Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Swiss Government scholarships for postgraduate researchers and artists from over 180 countries to pursue research and study at Swiss universities and institutions.
Overview
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research collaboration. Available to citizens of over 180 countries, these scholarships are offered in two categories: research scholarships for postdoctoral and advanced researchers, and art scholarships for artists seeking to advance their practice at Swiss institutions. Research scholarships support stays of 9-18 months at Swiss universities, while art scholarships support study at accredited Swiss conservatories and art schools. The program is administered through Swiss embassies and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
What You Can Find Here
- Research fellowships for postdoctoral researchers (PhD holders) for 12-18 months at Swiss universities
- Research fellowships for PhD candidates for 9-12 months at Swiss research institutions
- Art scholarships for artists and musicians at Swiss conservatories and art schools
- Full stipend covering living costs (around CHF 1,920-3,500 per month depending on level)
- Health insurance coverage during the scholarship period in Switzerland
- Waiver of university tuition fees at the host institution
Who Should Use This
- Postdoctoral researchers from eligible countries seeking research experience at Swiss universities (ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, etc.)
- PhD students seeking a research stay or cotutelle at a Swiss research institution
- Artists and musicians from eligible countries seeking advanced study at Swiss arts schools
- Researchers who have established contact with a Swiss professor willing to supervise their project
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Check which category applies to you (research or art) and verify your country is eligible at sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships
- Step 2: Contact your target Swiss supervisor or institution to secure a letter of invitation or acceptance
- Step 3: Download the application documents from the Swiss embassy in your home country
- Step 4: Submit your complete application to the Swiss embassy in your country by the national deadline (typically October-November)
- Step 5: Pre-selection is done by SERI/Swiss embassies; successful candidates are invited for interviews in some countries
Things to Check Before Applying
- Eligibility and application deadlines vary by country - check with your local Swiss embassy
- Research scholarships usually require an invitation letter from a Swiss university professor
- Scholarships are awarded by category (research vs art) - determine which applies to your project
- Applications are submitted through the Swiss embassy in your home country, not directly to Swiss universities
- Competition is strong - prepare a detailed and compelling research proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
Citizens from over 180 countries are eligible. Eligibility criteria and available scholarship types vary by country. Check the SBFI website or your local Swiss embassy for country-specific details.
Do I need a supervisor at a Swiss university before applying?
For research scholarships, having an invitation letter from a Swiss supervisor is strongly recommended and in many countries required. For art scholarships, acceptance from an art institution is typically needed.
What is the scholarship stipend amount?
Stipends vary by scholarship level: PhD candidates receive around CHF 1,920/month, postdoctoral researchers around CHF 3,500/month. The amount is designed to cover living costs in Switzerland.
Can I extend my Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
Extensions are not typically available. The scholarship is for a fixed period (9-18 months). After completion, scholars return to their home country or arrange other funding.
Which Swiss universities participate in this program?
All accredited Swiss universities are eligible host institutions, including ETH Zurich, EPFL, Universities of Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Neuchatel, St. Gallen, and Zurich.
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