Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇨🇭 Switzerland · Offered by Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) · For PhD, Research student applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Provider: Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)
Degree levels: PhD, Research student
Funding: Monthly allowance, tuition exemption, health insurance, housing allowance (one-off) and travel support.
Deadline: 2027–28 round for Pakistan: deadline 31 Oct 2026 via HEC (some sources say 29 Sep 2026) — closed. Next round expected Aug–Oct 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Aug 2027
Duration: Research 12 months; PhD up to 36 months.
Professor contact: Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

Official website

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Research, PhD and postdoc scholarships at Swiss universities for foreign researchers. A professor at the Swiss university must agree to supervise you, so contact professors first; apply through the Swiss embassy.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Pakistani citizens (Pakistan is on the country list; nominated through HEC). 2027–28 options for Pakistan: 1-year research scholarship and 3-year PhD scholarship (no Master's, no postdoc).

Academic requirements

Master's degree; research proposal; a Swiss university professor willing to supervise (required before applying). Usually born after 31 Dec 1991.

Language requirements

English or the language of the host institution.

What the scholarship covers

Monthly allowance, tuition exemption, health insurance, housing allowance (one-off) and travel support.

Tuition: Tuition fees exempted.
Stipend and benefits: CHF 2,450/month (2027–28 rate).
Duration: Research 12 months; PhD up to 36 months.

Deadline and opening date

2027–28 round for Pakistan: deadline 31 Oct 2026 via HEC (some sources say 29 Sep 2026) — closed. Next round expected Aug–Oct 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Aug 2027.

Required documents

GO ESKAS online application
Research proposal
Letter of acceptance from a Swiss supervisor
CV
Two recommendation letters
Degree and transcripts
Medical certificate
HEC application

How to apply

Find a Swiss supervisor, then apply on both the HEC portal and the Swiss GO ESKAS portal.

Find a professor for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in Switzerland whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

Start for free

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Pakistani citizens (Pakistan is on the country list; nominated through HEC). 2027–28 options for Pakistan: 1-year research scholarship and 3-year PhD scholarship (no Master's, no postdoc). Master's degree; research proposal; a Swiss university professor willing to supervise (required before applying). Usually born after 31 Dec 1991.

What does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships cover?

Monthly allowance, tuition exemption, health insurance, housing allowance (one-off) and travel support. CHF 2,450/month (2027–28 rate).

What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships deadline?

2027–28 round for Pakistan: deadline 31 Oct 2026 via HEC (some sources say 29 Sep 2026) — closed. Next round expected Aug–Oct 2027. Expected opening: Expected Aug 2027.

Is IELTS required for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

English or the language of the host institution.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

How do I apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?