Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), Switzerland
Scholarship
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027/28
A fully funded postdoc scholarship from Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), Switzerland, based in Switzerland.
Overview
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship funds postdoctoral researchers and doctoral candidates from around the world to do research at any of Switzerland’s 12 cantonal universities or the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL). The programme is run through Swiss embassies and consulates in eligible countries, including most African nations. The 2027/28 cycle deadline varies by country but typically falls in early December 2026 at most embassies.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (PhD candidates) or CHF 3,500 (postdocs).
- Free tuition at the host Swiss university.
- Round-trip economy airfare between home country and Switzerland.
- Health insurance.
- Housing assistance through the host university’s international office.
- Programme funded for 12 to 36 months depending on the research scope.
Eligibility
- Citizen of an eligible country (most of Africa qualifies; check the country list each cycle).
- Doctoral degree (postdocs) OR enrolled in a doctoral programme (PhD candidates).
- Born after 31 December 1991 for postdoctoral applicants.
- Identified Swiss host institution and supervisor who agrees to host you.
- Strong publication record (postdocs) or research record (PhD candidates).
- Language requirements: English, French, German, or Italian depending on host institution and field.
How to apply
- Open the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships page at the source link to confirm eligible countries and current cycle dates.
- Identify a Swiss host institution and supervisor. Reach out at least three months before the deadline and secure a written letter of acceptance.
- Apply through your local Swiss Embassy, NOT directly through Switzerland.
- Submit: application form, host institution acceptance letter, research proposal, CV, two references, and academic certificates.
- Submit before your country’s embassy deadline (early December 2026 at most embassies).
- Final scholars are announced by April 2027 for academic year starting September 2027.
Head to the official scholarship page.
We don't run the application. We point you to the source, so click below to start your submission.
Apply on official siteShare this scholarship
Know someone who could apply? Pass it on before the deadline.