Hey future global scholars! 👋 Ever dreamed of taking your research or artistic talent to Switzerland, one of the world’s most innovative countries? Well, get ready, because the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Bursary 2026 could be your golden ticket! While this isn’t a South Africa-specific bursary, it’s open to talented individuals from over 180 countries, including Mzansi. This incredible opportunity is designed to supercharge your academic journey, whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, PhD, or a cutting-edge research project.
This bursary isn’t just about funding; it’s about fostering international exchange and collaboration, helping bright minds like yours contribute to global research and art. If you’re a driven early-career researcher or a budding artist looking to make a mark, keep reading!
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards offered annually by the Swiss Confederation. Their main goal is to promote international exchange and research cooperation. Simply put, they want talented individuals from around the world to come to Switzerland, pursue advanced studies or research, and contribute to their vibrant academic and artistic landscape. These bursaries are primarily for those who have already completed a Master’s degree or PhD, but also extend to artists looking to complete their initial Master’s degree.
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you fit the bill? This bursary is primarily for highly qualified early-career researchers (yes, even young medical doctors!) and artists from a wide range of countries, including South Africa. Here are the key eligibility criteria:
- You must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026 (or by 30 June 2026 if you’re eyeing ETH Zurich).
- Your date of birth must be after 31 December 1990.
- You’ll need a detailed research plan for your project, including a clear timeline of milestones.
- Crucially, you must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss university or research institute. This letter should also include their short CV.
- Priority is often given to applicants who haven’t previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland. (But don’t worry, there might be exceptions!)
- If you’re already living in Switzerland, your date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025.
- For Art scholarships, these are specifically for students wanting to pursue an initial Master’s degree in an artistic field. Note that these are open to a limited number of countries.
Your academic profile, research skills, motivation, the originality of your project, and the quality of supervision you’ve secured will all be key factors in the selection process.
What Does It Cover?
Wondering what financial support you’ll get? Here’s the breakdown:
- Monthly Stipend:
- For Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Art Scholarships: You’ll receive CHF 1,920 per month. This is to cover your basic living expenses and is not considered a salary.
- For Postdoctoral Scholarships: You’ll get CHF 3,500 per month. Again, this covers living expenses and isn’t a salary.
- Additional Perks:
- Health Insurance: If you’re from a non-EU/EFTA country (like South Africa!), the Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) covers your compulsory health insurance premiums.
- Rental Deposit: A one-time grant of CHF 300 to help with your rental deposit.
- Public Transport: A Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport, making it easier to explore Switzerland.
- Activities: The coordinating body also arranges cool excursions and activities for scholarship holders.
- Return Flight Allowance: For non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders, there’s a return flight allowance to help you get back home after your studies.
Important to Note (What’s NOT covered):
While generous, the bursary doesn’t cover everything. You’ll need to budget for:
- Tuition Fees: The bursary does not cover tuition or semester fees, which can range from approximately CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester. Some PhD fees might also not be waived.
- Conferences & Field Research: Costs for attending international conferences or conducting field research (up to six months for PhDs) are your responsibility.
- Travel Expenses: If you’re from an EU/EFTA country, your initial travel expenses to Switzerland are not covered.
How to Apply?
Alright, ready to take the leap? Applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships involves a few key steps. Since this is a highly competitive and prestigious bursary, make sure you prepare thoroughly!
Here’s the general guide:
- Visit the Official Website: The first and most crucial step is to visit the official website for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. This is where you’ll find the most up-to-date information, detailed guidelines, and country-specific application procedures.
- Find Your Country’s Information: The application process can vary slightly depending on your country of origin. On the official website, you’ll typically find a list of countries. Select South Africa to get the exact requirements, contact points (usually the Swiss Embassy in Pretoria), and specific deadlines for South African applicants.
- Secure a Supervisor: For research-based scholarships (Research, PhD, PostDoc), you must find a Swiss academic supervisor who is willing to support and guide your research project. This is a critical requirement, so start this process early!
- Prepare Your Research Plan: Develop a comprehensive and detailed research plan with a clear timeline. This will be a major part of your application.
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, which typically include academic transcripts, degrees, letters of recommendation, your CV, passport copies, and more. Make sure everything is certified and translated if necessary.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the instructions provided by the Swiss Embassy or the relevant Swiss authority in South Africa for submitting your application package. Pay close attention to the submission method and deadlines.
The application period for these scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year generally opens around August and closes in December of the preceding year. Based on this, the likely closing date for applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is 31 December 2025 for most countries.
đź”— Official Bursary Application Link: Visit the Official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Webpage
This bursary is a fantastic gateway to world-class education and research in Switzerland. If you’ve got the academic chops and a burning desire to contribute to your field, don’t let this opportunity slip away! Start preparing your application now. And remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you discover more life-changing funding opportunities. Keep exploring, keep applying, and make your study dreams a reality!