Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-2028
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Clarified: a scholarship for researchers, not NGOs; CHF 2,450 per month (CHF not supported, amount field left empty)
Summary
A scholarship for individuals, not a grant for organisations. CHF 2,450 per month for early career researchers holding a Master's degree for a PhD, research stay or (for artists) a Master's in Switzerland from September 2027.
About the call
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) awards scholarships to researchers from 183 countries each year. There are three types: a one-year research stay during a PhD, a full PhD scholarship of up to 36 months, and an art scholarship for a first Master's at conservatories and art schools (selected countries only).
The scholarship is CHF 2,450 per month, plus health insurance, a CHF 600 housing deposit grant and a transit pass. Tuition fees are not covered. Applicants need a Master's degree by 31 July 2027, a birth date after 31 December 1991 and a support letter from a supervisor in Switzerland. Applications opened on 20 August 2026 via GO ESKAS; the Ukraine deadline is given in the country list on the SERI site.
Who can apply
- Researchers with a Master's degree, born after 31.12.1991
- With a support letter from a supervisor at a Swiss university
- Artists for a first Master's (selected countries)
Who cannot apply
- Organisations
- Bachelor's and Master's students (except the arts)
What the funds are for
- Monthly stipend of CHF 2,450
- Health insurance
- Housing deposit grant and transit pass
What is not funded
- Tuition fees
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
How to apply
- 1Find a supervisor in Switzerland and obtain a support letter
- 2Check scholarship types and the Ukraine deadline on the SERI site
- 3Apply online via GO ESKAS
Questions and answers
- Does the Swiss Government scholarship cover tuition fees?
- No, tuition fees are not covered. Besides CHF 2,450 per month, it includes health insurance, a CHF 600 housing deposit grant and a transit pass.
- Is there an age limit for candidates?
- Yes. Applicants need a birth date after 31 December 1991 and a Master's degree by 31 July 2027, plus a support letter from a supervisor in Switzerland.
Change history
- Updated: Clarified: a scholarship for researchers, not NGOs; CHF 2,450 per month (CHF not supported, amount field left empty)
