Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025 (How to Apply)

Good news! Pursue your studies in Switzerland. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is currently open. In this article, we will detail this scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for masters, PhD and postdoctoral studies. This scholarship provides a monthly payment, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, air fare and housing allowance. These scholarships are designed to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries worldwide. Here’s a detailed overview of what these scholarships entail:

Purpose:

The primary aim of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is to foster international relations in the fields of research and academics. They provide opportunities for foreign scholars to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland at one of the country’s publicly funded universities or recognized institutions.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Masters, PhD, Postdoctoral
• Institution(s): Swiss Government / Swiss Universities
• Study in: Switzerland
• Opportunity Focus Areas: See the types below.
• Program Period: Depends on the chosen degree.
• Deadline: country-specific. You can check it out here.

Types of Swiss Government

1. Ph.D. Scholarships: These are available for doctoral students who wish to conduct research in Switzerland. The scholarship covers a monthly stipend, exemption from tuition fees, and health insurance.
2. Postdoctoral Scholarships: Designed for researchers who have recently obtained their Ph.D. degrees, these scholarships support a research stay in Switzerland. They include a monthly stipend, health insurance, and possibly additional allowances.

Application Process:

1. Selection: Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, the quality of the research proposal, and the candidate’s potential to contribute to their field.
2. Submission: Candidates typically apply directly to the Swiss diplomatic representation in their home country. The Swiss Embassy or Consulate can provide specific application details and deadlines.

Scholarship Coverage

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships will provide the recipient with the following benefits:

• The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 1,920.
• For non-EU and non-EFTA grantees only: the FCS pays mandatory Swiss health insurance.
• There are no family allowances.
• Scholarship holders from non-EU and non-EFTA countries receive a flight allowance (lump sum) for a ticket back to their country of origin (provided at the end of the scholarship).
• Special CHF 300 housing allowance (paid once at the beginning of the scholarship).
• One-year, half-fare public transportation card.
• Support services and various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours are organized for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship holders.
• Please refer to the country-specific fact sheets for exact scholarship benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

To qualify for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, a candidate must fulfill all the following requirements:

• Required Language: English.
• Eligible Countries: All world countries.
• Master’s degree or equivalent university degree achieved before July 31, 2024 (degree certificate) recognized by the Swiss university. As proof, the degree has to be submitted to the Federal Commission for Scholarships before the start of the scholarship.
• Applicants must have been born after December 31, 1989.
• Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year, at the beginning of the scholarship in September, are not eligible.
• Applicants must provide a letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research. Without such support, the application will be rejected.
• Applicants must have a research proposal for the requirement, including a time frame. This is the centerpiece of the application. The applicant must devote all the required attention to it.
• Applicants must possess the necessary language skills required for the research/studies.
• Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship.
• Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during their grant period.

Note: Please refer to the country-specific fact sheets for specific eligibility criteria.

How to Apply

Read the following application instructions for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

(1) Prepare the following documents:

1. Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with
2. A full CV with list of academic publications, awards,
3. A motivation letter (maximum of 2 pages).
4. A complete research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed), using exclusively the FCS research proposal
5. A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the chosen Swiss university, confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research.
6. A short CV of the academic mentor at the home institution.
7. Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field (use exclusively the FCS reference form – originals in sealed envelopes only for the first set). No copies for the second set.
8. 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, do not submit the original certificates.
9. Signed medical certificate (use only the FCS health certificate form).
10. Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals add copies of both passports. Applicants already in Switzerland during the application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.

(2) The application package can be obtained in Swiss representation of your country.

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

Duration and Benefits:

• Ph.D. Scholarships: Usually awarded for a maximum of three years.
• Postdoctoral Scholarships: Typically awarded for 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific grant.

Host Institutions:

Scholarship recipients conduct their research at one of Switzerland’s publicly funded universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, or recognized institutions of higher education and research.

Benefits Beyond Financial Support:

Apart from financial support, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer recipients the opportunity to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s renowned academic and research environment. This includes access to state-of-the-art facilities, participation in conferences, and networking with leading researchers in their field.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships represent a significant opportunity for international scholars and researchers to advance their academic careers in Switzerland. Beyond financial support, these scholarships facilitate cultural exchange and academic collaboration, enriching both the scholars’ experiences and the global research landscape.

For more detailed information and to apply, prospective candidates should visit the official website here: Official Web site of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, or contact the Swiss diplomatic representation in their country.

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