Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (PhD scholarship): Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

This scholarship is intended to support selected applicants in pursuing a PhD at a Swiss university or recognised research institute.

CHF 1,920 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person

This scholarship is not a salary

• Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
• Date of birth after 31 December 1990.
• Detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities.
• Applicants must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland (including a short CV).
• If the applicant already resides in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).

• Complete CV including educational background, degrees, positions, publications, teaching and practical experience
• Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages; reasons for wanting to stay in Switzerland, significance for your future career and professional plans after the scholarship expires)
• Clearly defined research objective with research proposal (max. 5 pages including a summary for non-specialists) based on the FCS form. This does not apply to applicants for an art scholarship.
• Letter of support from the academic supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution.
• Short CV (max. 2 pages) from this academic supervisor.
• For research fellowships: short CV of the academic supervisor at your home university.
• For PhD scholarships at graduate schools (doctoral programmes): confirmation of admission.
• Two recommendation letters must be submitted directly by email by two different professors in the relevant academic field during the application process.
• Copies of certificates and transcripts from previous universities (if not in English, French, Italian or German, with certified translations).
  For India: self-certification accepted.
• Certificate signed by a doctor stating that you are fit for mission (use FCS form only).
• Copy of your passport (if you have dual citizenship, please submit copies of both passports).
• If you already reside in Switzerland: residence permit or confirmation of registration.