Study Free in Switzerland - Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025-2026 for Masters, Phd and Post Doctoral

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will begin accepting applications in early August 2024. Each year, the Swiss Confederation offers research and arts scholarships to students from over 180 countries. This scholarship aims to promote cooperation between Switzerland and other nations. It's a popular option for studying in Switzerland and is sponsored by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS).

The scholarship is designed for young researchers who have already completed a master’s or PhD degree in any field and want to continue their studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level in Switzerland. It also supports foreign artists with a bachelor's degree who plan to pursue a master's degree in Switzerland. Further details about the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are provided below.

Financial Support The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides:

1. Round-trip airfare
2. A monthly stipend to cover living expenses and accommodation
3. A housing allowance
4. A one-year half-fare card for public transportation
5. Tuition fee coverage

Types of Scholarships Under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program

1. Research Scholarships: These are available for postgraduate researchers in any field who have a master’s degree. It includes options for:

2. Research Fellowship: For conducting research related to your PhD at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities.
1. Target Group: Postgraduate researchers from all fields and young medical doctors.
2. Criteria: A master's degree or equivalent, a research proposal with a timeline, and a mandatory letter from an academic host professor, including a short CV.
3. Duration: 12 months
3. PhD Scholarship: For those pursuing a PhD.
4. Criteria: Master’s degree or equivalent.
5. Duration: Up to 36 months
6. Post-Doctoral Scholarship: For early-career scientists with a PhD to undertake postdoctoral research.
7. Target Group: Highly qualified early-career scientists.
8. Criteria: PhD degree achieved
9. Duration: 12 months
10. Art Scholarships: These are for foreign art students who wish to pursue a master's degree in arts in Switzerland.
11. Universities: The scholarship can be used at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
12. Criteria: Applicants must be highly qualified young artists with a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The scholarship is available only to a limited number of countries.

How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

1. Select Your Country: Start by choosing your country of origin. Check the specific scholarships available for your nationality, along with the eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

2. Selection Process: The initial selection is done by the Swiss Embassy in your country. The final decision is made by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)

Application Timeline

1. Call for Applications: Early August
2. Submission Deadline: From September to December (varies by country)
3. Selection: By the end of May
4. Scholarship Start: September 2026

The FCS will finalize the selection of scholarship recipients for the 2025-26 academic year by the end of May 2025.

Application Process

1. Visit the official scholarship website.
2. Read the application details, required documents, and eligibility criteria carefully.
3. Do some research, join relevant Facebook groups, and connect with current scholarship holders for advice.
4. The link to the official Swiss Government Scholarship website is provided below.

For more information: visit here 

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