The Swiss Government is offering fully funded excellence scholarships for international students to study in Switzerland starting in 2025.
This prestigious scholarship program aims to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries.
If you are a high-achieving student looking to pursue your studies in one of the world’s leading education and research hubs, this is an incredible opportunity you don’t want to miss.
About the Scholarship
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are awarded annually to highly motivated, competitive young researchers from around the world. It provides funding for PhD studies, postdoctoral research, or research visits at a Swiss higher education institution.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, health insurance and travel expenses, allowing recipients to fully focus on their academic pursuits in Switzerland.
Switzerland is renowned worldwide for its high-quality education, cutting-edge research, innovation and favorable studying conditions.
Scholars will have the chance to work alongside leading experts in their field at top universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich and more.
Beyond academia, Switzerland offers a high standard of living, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant international environment.
Courses Available
Swiss universities offer a wide range of world-class study programs across all disciplines.
Some of the most popular fields international students pursue include:
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Computer Science & IT
- Business & Management
- Social Sciences
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Law
Whether your interests lie in blockchain, robotics, sustainable energy, global health, or international relations, you can find a suitable program in Switzerland.
The scholarship is open to all disciplines, as long as your chosen institution supports your research proposal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country. Over 180 countries have scholarship agreements with Switzerland.
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent achieved before the scholarship start date.
- Have a letter of acceptance or invitation from a Swiss professor willing to supervise your research.
- Not have already been in Switzerland for more than 1 year at the beginning of the scholarship.
- Meet the language requirements of the chosen study program (English, German, French or Italian).
- Be under 35 years old (born after December 31, 1989) for PhD and postdoc scholarships.
Applicants will be selected based on their academic qualifications, research proposal, motivation, extracurricular activities and potential for future research impact.
Priority is given to candidates who have not already received a Swiss Government scholarship in the past.
Who Should Apply
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for ambitious young scholars who want to:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in a world-class academic environment
- Advance their scientific skills and subject expertise
- Develop international networks and research collaborations
- Experience studying and living in a diverse, innovative country in the heart of Europe
- Prepare for a high-impact career in academia, industry, government or non-profits
If you are a top student passionate about research, intercultural exchange and making a difference in your field, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants typically have excellent grades, research experience, leadership potential, and a clear vision for their future.
Scholarship Benefits
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a comprehensive funding package that covers:
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (approx. USD 2,100) for PhD students and CHF 3,500 (approx. USD 3,800) for postdocs, covering living costs in Switzerland
- Exemption of tuition fees at Swiss universities
- Mandatory Swiss health insurance
- Air fare to and from Switzerland (one-time)
- Special lodging allowance (one-time)
In addition to the financial support, scholarship recipients benefit from expert academic supervision, access to state-of-the-art facilities, transferable skills training, and exposure to Switzerland’s international research and innovation landscape.
Many former recipients have gone on to become leaders in their field and maintain lasting connections with Switzerland.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship must be submitted online through the official Swiss scholarships website.
Before applying, carefully read the application guidelines and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for your country and research situation.
The application process involves several steps:
- Identify a professor at a Swiss institution willing to act as your academic supervisor. Contact them directly with your research proposal.
- Prepare your application documents, including research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, diploma, passport copy, reference letters, and letter of invitation from your academic supervisor.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
- Submit your online application before the deadline.
- If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview at the Swiss embassy in your country. Final selection results will be announced by June 2025.
For detailed application instructions and document templates, visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website. Make sure to submit your complete application before the deadline!
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship varies by country, but is generally between August and December 2024 for a scholarship starting in September 2025.
Click here to see the specific deadline for your country of origin.
Apply as early as possible to allow time for reference letters and invitation from your host professor. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for talented researchers to advance their careers in Switzerland. With full funding, expert support and access to world-class facilities, this program enables you to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.
Competition is high and the application process requires careful planning – but if you have the academic excellence, research vision and motivation to succeed, it is well worth the effort.
Click here to start your application for the 2025 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship today!
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to study in Switzerland and take your research to the next level. Apply now and open up a world of opportunities for your future. Good luck!
