Scholarships in Switzerland

Switzerland’s main scholarship for international students is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. It is for researchers and artists, mainly doctoral students. It is not for taught master’s degrees, which many applicants misunderstand.

Key Facts

Monthly paymentCHF 2,450 for doctoral students and artists, from 2026
LevelsPhD and research. Postdoctoral scholarships end from 2027/28.
PlacesReduced to 200-250 a year, so competition is higher
DeadlineDifferent for each country. Check the call for your country.

The Requirement That Stops Most Applicants
You need a letter from a professor at a Swiss university agreeing to supervise your research. Without it, you cannot apply. Many applicants leave this too late. Read how to email a Swiss professor for a host letter.

Our Swiss Scholarship Guides

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027: full guide
How to apply, step by step
Required documents checklist
Guide for Pakistani applicants

Common Questions
Can I get a Swiss Government scholarship for a master’s?
No. The scholarship is for research: mainly doctoral students, plus some research stays. Taught master’s degrees are not covered.
Is CHF 2,450 enough to live in Switzerland?
It is designed to cover basic living costs, but Switzerland is expensive. Shared housing is usually necessary in cities like Zurich and Geneva.

Figures checked October 2026. Always confirm details on the official Swiss government website.