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Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
Research fundingApplications open

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028

Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) / Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS)

A competitive Swiss government programme mainly for international early-career researchers who have completed a master's degree and wish to undertake research or doctoral study at a Swiss institution. The 2027–2028 cycle has opened, but there is no single deadline for all nationalities; check the page for the applicant's country to confirm dates and available award types.

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Opportunity overview

The key information before reviewing the full conditions.

Published support amount

For research and PhD awards, the published allowance is CHF 2,450 per month toward basic living costs. A research fellowship may last up to 12 months and a PhD award up to 36 months, depending on the category and rules. Postdoctoral fellowships are no longer available for the 2027–2028 cycle. Deadlines vary by applicant nationality and responsible diplomatic representation.

Important dates

Application deadline

No deadline published

Information last verified

Oct 15, 2026

Target students

Foreign applicants with a master's degree seeking a research fellowship or PhD at a Swiss university or research institute. Available award types and restrictions depend on nationality; this is not general funding for taught bachelor's or master's study.

Grant details and eligibility

Review eligibility, coverage and required documents before applying.

Eligibility criteria

01

For research and PhD awards, applicants generally need a master's degree, a strong academic profile, a detailed research plan and timeline, and a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor with a short CV. Country-specific age, field and nationality rules apply. The central page lists research/PhD opportunities for applicants from up to 183 countries, but exact eligibility and award type must be checked by nationality. Postdoctoral awards are not offered for 2027–2028.

What the funding covers

02

A monthly living allowance according to the scholarship category, with duration and funding structure differing between research and PhD awards. Additional benefits depend on the applicable rules and country. The allowance is not a salary and does not automatically cover all fees or family expenses.

Required documents

03

Prepare your master's certificate and transcripts, academic CV, detailed research proposal and timeline, a support letter from a Swiss supervisor and the supervisor's short CV, language evidence or publications if requested, and identity documents. Applicants must find a supervisor and obtain support before applying; applications without a supporting supervisor are not considered. Check the country page for exact documents.

How to apply

04

1) Open the scholarship page for your nationality and confirm the award type and deadline. 2) Find an eligible professor at a Swiss institution and discuss your research project. 3) Prepare a coherent research plan, documents and supervisor's support letter. 4) Apply through the official channel specified for your country; do not treat 30 November 2026 as a universal deadline unless your country page says so. 5) Monitor official notices. NEXA may provide separately priced document review, without guaranteeing selection.

Applying through NEXA is a separate paid service. The fee is explained before the process starts. Listing an opportunity does not guarantee eligibility, acceptance or funding.

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