Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Research Students

The Swiss Confederation awards the Government Excellence Scholarships annually to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries.
The awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), selects recipients of these scholarships.

Scholarship Overview

Swiss Government Research Scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a Master’s or a Ph.D., and are planning to go to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or postdoctoral level.
Through this scholarship, selected applicants are able to undertake research in Switzerland, in the realm of their Ph.D. or medical specialization.

Host School(s)

Applicants may study at the following institutions.

Field(s) of Study

What does the scholarship cover?

Details may vary according to the country of origin, but recipients generally receive:

A monthly payment of CHF 1920
Recipients from Non-EU and non-EFTA countries receive a flight allowance paid out as a lump sum, for a ticket back to their country of origin (provided at the end of the scholarship)
Special housing allowance of CHF 300 paid once at the beginning of the scholarship
A one-year half-fare public transport card
Swiss health insurance paid by the FCS
Support services, sightseeing tours and dinners organized for recipients of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

How many scholarships are given?

Which countries are targeted?

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To apply for this scholarship, you must:-

Have a Master’s degree or its equivalent university degree, recognized by the Swiss university. The degree must be submitted to the FCS before the start of the scholarship as proof.
Be born after 31 December 1984
Provide a letter from an academic host professor (including his/her short CV) at your Swiss university of choice, confirming why he/she is willing to supervise and support the research. Without this letter, the application will be rejected.
Have a research proposal that includes a timeframe
Have the necessary language skills required for the research/studies

Note:

Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland for the duration of the grant.
Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible.
Any applicant who has previously benefitted from a Swiss Government Scholarship is not eligible to apply for a second one.

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

The application package is obtained from your local Swiss embassy or representative.
The application form and supporting documents are submitted at the local Swiss representative by the stipulated deadline.
The selection process is then carried out by the FCS.

Selection Criteria

Required Documents

A signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with a photograph attached
A full CV with a list of academic publications, awards, etc.
A motivation letter, a maximum of 2 pages long
A complete research proposal using the FCS research proposal form, a maximum of 5 pages long, and signed
A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including his/her short CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why he/she is willing to supervise and support the research
Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field, written exclusively on the FCS reference form. The originals should be placed in sealed envelopes.
Photocopies of grade sheets and certificates from previously attended universities/colleges and diplomas with grades, starting at the most recent. Certified translations in English are required for documents not in English, French, German or Italian.
A signed medical certificate, on the FCS health certificate form
Two copies of the applicant’s passport, showing the main page with personal data. Dual nationals should add copies of both passports. Applicants who are already in Switzerland during the application procedure should add the ‘Permis B’ to their application.

Note:

Do not put the documents in binders or plastic folders
Submit the application documents to the local Swiss embassy or local representative in your country

Closing Date

How do I get more information?