Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: Fully Funded 2024-2025
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Applications are now being accepted for the academic year 2024–2025 for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for international students and artists. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students, which is part of the Swiss government, administers the Switzerland scholarship (FCS aka ESKAS, CFBE). Research at one of the public Swiss universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, universities of applied sciences, or music and art schools is eligible for Swiss Government Scholarships.
Scholarships in the arts and music are available for study at public music academies as well as art and design schools. Young researchers who have completed their undergraduate degrees and are highly motivated and competitive are eligible for the Switzerland government scholarship for 2024–2025. (postgraduates). The recipients of these scholarships will be able to research areas where Swiss universities are particularly active.
The Swiss government scholarship aims to encourage international collaboration in research and exchange between Switzerland and more than 180 other nations. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students, the organization that grants the scholarships, chooses the recipients (FCS). Young international researchers with master’s or Ph.D. degrees or international artists with bachelor’s degrees are the target audience for the scholarships. This program offers one of the best free studies abroad scholarships.
This international student scholarship program is fully funded and only good for full-time study in Switzerland. It does not apply to correspondence courses, mixed programs, on-the-job training, or part-time studies (part-time in Switzerland and part-time in another country). Grant recipients must reside in Switzerland for the duration of their scholarship. The four categories of this government scholarship program are as follows:
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Master’s in Art
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Ph.D. in all fields
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Postdoctoral in all fields
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Research in all fields.
Program Details
Host institutions: Higher education institutions in Switzerland.
Areas: Available field of study at Swiss universities and institutions.
Number of awards: Not specified.
Duration: Please find full details below.
Target group: Open to citizens of all countries.
Benefits of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2024
The following advantages will be available to those chosen as recipients of the Swiss government scholarship for 2024–2025:
Scholarship amount
Research scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month
Ph.D. scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month
Arts scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month
Postdoctoral scholarship: 3500 Swiss Francs per month.
Housing allowance
All scholarship holders receive a one-time lump sum of CHF 300 with the first grant payment to help them pay part of the housing deposit.
Tuition fees and Master fees for artists
The FCS does not cover semester fees or tuition. Scholarship recipients may occasionally be required to pay semester fees (usually around 600 CHF per semester) or at least have their tuition fees reduced by the universities and the Federal Institute of Technology. The universities don’t always cover the Ph.D. fees. The grantee is responsible for paying the fees if the Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Art Schools do not waive them.
Health insurance
Everyone in Switzerland must have health insurance (except for dental care). Only for grantees outside of the EU and EFTA: the FCS covers the cost of required Swiss health insurance. Please be aware that each recipient of an FCS scholarship from an EU or EFTA Member State is responsible for his or her insurance coverage and any associated costs.
Travel expenses
EFTA and EU member states grant recipients are responsible for covering their travel costs to and from Switzerland. Grantees outside the European Union and EFTA are responsible for covering their travel costs to Switzerland; however, they are provided with a return flight allowance (a lump sum determined by the country of origin) for a ticket back home (provided at the end of the scholarship).
Fieldwork
Ph.D. scholarship recipients may submit a special request regarding their Ph.D. thesis and any potential fieldwork after the scholarship has been granted. Up to six months of the scholarship may be used during the fieldwork. However, there is no additional financial support available for FCS fieldwork. For other scholarship types, there is no possibility of conducting fieldwork while in Switzerland.
Summary of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
It is impossible to begin a government scholarship in Switzerland at any other time of the year than September, when all scholarships are offered.
| Scholarship type | Summary |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Research Fellowships | –12 months (September through August) with no room for extension. -cannot be upgraded to a Ph.D. scholarship that can be extended -Grant requests for stays of less than nine months won’t be given priority consideration. -Applications for grants for stays of less than six months will be declined. |
| Switzerland PhD Scholarship | –12 months (September through August) with no room for extension. -cannot be upgraded to a Ph.D. scholarship that can be extended -Grant requests for stays of less than nine months won’t be given priority consideration. -Grant applications for stays of less than six months will be declined. |
| Switzerland Postdoctoral Scholarship | -12 months (September through August), extendable for 36 months. -Based on the achieved academic results, the Ph.D. scholarships may be extended in three steps of 12 months each. -If it becomes necessary to terminate the doctorate, it is the concerned grant holder’s and the supervisor’s responsibility to secure sufficient funding beyond the maximum duration of the PhD scholarship (36 months). |
| Switzerland Arts Scholarships | -12 months (September to August), with a maximum extension of 21 months based on the Master’s program selected and the required ECTS credits. |
List of host institutions offering Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Here is the list of the universities offering various programs, and you can pursue your education there with Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. As mentioned in the previous section, three student groups can receive these scholarships.
1-For postgraduate scholarships (Research Fellowships, Ph.D., Postdoctoral):
2- For postgraduate scholarships (Research fellowships and Postdoctoral only)
1-University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland
2-Bern University of Applied Sciences
3-University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland
4-University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
5-University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
6-Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
7-University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
9-Universities of teacher education
3- For art scholarships:
1-University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
3-University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
4-University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
5-Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
6-University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
Eligibility Criteria- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Candidates for all scholarship programs must fulfill the following criteria:
- Candidates must possess the required language proficiency for the program.
- Have not spent more than a year in Switzerland at the start of the scholarship in September 2024.
- Be able to relocate to Switzerland while receiving the scholarship.
- It is impossible to apply for a second scholarship if you have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
- Additionally, candidates for this scholarship for Europe must meet the requirements of the scholarship category they have selected.
Swiss Excellence Master’s Scholarships Eligibility
In addition to the prerequisites listed above, applicants for the Swiss Excellence Master’s Scholarships must fulfill the following requirements.
-Candidates must have been born after December 31, 1987.
-Bachelor’s degree or equivalent achieved before July 31, 2024 (degree certificate) (degree certificate).
-Not already possessing a master’s degree
-Be highly qualified young artists working in any arts branch without a Master’s degree.
-Only citizens of nations with which Switzerland has a scholarship reciprocity agreement for the arts are eligible for art scholarships. Please see the complete list of nations that qualify below.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, and the United States are the only countries that can receive art scholarships.
Select the continent with your country.
Eligibility Criteria-Swiss Government Excellence Ph.D. Scholarships
All academic disciplines’ highly qualified postgraduate students with the degrees needed to begin a Ph.D. are eligible for this scholarship. Candidates must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the prerequisites listed above to be considered for the Swiss Government Excellence Ph.D. Scholarships.
- Hold a Master’s degree or a comparable college degree earned before July 31, 2024 (except ETH Zurich: June 30, 2024).
- Born after December 31, 1987.
- Hold the ability to submit a research proposal with a timeline. This serves as the application’s focal point. The applicant must give it their full undivided attention.
- Hold a required letter from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss university (along with her or his brief CV).
Eligibility Criteria-Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships
Highly qualified postdoctoral scientists in their early careers from all scientific disciplines are the target audience for this program. In addition to the prerequisites listed above, candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered for the Swiss Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships.
- Possess a doctoral degree that was earned after December 31, 2019, but before July 31, 2024 (ETH Zurich: June 30, 2024), with a completed doctoral degree certificate.
- Possess the ability to submit a research proposal with a timeline.
- Possess a required letter from an academic host professor (Along with a brief CV).
- Primarily for academics who haven’t visited Switzerland before.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
To view the detailed instructions for their respective nations, interested candidates for this government scholarship must download this PDF file. To find the application deadline, please choose your country of origin (as listed on your passport). Questions and application materials (FSC Form) should be sent to the address specified in the call for applications specific to your country after first being requested from that source.
Documents for Postgraduate Scholarship Applications
For applications for research, Ph.D., and postdoctoral scholarships, please see the documents below. Please submit your application materials in the precise order listed below, in two sets (i.e., one original and one copy). The first set includes the original, duly executed documents, the private letters of recommendation, and, where necessary, the attested English translations. Except for the private letters of recommendation, the second set is a duplicate of the first (only the 1st set). None for the second set.
- Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.
- a comprehensive CV that includes information about your education and training, degrees and diplomas (with dates), awards, academic positions (with dates), non-academic positions (with dates), publications with references, conferences, academic teaching experiences, extracurricular teaching experiences, links to your science blogs, online presentations, etc.
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
- a comprehensive CV that includes information about your education and training, degrees and diplomas (with dates), awards, academic positions (with dates), non-academic positions (with dates), publications with references, conferences, academic teaching experiences, extracurricular teaching experiences, links to your science blogs, online presentations, etc.
- a copy of the letter stating why the selected Swiss university’s academic host professor is willing to support and supervise the research, along with the professor’s brief CV. A brief curriculum vitae for the home institution’s academic mentor for research fellowships is also provided. Additionally, confirmation of accepted admission is necessary for Ph.D. scholarships at doctoral institutions only. In addition, a letter of support from the host processor is required.
- Two private letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field were sealed in an envelope and used only the FCS format (only originals for the first set). None for the second set.
- copies of certificates, grade reports, and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent, from universities and colleges you have previously attended. If not, use French, Italian, or German with official certified translations in English that have been attested. Self-attested documents are accepted in India, however. Submit copies of the certificates instead.
- medical record with signature (use only the FCS health certificate form).
- The applicant’s passport is in two copies (main page with personal data). A copy of each passport is added for dual nationals. Candidates who are already present in Switzerland at the time of their application process include a copy of their Swiss residency document.
Scholarship Requests for Arts
Please submit your application materials in the order listed below in two sets (i.e., one original and one copy). The first set includes the original, signed paperwork and any necessary attested English translations of the confidential letters of recommendation. Except for the private letters of recommendation, the second set duplicates the first (only the 1st set). None for the second set.
1-Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.
2-A full CV with a list of exhibitions, concerts, awards, etc.
3-A motivation letter (max. 2 pages specifying the reasons to study in Switzerland, the importance of choice for your future career, and your professional projects at the end of the scholarship).
4- The applicants for arts scholarships do not have to submit a research proposal.
-For musicians: High-quality file of 3 different styles of music if the music involves interpreters and directors. (USB memory stick or CD/DVD labeled with name, surname, country; link or QR-Code). Composers have to submit their scores.
-For painters, graphic artists, and sculptors: Copies or photos of 3 pieces of your work, along with rough drafts (incl. their dates of creation; work labeled with name, surname, and country).
-For other artists (e.g., dancers, actors, authors): pieces of their art (USB memory stick or CD/DVD labeled with name, surname, and country; link or QR-Co.
5- A document states that admission to the desired Swiss art or music school is considered (conservatory). This could be a conditional acceptance subject to passing an entrance exam or meeting other prerequisites. A copy of the professor’s letter confirming that the studies were supervised, if applicable.
6-Two private letters of recommendation for the applicant from two professors in their field (use only the FCS; originals must be sealed in an envelope for the first set). None for the second set.
7- Copies of certificates, grade reports, and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent, from universities and colleges you have attended. If not in English, French, Italian, or German, certified translations in English have been attested. Submit copies of the certificates instead.
8-Medical record with signature (use only the FCS health certificate form).
9-The applicant’s passport in two copies (main page with personal data). A copy of each passport is added for dual nationals. Candidates already present in Switzerland at the time of their application process include a copy of their Swiss residency document.
*Note: The application materials must be submitted in one of four languages: English, French, Italian, or German. You must include an authenticated English translation if your documents are not in one of these languages. An official from the government or a university can vouch for something. Self-attested documents are accepted in India, however. Please do not place the documents in binders or plastic folders. Also, avoid using staples or clips. Observe the documents’ exact order.
Timeline of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Depending on the nation, application deadlines range from September to December. For instance, the application deadline is September 30, 2024, for citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and it is December 15, 2024, for citizens of Taiwan and Botswana.
Frequently Asked Questions: Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2025
Remember that professors at Swiss academic institutions frequently receive emails asking them to supervise the research of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship recipients. Your chances of piqueing a professor’s interest and potentially receiving a favorable response will be increased by your careful planning and focused approach after you have finished your inquiries. Before you choose how to approach a potential academic supervisor, the following information may be helpful.
As an applicant, you are in charge of locating a qualified research supervisor (professor). The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship secretariat and the universities’ international offices cannot assist you in locating an academic supervisor for your application. We advise you to read up on university websites and speak with any contacts you may have at your academic institution to find a suitable research supervisor.
a) Verify that the potential academic supervisor is an active member of your field.
b) Ascertain that you meet all requirements for the intended scientific collaboration.
Find out, for example, the specifications needed to obtain a master’s degree at the
It can be extremely difficult to find a professor who is willing to supervise you. It might require a few weeks or even months.
Be prepared and concentrated. By contacting them directly, declare your interest in working with a professor on a particular research project. Share your academic background with the professor and mention that you are vying for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. A brief CV, motivation letter, two to three strong letters of recommendation, and a research proposal (two to three A4 pages) in perfect English should be included with every inquiry.
We advise submitting no more than two additional applications for the same scholarship type if your application is not selected for a scholarship.
These scholarships are only offered to students from a select group of nations.
You should prepare your scholarship application as early as possible, ideally at least 6-12 months before the deadline. This will give you ample time to gather the required documents, write compelling essays, and meet all application requirements.
While requirements may vary, common documents often include:
Completed application form
Academic transcripts and certificates
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose or essay
Proof of citizenship or residency
Passport-sized photos
Standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
Research proposal (for research-based scholarships)
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but you should ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship you apply to. Be prepared to manage multiple application deadlines and tailor your application materials to each specific scholarship program.
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