Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Overview

Awarded annually by the Swiss Confederation via the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), these support early-career researchers and artists from over 180 countries. Research scholarships fund postgraduate research (around CHF 2,450/month) at a Swiss university, ETH Zurich, EPFL, or an ETH Domain research institute; a separate, more limited track funds initial master's study in the arts.

Funding

Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920-3,500, plus a one-year half-fare Swiss public transport card; tuition/registration fees are typically waived

Eligibility

• Already hold a master's degree (for the research scholarship track)
• Maximum age of 35 at the time of application
• For research scholarships, need a Swiss academic supervisor willing to back your proposed research
• Apply through the Swiss embassy/diplomatic representation in your home country
• Country-specific quotas and deadlines apply — check availability for your nationality

Application Deadline

Varies by applicant's home country, generally falling between September and December each year for a grant beginning the following September; applications are now submitted via the ESKAS online portal (go.eskas.ch) Always confirm exact dates on the official site before planning your application, since deadlines shift year to year.

How to Apply

1. Contact a professor at a Swiss university whose research matches your interests and secure a written letter of commitment to supervise you
2. Check your country's specific deadline via your national Swiss Embassy or the ESKAS portal
3. Register and submit your application online at go.eskas.ch with your research proposal, CV, and transcripts
4. Await review by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)
5. Await notification, generally several months after the deadline