Are you a postgraduate researcher with dreams of furthering your studies globally?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for the academic year 2024-25 offers an exceptional chance to get into advanced studies, research fellowships, and post-doctoral pursuits.
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Did you know even Master’s degree students can take this opportunity to expand their academic horizons? Generously supported by the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS), this scholarship offers financial aid.
Every year, Switzerland extends its Government Excellence Scholarship to international students, encouraging a dynamic exchange of knowledge and research collaboration between Switzerland and over 180 other nations.
This initiative is mainly for young researchers who have completed their MA or PhD degrees. It’s also noteworthy that foreign artists holding a Master’s degree are eligible to apply.
For Indian students, the application window opened on August 2, 2023. Make sure to mark November 10, 2023, on your calendar, as it’s the deadline for submitting your application.
Remember: Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of ~INR 1,81,499 for one year.
Types of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Research Scholarships encompass research fellowships, PhD studies, and Postdoc opportunities. They are designed for postgraduate researchers in any field with a Master’s degree.
- Research Fellowship is tailored to allow selected candidates to conduct research aligned with their PhD pursuits at one of the ten Swiss cantonal universities.
Financial Benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
This prestigious scholarship package encompasses the following:
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend for living expenses and accommodation
- Housing allowance
- One-year half-fare public transportation card
- Coverage of tuition fees
Eligibility Criteria for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The research fellowship, PhD, and PostDoc scholarships are available to postgraduate researchers in any discipline with an MA degree.
To qualify, you should meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Completion of an MA degree before July 31, 2024
- Born after December 31, 1988
- Submission of the research proposal within the specified timeframe
- Provision of a letter from the host professor
Required Documents:
To streamline your application process, ensure you have the following documents prepared:
- Signed FCS application form (typed and printed)
- Comprehensive CV with academic publications and awards
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Detailed research proposal (maximum 5 pages, signed), adhering to the FCS research proposal template
- Copy of the letter from the academic host professor (including their CV) at the chosen Swiss university explaining their willingness to supervise and support your research
- CV of the academic mentor at your home institution
- Two confidential recommendation letters from different professors in your field, using the FCS reference form
- Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from prior educational institutions, with certified translations in English if not in English, French, Italian, or German
- Signed medical certificate (using the FCS health certificate form)
- Two copies of your passport’s main page with personal data (dual nationals should provide copies of both passports; those already in Switzerland should add a copy of the residence permit)
Application Process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The selection process for the Scholarship is based on the applicant’s academic profile, research capacity, motivation, originality, methodological soundness of the research project, and academic context.
Indian students can submit their scholarship application to the Embassy of Switzerland in India.
For further details or inquiries, contact the Embassy at 0091 11 4995 9500 or email at ndh.scholarship@eda.admin.ch.
Remember, the deadline for Indian applicants is November 10, 2023.
Application Timeline:
Here is what the application timeline for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship looks like:
| Process | Date |
| Call for Applications | Early August 2023 |
| Submission Deadline at Swiss Corporation | September to December 2023 |
| Selection | End of May 2024 |
| Start of the Scholarship | September 2024 |
The Federal Commission for Scholarships will finalize scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 academic year by the end of May 2024.
This is your chance to embark on an educational journey enriched with global perspectives and cutting-edge research opportunities. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary pathway to academic excellence.
Wrapping up
Getting a good education and doing important research is made easier with the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the year 2024-25.
Whether you’re a student who wants to do research or an artist who wants to learn more, these scholarships can help you grow and succeed. They offer money to help with living costs, housing, and even tuition fees, which can be very helpful.
If you need assistance with the application for your Swiss Scholarship, consider contacting Leap Scholar.
How can Leap Scholar help?
- Guidance and assistance with the scholarship application
- Personalised feedback
- Constant support throughout the scholarship application process
Don’t hesitate to seek their help to enhance your application and increase your chances of success.
Book a free counselling call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Can Master’s degree students apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: Absolutely; the scope of these scholarships extends to encompass Master’s degree students, as well as those pursuing PhD studies, research fellowships, and post-doc positions. This inclusion opens doors for a wider range of students to explore educational avenues in Switzerland.
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Q: Who sponsors the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are made possible through the sponsorship of the Federal Commission of Scholarships (FCS), an institution dedicated to promoting and facilitating educational and research initiatives on a global scale.
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Q: What benefits do the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide?
A: The recipients of these scholarships receive a comprehensive support package that includes round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend intended to cover living expenses, a housing allowance to facilitate accommodation, a one-year half-fare public transportation card, and coverage of tuition fees.
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Q: Who is eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
A: Eligibility criteria include being a post-graduate researcher in any field with a Master’s degree. Furthermore, foreign artists holding a Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply. This inclusivity reflects Switzerland’s commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant academic community.
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Q: Can Indian students apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: Yes, Indian students are welcome to apply for these scholarships. The application window for Indian students opened on August 2nd, 2023, and the closing date for applications is November 10th, 2023.
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Q: What types of scholarships are available under Swiss Excellence?
A: Swiss Excellence offers three main types of scholarships. There are research scholarships that encompass research fellowships, PhD studies, and postdoctoral positions.
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Q: What is the application process for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: The application process involves submitting your application to the Embassy of Switzerland in India. The selection criteria include factors like your academic profile, research capacity, motivation, and the quality of your research project. The scholarship application is a gateway to a transformative academic journey.
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Q: How can I contact the Embassy of Switzerland for more information on the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: If you have further questions or need additional information, you can contact the Embassy of Switzerland in India. They can be reached at 0091 11 4995 9500, or you can email your inquiries to ndh.scholarship@eda.admin.ch.
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Q: When is the deadline for Indian applicants for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships?
A: Indian applicants need to submit their applications by November 10th, 2023. Ensuring that your application is submitted on time is essential to seize this remarkable opportunity.
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Q: What does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship timeline look like?
A: The scholarship timeline encompasses various phases. It starts with the call for applications in early August, followed by the submission period from September to December. Selection takes place by the end of May, and successful applicants can anticipate commencing their scholarship the following September.
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Q: Can I apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship if I’m born before December 31, 1988?
A: No, to be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must have been born after December 31, 1988. This criterion ensures that the scholarship reaches a newer generation of scholars.
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Q: How will I know if I’m selected for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
A: The Federal Commission for Scholarships will announce the list of scholarship holders for the 2024-25 academic year by the end of May 2024. Keep an eye out for updates and notifications during that time.
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