Your Alpine Adventure Awaits: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Recruitment Kicks Off on August 4, 2025!
Dreaming of conducting cutting-edge research in the heart of Europe, surrounded by stunning mountains and world-renowned academic institutions? If you’re a brilliant, early-career researcher or a talented artist, get ready to mark your calendars! The highly prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (SGES) program officially begins its recruitment drive for the 2026-2027 academic year on August 4, 2025!
This fully funded scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity for international exchange and research cooperation, inviting scholars and artists from over 180 countries to experience the Swiss commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
What Makes the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship So Exceptional?
The SGES is more than just a financial aid package; it’s a gateway to an enriching academic and cultural experience in one of the world’s most innovative nations. Recipients are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), an independent body of experts.
Here’s a glimpse of the incredible benefits and opportunities:
- Comprehensive Funding: While exact benefits can vary slightly by country and scholarship type, the SGES typically offers:
- Monthly Stipend: A generous monthly payment (e.g., CHF 1,920 for PhD/Research scholarships and CHF 3,500 for Postdoctoral scholarships) to cover living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for mandatory Swiss health insurance for non-EU/EFTA grantees.
- Travel Allowance: A one-time return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA grantees at the end of the scholarship.
- Housing Support: A one-time lump sum (e.g., CHF 300) to assist with housing deposits.
- Public Transport Card: A one-year half-fare public transportation card.
- Excursions and Activities: Access to various support services and organized trips, dinners, and sightseeing activities, fostering cultural immersion and networking.
- World-Class Institutions: You’ll have the opportunity to pursue your research or studies at any of Switzerland’s top-tier institutions, including:
- Swiss Cantonal Universities (e.g., University of Zurich, University of Geneva)
- Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL Lausanne)
- Universities of Applied Sciences
- Various Public Research Institutes (e.g., within the ETH Domain: PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag)
- Swiss Conservatories or Universities of the Arts (for Art Scholarships).
- Focus on Research & Innovation: Switzerland is a global leader in research and innovation. The SGES is primarily aimed at highly qualified postgraduate researchers who wish to undertake PhD, postdoctoral, or research fellowships in any academic discipline.
- Artistic Opportunities: For a limited number of countries, Art Scholarships are available for students seeking to pursue an initial Master’s degree in an artistic field.
- No Tuition Fee Waivers? It’s important to note that while the scholarship is “fully funded” for living and other costs, it typically does not directly cover tuition or semester fees. However, some Swiss universities may waive or reduce these fees for SGES holders, while others might still require a payment (approx. CHF 600 – 2,000 per semester). Be sure to confirm this with your target institution.
Are You the Ideal Candidate? Eligibility Criteria
The SGES is highly competitive, seeking candidates with strong academic credentials and a clear research or artistic proposal.
- Nationality: Open to citizens of over 180 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Switzerland. Eligibility and specific scholarship types vary by country, so checking the country-specific guidelines is crucial.
- Academic Level:
- Research/PhD Scholarships: Typically require a Master’s degree or equivalent obtained before a specific date (e.g., July 31, 2025, for the 2026 intake).
- Postdoctoral Scholarships: Requires a PhD degree obtained recently (e.g., after December 31, 2021, and before July 31, 2025, for the 2026 intake).
- Art Scholarships: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in an artistic field.
- Age Limit: Generally, applicants must be born after December 31, 1989 (check country-specific fact sheets for exact dates).
- Research Proposal: A detailed and original research proposal (for research/PhD/Postdoc scholarships) is the centerpiece of your application.
- Host Confirmation: A mandatory letter of support from an academic host professor at a Swiss university or research institution is essential. Without this, your application will not be considered. You need to secure this supervisor before applying for the scholarship.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the language required for your research/studies (English, German, French, or Italian) is a must.
- Residency in Switzerland: The scholarship requires the holder to reside in Switzerland for the duration of the grant. Applicants who have already resided in Switzerland for more than one year at the start of the scholarship are generally not eligible.
- No Prior SGES: You cannot apply if you have previously benefited from a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
The Application Process: Mark Your Calendar for August 4th!
The application process is meticulous and requires careful preparation.
- August 4, 2025: Application Period Opens! The official call for applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be advertised online by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
- Country-Specific Information: Crucially, the types of scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines depend on your country of origin. You MUST check the A-Z list of countries on the official SERI website (sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships) for your specific requirements and the contact details of the Swiss diplomatic representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country.
- Secure a Supervisor: This is a critical first step for research-based scholarships. Reach out to professors at Swiss universities whose research aligns with your proposal and secure a letter of acceptance/supervision.
- Download the Application Package: Once released, download all necessary forms and guidelines from the official website.
- Prepare Your Documents: This typically includes:
- Completed FCS application form.
- Detailed CV with publications, awards, etc.
- Motivation letter.
- Comprehensive research proposal (for research scholarships).
- Letter of support from your Swiss academic host professor (with their short CV).
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from professors in your field (using the official FCS form).
- Academic transcripts and diplomas.
- Medical certificate.
- Copy of your passport.
- Submission: Submit two complete paper copies of your application to the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation in your country of origin. Deadlines vary by country, typically falling between September and December 2025.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to advance your academic or artistic career in one of the most innovative and beautiful countries in the world. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a truly transformative experience, prepare your documents and be ready to apply when the portal opens on August 4, 2025! Your Swiss adventure awaits!