The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are among the most prestigious international opportunities for researchers, young academics, and artists worldwide. Every year, the Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships to promote international exchange and foster research collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 countries.
The program is administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which carefully evaluates applicants based on their academic merit, research potential, and ability to contribute to future scientific and cultural cooperation. For the academic year 2026–2027, the scholarships are now open for applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed to:
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Support young researchers and postgraduate students in advancing their careers.
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Encourage international collaboration between Swiss higher education institutions and academic talent worldwide.
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Strengthen Switzerland’s role as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation.
By offering financial and academic support, the program enables scholars to work closely with Swiss professors and research groups, thereby enriching the global academic community.
Who is Eligible?
The scholarships are open to highly qualified candidates from all academic fields. Applicants must:
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Hold a Master’s degree (minimum requirement) or a PhD by 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
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Be born after 31 December 1990.
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Present a well-structured research proposal with clear objectives, methods, and timeline.
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Secure a letter of support from an academic host professor in Switzerland, including their CV.
Special priority is given to applicants who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland, ensuring opportunities for fresh international exchange.
Types of Scholarships Available
1. Research Fellowships
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Designed for PhD candidates to conduct part of their doctoral research in Switzerland.
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Valid for research at Swiss public universities, federal institutes of technology, universities of applied sciences, or research institutes.
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Duration: Up to 12 months (non-renewable).
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Funding: CHF 1,920/month.
2. PhD Scholarships
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For highly qualified postgraduates wishing to pursue a full PhD in Switzerland.
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Duration: Initially 12 months, renewable twice, up to 36 months, subject to academic progress.
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Funding: CHF 1,920/month.
3. Postdoctoral Scholarships
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For early-career scientists to conduct advanced postdoctoral research.
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Eligibility: PhD must be completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
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Duration: Up to 12 months (no extensions).
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Funding: CHF 3,500/month.
4. Art Scholarships
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Available for international students pursuing a Master’s degree in the arts at Swiss conservatories or universities of the arts.
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Note: Art scholarships are not open to Latin American applicants in this call.
Where Can You Study?
The scholarship is valid for full-time research and study only in Switzerland, at:
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Swiss cantonal universities
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Universities of applied sciences
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Federal institutes of technology
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Selected public teaching and research institutes
Only candidates nominated by a Swiss academic supervisor will be considered, making it essential to establish contact with a potential host professor early in the process.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
While the scholarship is not a salary, it provides generous financial support for living expenses:
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Research Fellowships & PhD scholarships: CHF 1,920/month
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Postdoctoral scholarships: CHF 3,500/month
The funding is intended to cover the living costs of one person only. Additional family or dependent support is not included.
Application Process
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Check eligibility: Review the requirements carefully, especially degree completion deadlines and age restrictions.
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Secure a host professor: Obtain a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
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Prepare documents: This includes a research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, and references.
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Submit through Swiss diplomatic representations: Applications must be sent to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of origin (based on passport nationality).
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) based on three key factors:
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Candidate profile – academic achievements, research experience, and motivation.
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Quality of the research project – originality, feasibility, and potential impact.
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Future cooperation potential – contribution to long-term scientific and cultural exchange.
Deadlines
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Deadlines vary by country but typically fall between 27 October and 12 December 2025.
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The academic year 2026–2027 begins on 1 September 2026.
How to apply
Applications are submitted to Swiss diplomatic representations. Select your country of origin according to your passport. For South American countries, you can find the list here.
Scholarship applications only via this link.
The FCS assesses scholarship applications according to three criteria.
- Candidate profile
- Quality of the research project or artistic work
- Synergies and potential for future research cooperation
Why Apply?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer more than financial support – they provide:
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Access to world-class research facilities.
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An opportunity to be mentored by leading Swiss professors.
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Integration into an international academic community.
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The chance to contribute to sustainable global research solutions in a variety of fields.
For researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–2027 represent a life-changing opportunity to pursue academic and professional growth in one of the world’s most innovative and research-oriented countries.
By combining financial support with access to Switzerland’s prestigious institutions, the program ensures that talented scholars can focus on producing impactful research while fostering international collaboration.
If you are a young researcher looking to take the next step in your academic journey, this is your chance to make a mark in Switzerland’s vibrant research community.
For More Scholarship Opportunities Visit
https://scholarship360.co/
