Switzerland is home to some of the world's top-ranked universities, ETH Zurich and EPFL among them and every year, the Swiss government funds a select group of international researchers to study there completely free. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities in Europe, covering tuition, monthly living costs, health insurance, and airfare. Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year open in August 2026 and because one of the requirements takes weeks to arrange, the smartest applicants are already preparing right now.
What Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) under Switzerland's State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI), this scholarship brings outstanding early-career researchers and artists from over 180 countries to Switzerland for postgraduate research, doctoral studies, or advanced artistic training.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028 is offered for fully funded master's, PhD, and postdoctoral studies, providing a monthly payment, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, and a housing allowance.
Unlike many scholarships that simply require a strong application, this one requires you to first secure a Swiss academic supervisor before you can apply which is exactly why early preparation matters so much.
When Do Applications Open?
Information on application deadlines and scholarships available by country of origin will be published in August 2026, with applications opening starting August 20, 2026. Deadlines are then set individually by each Swiss embassy, typically falling between September and December 2026.
Timeline at a glance:
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
For the research/PhD track (2027–2028 cycle), the official requirements are:
Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent university degree completed by 31 July 2027 (30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich), and must be born after 31 December 1991.
In addition, you will need:
- A detailed research plan with a clear timeline specifying key milestones and activities
- A formal letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss host institution, including their short CV (max. 2 pages)
- Proof that you have not previously held a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
- If you're already in Switzerland, proof of entry after the specified date for that cycle
Important: Research scholarships are reserved for candidates who have not previously studied in Switzerland — this scholarship is designed to bring new international talent into the Swiss research system, not to extend existing stays.
What's Covered: Full Benefits
The research scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person, with a start date of 1 September 2027.
In addition to the monthly stipend, the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fee exemption at your host institution
- Mandatory Swiss health insurance, fully covered for non-EU/EFTA fellows
- Airfare to and from Switzerland
- One-time housing allowance to help with your security deposit when you arrive
This is a complete, no-extra-cost package one of the few scholarships globally where a recipient genuinely doesn't need outside funding to live and study comfortably.
Where Can You Study?
The scholarship covers research and study at:
- All Swiss cantonal universities
- The two federal institutes of technology: ETH Zurich and EPFL
- Universities of applied sciences
- Recognised research institutes, including the Graduate Institute
Your field of study can be in any discipline sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts are all eligible (arts applicants apply through a separate Master's-level track with its own conditions).
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Find a Swiss academic supervisor first. This is the most critical and time-consuming step. Identify professors at your target Swiss institution whose research aligns with yours, and email them directly with your CV and a brief outline of your research interests. Start this now responses can take weeks.
- Secure a written letter of support from your chosen supervisor, including their short CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Develop your research proposal, including a clear timeline with specific milestones and activities so, vague proposals are a common reason for rejection.
- Wait for the application portal to open from 20 August 2026, country-specific information and the online application system become available.
- Check your country's specific deadline, these vary by Swiss embassy and are published alongside the portal opening.
- Submit your complete application package research proposal, supervisor's letter, transcripts, degree certificates, references, and any country-specific documents — to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country before the deadline.
- Wait for results, announced by the FCS by the end of May 2027.
Why Start Preparing Now (June 2026)?
Most applicants only begin thinking about this scholarship when the portal opens in August and by then, it's often too late to secure a strong supervisor letter, which is the single most decisive part of the application. By starting your professor outreach now, you give yourself:
- Time for professors to respond (often 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer)
- Time to refine your research proposal based on supervisor feedback
- A finished application ready the moment the portal opens rather than scrambling during the September–December deadline window
If you're a Rwandan student or graduate planning postgraduate study in Europe, this is one of the strongest fully funded options available — and getting ahead of the competition starts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027–2028?
The application portal opens on 20 August 2026. Country-specific deadlines, which typically fall between September and December 2026, are published at the same time.
What is the monthly stipend amount?
CHF 2,450 per month to cover basic living expenses, for the 2027–2028 research/PhD track.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes. For the research/PhD track, you must secure a formal letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss host institution before submitting your application. This is the most important step to start early.
What is the minimum qualification required?
A master's degree or equivalent university degree, completed by 31 July 2027 (30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich applicants).
Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be born after 31 December 1991 for the 2027–2028 cycle.
Can I apply if I've previously studied in Switzerland?
Research scholarships are primarily for candidates who have not previously been to Switzerland for study or research.
Does the scholarship cover health insurance?
Yes, mandatory Swiss health insurance is fully covered for non-EU/EFTA fellows.
When will results be announced?
By the end of May 2027, with the scholarship starting on 1 September 2027.
Where do I submit my application?
To the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country, before the country-specific deadline published from August 2026.
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