Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026

Fully funded postgraduate research and arts scholarships in Switzerland — open to ASEAN and 180+ countries. Offered by the Swiss government to support international collaboration and cultural exchange.

🔍 Quick Snapshot

Provider: Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) via FCS
Opportunity Type: Fully Funded Government Scholarship for Research and Arts
Scholarship Count: Varies by country and program type
Deadline: Varies (Sept–Dec 2025 by country)
Program Start: September 2026
Location: Switzerland (all cantons & institutions)
Themes: All disciplines in research and arts

🌍 About the Scholarship

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships aim to foster international research cooperation and artistic exchange. Offered by SERI through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these prestigious awards support postgraduate researchers and artists to study or conduct research at Swiss institutions.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Citizen of an eligible country (including all ASEAN nations)
Not resided in Switzerland for more than 12 months prior to scholarship start
For Research (PhD/Postdoc): Hold a master’s degree and secure a Swiss supervisor
For Arts: Hold a bachelor’s degree in arts and seek a master’s in Switzerland
Born typically after 1990 (check embassy guidelines)
Proficiency in instruction language (usually English, French, or German)

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Monthly stipend (~CHF 1,920)
Health insurance (non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Full tuition fee support
One-time housing allowance (~CHF 300)
Return airfare grant
Swiss public transportation discount card (50% off for 1 year)

📝 How to Apply

From August 2025, visit your country’s Swiss embassy website for application materials
Download and read your country-specific guidelines
Secure an academic host/supervisor at a Swiss university
Prepare your application: proposal (≤5 pages), CV, letters of reference, motivation letter, and supervisor’s endorsement
Submit your complete application to your embassy by their listed deadline (Sept–Dec 2025)