Embajada de Suiza

Switzerland
Excellence in education

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage 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).

What's it all about?

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly intended for talented early career researchers (ECRs) from abroad who have already completed their Master's degree or PhD. The scholarship programme is currently open to applicants from 183 countries.

Relevant dates Opening call:
04nd August 2025 Deadline of the call:
03th November 2025

Scholarships of the Government of Switzerland for Colombians

Requirements

  • Scholarships are for: Research fellowships, Doctorate and Post-Doctorate. There are no scholarships for Masters' degrees nor for artistic programs.

  • The candidate must have the acceptance of a supervisor for his research project and the admission letter from the doctoral school.

  • The files of the candidates residing in Switzerland for more than one year and who have already started a research, a Doctorate or Post-Doctorate in Switzerland are not considered, nor can the individuals who have been beneficiaries of a scholarship of the Government of Switzerland submit an application.

  • The candidate has to submit an application to one university only (if the candidate has applied to two or more, he or she will be disqualified), having the knowledge of the language necessary to complete his or her studies or investigation. The English level shall be excellent, as it is an indispensable requirement.

  • The candidate will be required to send the application through the Portal only via this link.

Conditions for the scholarships

  • The trip to Switzerland will not be paid, but the return after completing the term of the scholarship will be. If the candidate stays longer (more than 6 months), works to continue his research, or goes to another country, he or she will lose the option of having the FCS cover the return ticket.

  • The candidate has to live in the canton where he or she will be studying. The candidate will receive one disbursement at the beginning of the scholarship for housing (CHF 300 or approx).

  • The scholarship does not include costs related to family expenses.

  • In case the Universities and the Universities of Applied Sciences should not waive the fees, it is up to the grantee to pay for the fees.

  • If you are awarded another additional scholarship or you receive other forms of financial support (such as income from teaching and research assistance, etc.) you are asked to notify the Federal Commission for Scholarships.

  • Candidates can only apply to one type of scholarship.

  • The scholarships are for full-time research in Switzerland and not for part-time or correspondence education or mixed programs (half the time in Switzerland and half the time in another country).

  • During the scholarship, fieldwork is only allowed for PhD’s for a maximum of six months.

  • Each candidate will be entitled to compulsory health insurance in Switzerland (it does not cover dental care).

  • The scholarship does not cover expenses for international conferences.

  • The application fees for the university, in most cases, will not be charged, but if they are, the candidate will have to pay them.

  • Each candidate will receive a one-time grant of 300 CHF with the first payment for accommodation.

  • The scholarship stipends per month are:
    ● Research Fellowships: 1.920 CHF
    ● Doctorate: 1.920 CHF
    ● Postdoctoral: 3.500 CHF

Application process

  • Publication of the call for the scholarships: each year in August, at www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng

  • Call for proposals: August to November.

  • Announcement of students selected: In May of the following year, CFBE directly contacts the candidates to inform them whether they were or not awarded the scholarship.

  • Start of Scholarships: September 2026.

Research Fellowships (12 months)

The scholarship enables selected applicants to carry out a one-year research project as part of their doctoral studies at a Swiss higher education institution or recognised research institute. Valid only for full-time research in Switzerland.

Target group

Highly qualified early-career researchers from all academic fields, including young medical doctors.

Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland (see eligibility criteria for exceptions).

Eligibility criteria

  • Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
  • Date of birth after 31 December 1990.
  • Detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities.
  • Applicants must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland (including a short CV).
  • If the applicant already resides in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).
Selection criteria
  • Academic profile, research competence, and motivation.
  • Originality and methodological quality of the project.
  • Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration.
Duration
  • Maximum of 12 months.
  • No extensions possible.
  • Start date: 1 September 2026.
Scholarship amount
  • CHF 1,920 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person.
  • This scholarship is not a salary.

Ph.D. Scholarships (12 months up to 36 months)

This scholarship is intended to support selected applicants in pursuing a PhD at a Swiss university or recognised research institute. Valid only for full-time research in Switzerland.

Target group

  • Highly qualified researchers who have completed a master’s degree in any academic field.
  • Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland (see eligibility criteria for exceptions).
Eligibility criteria
  • Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
  • Date of birth after 31 December 1990.
  • Detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities.
  • Applicants must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland (including a short CV).
  • If the applicant already resides in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit).
Selection criteria
  • Academic profile, research competence, and motivation.
  • Originality and methodological quality of the project.
  • Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration.
Duration
  • 12 months, renewable twice for up to 36 months (subject to academic progress during the first 12 months).
  • Start date: 1 September 2026.
Scholarship amount
  • CHF 1,920 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person.
  • This scholarship is not a salary.

Postdoctoral Scholarships (12 months)

The fellowship enables researchers to carry out a postdoctoral research project at a Swiss university or a recognised research institute. Valid only for full-time research in Switzerland.

Target group

  • Highly qualified early-career postdoctoral researchers.
  • Priority will be given to individuals who have not previously studied or conducted research in Switzerland (see eligibility criteria for exceptions).
Eligibility criteria
  • Completion of PhD thesis between 1 January 2023 and 31 Juli 2026 (ETH Zürich: 30 Juni 2026).
  • Detailed research plan with a timeline specifying key milestones and activities.
  • Applicants must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland (including a short CV).
  • If the applicant already resides in Switzerland: date of entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025 (submit a copy of the registration confirmation or residence .
Selection criteria
  • Academic profile, research competence, and motivation.
  • Originality and methodological quality of the project.
  • Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration.permit).
Duration
  • Maximum period of 12 months.
  • This scholarship cannot be extended.
  • Start date: 1 September 2026.
Scholarship amount
  • CHF 3,500 per month to cover basic living expenses for one person.
  • This scholarship is not a salary.

This is a summary of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. For complete and updated information, access the official website here.