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Swiss Confederation (SERI/SBFI)·Switzerland

Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarship

Fully FundedPhD12-36 monthsAug–Dec (varies by country)

The Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarship funds up to 3 years of doctoral studies at a Swiss university. Provides CHF 2,450/month with no tuition fees at most Swiss public universities. Applicants must secure an academic supervisor at a Swiss institution and submit a detailed research plan. Renewable annually subject to academic progress.

Popular Participating Universities

ETH ZurichETH Zurich
EPFLEPFL
University of ZurichUniversity of Zurich

Quick info

Application status

Aug–Dec (varies by country)

DAAD deadlines vary per program. Check the official site for the current intake window.

Switzerland
PhD
12-36 months
All academic fields
Open to: Over 180 countries (country-specific quotas apply)
Apply on official site

Opens the provider's official website

Info sourced from official providers. Always verify deadlines, requirements, and eligibility directly before applying.

What you get

  • Monthly stipend of CHF 2,450
  • Flight allowance (lump sum)
  • Health insurance (SwissCare) contribution
  • No tuition fees at most Swiss public universities
Monthly: CHF 2,450/month (approx. USD 2,750) / Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months

Requirements

First degree: Required
Professional experience: not specified
Country restriction: Over 180 countries (country-specific quotas apply)

Detailed requirements

  • - Master's degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2027
  • - Date of birth after 31 December 1991
  • - Detailed research plan with timeline and milestones
  • - Must have a letter of support from an academic host professor in Switzerland (supervisor must be authorised to supervise doctoral theses)
  • - Priority given to applicants who have not previously studied or researched in Switzerland
  • - Application submitted to Swiss diplomatic representation in home country

Who can apply

Highly qualified researchers with a master's degree seeking to pursue a full PhD at a Swiss university. Available to over 180 countries. Requires securing an academic supervisor in Switzerland.

Fields of study

All academic fields

Application window

Aug–Dec (varies by country)

Dates are based on data sourced from official providers (2025-2026 cycle). Deadlines may shift between intake years. Always verify on the official website before applying.

Important dates

Applications open: 20 August 2026 (for 2027–2028)
Deadline: varies by country, typically September – December
Scholarship start: 1 September 2027
Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months total

How to apply

  1. 1Step 1: Identify a potential PhD supervisor at a Swiss university in your research field
  2. 2Step 2: Contact the professor, present your research proposal, and obtain a letter of support
  3. 3Step 3: Prepare all documents: CV, motivation letter, research plan, transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation
  4. 4Step 4: Submit application to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country
  5. 5Step 5: Applications evaluated by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
  6. 6Step 6: Results announced by May; scholarship starts 1 September
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Provider

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Swiss Confederation (SERI/SBFI)

Switzerland

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