Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28

About the scholarship

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28, administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS), fund PhD studies and research stays at Swiss public universities, federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL), universities of applied sciences and research institutes. For India, two categories are open: research fellowships and PhD scholarships. Applications opened 20 August 2026.

Eligibility (India)

• Hold a Master's degree or equivalent (completed by 31 July 2027; 30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich).
• Born after 31 December 1991.
• For the research fellowship: a defined research project under a Swiss academic supervisor (6–12 months, non-renewable).
• For the PhD scholarship: full doctoral studies in Switzerland (12 months, extendable).
• Not already holding a Master's at scholarship start (art track rules); check the India country fact sheet.

Benefits

• CHF 2,450 per month living stipend.
• One-time CHF 600 housing allowance.
• Health and accident insurance.
• Half-fare public transport card.
• Return flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA scholars.

Documents required

1. CV with education, awards and experience
2. Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
3. Research proposal / study plan
4. Supervisor confirmation from the Swiss host
5. Two professors' email addresses (references)
6. Certificates, transcripts, passport copy

How to apply

1. Find a Swiss supervisorContact professors at your target university first.
2. Register on the ESKAS portalThe Swiss government's online application system.
3. Submit before 10 November 202611:59 PM Swiss local time (India deadline).
4. Decisions by end of May 2027Scholarship starts 1 September 2027.

FAQs

Verified 16 Oct 2026 via EducationPost (India deadline 10 Nov 2026; CHF 2,450/month; research + PhD categories; opened 20 Aug 2026; FCS/ESKAS) and CareerAidHub (10 Nov 2026 11:59 PM Swiss time; postdoc discontinued; 12-month duration).