Overview
The Swiss Government invites applications for the prestigious 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, a fully-funded opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in Switzerland. This scholarship aims to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries worldwide.
Host: Swiss Government
Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
Eligible Countries: All Countries
Scholarship Value: Full Scholarship | CHF 3,500 Monthly Stipend
Application Deadline: Varies by Country
Scholarship Details
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is designed to support young researchers and artists from around the world. It offers two types of scholarships:
- Research Scholarships:
- For postgraduate researchers in any discipline.
- Available at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology, and research institutes.
- Art Scholarships:
- For students pursuing an initial Master’s degree in the arts.
- Available at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts (limited to specific countries).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, applicants must:
- Educational Background: Hold a university degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s) before the scholarship commences.
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrate strong academic abilities and clear objectives for their studies.
- Age Limit: Be under 35 years old (born on or after January 1, 1979).
- Language Proficiency: Be proficient in the language of instruction (French, German, Italian, or English).
- Research Applicants: Postgraduate researchers must have at least a Master’s degree and plan to pursue research or further studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level in Switzerland.
- Art Applicants: Artists must hold a Bachelor’s degree and seek to pursue an initial Master’s degree in Switzerland.
Duration and Benefits
The scholarship covers the full duration of study and includes:
- Full Tuition Coverage: All tuition fees are covered by the scholarship.
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 3,500 per month for living expenses.
- Accommodation: Housing support provided.
Selection Criteria
Applications undergo a preliminary selection process by national authorities and/or Swiss diplomatic representations. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) then evaluates shortlisted applications based on the following criteria:
- Candidate Profile: Academic and professional qualifications.
- Research Project Quality: Potential impact and relevance of the proposed research or artistic work.
- Future Cooperation Potential: Synergies and opportunities for future research collaboration.
Final decisions on scholarship awards are made by the FCS based on academic and scientific excellence, with recipients announced by the end of May 2026.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to apply for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship:
- Select Your Continent and Country: Choose your continent and country of origin (as per your passport) to receive detailed application instructions and documents.
- Check Deadlines: Review the application deadlines and available scholarships for your country.
- Application Process: Click on the “Apply Here” link below to begin the application process and submit the required documents.