The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are now available for young international researchers and artists, aiming to foster academic and scientific collaboration. These prestigious scholarships are open to those who have completed a master’s degree or PhD, as well as to international artists holding a bachelor’s degree.

The scholarships provide opportunities for postgraduate researchers, including research fellowships, PhD, and Postdoctoral positions, across a wide range of fields. Recipients can use these scholarships for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, and four research institutes. However, only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these institutions will be considered.

 Application and Selection Process

The application process is rigorous and highly competitive. Initially, applications are screened by relevant national authorities or Swiss diplomatic missions. Those that pass this initial review are then evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which makes the final decision. The FCS comprises professors from Swiss public universities who assess applications based on three primary criteria:

1. Profile of the candidate

2. Quality of the research project or artistic work

3. Potential for future research collaboration

These criteria ensure that only the most outstanding candidates, who demonstrate academic and scientific excellence, are selected. The FCS’s evaluation process is thorough, ensuring that the chosen scholars have the potential to make significant contributions to their respective fields and foster future collaborations.

 Impact and Opportunities

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for young researchers and artists to advance their careers in an internationally renowned academic environment. By providing access to Switzerland’s leading universities and research institutes, these scholarships enable recipients to benefit from the country’s strong emphasis on research and innovation.

Details about the scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will be available online starting August 2024. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines. This initiative reflects Switzerland’s commitment to promoting global academic and scientific collaboration, contributing to the development of future leaders in research and the arts.