The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards various postgraduate scholarships to foreign scholars and researchers:
- University scholarships (Swiss universities, Federal Institutes of Technology as well as Universities of Applied Sciences)
- Arts scholarships (schools of music and fine arts, only for a limited number of countries).
These scholarships provide graduates from all fields with the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland at one of the public funded universities or a recognized institution. Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarships for foreign researchers. Universities of applied sciences devote more time to practice, professional courses of study in addition to conducting applied research. Universities place greater emphasis on academics and fundamental research. The scholarship is offered by the Swiss Government through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students FCS. Applicants can undertake their studies at:
(a) Universities ( For PhD, postdoctoral and research level): 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, University of Lugano
(b) Federal Institutes of Technology ( For PhD, postdoctoral and research level): Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
(c) Teaching and Research Institutes ( For PhD, postdoctoral and research level ): Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP), Institut universitaire Kurt Bösch
(d) Universities of Applied Sciences (For postdoctoral and research level and fine arts scholarships): University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Bern University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland, University of applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, the Zürcher Fachhochschule, the Zürcher Fachhochschule.
Study Subjects and Level:
Scholarships are provided to study any courses offered by the university. The scholarships are obtainable for studying PhD, postdoctoral and research programs and fine arts scholarships are for the Master program (according to the ECTS credits).
Eligibility to apply:
(a) For Research:
- Master degree or equivalent University degree
- The applicant must not be more than 35 years old at the moment of the application
- Applicants who are in Switzerland for more than 1 year at the beginning of the scholarship are not eligible
- Applicants must provide a letter (e-mail) from a Professor from the Swiss host institution stating that he/she is willing to supervise the Research
- Applicants must have a research proposal including a time frame (this is the central piece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it)
- Applicants must be in command of the necessary language skills required for the Research
- Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship
(b) For PhD and Research: -Master degree or equivalent University degree recognized by the Swiss University
- The applicant must not be more than 35 years old at the moment of the application
- Applicants who are in Switzerland for more than 1 year at the beginning of the scholarship are not eligible
- Applicants must provide a letter (e-mail) from a Professor from the Swiss host institution stating that he/she is willing to supervise the PhD. In the case where the PhD is run within a structured doctoral school applicant must provide an admission letter or the proof that they are being considered for admission
- Applicants must apply for the scholarship as well as to the chosen Swiss University. The 2 procedures are separate ones.
- Applicants must have a research proposal including a time frame (this is the central piece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it)
- Applicants must be in command of the necessary language skills required for the PhD studies
- Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship
(c) For Postdoctoral: -PhD degree
- There cannot be a gap of more than 5 years between the award of the PhD and the application deadline
- Applicants who are in Switzerland for more than 1 year at the beginning of the scholarship are not eligible
- Applicants must provide a letter (e-mail) from a Professor from the Swiss host institution stating that he/she is willing to supervise the postdoctoral research
- Applicants must have a research proposal including a time frame (this is the central piece of the application. The applicant must devote all required attention to it)
- Applicants must be in command of the necessary language skills required for the Postdoctoral Research
- Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government.
(d) For Fine Arts Scholarships:
- Bachelor degree or equivalent degree
- The candidate must not be more than 35 years old at the moment of the application. There should not be a time lapse of more than 3 years between the Bachelor graduation and the beginning of the scholarship.
- Applicants who are in Switzerland for more than 1 year at the beginning of the scholarship are not eligible
- Applicants must apply to the chosen Conservatory or Art School as well as for the scholarship. The 2 procedures are separate ones
- Applicants must be in command of the necessary language skills required for the Master program
- Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second
Scholarship Duration:
- PhD Scholarships: 3 years maximum
- Postdoctoral scholarships: 12 months (renewable maximum 6 months)
- Research scholarships: 12 months maximum (non renewable)
- Fine Arts Scholarships: The duration of the Master program (according to the ECTS credits)
Scholarship Value:
PhD Scholarships and Research scholarships: The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of 1920 Swiss Francs Exemption of the tuition fees (except for EPFL), Mandatory Swiss Health insurance paid by the FCS (for non-EU or EFTA grantees only), A lump sum for air fare for non-European grantees only (provided at the end of the scholarship), Special 300 Swiss Francs lodging allowance (paid once at the beginning of the scholarship),1 year half-fare public transportation card and Counseling and various trips, dinners and sigh seeing tours organized for Swiss Government Scholarship holders.
Postdoctoral scholarships: The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of 3500 Swiss Francs Exemption of the tuition fees (except for EPFL).
Scholarship Selection Criteria:
Applications are subject to preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. The shortlisted applications are then analyzed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) which subsequently takes the final decision. The FCS is composed of University Professors drawn from all the Swiss public Universities. Scholarship awards are decided on the basis of academic and scientific excellence. For Selection Interview an applicant should ask the Swiss Embassy.
Notification: The FCS will announce its decisions regarding the scholarships by May 2015 at the latest.
How to Apply?
Applications have to be submitted via post. The application package can be obtained by e-mail from the Swiss Embassy.
(a) Application documents (Please provide 3 sets of copies on A4 paper. Please do not staple the documents and/or put them into plastic sheets or binders):
- The FCS 2015-2016 official application form (typed and printed). No handwritten forms will be accepted
- Copies of all university certificates and grade-sheets (all copies must be attested, and translated if originals are not in English, German, French or Italian. Attestations can be done by the University or a Government Officer.
- 2 letters of recommendation from Professors in the applicant’s field (use exclusively the official reference form provided with the application package)
- A complete research proposal (max. 5 pages), use exclusively the official research proposal form provided with the application package
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- A full curriculum vitae with list of academic publications
- A copy of the confirmation from a Professor at the intended Swiss University that he/she is willing to supervise the Postdoctoral Research.
- A health certificate (uses exclusively the official health certificate provided with the application package)
- A copy of the passport (main page with personal data)
(b) Documents for fine arts scholarships:
- The FCS 2015-2016 official application form (typed and printed). No handwritten forms will be accepted
- Copies of all university certificates and grade-sheets (all copies must be attested, and translated if originals are not in English, German, French or Italian. Attestations can be done by the University or a Government Officer.
- 2 letters of recommendation from Professors in the applicant’s field (use exclusively the official reference form provided with the application package)
- A 2 page personal statement emphasizing the reason to study in Switzerland, the importance of the choice for your future career as well as your professional projects at the end of the scholarship
- A full curriculum vitae using the Europass model that you can download at the following address: EUROPASS Model (this document is mandatory for fine arts applications)
- For painters, graphic artists and sculptors: copies or photos of 3 pieces of their work, rough drafts (with date of creation). Imperatively put a label with name, surname and country on the work. (If such is not the case the application will not be taken into consideration)
- For musicians: high-quality CD of 3 different styles of music if the music involves interpreters and directors. Composers have to submit their scores.
- Imperatively put a label with name, surname and country on the CD. (If such is not the case the application will not be taken into consideration)
- A health certificate (uses exclusively the official health certificate provided with the application package)
- A copy of the passport (main page with personal data).
Eligible Countries with Opening/Closing Dates and Types of Scholarships Offered
| Country | Closing date | Types of scholarship | Country | Closing date | Types of scholarship | |
| Afghanistan | 30.9.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Liberia | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Albania | 15.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Libya | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Algeria | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Lithuania | 15/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Angola | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Macedonia | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Madagascar | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Argentina | 29/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Malawi | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Armenia | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Malaysia | 01.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Australia | 16.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Maldives | 30/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Austria | 31.10.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Mali | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Azerbaijan | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Malta | 8/12/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bahamas | 16/12/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Marshall Islands | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bahrain | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Mauritania | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bangladesh | 15.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Mauritius | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Barbados | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Mexico | 10/10/2014 | PhD,Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | |
| Belarus | 05.12.2014 | Research, Postdoc | Micronesia | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Belgium | 15.11.2014 | Research, Postdoc | Moldova | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Belize | 10/10/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Mongolia | 01.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Benin | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Montenegro | 23.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bhutan | 12.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Morocco | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bolivia | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Mozambique | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Myanmar | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Botswana | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Namibia | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Brazil | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Nauru | 16.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Bulgaria | 15.11.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Nepal | 30/10/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Burkina Faso | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Netherlands | 30.11.2014 | Postdoc and Research | |
| Burundi | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | New Zealand | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Cambodia | 30/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Nicaragua | 28.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Cameroon | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Niger | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Cap Verde | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Nigeria | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Central African Republic | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Oman | 30/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Chad | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Pakistan | 30.09.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Chile | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Palau | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| China | 20/03/2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Palestinian Authority | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Colombia | 28.09.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Panama | 28.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Comoros | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Papua New Guinea | 16.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Cook Islands | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Paraguay | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Costa Rica | 28.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Peru | 05.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Philippines | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Croatia | 15.11.2014 | Research, Postdoc | Poland | 31.10.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | |
| Cuba | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Portugal | 4/11/2014 | Research, Postdoc | |
| Cyprus | 15/10/2014 | Research, Postdoc | Qatar | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Czech Republic | 25.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Republic of Congo | 15/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Republic of Korea (South Korea) | 30.11.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 15/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Romania | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Denmark | 15.10.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Russia | 31/10/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Djibouti | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Rwanda | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Dominica | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Salomon Islands | 16.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Dominican Republic | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Samoa | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Ecuador | 21.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Santa Lucia | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Egypt | 23.10.201 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | São Tome and Príncipe | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| El Salvador | 31.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Saudi Arabia | 30/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Equatorial Guinea | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Senegal | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Eritrea | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Serbia | 23.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Estonia | 15/11/2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Seychelles | 09.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Ethiopia | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Sierra Leone | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Fiji | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Singapore | 05.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Finland | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Slovakia | 18.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| France | 15/11/2014 | Research, Postdoc | Slovenia | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Gabon | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Somalia | 01.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Gambia | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | South Africa | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Georgia | 28.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | South Sudan | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Ghana | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Spain | 20.11.2014 | Research, Postdoc | |
| Granada | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Sri Lanka | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Greece | 31.10.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | St-Vincent and the Grenadines | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Guatemala | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | St. Kitts and Nevis | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Guinea | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Sudan | 30.11.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | |
| Guinea-Bissau | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Surinam | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Guyana | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Swaziland | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Haiti | 15/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Tajikistan | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Honduras | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Tanzania | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Hungary | 15.10.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Thailand | 28/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| India | 12.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Timor-Leste | 2/12/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Indonesia | 2/12/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Togo | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Iran | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Tonga | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoctoral | |
| Iraq | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Tunisia | 18.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Ireland | 15.11.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Turkmenistan | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Israel | 5/12/2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Tuvalu | 15.11.2014 | Research, Postdoctoral | |
| Italy | 8/12/2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Trinidad and Tobago | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoctoral | |
| Jamaica | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Turkey | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Japan | 14.11.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Uganda | 09.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Jordan | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Ukraine | 05.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Kazakhstan | 15/12/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | United Arab Emirates | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Kenya | 1.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Uruguay | 30.11.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoctoral | |
| Kiribati | 16.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Uzbekistan | 31/10/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Kosovo | 30.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | United States of America | 17.10.2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoctoral | |
| Kuwait | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Vanuatu | 16.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Kyrgyzstan | 10.12.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Venezuela | 31.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Laos | 30/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Vietnam | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Latvia | 15/11/2014 | Fine Arts, Research, Postdoc | Yemen | 30/11/2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Lebanon | 22.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Zambia | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Lesotho | 30.10.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | Zimbabwe | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc | |
| Germany | 15.11.2014 | PhD, Research, Postdoc |
For further information: http://www.sbfi.admin.ch/themen/01366/01380/02175/index.html?lang=en
