pursue research or further studies at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, or research institutions. Candidates must have a Swiss academic supervisor to be considered.
2. Art Scholarships: Available to students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in the arts at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. Note that these scholarships are limited to students from specific countries.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship receive the following:

• Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920.
• Health insurance coverage for non-EU/EFTA grantees.
• Flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA grantees to return to their home country upon completing the scholarship.
• One-time CHF 300 housing allowance.
• One-year half-fare public transportation card.
• Participation in events and organised activities for scholarship holders.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Language: Proficiency in English.
• Eligible Countries: Open to all countries.
• Educational Requirements:
  • A master’s degree or equivalent, completed before July 31, 2024, recognised by Swiss universities.
  • Must provide proof of an academic supervisor in Switzerland who agrees to support the applicant’s research project.
• Age: Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989.
• Residency: Applicants who have been in Switzerland for over a year before the scholarship begins in September are not eligible.
• Language Skills: Applicants must meet the language requirements needed for their chosen research or studies.
• Previous recipients: Those who have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to reapply.
• Relocation: Scholarship holders must reside in Switzerland during their study period.

For more detailed eligibility information, please refer to the country-specific guidelines.

How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Follow these steps to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

1. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Signed FCS application form (typed and printed).
   • Comprehensive CV with academic achievements and publications.
   • Motivation letter (maximum of 2 pages).
   • Detailed research proposal (maximum of 5 pages), signed by the applicant and using the FCS format.
   • A confirmation letter from a Swiss academic supervisor, including their short CV.
   • Short CV of the academic mentor from the applicant’s home institution.
   • Two recommendation letters from professors (submitted in sealed envelopes).
   • Copies of degrees and transcripts, with certified translations in English, French, Italian, or German as required.
   • Signed medical certificate using the FCS health certificate form.
   • Copies of passport(s) for identification.
2. Obtain Application Package: Contact the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country to get the application package.
3. Submit Application: Prepare two sets of documents (one original and one copy). The original set should include the signed documents and recommendation letters. Submit the documents in the exact order specified and avoid using plastic folders or binders.

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