The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-2028, offered by the Swiss Confederation through the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), provide outstanding foreign researchers and artists with the opportunity to conduct postgraduate research or doctoral studies at a Swiss higher education institution. Scholarships for the 2027-2028 academic year will be advertised online from August 2026, with country-specific application deadlines.
Key Benefits
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (research fellows/PhD) or CHF 1,300 (arts fellows)
- Tuition fee waiver at the Swiss host institution
- Health insurance contribution
- Accommodation allowance
- Travel allowance (for incoming fellows)
- Language course support (German, French, or Italian)
Types of Scholarships
- Research Fellowships — for postdoctoral researchers
- PhD Scholarships — for doctoral students
- Government Excellence Scholarships for Arts — for artists
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality and country of residence requirements vary by scholarship type; check your country’s bilateral agreement with Switzerland
- PhD scholarships: must hold a Master’s degree (or be in the final year of Master’s studies)
- Research fellowships: must hold a PhD
- Applicants must be under 35 years old for PhD scholarships (under 40 for postdocs)
- Proposed research must be conducted at a recognized Swiss university or research institution
Key Dates
- Applications open: August 20, 2026
- Deadlines: Country-specific — check the official SERI website
How to Apply
- Visit the official SERI portal: sbfi.admin.ch – Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Identify the scholarship type applicable to your country
- Contact the competent Swiss representation (embassy) in your home country
- Prepare your research proposal, academic transcripts, and referee letters
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions, including ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Zurich. This scholarship is a golden opportunity for researchers seeking to advance their career in a world-class academic environment.
Always verify deadlines and details on the official SERI website before applying.