Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for aspiring researchers and doctoral students worldwide. Each year, Switzerland offers highly qualified international scholars the chance to pursue groundbreaking research at its leading universities and institutes. With full financial support—including a monthly stipend, housing and travel allowances, health insurance, and tuition coverage—this scholarship is designed to help you focus entirely on your academic goals. If you have a compelling research idea and are ready to collaborate with a Swiss academic, this could be your gateway to world-class research, global networking, and an unforgettable year in one of the most innovative countries on Earth.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Scholarship Category: Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
• Eligible Country: All Countries
• Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee + CHF 3,500, etc.
• Application Deadline: September – December

Scholarship Benefits for Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship 2026

The scholarship covers:

• Monthly stipend
  – CHF 1,920 per month for research and PhD grantees
  – CHF 3,500 per month for postdoctoral scholars
• Housing allowance
  – One-time payment of CHF 300 with the first disbursement
• Health insurance
  – Provided for non-EU/EFTA grantees
• Public transport
  – 1-year half-fare card for trains, buses, and trams
• Flight reimbursement
  – Return airfare for non-EU/EFTA recipients upon scholarship completion
• Tuition coverage
  – Most institutions waive tuition; some small semester fees may still apply

Note: The scholarship is a grant to cover living costs. It is not a salary and does not cover dependents, conferences, or fieldwork.

Eligibility Requirements for Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship 2026

In order to be considered for the scholarship, you should meet the following requirements:

• Academic qualifications
  – Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed by 31 July 2026 (or 30 June 2026 for ETH Zurich)
  – For postdocs: PhD completed by the same deadlines
• Age limit
  – Born after 31 December 1990
• Research proposal
  – Detailed plan with timeline, objectives, and key milestones
• Swiss host supervisor
  – Your supervisor must provide a letter of support and a short CV
• First-time Switzerland stayers preferred
  – Applicants should not have previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland (exceptions possible)
• If already in Switzerland
  – Date of entry must be after 1 August 2025 (proof required)

Documents Required for Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship 2026

To apply for the scholarship, you should have the following document handy:

• Completed application forms
• Degree certificates and transcripts (translated if necessary)
• Detailed research proposal with timeline
• Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor with their CV
• Two confidential reference letters from academic referees (excluding the host supervisor)
• Passport copy (plus residence permit if already in Switzerland)
• Medical certificate (form provided in application)
• Signed academic CV

Note: Each country may have slightly different document requirements. Check the relevant Swiss embassy’s site for country-specific details.

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Scholarship Deadline

• Application opens: Early August 2025
• Country-specific deadlines: Between September and December 2025
• Result notification: By the end of May 2026
• Scholarship start date: 1 September 2026
• Duration: Up to 12 months for research scholarships (non-renewable); PhD scholarships can last up to 36 months (renewable annually)

Steps to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship

1. Identify your country of eligibility
   – Check the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country for specific guidelines, deadlines, and required documents.
2. Download the application package
   – The official application forms and instructions are typically available starting early August each year.
3. Find a Swiss academic supervisor
   – Contact a professor at a Swiss public university, research institute, or university of applied sciences.
   – Send your CV, a brief research proposal, and a motivation letter.
   – Secure a signed letter of support from the supervisor along with their short CV.
4. Prepare all required documents
   Typically includes:
   • Completed application form (typed, signed)
   • CV with academic achievements and publications
   • Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
   • Detailed research proposal (maximum 5 pages)
   • Two confidential academic reference letters
   • Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts (translated if not in English, German, French, or Italian)
   • Supervisor’s letter and CV
   • Medical certificate (using official form)
   • Copy of passport (and residence permit if already in Switzerland)
5. Submit your application
   – Submit two complete, signed paper copies of the application (one original, one duplicate)
   – Send your application to the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country by the designated deadline (typically between September and December).
6. Selection process
   – Applications are screened first at the national level
   – Final selection is made by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships based on academic merit, originality of the project, and potential for collaboration.
7. Notification and scholarship start
   – Results are announced by the end of May
   – Successful candidates begin their scholarship on 1 September of the following year
   – They must enroll at the host Swiss institution in parallel

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