ACTIVE

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS)

Multiple Universities
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Application Deadline:10 Nov 2026

🇨🇭 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) 2027–2028

1. Program Overview

Applications are officially open for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS / FCS) for the 2027–2028 academic year. Offered by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these prestigious awards aim to promote international research collaboration and academic exchange between Switzerland and over 180 countries.

2. About the Program

The scholarship is designed for talented early-career researchers (ECRs) who have completed a Master’s degree, as well as foreign artists holding a Bachelor’s degree. Selected scholars can undertake research or doctoral studies at eligible Swiss public higher education and research institutions:

  • Cantonal Universities across Switzerland
  • Federal Institutes of Technology: ETH Zurich and EPFL
  • ETH Domain Research Institutes: PSI, WSL, Empa, and Eawag
  • Universities of Applied Sciences

3. Scholarship Types & Financial Coverage

Recipients receive monthly funding of up to CHF 2,450 / month (maximum age: 35 for specific categories) alongside institutional support.

Scholarship Category

Target Group

Minimum Requirement

Maximum Duration

Research Scholarship

Postgraduate Researchers / PhD Candidates

Master's Degree & Host Supervisor Confirmation

12 Months

PhD Scholarship

Full Doctoral Candidates

Master's Degree & Host Supervisor Confirmation

36 Months

Art Scholarship

Art Students (Select countries)

Bachelor's Degree & Proof of Application/Admission

21 Months

4. Critical Prerequisite: Host Supervisor Confirmation

A mandatory requirement for Research and PhD scholarship applications is securing an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss institution who formally agrees to host, direct, and mentor your proposed research project.

Applicants must secure written endorsement from a host professor before submitting their application.

5. Selection Criteria

Applications are submitted via Swiss diplomatic representations and evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) across three key pillars:

  1. Candidate Profile: Academic records, research output, and background.
  2. Quality of Research Project: Originality, methodology, and feasibility.
  3. Synergies & Future Cooperation: Potential for long-term research partnerships between the host and home institution.

6. Key Dates & Timeline

  • Applications Opened: 20 August 2026
  • Selection Announcements: Decisions will be communicated by the FCS by end of May 2027 at the latest.
  • Program Commencement: Autumn 2027

7. ⚠️ Important Security & Phishing Warning

Notice: The application for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is 100% free of charge. Neither the Swiss Government nor partner organisations will ever request money transfers for application fees, visa processing, or insurance costs. Ignore any fraudulent requests demanding payments.

8. Preparation Resources & Explanatory Videos

Review these official guidance materials before preparing your project proposal or contacting prospective professors in Switzerland: