Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for International Students

Introduction

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered to foreign students by the Swiss Confederation. These scholarships aim to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries.

Administered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships cover postgraduate and doctoral studies in Switzerland.

Key features of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:

Eligibility Criteria:

• • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • The scholarships are primarily awarded for postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland.
  • Candidates must be under 35 years old (doctoral programs) or 45 years old (postgraduate programs) at the time of application.

Fields of Study:

• • Scholarships are available for various fields including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and arts.

Scholarship Types:

• • There are two types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:
    • Research Scholarships: For doctoral or postdoctoral researchers.

• • • Art Scholarships: For artists looking to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland.

Duration:

• • Research scholarships are awarded for a maximum period of 12 months for a doctoral degree and up to 36 months for postdoctoral research.
  • Art scholarships are granted for up to 12 months for a master’s degree.

Application Process:

• • Applicants need to submit their applications through the Swiss diplomatic representation in their home country.
• • The application deadline varies from country to country, but it is generally around November of the preceding year.

Selection Criteria:

• • The selection process is highly competitive and considers the candidate’s academic background, research proposal, and the potential for future collaboration.

Financial Support:

• • The scholarship covers a monthly stipend, tuition fees, health insurance, and airfare.

Language Requirements:

• • Proficiency in either English, French, or German is usually required, depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program.

Post-Scholarship Obligations:

• • Recipients are encouraged to maintain contact with their academic and research networks in Switzerland after the scholarship period.

Networking Opportunities:

• • Scholars have the opportunity to participate in various events, conferences, and seminars, fostering international collaboration and networking.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility criteria and application details on the Official Website of the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students for the most accurate and up-to-date information.