The Swiss Government is now accepting applications for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program from international students who are interested.
This scholarship from the Swiss Government is fully funded and includes a living stipend of CHF 3,500 per month. It’s available for those aiming to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at institutions located in Switzerland.
In this article, we’ll cover the essential details, requirements, benefits, and the application process for those interested in applying.
2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Summary
- Host: Swiss Government
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | CHF 3,500 Monthly Stipend
- Deadline: Varies by Country
Scholarship Details
Every year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is open to foreign scholars and artists who want to study at any of the ten Swiss Public Universities, the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, public teaching and research institutes, and the Universities of Applied Sciences.
These scholarships target young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD, and foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree.
The scholarships are of two types:
- Research Scholarships: For research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, and the four research institutes.
- Art Scholarships: For study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts, available to students from certain countries only.
Scholarship Requirements
To qualify for the 2025 Swiss Government Scholarship, you need to:
- Hold a university degree (Bachelors/Masters) at the start of the scholarship.
- Demonstrate your academic abilities and what you aim to achieve.
- Be under 35 years old (born on or after January 1, 1979).
- Be proficient in the language of instruction (French, German, Italian, or English).
Research Scholarship: Available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline who hold at least a master’s degree and plan to come to Switzerland for research or further studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level.
Art Scholarship: Open to art students aiming to pursue an initial master’s degree in Switzerland.
Duration and Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships will cover:
- Full tuition fees
- A CHF 3,500 monthly stipend
- Accommodation
Selection Criteria
Applications go through a preliminary selection by national authorities or Swiss diplomatic representation. Short-listed applications are then reviewed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which makes the final decision.
The FCS evaluates applications based on:
- Candidate profile
- Quality of the research project or artistic work
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
The FCS comprises professors from all Swiss public universities. Scholarship awards are determined by academic and scientific excellence. Scholarship recipients for the 2025-26 academic year will be selected by the end of May 2026.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to apply for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship:
- Select your continent and country of origin (according to your passport) to receive further information and application documents.
- Check the application deadline and the types of scholarships available. These vary by country. You will also find details on where to get answers to your questions.
- Click the link below to start your application process:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Deadline: Varies by Country
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
Anyone who holds a university degree (Bachelors or Masters), is under 35 years old, and is proficient in the language of instruction can apply. There are also specific requirements for research and art scholarships.
2. What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of CHF 3,500, and accommodation costs.
3. How are scholarship applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated based on the candidate’s profile, the quality of the research project or artistic work, and the potential for future research cooperation. The final decision is made by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).