Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Switzerland for International Students
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious fully funded scholarships offered by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS). These scholarships promote international research cooperation and academic exchange by supporting outstanding international researchers and artists from more than 180 countries, including Tanzania.
The scholarships provide an opportunity to undertake research, pursue a PhD, or study selected arts programmes at leading Swiss universities and research institutions.
Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship Name: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Funded By: Swiss Confederation
- Administered By: Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: More than 180 countries, including Tanzania
- Eligible Applicants: Researchers, PhD candidates, and selected Arts students
- Study Destination: Swiss Universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Research Institutes
- Official Scholarship Website: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
- Official Information Page: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance
About the Scholarship
Every year, the Swiss Government awards Excellence Scholarships to encourage international academic exchange and research collaboration. The programme supports highly qualified international researchers and artists who wish to carry out research or artistic studies in Switzerland.
Scholarships are awarded competitively by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).
Scholarship Categories
The programme includes the following scholarship types:
1. Research Fellowship
Designed for young researchers who are currently pursuing doctoral studies in their home country and wish to conduct research in Switzerland.
2. PhD Scholarship
Supports international students wishing to pursue a full PhD at a Swiss university or recognized research institution.
3. Arts Scholarship
Available for students pursuing an initial Master's degree in artistic fields at Swiss universities of the arts. This category is available only to applicants from selected countries.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly scholarship of CHF 2,450
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Housing allowance (where applicable)
- Public transportation allowance (where applicable)
- One-time settling-in allowance
- Academic support and networking opportunities
- Access to Swiss universities and research facilities
The scholarship is intended to cover basic living expenses during the stay in Switzerland.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports almost all academic disciplines, including:
- Biotechnology
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Agriculture
- Veterinary Medicine
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Climate Change
- Renewable Energy
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Law
- Education
- Political Science
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Architecture
- Music
- Fine Arts
- Performing Arts
The availability of programmes depends on the host institution and scholarship category.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an eligible country (including Tanzania).
- Hold the required academic qualification for the selected scholarship category.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland (for Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships).
- Meet the eligibility criteria published for their country of origin.
Eligibility Requirements
For Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarships:
- Master's degree (or equivalent) completed by the required deadline.
- Date of birth after 31 December 1991 for the 2027–2028 cycle.
- A detailed research proposal.
- Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
- Strong academic record.
- Motivation to contribute to research cooperation between Switzerland and the applicant's home country.
Academic Supervisor Requirement
Applicants for Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships must obtain a letter of support from a professor or academic supervisor at a Swiss university before submitting the application.
Applications without confirmed academic supervision are not considered.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport copy
- Master's degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor
- Two recommendation letters (where required)
- Language certificate (if applicable)
- Additional documents requested for the selected scholarship category
Scholarship Duration
The duration depends on the scholarship category:
Research Fellowship
- 6–12 months
PhD Scholarship
- Initial funding of 12 months
- Renewable annually up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress
Arts Scholarship
- 12 months
- May be extended up to 21 months depending on the Master's programme.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research quality
- Originality of the proposed project
- Motivation
- Potential for future collaboration
- Quality of supervision in Switzerland
How to Apply
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Visit the official scholarship page: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
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Check whether your country is eligible.
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Identify a suitable Swiss academic supervisor.
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Prepare all required application documents.
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Register through the official online application system when applications open.
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Submit your complete application before your country's deadline.
Application Timeline
For the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle:
- Applications Open: 20 August 2026
- Selection Process: Late 2026 to early 2027
- Results Announced: By the end of May 2027
- Scholarship Begins: 1 September 2027
Applicants should always verify the deadline specific to their country of origin.
Opportunities for Tanzanian Applicants
Tanzanian scholars are eligible to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, provided they meet the academic and eligibility requirements. Applications from Tanzania are coordinated through the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation and the Tanzanian Ministry of Education when applicable. Applicants must secure a Swiss academic supervisor before applying.
Why Study in Switzerland?
Switzerland offers:
- World-class universities
- Advanced research laboratories
- International academic environment
- High-quality education
- Excellent research funding
- Strong innovation ecosystem
- Safe and multicultural society
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists and researchers worldwide.
Tips for Applicants
- Begin searching for a Swiss academic supervisor several months in advance.
- Prepare a clear and well-structured research proposal.
- Demonstrate your academic achievements and research potential.
- Submit all required documents before the deadline.
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements for your country before applying.
Official Links
Official Scholarship Page
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
Scholarship at a Glance
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance
Scholarship FAQ
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/faq-swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
Swiss Government Scholarship Portal
Scholarship Region Article
https://nextdeadlines.com/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships/