- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:10 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Swiss Govt. Excellence Scholarships 2026 – 2027:
Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS aka ESKAS).
Rigorous Evaluation and Fair Selection Process:
Excellence in academics and science is the fundamental principle of this scholarship selection process. FCS uses a rigorous and systematic evaluation process in which each application is scrutinized against predetermined standards. This guarantees the selection of only the most talented applicants. FCS faculty members contribute their wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
This scholarship has two objectives: to recognize individual skills and talents and to select individuals who demonstrate the potential to make a significant impact on Switzerland's unique academic and cultural environment, as well as on the broader global research landscape. By attracting top talent from India, these scholarships promote intercontinental joint research and enhance knowledge exchange, ultimately strengthening ties between the academic communities of India and Switzerland.
What Benefits Do the Swiss Government Research Scholarships Provide?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026–27 offer Indian researchers prestigious opportunities for research fellowships, PhD, postdoctoral, and art scholarships. With financial support, mentorship, and access to top Swiss institutions, the program promotes academic excellence, cultural exchange, and international research collaboration.
Scholarship Features and Criteria:
| Feature | Goal/Focus | Target Group | Minimum Qualification | Age Eligibility | Duration & Renewal | Mandatory Requirement | Monthly Amount | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Fellowships | Postgraduate research in any discipline (not PhD). | Postgraduate researchers, young medical doctors. | Master’s degree before July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich). | Born after Dec 31, 1990. | 12 months, non-renewable. | Letter from academic host professor + proposal. | CHF 1,920 (living costs only). | Sept 1, 2026 |
| PhD Scholarships | Full PhD degree program. | Postgraduate students beginning a PhD. | Master’s degree before July 31, 2026. | Born after Dec 31, 1990. | Initially 12 months, renewable twice (max 36 months). | Letter from academic host professor + proposal. | CHF 1,920 (living costs only). | Sept 1, 2026 |
| Postdoctoral Scholarships | Postdoctoral research for early career scientists. | Early career researchers with a PhD. | PhD thesis completed between Jan 1, 2023 & July 31, 2026 (June 30 for ETH Zurich). | No strict age limit (early career focus). | 12 months, non-renewable. | Letter from academic host professor + proposal. | CHF 3,500 (living costs only). | Sept 1, 2026 |
| Art Scholarships | Master’s programs in arts fields. | Art students (limited countries). | Admission eligibility for Swiss conservatory/university of arts. | No specific age limit. | Based on program length. | Admission to Swiss arts institution required. | Varies by program type. | Sept 1, 2026 |
Eligibility and Academic Goals of Swiss Excellence Scholarships:
These scholarships identify skilled individuals in research, PhD, postdoctoral, and arts disciplines, offering structured funding and mentorship. The primary aim is to support innovative researchers while fostering cultural and academic ties between India and Switzerland.
Applicants must hold the required degree, meet age or timeline eligibility, and secure support from Swiss academic hosts. This ensures only the most capable candidates contribute to Switzerland’s academic and global research environment