Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 | Fully Funded
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 are now officially open for applications, offering one of the most prestigious fully funded academic opportunities available to international students, researchers, and artists from more than 180 countries worldwide. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), the Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships annually to promote international exchange and strengthen research collaboration with Swiss institutions. In particular, researchers and postgraduate students seeking fully funded scholarships in Switzerland 2027 will find this program especially compelling, as it covers round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend, housing allowance, health insurance, and a half-fare public transportation card. Furthermore, three separate scholarship categories — Research Fellowship, PhD Scholarship, and Art Scholarship — give applicants across different academic stages and disciplines a structured pathway to apply.
What sets the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships apart from other European government scholarships for international students is the quality and diversity of eligible host institutions. Specifically, applicants can conduct research or pursue study at Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and recognized research institutes within the ETH Domain — all consistently ranked among the world’s top academic and research institutions. Not only does this provide access to world-class research infrastructure, but it also connects scholars to Switzerland’s leading scientists, professors, and research networks. Additionally, the program is available to applicants from over 180 countries, making it one of the broadest-reaching government scholarship programs in Europe.
Each country has its own specific application deadline. Therefore, checking your country’s deadline immediately through the official ESKAS country list is the single most critical first step. The guide below covers every financial benefit, scholarship type, eligibility condition, required document, and step-by-step application route for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28.
Quick Answer
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 are fully funded awards from the Swiss Confederation open to researchers, PhD students, and artists from more than 180 countries. Three categories are available — Research Fellowship, PhD Scholarship, and Art Scholarship. The program covers airfare, monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, and transport. Deadlines vary by country — check your country’s deadline on the official ESKAS website immediately.
Details About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Administering Body: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
- Funded By: Swiss Confederation
- Academic Year: 2027/28
- Scholarship Categories: Research Fellowship, PhD Scholarship, Art Scholarship
- Open To: Applicants from more than 180 countries worldwide
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Applications Open: August 20, 2026
- Application Deadline: Varies by country — check the official ESKAS country deadline list
Also check: DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027/28 in Germany — Fully Funded
Financial Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship covers every major academic and living cost throughout the program period. Furthermore, the exact coverage of tuition fees depends on the specific Swiss host institution.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Full international travel coverage to and from Switzerland at the start and end of the scholarship
- Monthly Stipend: A regular monthly allowance to cover personal and living expenses throughout the program
- Housing Allowance: A dedicated housing support allowance to help cover accommodation costs in Switzerland
- Half-Fare Public Transportation Card: A one-year half-price public transport card valid across Switzerland’s extensive rail and public transport network
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the full duration of the scholarship
- Tuition Fees: Some Swiss universities cover tuition fees as part of the scholarship — others do not; confirm with your specific host institution before applying
Also check: ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 — Fully Funded for International Students
Scholarship Types
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships operate across three distinct categories. Specifically, each category targets a different academic profile and career stage.
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship is designed for highly qualified early-career researchers who are currently pursuing a PhD in their home country. Selected fellows conduct a full-time research project in Switzerland at one of the following institutions:
- Cantonal universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- Recognized research institutes within the ETH Domain
PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship supports qualified researchers who have completed a Master’s degree and wish to pursue full doctoral research at a Swiss university or recognized research institution. The scholarship can last up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress and the applicable conditions of the award.
Art Scholarship
The Art Scholarship is intended for highly talented young artists who want to pursue their first Master’s degree at a Swiss art school or conservatory. This category is specifically for artists who do not yet hold a Master’s degree and are applying to an eligible Swiss university of the arts or music.
Eligible Swiss Host Institutions
Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship applicants can conduct their research at the following institutions.
- Cantonal universities across Switzerland
- Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen)
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- Recognized research institutes within the ETH Domain
Art Scholarship applicants must apply to eligible Swiss universities of the arts or conservatories of music.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility conditions differ by scholarship category. Review every condition carefully for your specific category before beginning your application.
Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship
- Degree: Must hold a completed Master’s degree or equivalent qualification by July 31, 2027 (June 30, 2027 for ETH Zurich applications)
- Age: Must have been born after December 31, 1991
- Academic Profile: Must demonstrate a strong academic and research record
- Research Proposal: Must provide a detailed research proposal with a clear project timeline
- Swiss Supervisor: Must secure the support of an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution who is willing to supervise the proposed research project — applications without a confirmed supervisor will not be considered
- Country Requirements: Must comply with the specific requirements for your country of origin as listed on the official ESKAS country list
Art Scholarship
- Degree: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification by July 31, 2027
- No Prior Master’s: Must not already hold a Master’s degree at the time of application
- Admission Evidence: Must provide an admission letter or proof of application to an eligible Swiss university of the arts or music conservatory
Who Is NOT Eligible
Before investing time in your application, confirm you do not fall into any of the following categories.
- Research Fellowship and PhD applicants born before January 1, 1992
- Applicants who will not complete their Master’s degree by July 31, 2027 (June 30, 2027 for ETH Zurich)
- Research and PhD applicants who have not identified and secured a confirmed Swiss academic supervisor
- Art Scholarship applicants who already hold a Master’s degree
- Applicants from countries not included in the official ESKAS eligible country list
Also check: Max Planck Internship 2027 in Germany — Fully Funded
Important: Swiss Academic Supervisor Required
Research Fellowship and PhD applicants must identify and secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution before submitting their application. Specifically, the supervisor must be willing to formally support and supervise the proposed research project. Applications submitted without a confirmed Swiss academic supervisor will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants are personally responsible for identifying and contacting suitable supervisors independently — ESKAS does not arrange supervisors on behalf of applicants.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28
Applications are submitted online through the official Swiss Government scholarship system. Therefore, check your country’s specific deadline and requirements before beginning your submission.
- Check Your Country’s Deadline: Visit the official ESKAS country deadline list and confirm the specific closing date for your country — deadlines vary significantly between countries
- Confirm Your Category: Identify which scholarship category — Research Fellowship, PhD, or Art — matches your academic profile and career stage
- Find a Swiss Supervisor (Research and PhD Only): Contact potential academic supervisors at eligible Swiss institutions and secure written confirmation of their support before applying
- Prepare Your Research Proposal (Research and PhD Only): Write a detailed research proposal with a clear project timeline aligned with your chosen supervisor’s field
- Gather All Required Documents: Collect your degree certificates, transcripts, supervisor confirmation, research proposal, recommendation letters, and any other documents required by your country’s application guidelines
- Access the Online Application Portal: Go to the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships portal and begin your application
- Complete the Online Application: Fill in all required fields accurately and upload every required document
- Submit Before Your Country’s Deadline: Review your complete application carefully and submit before your country’s specific closing date
Also check: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 — Fully Funded Postgraduate at Cambridge UK
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 20, 2026 |
| Application Deadlines | Varies by country — check ESKAS list |
| Academic Year | 2027/28 |
| PhD Scholarship Duration | Up to 36 months |
| Official Portal | sbfi.admin.ch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The scholarship covers round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, housing allowance, health insurance, and a half-fare public transport card. Tuition fees are covered by some institutions but not all — confirm with your specific Swiss host institution.
Who can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Researchers, PhD students, and artists from more than 180 countries worldwide can apply across three categories — Research Fellowship, PhD Scholarship, and Art Scholarship. Eligibility conditions vary by category and country.
Do I need a Swiss academic supervisor before applying?
Yes. Research Fellowship and PhD applicants must identify and secure a confirmed Swiss academic supervisor before submitting. Applications without a supervisor will not be considered.
Do I need admission to Edinburgh before applying for the scholarship?
No. Successful scholarship candidates receive their scholarship offer first in March 2027, then apply for university admission through Edinburgh’s standard process afterward.
What is the age limit for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Research Fellowship and PhD applicants must have been born after December 31, 1991. Art Scholarship applicants do not have a specified age restriction.
Deadlines vary by country. Check the official ESKAS country deadline list at sbfi.admin.ch immediately to confirm your specific closing date.
The PhD Scholarship can last up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress and the applicable conditions of the award.
Yes. The Art Scholarship is specifically designed for talented young artists pursuing their first Master’s degree at a Swiss art school or conservatory. Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree.
