Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2025

Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2025 (Fully Funded)

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These scholarships are offered by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. The scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships vary depending on the specific program and the type of scholarship being offered. However, some general criteria are:

  • You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (see the list of countries and territories).
  • You must have completed a master’s degree or PhD (or equivalent) in your field of study by the time of applying or by the start of the scholarship.
  • You must have an academic host (a professor or a research group) at one of the Swiss higher education institutions who is willing to supervise your research or study project.
  • You must have a research proposal or a study plan that is relevant to your field of interest and to the objectives of the scholarship program.
  • You must have a good command of English or French or German (depending on the language of instruction at your chosen Swiss institution).
  • You must not have been living in Switzerland for more than one year at the time of applying.
  • You must not have received another Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship before.

Financial Coverage

The Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships cover the following expenses for the selected candidates:

  • Tuition fees: The scholarship covers the tuition fees at your chosen Swiss institution (except for some universities of applied sciences and arts schools that may charge additional fees).
  • Living allowance: The scholarship provides a monthly payment of CHF 1,920 for research fellowships, CHF 3,500 for PhD scholarships, CHF 3,500 for postdoctoral scholarships, and CHF 1,920 for art scholarships.
  • Travel allowance: The scholarship covers a lump sum for your travel expenses from your country of origin to Switzerland and back.
  • Health insurance: The scholarship covers the compulsory health insurance in Switzerland.
  • Housing allowance: The scholarship provides a subsidy for your accommodation costs (if not provided by your host institution).
  • Research funds: The scholarship provides a one-time payment of CHF 300 for research fellowships, CHF 1,000 for PhD scholarships, and CHF 1,000 for postdoctoral scholarships to cover your research expenses.
  • Special allowances: The scholarship may provide additional allowances for married candidates or candidates with children.

Requirement

To apply for the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • You need to select your country of origin according to your passport and check the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for your country (see the list of countries and territories).
  • You need to contact the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution in your country of origin (see the list of contacts) and request an application package. 
  • You need to find an academic host at one of the Swiss higher education institutions who is willing to supervise your research or study project. You can use various online platforms such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, or LinkedIn to search for potential supervisors. You need to contact them directly and obtain their written confirmation (acceptance letter) that they will host you during your scholarship period.
  • You need to prepare your application documents according to the guidelines provided in the application package. You need to fill out and print two paper copies of your application forms and attach all the required documents such as your CV, diplomas, transcripts, language certificates, research proposal or study plan, acceptance letter from your academic host, letters of recommendation, etc.
  • You need to submit your application documents by post to the address specified by your country of origin (see the list of countries and territories) before the deadline. The deadline varies from country to country but it is usually between September and December.

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Document Requirement

The document requirement for the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships depends on the type of scholarship you are applying for. However, some common documents that you need to provide are:

  • Application forms: You need to fill out two paper copies of the application forms provided in the application package. You need to sign them by hand and attach a passport-sized photo on each form.
  • CV: You need to provide a detailed CV that includes your personal information, education, work experience, publications, awards, skills, etc.
  • Diplomas: You need to provide certified copies of your diplomas or degree certificates from all the universities or institutions you have attended. If your diplomas are not in English, French, or German, you need to provide a certified translation as well.
  • Transcripts: You need to provide certified copies of your transcripts or academic records from all the universities or institutions you have attended. If your transcripts are not in English, French, or German, you need to provide a certified translation as well.
  • Language certificates: You need to provide proof of your language proficiency in English, French, or German (depending on the language of instruction at your chosen Swiss institution). You can use various tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, DALF, Goethe-Zertifikat, etc. to demonstrate your language skills. The minimum scores required vary from institution to institution, so you need to check the specific requirements for your program.
  • Research proposal or study plan: You need to provide a clear and concise research proposal or study plan that outlines your research or study objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, timeline, etc. Your research proposal or study plan should be relevant to your field of interest and to the objectives of the scholarship program. It should also be endorsed by your academic host.
  • Acceptance letter from your academic host: You need to provide a written confirmation (acceptance letter) from your academic host that they will supervise your research or study project during your scholarship period. The acceptance letter should include the name and contact details of your academic host, the title and summary of your research or study project, the duration and dates of your scholarship period, and the signature and stamp of your academic host.
  • Letters of recommendation: You need to provide two letters of recommendation from professors or experts who know you well and can attest to your academic and professional abilities. The letters of recommendation should be written in English, French, or German and should include the name and contact details of the referees, the relationship between you and the referees, the evaluation of your academic and professional performance, and the signature and stamp of the referees.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships consists of the following steps:

  • Step 1: Select your country of origin and check the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for your country.
  • Step 2: Contact the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution in your country of origin and request an application package. You may also download the application package from the website.
  • Step 3: Find an academic host at one of the Swiss higher education institutions who is willing to supervise your research or study project. Contact them directly and obtain their written confirmation (acceptance letter) that they will host you during your scholarship period.
  • Step 4: Prepare your application documents according to the guidelines provided in the application package. Fill out and print two paper copies of your application forms and attach all the required documents.
  • Step 5: Submit your application documents by post to the address specified by your country of origin before the deadline.

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Deadline

The deadline for submitting your application documents varies from country to country but it is usually between September and December. You can check the exact deadline for your country on the list of countries and territories. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid any delays or problems.

How to Apply

To apply for the Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships, you need to follow these steps:

  • Find an academic host at one of the Swiss higher education institutions who is willing to supervise your research or study project. Contact them directly and obtain their written confirmation (acceptance letter) that they will host you during your scholarship period.
  • Prepare your application documents according to the guidelines provided in the application package. Fill out and print two paper copies of your application forms and attach all the required documents.
  • Submit your application documents by post to the address specified by your country of origin before the deadline.

Scholarship Official website: Switzerland Government Excellence Scholarships 2024-2025

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