Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2024-25

Swiss Government Scholarship is a Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students. Switzerlandis well known for its beautiful scenery, exceptional educational system, and enthusiasm for accuracy and independence. Studying in Switzerland has several benefits, including top-notch education, a comfortable lifestyle, a distinctly international Round airfare ticket, a monthly Stipend, Housing Allowance, and Tuition fee Coverage. The IELTS 6.5 Band is required to achieve this Scholarship.

Furthermore, a bank statement is optional for this scholarship because it is fully funded. The Eligibility Criteria is that Applicants must have a master's degree, a research proposal including a timeframe, and a Short European CV and Cover Letter. Swiss Government Scholarship for Master's, PhD, and Doctrol Program.

Scholarship Summary:

Scholarship types

Swiss government excellence scholarships are given only to research students. There are no scholarships for master's and undergraduate students. Three types of research-based and one art-based scholarship are awarded to international candidates. Scholarships are:

Research scholarships are:

• Research fellowship
• PhD
• Postdoct 

1. The Research Scholarship

This scholarship is a unique opportunity for international researchers from other countries who have accomplished a master's or PhD. Postgraduate students in any field who aim to come to Switzerland to contribute to our rich research landscape are qualified for the research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc).All Swiss universities, the two national institutes of technology, and the four research institutions offer research scholarships for study or research. Only those recommended by a theoretical administrator at one of these universities for higher education will be considered.

Aims:

• To provide chosen candidates the chance to continue postgraduate study towards a PhD at any public and research institutions, Swiss federal institutes of technology, Graduate Institute, or Swiss public universities.
• Only available for full-time study in Switzerland.
• Qualified candidates:           

Eligibility criteria:

•  A master's degree or its equivalent obtained by July 31, 2025. Completed the degree certificate.
• Candidates must have been born after December 31, 1989.
• A study proposal with a specific timeframe.
• I need a letter from a professor serving as the academic host and a brief CV.

Duration:

 The scholarship will begin on September 1, 2025, for the school year 2025–2026.

• Maximum of 12 months (commencement of September
• No extension is feasible.
• Amount:
• The monthly payout for the scholarship is CHF 1,920.
• The scholarship money merely covers one person's living expenses.
• This fellowship is not associated with pay.
• Selection Criteria:
• The candidate: profile of academics, the capacity of research, and motivation to study.
• The research project: sound methodology and uniqueness.
• The quality, supervision atmosphere, and prospects for future academic collaboration within the academic setting.

2. Art scholarship

Swiss art scholarships are awarded to students who want to continue their Master's degree. Scholarships in the arts are given to students enrolled in any Swiss university or conservatory. Only students from select nations are eligible for this grant.

Aims:

• To allow chosen candidates to enroll in any University of Arts or Conservatory of Swiss and begin their Master's degree there.
• Only available for full-time study in Switzerland.
• Qualified candidates:
• Young artists with great qualifications but no master's degree.
• Only nationals of nations with whom Switzerland has reciprocity agreements are eligible for this scholarship.

Eligibility criteria:

• An undergraduate degree
• ee, or its corresponding, obtained by July 31, 2025. Finished the degree certificate.
• Candidates must have been born after December 31, 1989.
• All candidates for an additional master's degree have a disability.

Duration:

• It will begin on September 1, 2025, for the school year 2025–2026.
• Twelve months, beginning in September.
• Extendable to a maximum of 21 months, based on the Master's program selected and the required ECTS credits.

Amount:

The monthly payout for the scholarship is CHF 1,920. The scholarship money solely covers one person's living expenses.

Selection criteria:

The background, qualification, and inspiration for the art of the candidate. The portfolio demonstrates promise and creative development for the arts.

The host institute: Open venues to study.

Scholarship amount:

Scholarship amounts differ according to research initiatives. For 2024–2025, the scholarship amount is Monthly salary for postdoctoral research: CHF 3,500. Research and PhD scholarships: CHF 1,920 monthly.

Duration of Scholarship:

• A 12-month research scholarship
• Swiss PhD Scholarship: 12–36 months (length varies according to academic performance)
• 12-month postdoctoral scholarship
• Scholarship Coverage:
• There's no processing cost for applications
  

Postdoctoral, PhD, and Master's students

• Students can live there for up to six months after completion of degree programs
• Airfare ticket
• Required documents:
• CV / Resume
• The first set must comprise the original signed documents with two letters of recommendation (attested in English).
• The second set must comprise a copy of the first set, excluding recommendation letters.
• Submit two sets of documents 1-original and 1-copy
• A printed and typed FCS form with a photograph.
• A research plan of a maximum of 5 pages (signed) using the FCS form
• Eligibility of the candidates depends on the selection by an academic supervisor
• Motivation letter
• Birth certificate to check age eligibility
• Research proposal with the timeframe
• Medical certificate that must be signed
• Two copies of the passport. If the applicant has dual nationality, add copies of both passports.
• Language Criteria:
• The required language is usually English. However, some universities require German. Therefore, if the candidates have a B2 level of proficiency in the German language, it's a plus point for their profile.

How can an applicant find a supervisor?

Supervisors at Swiss universities frequently get emails asking them to supervise research projects for candidates for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. Candidates’ chances of getting consideration from a professor and perhaps even a good response will increase if they prepare carefully and use a focused strategy after completing their questions. Before contacting a supervisor, the candidate must:

Verify if the potential academic supervisor is employed in your field

Confirm all the requirements needed for the planned scientific partnership

Find out what basics need to be fulfilled at the university in question to be eligible for a master's degree

Finding a professor who is ready to supervise might be quite difficult. It can take a few weeks or even months

A candidate must locate a qualified research supervisor (professor).

An applicant cannot get assistance from the international office of the institutions or the Federal Commission secretariat for scholarships in finding a supervisor. It is advised to browse university websites and speak with any connections applicants may have inside their academic institution to find a qualified research supervisor.

Be concentrated and well-prepared. Contact a professor directly and express a desire to work with them on a particular research subject. Inform the professor about your coursework and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship application. At the very least, the following papers should be sent with each inquiry: a brief resume, a motivation letter, two or three strong letters of recommendation, and a two-to-three-page A4 research plan, all of which should be in proper English.

How to Apply for the Swiss Excellence Government Scholarship?

To apply for the Swiss Excellence Government scholarship, candidates must check their country's eligibility criteria, desired course, and eligibility. Then, after confirming all the criteria, one must apply through the official website of the Swiss government, check the document requirements, and complete all the documents step by step, which mainly include transcripts, recommendation letters, motivation letters, etc. Scholarship initial and final dates vary for every country; they do not have any specific fixed dates.The step-by-step procedure is given as:

Selection criteria

• The related national representatives and/or the Swiss diplomatic authorities may select the applications. The scholarships of the Federal Commission for International Students conclude and then evaluate the shortlisted applications.
• The three parameters of the selection process:
• There is strong competition for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. The application's following features are mostly taken into interpretation:
• The applicant's academic background, research potential, and motivation of the individual
• The suggestion for the study: its uniqueness and solid methodology
• The setting of academics, The opportunity for future academic cooperation, well as the environment and quality of the supervision
• The FCS uses three factors to evaluate scholarship applications:
• Profile of the candidate
• The quality of the creative or research endeavor
• Cooperation and the opportunity for further scientific collaboration
• Professors from Swiss public universities make up the FCS. The best students in academics are awarded scholarships.
• Application Timeline:
• The scholarship opening starts in August and is open until September.
• Benefits of Swiss Excellence Government Scholarship:
• Complete or Partial Funding Assistance
• Covers the whole amount or an extensive ratio of the tuition costs.
• Living expenses: Offers a monthly stipend to support with paying for food, housing, and other individual expenditures.
• Research Possibilities
• Research Funding: Scholarships for Ph.D. and postdoc candidates often include funds for research projects and activities.
• Superior Education
• Leading Universities: admission to some of the top universities in the world, offering excellent programs across a range of subjects.
• International Acknowledgement: Swiss university degrees are regarded and acknowledged worldwide.
• Opportunities for Networking
• Academic networks allow you to network with top researchers, students, and industry experts.
• Cultural discussion: Engaging with scholars and students worldwide to promote mutual understanding and collaboration between cultures.
• Advancement of Profession
• Workshops & Seminars: Participate in educational and career-development activities the host university arranges.
• Career Services: Accessibility of career guidance and placement help services in the future.
• High Quality of Living
• Security: Switzerland is famous for its high quality of living and safety.
• Healthcare: Availability of best medical facilities and services.
• Travel and Cultural Experiences
• Exposure to Culture: Gain knowledge about Swiss culture, languages, and duties.
• Opportunities for Travel: Europe's position makes it easy to visit nearby states.
• Linguistic Proficiency
• The chance to pick up new vocabulary or hone existing ones in any of the four official languages of Switzerland (German, French, Italian, and Romansh).
• Academic Prominence
• Being in a supportive academic setting while being exposed to advanced research and creative techniques.
• Assistance Services
• Accessibility to various services, such as academic therapy and counseling, and help with international students' adjustment.