What's the difference between a Host Letter and a Letter of Support?

Nothing, they’re the same document. “Letter of Support” is the official FCS/ESKAS term; “Host Letter” is the common informal name, used even by Swiss universities.

Do I need a Host Letter for the Arts Scholarship?

No. The Arts Scholarship requires proof of admission (or a pending application) to a Swiss art school or conservatory, rather than an academic supervisor’s letter.

How many professors should I actually email?

Plan for 10 to 15; send over one to two weeks. Because supervisors are advised to take on only one or two scholarship candidates a year, a low response rate is normal, not a sign your application is weak.

How long does it typically take to hear back?

Anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Academic email volume is high, and replies often come in bursts rather than immediately.

Can I write to professors in French- or Italian-speaking Swiss universities in English?

Yes. English is widely used and accepted for this kind of academic correspondence across Switzerland, regardless of the region’s main language.

Does getting a Host Letter guarantee I'll receive the scholarship?

No. It’s a required document, not a guarantee that your full application still goes through the FCS’s standard evaluation. Without it, your application isn’t considered at all, so it’s the first hurdle to clear.

Is contacting a professor the same as applying to a Swiss PhD program?

No, these are two separate processes. A professor’s letter of support is for your scholarship application; formal admission to a doctoral program (especially at universities with a doctoral school system) is a separate step you may need to complete alongside it.

How to Email a Swiss Professor for a Host Letter (2027)

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