Swiss Excellence Scholarship for Pakistani Students

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is one of the most unique international scholarship programs established by the Government of Switzerland. Arranged by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), it is designed to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries worldwide. This scholarship allows outstanding international students, researchers, and artists to pursue doctoral, postdoctoral, or research studies at one of Switzerland's renowned universities or public research institutions.

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is usually awarded for postgraduate students, including those undertaking research fellowships, PhD studies, or postdoctoral research. Candidates must have a solid academic background and be Pakistani citizens. While postdoctoral candidates must have completed their PhD within the last 5 years, PhD and research fellowship applicants must have been born after December 31, 1990. A letter from a Swiss academic host professor and a thorough research proposal are needed. In addition, candidates must provide a medical certificate and demonstrate fluency in English, German, French, or Italian, depending on their program. Those who have already been awarded this scholarship are ineligible to reapply.

PhD and research fellows receive a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 from the grant, while postdoctoral researchers receive CHF 3,500. In addition, it offers health insurance, a CHF 300 housing allowance, a half-price public transport card, and return airfare for students from outside the EU. Candidates submit an online application together with a CV, proof of language competency, academic transcripts, and a research plan. September 30, 2026, is the deadline. This award is an excellent opportunity for students interested in research, as tuition and semester fees are typically waived.

Details about the Swiss Scholarship

Top Courses

• Science & Technology
• Life & Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Interdisciplinary Research

Related:
Study in Switzerland for International Students

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizen of Pakistan or an eligible country
• PhD: Master’s degree required
• Postdoc: PhD completed 2023-2026
• PhD/research proposal required
• Letter from Swiss host professor
• Language proficiency in English
• Recent medical certificate
• No previous FSC scholarship recipients

Required Documents

• Online application
• Research proposal
• Host professor’s letter
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Language proficiency proof
• Recent medical support
• Host proposal
• Europass CV

How to Apply

• Check eligibility
• Prepare a research proposal
• Get a support letter from a Swiss professor
• Gather CV, transcripts, medical certificate, and language proof
• Create an account on the official portal
• Fill the application form and upload documents
• Review and submit before the deadline
• Wait for confirmation and selection results  

Tips to Win the Swiss Excellence Scholarship 

Strong Research Proposal: 

Demonstrate that your proposal is clear, well-oriented, and relevant to your field. Showcase objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

Qualified Supervisor:

Find a receptive Swiss academic host who is well-known in your field of study. Strong recommendations can have a significant impact.

Clear Motivation:

Elaborate on why you are interested in carrying out your studies in Switzerland and why it is crucial for your career.

Academic Excellence:

To show that you are capable of handling sophisticated research, you should strive to attain exceptional academic performance throughout your prior studies. Emphasize any noteworthy research experiences, published works, or scholarly honors that demonstrate your capacity for scholarship and dedication to greatness.

Complete Documentation:

Ensure all necessary paperwork is accurate and up to date, including research proposals, recommendation letters, transcripts, and resumes. Your chances of being considered increase when you submit a thorough, well-organized application.

Attention to detail:

Read out all guidelines carefully and follow the steps, including formatting, word limits, and deadlines.

Unique Contribution:

Emphasize how your study fosters interdisciplinary or institutional collaboration to produce creative ideas. Stress how it advances knowledge in your field or helps to solve global concerns.

Common Scholarship Interview Questions

• Can you introduce yourself and your educational background?
• Why do you want to pursue research in Switzerland?
• What is the primary objective of your research proposal?
• How does your research contribute to your field or society?
• Why did you choose this particular Swiss university or supervisor?
• How will you manage challenges or obstacles during your research?
• Have you had previous research or work experience related to this project?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Application:

Failure to complete all parts or submit missing documents may result in automatic disqualification.

Missing Deadline:

Applications must be submitted on time; late applications are not accepted.

Weak Research Proposal:

Reviewers are not impressed by proposals that are unclear or poorly organized.

Unconfirmed Supervisor:

Your application is weakened if you don't have a verified letter of support from a Swiss academic.

Ignoring Language Requirements:

Rejection may occur if the language proficiency requirements are not met.

Inaccurate Information:

Reliability is harmed when incorrect or inconsistent information is included in a CV, transcripts, or an application.

Unclear Research Significance:

Your prospects are diminished if you do not describe how your research advances your field or society.

Not Following Guidelines:

It demonstrates a lack of attention to detail by disregarding formatting, word limitations, or instructions.

Relying Only on Grades:

Research potential and motivation are just as significant as grades alone.

Lack of Proofreading:

Errors or typos in your application provide the wrong impression.

FAQs

Q1: What is the Swiss Excellence Scholarship?

Answer: The Swiss government offers this award to help foreign researchers pursue PhD, postdoctoral, or research fellowships in Switzerland.

Q2: Who can apply?

Answer: Citizens of Pakistan and other eligible nations who meet the requirements for research experience and academic credentials.

Q3: Which programs are covered?

Answer: One-year research fellowships, postdoctoral research, and PhD programs. Standard Master's programs and bachelor's degrees are ineligible.

Q4: Is IELTS required?

Answer: Not always. A certificate of medium of instruction from your former school or evidence of your English competence is accepted.