Introduction
Every year, the Swiss Government offers a prestigious opportunity to foreign students and artists through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), also known as ESKAS, CFBE. The Swiss Government Scholarships are highly competitive and provide fully funded opportunities for research, postdoctoral studies, and more in Swiss public universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, University of Applied Sciences, and Schools of music and arts.
Understanding the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are designed to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. These scholarships are open to highly motivated, competitive young researchers who have completed a master's degree, PhD, or hold a bachelor's degree in the case of foreign artists. The program aims to support outstanding individuals in their pursuit of academic excellence and contribute to Switzerland's research landscape.
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
One of the most attractive aspects of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is that they are fully funded. This means that selected candidates receive financial support for their studies, research, and living expenses during their scholarship period. The scholarship amount varies depending on the category:
· Research scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month.
· PhD scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month.
· Arts scholarship: 1920 Swiss Francs per month.
· Postdoctoral scholarship: 3500 Swiss Francs per month.
It's important to note that the Swiss Government Scholarships do not provide financial support for fieldwork or conferences. However, grant holders receive a one-year half-fare public transportation card in Switzerland, and support services organize various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours for scholarship holders.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the scholarship type chosen, but some general criteria include:
· Language skills: Applicants must have the necessary language skills required for the program they wish to pursue.
· Residency: Applicants must have spent no more than one year in Switzerland at the beginning of the scholarship in September 2024.
· Mobility: Applicants must be able to move to Switzerland during the scholarship period.
· Previous recipients: Applicants who have previously received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship.
Specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship program can be found on the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. The application process typically involves submitting an online application form, along with supporting documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
Duration and Host Institutions
The duration of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships varies depending on the type of scholarship. Here are the durations for different scholarship programs:
· Research Fellowships: 12 months (September - August) with no possibility of prolongation.
· PhD Scholarships: 12 months (September - August) with the possibility of prolongation up to 36 months.
· Postdoctoral Scholarships: 12 months (September - August) with no possibility of prolongation.
· Arts Scholarships: 12 months (September - August) with the possibility of prolongation up to 21 months.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are hosted by various institutions in Switzerland. Some of the top host institutions include:
· University of Basel
· University of Bern
· University of Fribourg
· University of Geneva
· University of Lausanne
· University of Lucerne
· University of Neuchâtel
· University of St. Gallen
· University of Zurich
· Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
· Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
· Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, EMPA, EAWAG)
· Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
For a complete list of host institutions, interested applicants should refer to the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Benefits and Additional Support
In addition to the financial support provided through the monthly scholarships, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer other benefits to grant holders. These include:
Housing Allowance
All scholarship holders receive a one-time lump sum of CHF 300 with the first grant payment. This allowance is intended to help cover part of the housing deposit.
Tuition Fees and Master Fees
The Swiss Government Scholarships do not cover tuition fees or semester fees. In some cases, universities and the Federal Institute of Technology may require scholarship holders to pay semester fees or reduced tuition fees. It is important for applicants to be aware of these potential costs and make appropriate financial arrangements.
Health Insurance
According to Swiss law, every resident in Switzerland must have health care insurance. Non-EU and non-EFTA grantees are covered by mandatory Swiss health insurance, which is paid for by the FCS. EU and EFTA scholarship holders are responsible for their own insurance coverage and associated costs.
Travel Expenses
Grantees from EU and EFTA member states are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from Switzerland. However, they may receive a return flight allowance (lump sum) for a ticket back to their country of origin at the end of the scholarship. Grantees from outside the European Union and the EFTA are responsible for their own travel expenses to Switzerland.
Fieldwork
PhD scholarship holders may request permission to conduct fieldwork related to their research. The scholarship may continue during fieldwork for up to six months, but no additional financial support is provided by the Swiss Government. Other scholarship types do not allow for fieldwork abroad in Switzerland during the scholarship period.
Study Opportunities and Fields of Research
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer study opportunities in various fields at Swiss universities and institutions. Some of the top fields of study include:
· Data Science
· Business Analytics
· Engineering
· Tax
· Healthcare
· Language
· Insurance
· Digital Marketing
These fields of study are available at renowned Swiss universities and institutions, such as the University of Basel, University of Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), and many more. Interested applicants should explore the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for a comprehensive list of available fields of study and host institutions.
Specializations and Top Universities
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide opportunities for specialization in different academic areas. Some of the top specializations include:
· Master of Business Administration (MBA)
· Masters in Data Analytics
· Masters in Mechanical Engineering
· Masters in Supply Chain Management
· Masters in Computer Science
· MBA in Finance
· Masters in Architecture
These specializations are offered by prestigious universities, including Cornell University, Yale University, Princeton University, University of California Los Angeles, and Stanford University. The choice of specialization and university depends on the applicant's academic background, research interests, and career goals.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for foreign students and artists to pursue academic excellence in Switzerland. These fully funded scholarships provide financial support, research opportunities, and access to world-class institutions and universities. Whether it's a research fellowship, PhD program, postdoctoral studies, or arts scholarship, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships pave the way for international students and artists to contribute to Switzerland's vibrant research community. For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application process, and available scholarships, interested individuals should visit the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the reference articles mentioned above and is subject to change. Interested applicants are advised to visit the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the most up-to-date and accurate information.