Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)

♡ Save

Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Master's holders (and postdocs) under 35 from one of about 183 eligible countries, with a supervisor at a Swiss university, ETH/EPFL or research institute; art scholarships (Master's level) are open to a smaller group of countries. Check your country's deadline on the SERI list.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships let master's graduates and postdocs from many countries do PhD or postdoctoral research at a Swiss university or research institute, with a monthly stipend and tuition exemption.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Master's holders (and postdocs) under 35 from one of about 183 eligible countries, with a supervisor at a Swiss university, ETH/EPFL or research institute; art scholarships (Master's level) are open to a smaller group of countries. Check your country's deadline on the SERI list.
2. Note the deadline. Sep – Dec (annual; the 2027-28 call opened on 20 Aug 2026 - every country has its own deadline set by the Swiss embassy or nominating authority; the 2028-29 call opens in Aug 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Master's holders (and postdocs) under 35 from one of about 183 eligible countries, with a supervisor at a Swiss university, ETH/EPFL or research institute; art scholarships (Master's level) are open to a smaller group of countries. Check your country's deadline on the SERI list.

What does Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships cover?

Monthly stipend of about CHF 2,450 plus tuition exemption, health insurance, housing allowance and travel; research scholarships also cover postdoctoral researchers

When is the deadline for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Sep – Dec (annual; the 2027-28 call opened on 20 Aug 2026 - every country has its own deadline set by the Swiss embassy or nominating authority; the 2028-29 call opens in Aug 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships application?

Very High: Comprehensive Research Proposal + Academic Supervisor Acceptance Letter + Official Transcripts