Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SBFI) 2025–2026: A Prestigious Opportunity for International Scholars and Artists
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year offer a unique opportunity for foreign scholars and artists to pursue advanced studies and research in Switzerland. Administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), these scholarships aim to foster international exchange and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 countries.
🎓 Scholarship Categories
1. Research Scholarships
Designed for postgraduate researchers across all disciplines, these scholarships are intended for individuals planning to undertake doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland. Eligible host institutions include all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL), and four research institutes.
2. Art Scholarships
Targeted at young artists wishing to pursue an initial master's degree in Switzerland, these scholarships are available to students from countries with which Switzerland has a reciprocity agreement for art scholarships. Studies can be undertaken at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit: Applicants must be born after 31 December 1989.
Educational Qualifications:
For research scholarships: A master's degree or equivalent obtained before 31 July 2025 (30 June 2025 for ETH Zurich applicants).
For art scholarships: A bachelor's degree or equivalent obtained before 31 July 2025.
Research Proposal: A detailed and original research proposal, including a timeframe, is required.
Host Confirmation: A letter of support from an academic host professor in Switzerland, including their short CV, is mandatory.
Previous Residency: Primarily for candidates who have not previously resided in Switzerland.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Monthly Stipend:
Research and art scholarships: CHF 1,920.
Postdoctoral scholarships: CHF 3,500.
Duration:
Research and postdoctoral scholarships: 12 months, with possible extensions for research scholarships up to 36 months based on academic performance.
Art scholarships: 12 months, extendable up to 21 months depending on the chosen master's program.
Additional Support:
Mandatory Swiss health insurance for non-EU and non-EFTA grantees.
A one-time lump sum of CHF 300 with the first grant payment to assist with housing deposit.
A one-year half-fare public transportation card in Switzerland.
Application Process
Determine Eligibility: Select your country of origin according to your passport to find out about available scholarship types, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. (Details in this webpage)
Prepare Application:
Download and complete the application package, including all required documents.
Obtain a letter of support from a Swiss academic host professor.
Submit Application:
Submit two paper copies of your application to the relevant office in your country of origin by the specified deadline.
Deadlines vary by country, typically between September and December 2025.
🧑🏻🎓 Selection Process
Applications undergo a preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. Short-listed applications are then assessed by the FCS based on:
Candidate Profile: Academic achievements, research capacity, and motivation.
Research Project: Originality and methodological soundness.
Academic Context: Quality of supervision and potential for future academic cooperation.
Final decisions are announced by the end of May 2025.
Important Considerations
Tuition Fees: The scholarship does not cover tuition and/or semester fees. Some Swiss universities may require scholarship holders to pay semester fees ranging from approximately CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester.
Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance is covered for non-EU and non-EFTA grantees. Applicants from EU and EFTA countries are responsible for their own insurance coverage.
Application Fee: The application process is free of charge. Be cautious of fraudulent offers requesting payment for application processing.
