The Swiss Government is offering research scholarships (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree) who are planning to pursue research or further their studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level in Switzerland.
The scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes. Only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are intended for highly motivated, competitive young researchers who have graduated from university (postgraduates). These scholarships will enable applicants to undertake research work in the fields in which the Swiss universities are particularly active.
More information please visit https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.
Degree level
For South African citizens, three different types of fully funded scholarships are offered starting in September 2026 in all academic fields:
- PhD Scholarships
- The scholarship is valid for full-time research in Switzerland, 12 months, renewable twice for up to 36 months (subject to academic progress during the first 12 months);
- Highly qualified researchers who have completed a master’s degree in any academic field;
- Master’s degree or equivalent completed by 31 July 2026 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026).
- Born 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).
2. Postdoctoral Scholarships
- Highly qualified early-career postdoctoral researchers
- The scholarship is valid for 12 months and non-renewable for full-time research in Switzerland;
- Born after 31 December 1989;
- Completion of PhD thesis between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2026 (ETH Zürich: 30 June 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);
- Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland;
- The scholarship is valid only for full-time postdoctoral research in Switzerland.
- Research Fellowships
- The Fellowship is intended for highly early-career researchers from all academic fields, including young medical doctors;
- The applicant should have a Master’s degree or equivalent obtained completed by 31 July 2026;
- Born 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);
- Grant applications for stay lasting less than 9 months will not be treated as a priority;
- This scholarship type is not available for scholars holding a PhD degree;
- The Scholarship is valid only for full-time research in Switzerland;
- Applicants must have a research proposal including a timeframe.
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students assesses scholarship applications according to three criteria:
a) Candidate profile: Academic profile, the research capacity and motivation;
b) The research proposal: Its originality and methodological soundness;
c) Academic Context: The quality and context of supervision and the potential for future academic cooperation.
Deadline
15 December 2025
Who can apply?
- Citizens of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Namibia and Mauritius (with global outreach);
- The scholarship is valid only for full-time research in Switzerland. It is not valid for on-the-job studies, part-time studies, correspondence courses or mixed programmes (part time in Switzerland and part time in another country);
- The scholarship is meant for conducting research in the Swiss host institution. For Research as well as Postdoctoral scholarships, no fieldwork abroad of Switzerland is possible during the scholarship period;
- The scholarship primarily offers an opportunity to scholars who have not already been to Switzerland. Applicants who have been in Switzerland since more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible;
- Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship;
- Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field, and not
identical with the academic supervisor at the host institution in Switzerland (use exclusively the ESKAS form –
originals in sealed envelopes only, for the first set). No copies for 2nd set; - Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/ colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent. If not in English, French, Italian or German with attested certified translations in English. Exception for India: Self attested documents are accepted. Do not submit the original certificates;
- Signed certificate «Fit for mission» (please use only the ESKAS form);
- Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data). Dual nationals add copies of both passports. Applicants already in Switzerland during their application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.
Fields of Study
Open to all academic fields of research.
What the fellowship offers
- Stipend: Postdoctoral research: CHF 3500/month;
- Stipend: PhD and Research scholarship: CHF 1920/month;
- Health insurance;
- One-time grant of CHF 300 for rental deposit;
- Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport
- In addition, the coordinating body organises excursions and activities for federal scholarship holders
- Return flight allowance
Please note: There is no financial support for the following.
- Costs to be paid by scholarship holders:
- Tuition fees:
The Federal Excellence Scholarship does not cover tuition or semester fees. In some cases, universities, universities of applied sciences or federal institutes of technology require scholarship holders to pay semester fees (approx. CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester) or reduced tuition fees. In some cases, PhD fees are not waived. Scholarship holders must cover these fees themselves. - Conferences: The costs of participating in international conferences are borne by the scholarship holders.
- Field research: PhD scholarship holders may request to do field research for up to six months (without additional funding). All associated costs are borne by the scholarship holders.
- Tuition fees:
Application process
Scholarship applications only via this link
Contact
For further questions contact the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa by email:
Documents and links
Tips for contacting professors
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
