When it comes to securing international scholarships, few programs are as prestigious as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Program. If you are a researcher or an artist looking to advance your academic career or artistic talents in a world-renowned educational environment, this program might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Each year, the Swiss Confederation offers these scholarships to promote international collaboration and to support outstanding students and researchers from over 180 countries.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the essentials of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Program, including the types of scholarships available, the application process, and the eligibility requirements. It doesn’t matter if you’re aiming to pursue a PhD, a post-doctoral study, or an initial master’s degree in the arts, understanding the different scholarship options and their criteria is crucial. We’ll also explore the numerous benefits that come with being a recipient, from financial support to the opportunity to study at some of Switzerland’s top universities.
Anyone thinking about submitting should make sure they are aware of the precise procedures and paperwork needed to submit a successful application. Every step of the application process requires careful consideration, from choosing the best program to writing an engaging research proposal to getting an acceptance letter from a professor in Switzerland.
You will know exactly what it takes to apply for and perhaps win this prestigious scholarship by the time you finish reading this article.
What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Program?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD.
Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
Types of Scholarships Offered
- Research Scholarships
- Art Scholarships
- PhD Scholarship
- Post-Doctoral Scholarship
Lets dive into each of the Scholarships Offered
Research Scholarships
Research Scholarships are available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline who hold a Master’s degree at a minimum. These scholarships are intended for individuals planning to conduct research or further studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level in Switzerland.
- Eligibility: Available to postgraduate researchers in all fields, as well as young medical doctors.
- Universities: Can be undertaken at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology, and four research institutes.
- Criteria: Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent and provide a research proposal, including a timeframe. A letter of support from an academic host professor at a Swiss institution is mandatory.
- Duration: Typically lasts 12 months, depending on the research project.
Art Scholarships
Art Scholarships are intended for foreign students wishing to pursue an initial Master’s degree in the arts in Switzerland.
- Eligibility: Open to highly qualified young artists who hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, these scholarships are available to students from a limited number of countries.
- Universities: Can be taken at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
- Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding artistic talent and academic achievement.
PhD Scholarship
PhD Scholarships enable applicants to pursue doctoral studies at a Swiss university.
- Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent university degree.
- Duration: Up to 36 months, depending on the research timeline and the specific requirements of the doctoral program.
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Post-Doctoral Scholarship
Post-Doctoral Scholarships are designed for highly qualified early-career scientists to undertake post-doctoral research in Switzerland.
- Target Group: This scholarship is targeted at researchers who have recently completed their PhD and wish to further their academic career through post-doctoral studies.
- Criteria: Applicants must have a PhD degree.
- Duration: Typically 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on the research project.
Application Process
There are several steps involved in applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Here is an in-depth guide:
1. Choose Your Program
The first you need to do is to Choose Your Program. Determine whether you wish to apply for a PhD, Post-Doctoral, or Master’s program at a Swiss university. The application process for the scholarship is separate from your program application, so both must be pursued simultaneously.
2. Prepare Your Profile and Research Project
- Develop a comprehensive profile that includes your academic achievements, research interests, and professional goals. For research-based programs, prepare a detailed research project proposal or an artistic portfolio if you’re applying for an arts program.
3. Identify a Supervisor
- Research and identify a potential supervisor at a Swiss university whose research aligns with your academic interests. It’s crucial that the professor’s research work corresponds with your proposed area of study.
4. Contact the Professor
- Make direct contact with the professor you’ve identified. Express your interest in working under their supervision and discuss your research proposal. This step is essential, as having a supervisor is often a requirement for the scholarship application.
5. Check Eligibility for Arts Students
If you are applying for an Arts program, ensure that your country is eligible for this specific category of the scholarship. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the country and field of study.
6. Submit Your Application
Obtain the application package from the Swiss Embassy in your home country. This package will contain all the necessary forms and detailed instructions for applying.
7. Document Requirements
Ensure all your documents, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation, are in English or translated into English if they are in another language.
8. Initial Selection by Swiss Embassy
Submit your complete application package to the Swiss Diplomatic Embassy in your country. The embassy will conduct an initial assessment of your application.
9. Final Selection by FCS
If your application passes the initial selection, it will be forwarded to the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) in Switzerland. The FCS makes the final decision on awarding the scholarships.
10. Await Results
After the final selection, you will be notified of the results. If selected, you will receive instructions on the next steps to take.
Documents Needed
Here are the When applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, you will need to submit several essential documents. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to prepare:
- A short CV.
- A letter of motivation.
- A research plan of a maximum of 5 pages (signed) using the FCS form.
- Submit two sets of documents 1-original and 1 copy.
- The first set must contain the original signed documents having two letters of recommendation (if applicable attested in English).
- The second set must contain a copy of the first set except for recommendation letters.
- A typed and printed FCS form with a photo.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
- PhD and Post-Doctoral Applicants: Must hold a Master’s degree equivalent to a Swiss Master’s degree.
- Master’s Program Applicants: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swiss Bachelor’s degree. The degree must be recognized by the Swiss university to which you are applying.
2. Acceptance Letter
Applicants must secure an acceptance letter from a professor at a Swiss university. This letter should include the professor’s agreement to supervise and support the applicant’s research project. Without this letter, the application will be rejected.
3. Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of a country that has diplomatic relations with Switzerland. This eligibility varies slightly depending on the country, especially for Master’s programs. It is advisable to check specific eligibility criteria for your country.
4. Age Requirement
Applicants must be born after December 31, 1989.
5. Residency in Switzerland
Applicants who have resided in Switzerland for more than one year at the start of the scholarship in September are not eligible to apply.
6. Language Proficiency
Applicants must possess the necessary language skills required for their intended research or studies. This typically means proficiency in English or the language of instruction.
7. Research Proposal
A well-developed research proposal, including a clear time frame, is mandatory. This proposal is the centerpiece of the application and must be given full attention.
8. Previous Swiss Government Grants
Applicants who have already received a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for another one.
9. Relocation to Switzerland
Scholarship holders are required to move to Switzerland for the duration of their studies or research. The scholarship does not cover individuals who intend to commute or stay outside Switzerland during their study period.
Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a range of benefits to support international students and researchers during their studies in Switzerland. Here are the key benefits:
- There is no application processing fee.
- Monthly stipend for master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students.
- Study at top Swiss universities.
- Experience Swiss culture and environment.
- Build international connections.
- Support for innovative research projects.
- Enhance personal and professional growth.
- A research allowance is provided to support the academic work of the recipients.
- The scholarship typically covers tuition fees for the duration of the program
- Coverage is provided for basic health insurance during the scholarship period.
Deadline:
The application deadline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships varies by country.
FAQs
Can I apply for more than one type of scholarship?
No, applicants are allowed to apply for only one type of scholarship per academic year. You must choose the scholarship type that best fits your academic background and research goals.
Who is eligible for the Swiss government excellence scholarship?
Eligibility varies depending on the type of scholarship. Generally, applicants must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) for PhD and Post-Doctoral Scholarships, or a Bachelor’s degree for Art Scholarships. Additionally, applicants must be nationals of countries with which Switzerland has diplomatic relations, and they should meet the specific age and residency requirements set by the program.
What is the scholarship for international students in Switzerland 2024?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2024 academic year are offered to international students and researchers to pursue advanced studies or research at Swiss universities. The scholarships cover various levels, including Research, PhD, Post-Doctoral, and Art Scholarships.
How much is the Swiss Excellence scholarship stipend?
The stipend amount varies depending on the scholarship type and the applicant’s level of study. Generally, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend, which is intended to cover living expenses. The exact amount can vary each year, so it’s important to check the latest information provided by the Swiss authorities.
Does Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students cover tuition fees health insurance airfare housing allowance and monthly payment?
The Swiss Excellence Scholarships typically include a monthly stipend, health insurance, and, in some cases, tuition fee waivers. However, airfare and housing allowances are not usually covered, so applicants should be prepared to handle these expenses on their own. Specific details may vary based on the scholarship type and the applicant’s country of origin.
If you have anything to ask concerning the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Program, kindly send it via the comment section below.