Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards aimed at fostering international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries. These scholarships, managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), provide opportunities for postgraduate researchers and artists to pursue their studies in Switzerland. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025.

Types of Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are broadly categorized into two types:

1. Research Scholarships: These are available for postgraduate researchers in any discipline who have a master’s degree or higher. They are intended for doctoral or postdoctoral studies at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, and the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL).
2. Art Scholarships: These are offered to students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree in the arts. These scholarships are available to students from a limited number of countries and are tenable at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts​.

Benefits of the Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer several benefits to recipients, including:

• Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 per month.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance for non-EU/EFTA grantees.
• Travel Allowance: A lump sum for a return flight ticket for non-EU/EFTA grantees.
• Housing Allowance: A one-time CHF 300 housing allowance.
• Public Transportation: A one-year half-fare public transportation card.
• Additional Support: Various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours organized for scholarship holders

Eligibility Criteria

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

• Educational Requirements: A master’s degree or equivalent recognized by the Swiss university you are applying to.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be born after 31 December 1989.
• Residence: Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible.
• Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal, including a timeframe, is required.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in the language necessary for the research or study.
• Host Support: A letter of acceptance from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss institution​

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Application Documents

Applicants need to prepare the following documents:

1. Signed FCS Application Form: This form must be typed and printed.
2. Curriculum Vitae: A complete CV with a list of academic publications and awards.
3. Motivation Letter: A letter explaining the reasons for applying (maximum two pages).
4. Research Proposal: A comprehensive research proposal (maximum five pages) signed by the applicant.
5. Host Professor’s Letter: A letter from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss university.
6. Academic Mentor’s CV: A short CV of the academic mentor from the home institution.
7. Recommendation Letters: Two confidential letters of recommendation from professors in the applicant’s field.
8. Academic Certificates: Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities.
9. Medical Certificate: A signed medical certificate using the FCS health certificate form.
10. Passport Copies: Copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data)​.

Step 2: Submission

Applicants must submit two sets of the application documents (one original and one copy) to the Swiss diplomatic representation in their home country. The submission deadlines vary by country, and applicants should check the specific dates for their country of origin​ (EURAXESS)​​ (The Graduate Institute)​.

Step 3: Selection Process

The selection process involves preliminary assessment by national authorities and the Swiss diplomatic representation. Shortlisted applications are then reviewed by the FCS, which evaluates them based on:

1. Candidate Profile: Academic and professional qualifications.
2. Research Quality: The quality of the research project or artistic work.
3. Synergies: Potential for future research cooperation and academic integration​ (Studying in Switzerland)​​ (The Graduate Institute)​.

Important Considerations

• Fraud Warning: The FCS warns against fraudulent offers of Swiss Government Scholarships. The application process is free of charge and conducted exclusively through official Swiss diplomatic representations.
• Country-Specific Information: Applicants should refer to the country-specific fact sheets for detailed information on eligibility and application procedures​ (EURAXESS)​​ (Studying in Switzerland)​.

Also read:

• Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students 2025
• Italian Government Scholarship For 2025 (Application Process)
• Sabanci University Graduate Scholarship 2024-25

Conclusion

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for postgraduate researchers and artists to advance their academic and professional careers in Switzerland. By following the detailed application process and meeting the eligibility criteria, candidates can enhance their chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.

For more information, visit the official website of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).