Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-2028 | Study in Switzerland

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for 2027-2028 are prestigious international scholarships offered by the Swiss Confederation. These scholarships aim to foster global academic exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries worldwide. Managed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), the program supports full-time research fellowships, PhD studies, and Master’s-level arts education at top Swiss universities and institutions.

This is a fully-funded scholarship program. Benefits include: * A monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 for Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Art Scholarships. * A one-time grant of CHF 600 for rental deposit. * Coverage of compulsory health insurance premiums for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries (which includes Ethiopia). * A Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport within Switzerland. * A return flight allowance for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries. * Participation in organized excursions and activities for federal scholarship holders.

General Eligibility: * Open to international students and researchers from over 180 countries. Specific scholarship availability and application deadlines depend on your country of origin. * Maximum age: 35 years for all scholarship types. Research Fellowships: * Objective: For postgraduate or early-career researchers to conduct research in Switzerland. * Academic Level: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree. * Requirement: Must secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support and guide the proposed research project. * Duration: Maximum 12 months. PhD Scholarships: * Objective: For eligible applicants pursuing PhD-level research in Switzerland. * Academic Level: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree. * Requirement: Must secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland. Other requirements may vary depending on the university and the applicant’s country. * Duration: Maximum 36 months. Art Scholarships (Master’s): * Objective: For art students who wish to pursue their first Master’s degree in an artistic field in Switzerland. * Academic Level: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree. * Requirement: Must seek admission or provide proof of application to an eligible Swiss art institution. * Nationality: This scholarship is available only to applicants from a limited number of countries. Ethiopian students interested in this scholarship should verify if Ethiopia is on the eligible countries list. * Duration: Maximum 21 months.

* A detailed research proposal (for Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships). * A letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland, along with their short CV (mandatory for Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships). * For Art Scholarships, proof of application or admission to an eligible Swiss art institution. * Other documents may be required, which will be specified based on the applicant's country and the chosen scholarship type.

1. **Find an Academic Supervisor (Crucial for Research & PhD)**: For Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships, the most important first step is to find a professor or research group leader at a Swiss university or institute who agrees to supervise your research project. They must provide a letter of support and their short CV. Applications without a confirmed supervisor will not be considered. For PhDs, the supervisor must be authorized to supervise doctoral theses. 2. **For Art Scholarships**: Seek admission or provide proof of application to an eligible Swiss art institution. 3. **Check Country-Specific Information**: Visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website to find specific details, including available scholarship types and application deadlines for Ethiopian citizens. 4. **Prepare Application Documents**: Gather all required documents, including your research proposal (if applicable), academic supervisor's letter, and academic transcripts. 5. **Submit Application**: Follow the instructions provided on the official website for submitting your application. The application process is free of charge.

* Securing an academic supervisor and gaining admission to a university are two distinct but equally important steps for a successful application. * Be cautious of fraudulent scholarship offers. The official application for a Swiss Government Scholarship is always free. * Specific information regarding application deadlines and scholarship availability by country of origin for the 2027-2028 academic year will be published on the official website in August 2026.