The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for international students seeking to pursue postdoctoral, Ph.D., or master’s degree studies. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the details of this scholarship, its remarkable benefits, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to apply successfully.
Advantages of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
For the academic year 2023–2024, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship offers fully financed awards to deserving candidates. Recipients of this scholarship not only receive a monthly payment, but they are also entitled to coverage of housing costs, health insurance, and tuition fees.
Sponsored by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS) in collaboration with the Swiss government, the Swiss Scholarship program has a broad reach, extending its support to students from more than 180 countries. It is open to young doctors and highly educated postgraduate researchers from diverse academic disciplines.
Types of Swiss Government Scholarship
Research Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship encompasses various types of scholarships tailored to meet specific academic needs. One such category is the Research Scholarship, which is available to post-graduate researchers from any field who have obtained at least a master’s degree. These scholars have the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to engage in research or pursue doctoral and post-doctoral studies.
Research scholarships are offered by all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, and the two federal institutes of technology. To be considered for this grant, applicants must be recommended by a professor from one of these universities.
Art Scholarships
Art students with a passion for creativity can apply for the Art Scholarship. This scholarship is designed for those who wish to pursue their first master’s degree in Switzerland. Art grants are offered by Swiss conservatories and art universities, providing a unique opportunity for aspiring artists. However, it is important to note that recipients of the Art Scholarship must come from a specific country.
Summary of the Swiss Government Scholarship
- Level of Study: Masters, Ph.D., Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): Swiss Government / Swiss Universities
- Study Location: Switzerland
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Various fields (see types below)
- Program Period: Dependent on the chosen degree
Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2023 offers recipients a range of benefits to support their academic journey:
- Monthly Payment: Scholarship recipients will receive a monthly payment of CHF 1,920.
- Health Insurance: Non-EU and non-EFTA grantees will have their mandatory Swiss health insurance paid for by the FCS.
- Housing Allowance: A special housing allowance of CHF 300 will be provided once at the beginning of the scholarship.
- Flight Allowance: Non-EU and non-EFTA scholarship holders will receive a flight allowance (lump sum) for a return ticket to their country of origin, provided at the end of the scholarship period.
- Public Transportation Card: Scholarship recipients will be given a one-year half-fare public transportation card, facilitating convenient travel within Switzerland.
- Support Services and Activities: Various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours will be organized exclusively for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship holders, fostering a vibrant and engaging experience.
Please refer to the country-specific fact sheets for precise details on scholarship benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Proficiency in English: English is the required language for the scholarship.
- Worldwide Eligibility: Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.
- Master’s Degree: Candidates must have obtained a master’s degree or an equivalent college degree before July 31, 2022, which is recognized by a Swiss university. The degree must be presented to the Federal Commission for Scholarships as verification before the scholarship commences.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be born after December 31, 1987.
- Residency Restrictions: Individuals who have resided in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible to apply.
- Academic Host Professor: Applicants must provide a letter from an academic host professor at the chosen Swiss university, along with the professor’s short CV, confirming their willingness to supervise and support the research. Applications without such support will be rejected.
- Research Proposal: Applicants must submit a research proposal, including a time frame, which serves as the centerpiece of the application. The proposal should receive the utmost attention and dedication.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in the necessary language(s) required for the research or studies is mandatory.
- Previous Award Restriction: Individuals who have already received a Swiss Government Excellence award are not eligible to apply for a second award.
- Relocation to Switzerland: Scholarship holders are expected to relocate to Switzerland during the grant period.
For additional eligibility requirements, please consult the information sheets specific to each country.
How to Apply
When applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, it is crucial to follow the instructions below:
- Prepare the Required Documents:
- Signed FCS application form (typed and printed)
- Comprehensive CV with a list of academic publications and awards
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed) using the FCS research proposal format exclusively
- Letter from an academic host professor
- Short CV of the academic mentor at the home institution
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from different professors in the applicant’s field
- Photocopies of certificates, grade sheets, and diplomas from previously attended universities/colleges, starting with the most recent. If these documents are not in English, French, Italian, or German, certified translations in English are required. Original certificates should not be submitted.
- Signed medical certificate using the FCS health certificate form
- Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals must include copies of both passports.
- Obtain the Application Package: Visit the Swiss representative of your country to obtain the application package.
- Submit the Application: Submit two sets of application documents in the exact order specified below: The first set should contain the original, signed documents, confidential letters of recommendation, and attested translations (if applicable). The second set is a copy of the first set, excluding the confidential letters of recommendation (which are only included in the first set). Do not use binders or plastic folders to organize the documents.
Note: The deadline for the Swiss Government Scholarship varies by country. Please check the specific deadline for your country.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Website Portal
For further information on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, including the application process and requirements, visit the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Portal/Website.
Stay Updated with Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
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