The application is open for the Swiss government Excellence Scholarship program for the Academic year of 2026-2027.

The Swiss government offers its Excellence scholarship to foreign students and researchers from over 183 countries to create an international exchange and study at Swiss higher education institutions.  Young artists with a bachelor’s degree and researchers with a master’s degree or Ph.D. can apply to the Swiss Excellence fully funded scholarship program.

Scholarship type offered:

There are two types of scholarships offered through the Swiss Excellence Scholarship program:

1. Research scholarship for those who have at least a master’s degree and are willing to do their research in Switzerland. (include Research fellowship, PhD, and PostDoc)
2. Art Scholarship for those who want to start and pursue their master’s degree in Switzerland for a limited number of countries.

Each country has been offered scholarships with separate requirements and programs. Students need to check the requirements for their countries HERE.

Swiss Excellence Scholarship for Afghanistan

Swiss Excellence Scholarship is offered for Afghanistan in the following three types:

• Ph.D. Scholarships
• Post Doctoral Scholarship
• Research Scholarships

Details of Research Scholarship for Afghanistan

• Start of Application: August 4, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Study Location: Switzerland
• Level of study: Research Fellowship, PhD, and Postdoctoral
• Start of the program: September 1, 2026
• Duration: 12 Months

For other Asian Countries, please click this official link.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance (2026–2027)

These scholarships support international applicants to pursue research, PhD, postdoctoral, or arts master’s programs in Switzerland.

Generally, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027 scheme contains two types of scholarship, including Research scholarships and Art Scholarship:

Research Fellowships

The Swiss Government Excellence Research Scholarship supports selected applicants in conducting a one-year, full-time research project in Switzerland as part of their doctoral studies. The scholarship is valid only for research carried out at a recognized Swiss higher education institution or research institute.

It is aimed at highly qualified early-career researchers from all academic disciplines, including young medical doctors. Preference is given to candidates who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, except in specific cases outlined in the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility:

• Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026)
• Born after 31 December 1990
• Detailed research plan with timeline and milestones
• Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (with short CV)
• If already in Switzerland, entry must be after 1 August 2025 (proof required)

Selection Criteria:

• Strong academic background, research skills, and motivation
• Original and methodologically sound research project
• Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration

Key Details:

• Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Funding: CHF 1,920/month
• Target Group: Early-career researchers from all academic fields

PhD Scholarships

This scholarship supports selected applicants in pursuing a full-time PhD at a Swiss university or recognized research institute. It is exclusively available for research conducted within Switzerland.

The program targets highly qualified researchers from any academic field who have completed a master’s degree. Priority is given to candidates who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, with some exceptions as outlined in the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026)
• Born after 31 December 1990
• Detailed research plan with timeline and milestones
• Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor (with short CV)
• If already in Switzerland, entry must be after 1 August 2025 (proof required)

Selection Criteria:

• Strong academic profile, research skills, and motivation
• Originality and methodological quality of the research project
• Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration

Key Details:

• Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months
• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Funding: CHF 1,920/month
• Target Group: Academically strong master’s graduates from all fields

Postdoctoral Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowship supports highly qualified early-career researchers in conducting a full-time postdoctoral research project at a Swiss university or recognized research institute.

The fellowship is open to international applicants who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, with priority given to those new to the Swiss academic environment.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• PhD completed between 1 Jan 2023 – 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026)
• Research plan with timeline and key milestones
• Support letter and short CV from a Swiss academic supervisor
• If already in Switzerland, entry date must be after 1 Aug 2025 (proof required)

Selection Criteria:

• Strong academic profile, research skills, and motivation
• Originality and methodological quality of the project
• Quality of supervision and collaboration potential

Key Details:

• Duration: 12 months (non-renewable)
• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Funding: CHF 3,500/month
• Target Group: Early-career postdoctoral researchers

Art Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarships are designed for talented art students seeking to obtain their first Master’s degree in Switzerland. These scholarships provide an opportunity for young artists to advance their education and artistic development at a Swiss art school or conservatory.

Available at all recognized Swiss conservatories and art institutions, the scholarships are open only to applicants from a limited number of eligible countries. The program supports full-time studies and does not apply to part-time or distance learning formats.

The main objective of the art scholarship is to support selected individuals in pursuing a full-time Master’s degree in the fields of arts or music in Switzerland, offering both financial assistance and access to world-class artistic education and mentorship.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• • Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026
  • Born after 31 December 1990
  • Not already holding a Master’s degree
  • The admission process to a Swiss institution must be underway
  • Must enter Switzerland after 1 Aug 2025

Key Details:

• Duration: 12 months, extendable up to 21 months
• Start Date: 1 Sept 2026
• Funding: CHF 1,920/month
• Target Group: Talented young artists (available to limited countries only)

Note: Scholarships are for full-time study/research only. Priority is given to those with no prior Swiss study/research experience.

Eligible Countries

The Swiss Excellence scholarship is available for the following countries:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cap Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea North, Korea South, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Island, Mauritania, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Authority, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Congo, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Salomon Islands, Samoa, Santa Lucia, Sao Tome and principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St- Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland / eSwatini, Sweden, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, UK, USA, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Find the country-specific details, contact numbers, and reference organizations in this PDF link.

Eligible Higher Education Institutions

The following universities are eligible for Swiss Excellence postgraduate scholarships (Research Fellowships, PhD, Postdoctoral)

Research scholarships: PhD, Postdoctoral scholarships, and research fellowships

• University of Basel
• University of Bern
• University of Fribourg
• University of Geneva
• University of Lausanne
• University of Lucerne
• University of Neuchâtel
• University of St. Gallen
• University of Zurich
• Università della Svizzera italiana
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
• Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)

Research scholarships: Postdoctoral scholarships and research fellowships

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
• Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)
• University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
• University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
• Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
• Universities of teacher education
• UniDistance Suisse 
• Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)

Art scholarships at host institutions in Switzerland:

• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
• Bern University of the Arts (HKB-BFH)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland (OST)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
• Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
• Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK)

Required Documents (in English, French, German, or Italian)

Below is the list of documents required for both types of scholarships:

Required Documents for Research Scholarships:

• Complete CV
• Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• Research proposal (max. 5 pages + summary)
• Letter of support from Swiss academic supervisor
• Short CV of Swiss academic supervisor (max. 2 pages)
• Short CV of home university supervisor (for research fellowships)
• Confirmation of admission (for PhD scholarships at graduate schools)
• Two recommendation letters
• Certificates and transcripts with certified translations (if applicable)
• Medical certificate (FCS form)
• Copy of passport(s)
• Swiss residence permit or registration (if applicable)

Required Documents for Art Scholarships:

• Complete CV
• Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• Two recommendation letters
• Certificates and transcripts with certified translations (if applicable)
• Medical certificate (FCS form)
• Copy of passport(s)
• Swiss residence permit or registration (if applicable)
• Music applicants: High-quality audio files (3 styles) or scores (for composers)
• Visual arts applicants: 3 labeled photos of artworks + sketches
• Other arts (dance, acting, writing): Digital files of performances/creations
• Confirmation of application/admission to Swiss art/music school

Watch this video

Please do not put the documents into plastic folders or binders.

Selection:

Preliminary selection is made by the relevant country authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic mission. The Federal Commission subsequently evaluates the shortlisted applications for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which determines the final decision.

The FCS evaluates scholarship applications based on three criteria:

• Candidate information
• The standard of the research study or artistic work
• Potential for future research collaboration and synergies

The FCS is made up of professors from all of Switzerland’s public universities. Scholarships are awarded based on academic and scientific excellence.

Exclusion Criteria :
Applications will not be considered if:

• No Swiss academic supervisor or support letter is provided
• The supervisor and reference person are the same individual
• Multiple host universities or scholarship types are applied for
• More than one research project is submitted
• The applicant has lived in Switzerland for over one year before the start date
• The application is incomplete or has formal errors
• PhD: No official admission confirmation from a graduate school
• Postdoc: Swiss supervisor was PhD supervisor or co-supervisor
• The Applicant is applying for the fourth time after three rejections
• The applicant has already received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

How to Apply?

Applicants should check their eligibility according to their country of origin. They can contact the designated Swiss office assigned to their country if they are eligible.

Applicants from Afghanistan can contact the Swiss embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, to receive all detailed information about the Swiss Excellence Scholarships and the package for application.

Applicants from countries other than Afghanistan should find their country-specific scholarships HERE, read the details, and apply accordingly.

Please download and read the program details (linked below) before applying to this program.

• Research
• PhD
• Postdoctoral
• Arts

Guidelines for Swiss Government Scholarship Applications 2026-2027

Afghan Applicants can get and submit the application form to the address below: islamabad.scholarships@eda.admin.ch.

Please note that Afghanistan applicants who apply to the Ph.D. program should simultaneously apply for admission and for a Scholarship. Applicants can get the application package by contacting the Swiss Cooperation Office Pakistan in Islamabad. Then submit two sets of the application (a copy and original of all documents )

For more information, please the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Program Website.

Contact address of the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad:

Afghanistan applicants can contact:

islamabad.scholarships@eda.admin.ch.

kabul@eda.admin.ch
0093 790 08 0800
0093 729 31 3135
Embassy of Switzerland to Pakistan
Street 06, Diplomatic Enclave, G-5/4
44000 Islamabad
Pakistan

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