Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered by the Swiss Confederation through the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation to promote international exchange and research cooperation. They support young researchers from around the world to undertake research, doctoral, or postdoctoral work (and an arts master’s track for some countries) at Swiss universities and federal institutes.

The award provides a monthly living stipend of around 1,920 Swiss francs, Swiss health insurance, and other support, for a research fellowship of up to 12 months, a PhD of 12 months (renewable up to 36), or a 12-month postdoc; tuition and fees are generally not covered. Scholars work with a host supervisor at a leading Swiss institution.

Eligibility is for young researchers from an eligible country (the programme covers more than 180 countries, with country-specific deadlines) who hold at least a master’s (for research fellowships or PhD) or a PhD (for postdoctoral), or a bachelor’s for the arts master’s track, with priority for those who have not previously studied or researched in Switzerland. You must secure a letter of support from an academic host supervisor at a Swiss university or federal institute and prepare a detailed research proposal, then submit the application (via the SERI portal or your Swiss embassy) by your country’s deadline. For early-career researchers, it is a prestigious, well-supported opportunity.

• Young researcher from an eligible country (the programme covers 180+ countries, with country-specific deadlines).
• Hold at least a master's (for research fellowships or PhD) or a PhD (for postdoctoral), or a bachelor's for the arts master's track.
• Typically under 35 at application.
• Priority for those who have not previously studied or researched in Switzerland.
• A host supervisor and a detailed research proposal are required.

• Monthly living stipend of around CHF 1,920.
• Swiss health insurance.
• Other support per the programme.
• Access to a leading Swiss university or research institute (tuition and fees generally not covered).

• Research proposal with a timeline.
• Letter of support from a Swiss host supervisor.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Degree certificates and transcripts.
• Two references.
• Medical certificate and passport copy.
• Language proficiency proof.

• Confirm you are a young researcher from an eligible country holding the required degree, ideally without prior study or research in Switzerland.
• Secure a letter of support from an academic host supervisor at a Swiss university or federal institute and prepare a detailed research proposal.
• Submit the application (via the SERI online portal or your Swiss embassy, per your country's process) by your country's deadline (confirm the current dates).