The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards various scholarships to foreign researchers and artists:

• Scholarships for research stays, doctorates and post-doctorates at Swiss universities, Federal Institutes of Technology as well as Universities of Applied Sciences
• Arts scholarships for master studies and research stays at schools of music and fine arts (only for a limited number of countries)

Scholarships for master studies are only awarded to a very restricted number of countries.
No scholarships for bachelor studies are granted.

The application process for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for the academic year 2013–2014 is closed. It is thus not possible to apply for 2013–2014 anymore.

The new offer for the academic year 2014–2015 will be published in August 2013 on this page, as well as on the website of the  Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

Greek candidates for a scholarship have to contact the Swiss Embassy in Athens to get the forms to be filled in 3 specimens. 

The limit of age is 35 years when applying.

Before applying for a scholarship, you will first need to find out whether the university you wish to attend actually offers the postgraduate course or field of research you are interested in. You should therefore contact the person in charge of the postgraduate course or a professor who can provide you with guidance on your research project. You will need to submit copies of your university degree (with transcript), a detailed study or research plan and curriculum vitae.

Candidates who submit their applications within the frame of a cooperation program between the academic institution (university, institute, laboratory, etc.) of their country of origin and an institution in Switzerland have a certain priority.

The Embassy issues this warning against fake Swiss Federal Government Scholarships advertised by e-mail. The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (CFBE) never advertises its scholarships by e-mail. The scholarships are directly managed by the Swiss Embassies in the various countries. The Embassy recommends to never answer to these e-mails and above all not to send any money.