Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships - Every year, the Swiss Confederation distributes Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international interchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and more than 180 other nations. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) selects the recipients. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are intended for young international researchers who have achieved a master's or PhD degree, as well as foreign artists with a bachelor's degree.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide an exceptional chance for Indian researchers to flourish academically, contribute to global research endeavours, build cross-cultural ties, and interact with prestigious Swiss institutions.
The Federal Commission for awards for Foreign Students (FCS) administers several awards. The scholarship awards are given on the basis of academic and scientific excellence. The FCS carefully reviews each application according to these criteria, with the goal of selecting individuals who not only succeed individually but also have the ability to contribute to the larger academic and worldwide research scene. The FCS academics use their skills and experience to ensure a fair and thorough review process, eventually selecting winners who will make significant contributions to Switzerland's intellectual and cultural milieu.
The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (a master's degree is required) who intend to come to Switzerland to conduct research or further their studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral levels.
Research scholarships are available for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, two federal institutes of technology, and four research institutions. Only candidates suggested by an academic supervisor from one of these higher education institutions will be considered.
Art scholarships are available to art students who want to pursue an initial master's degree in Switzerland. Art scholarships are available for students at any Swiss conservatory or institution of the arts. Only students from a select few countries are eligible for this grant.
Postgraduate researchers in any subject who hold an MA degree are eligible for the research fellowship, PhD, and PostDoc fellowships.
To qualify for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, candidates must meet all of the standards listed below:
The required language is English.
Eligible nations include all countries in the globe.
Master's degree or comparable university degree earned before July 31, 2024 (degree certificate) and recognised by the Swiss university. The degree must be presented to the Federal Commission for Scholarships as proof of eligibility before the grant begins.
Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989.
Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than a year at the start of the scholarship in September are ineligible.
Applicants must provide a letter from an academic host professor (with a brief CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming her/his willingness to oversee and assist the study. Without such support, the application will be denied.
Applicants must include a research proposal with a time period. This is the application's centrepiece. The candidate must spend the necessary attention to it.
Applicants must have the relevant language abilities to conduct the research/studies.
Applicants who have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship.
Scholarship recipients are expected to relocate to Switzerland for their award time.
To speed your application process, make sure you have the following documents ready:
Signed FCS application form (typed and printed).
A comprehensive CV with scholarly publications and prizes.
Motivational letter (maximum two pages)
Detailed study proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed), using the FCS research proposal form.
Copy of the letter from the academic host professor (with their CV) at the chosen Swiss university, indicating their readiness to supervise and assist your research.
CV of academic mentor at your own university.
Two private recommendation letters from various professors in your specialty, using the FCS reference form.
Photocopies of diplomas and grade sheets from previous educational institutions, with certified translations in English, if not in English, French, Italian, or German
Signed medical certificate (with the FCS health certificate form)
Two copies of your passport's main page with personal data (dual nationalities should supply copies of both passports; those currently in Switzerland should provide a copy of the residency permit).
The Scholarship application is evaluated based on the applicant's academic profile, research capacity, motivation, originality, methodological soundness of the research topic, and academic setting.
The application package can be received from the Swiss delegation in your country. Please send two sets (one original and one copy) of application papers in the precise sequence specified below. The first set includes the original, signed papers, confidential letters of recommendation, and, if appropriate, verified translations in English. The other set is a replica of the first set, with the exception of the confidential letters of recommendation. There are no duplicates for the second set.
Indian students can submit their scholarship applications to the Swiss Embassy in India. For more information or queries, please contact the Embassy at 0091 11 4995 9500 or ndh.scholarship@eda.admin.ch.
Applications are subject to preliminary review by the appropriate national authorities and/or Swiss diplomatic representation. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) reviews the short-listed applications and makes the final decision.
The FCS reviews scholarship applicants using three criteria:
Candidate Profile
Quality of the scientific project or artistic creation.
Synergies and opportunities for future research collaboration
The FCS consists of academics from Swiss public institutions. Scholarships are awarded based on academic and scientific excellence.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship will give the recipient with the following benefits:
The scholarship provides a monthly payout of CHF 1,920.
The FCS covers the cost of required Swiss health insurance for non-EU and non-EFTA grantees.
There are no family allowances.
Non-EU and non-EFTA scholarship holders get a flying allowance (lump money) for a return trip to their home country (given at the end of the scholarship).
Special CHF 300 housing allowance (paid at the start of the scholarship).
A one-year half-fare public transit card.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship winners will get support services as well as a variety of vacations, meals, and sightseeing tours.
Please see the country-specific fact sheets for relevant scholarship perks.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2024-25 make it simpler to pursue an excellent education and conduct vital research. Whether you're a student looking to do research or an artist looking to expand your knowledge, these scholarships can help you succeed. They provide money to aid with living expenses, housing, and even school fees, which may be quite beneficial. If you need help applying for your Swiss Scholarship, try contacting PW Study Abroad Scholar.
Q.1. What does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship timeline look like?
A: The scholarly chronology consists of several periods. It begins with a call for applications in early August, followed by a submission period spanning September to December. Selection takes place by the end of May, and successful applicants may expect to start their scholarship the following September.
Q.2. What benefits do Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer?
A: Recipients of these scholarships receive a comprehensive assistance package that includes round-trip travel, a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, a housing allowance to facilitate lodging, a one-year half-fare public transit card, and tuition reimbursement.
Q.3. Who is eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
A: Eligibility requirements include being a postgraduate researcher in any discipline with a Master's degree. Furthermore, overseas artists with a master's degree are invited to apply. This inclusiveness underlines Switzerland's dedication to building a varied and dynamic academic community.
Q.4. What is the application procedure for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
A: The application process entails sending it to the Embassy of Switzerland in India. The selection criteria include your academic background, research capacity, motivation, and the quality of your research proposal. The scholarship application marks the beginning of a remarkable academic journey.
Q.5. Can master's degree students apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
A: Absolutely; these grants are open to Master's degree students as well as those seeking PhD courses, research fellowships, and postdoc jobs. This inclusion allows a larger spectrum of students to pursue educational opportunities in Switzerland.
Q.6. Who supports the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: Swiss Government Excellence. Scholarships are made available via the assistance of the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS), an organisation devoted to promoting and enabling educational and scientific projects worldwide.