Published on October 28 , 2025
Contents
Fostering Global Academic ExchangeEligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for Swiss Excellence Scholarships?Financial and Non-Financial Benefits: Comprehensive Support for ScholarsApplication Process: Step-by-Step Guide to SuccessDeadlines and Timeline: Act Fast for 2026-27 IntakeSelection Process: What Makes a Winning Application?
Delhi, India
Fostering Global Academic Exchange
- Core Mission: Launched by the Swiss Confederation, these scholarships promote international research cooperation and cultural exchange, targeting scholars from over 180 countries to study or conduct groundbreaking work at Switzerland’s premier institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and cantonal universities.
- Scale and Impact: For the 2026-27 academic year, up to 500 awards are available – a significant increase from 281 in the previous cycle – covering diverse fields to nurture future leaders in science, humanities, arts, and beyond.
- Types of Scholarships: Includes Research Scholarships (postgraduate studies/research), PhD Scholarships, Postdoctoral Scholarships, and Art Scholarships (initial Master’s in arts, limited to select countries), all emphasizing innovation and collaboration with Swiss mentors.
- Host Institutions: Eligible at public-funded universities, federal institutes of technology, universities of applied sciences, and specialized art conservatories, ensuring access to cutting-edge facilities and networks.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for Swiss Excellence Scholarships?
- General Requirements: Open to non-Swiss nationals from eligible countries (check country-specific lists); must demonstrate outstanding academic merit and research potential; language proficiency in English, German, French, or Italian as per host program.
- Research Scholarships: Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich); born after December 31, 1990; for pursuing PhD, research, or postdoctoral studies.
- PhD Scholarships: Enrolled or planning PhD at a Swiss university; similar academic and age criteria as research scholarships.
- Postdoctoral Scholarships: Hold a PhD; focus on advanced research projects up to 12 months.
- Art Scholarships: For initial Master’s in music, visual arts, or design; limited to citizens of about 20 countries; no age limit specified but requires bachelor’s completion.
- Exclusions and Notes: Not for Swiss nationals or those already studying in Switzerland; priority for first-time applicants; country quotas may apply to balance global representation.
Financial and Non-Financial Benefits: Comprehensive Support for Scholars
- Monthly Stipend: CHF 1,920 (approx. USD 2,200) for research/PhD students; CHF 3,500 (approx. USD 4,000) for postdocs – covers living expenses in high-cost Switzerland.
- Tuition and Fees: Full waiver at host institutions, eliminating academic costs.
- Travel and Insurance: Round-trip economy airfare; comprehensive health and accident insurance; housing search assistance and a CHF 300 lump-sum for settling-in.
- Additional Perks: Research fund (up to CHF 1,000 for materials); no family allowances but visa support; access to Swiss academic networks, conferences, and potential extensions based on performance.
- Long-Term Value: Builds international credentials, boosting career prospects in academia, industry, or policy; alumni often secure roles at global organizations like WHO or CERN.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Success
- Step 1: Research and Match: Identify a Swiss host professor/supervisor via university websites; secure a letter of invitation confirming supervision and resources – crucial for all applications.
- Step 2: Gather Documents: Prepare CV, motivation letter (1-2 pages), research proposal (3-5 pages for research/PhD/postdoc), academic transcripts, diplomas, two recommendation letters, passport copy, and proof of language skills; art applicants add portfolio.
- Step 3: Submit Online: Apply via the Swiss embassy or designated authority in your home country; use the official portal for uploads – no direct applications to Switzerland.
- Step 4: Nomination and Review: Shortlisted candidates nominated by country reps; final selection by Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
- Tips for Standouts: Tailor proposals to Swiss strengths (e.g., sustainability, AI); highlight mutual benefits of collaboration; start early as supervisor outreach takes 2-3 months.
Deadlines and Timeline: Act Fast for 2026-27 Intake
- Application Window: Opens August 4, 2025; closes between September and December 2025, varying by country – e.g., Mauritius: October 31; India: September 30; check official country pages for exact dates.
- Selection Timeline: Embassy pre-selection by January 2026; final decisions by May-June 2026; scholarships start September 2026 (extendable to December).
- Country-Specific Access: Visit sbfi.admin.ch for per-country guidelines; over 180 nations participate, with priority for developing regions.
- No Fee Policy: Completely free to apply, but prepare for potential translation/notarization costs.
Selection Process: What Makes a Winning Application?
- Evaluation Criteria: 40% academic excellence and research quality; 30% motivation and feasibility; 20% supervisor endorsement; 10% international impact and diversity.
- Competitive Edge: Strong proposals show innovation, feasibility within 12 months, and alignment with Swiss priorities like climate action or health tech; success rate around 20-25% due to high demand.
- Post-Selection: Visa processing (2-3 months), orientation sessions, and integration support provided.
