Every year, in order to promote international and research cooperation between Switzerland and 180 countries, the Swiss government awards merit-based full-fund scholarships under the title of the Swiss government’s excellent scholarship, which are as follows.

Details

• Scholarship name: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
• Country: Switzerland
• Accepted educational level: Doctorate | Postdoctoral | Art
• study opportunity (research)
• Accepted courses: All courses offered in Swiss universities
• Provider University: The selected universities for each level are different, which are as follows
• Accepted countries: All countries including Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan
• Deadline: 30. September 2023

Selected universities for Ph.D

• 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
• Università della Svizzera italiana
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
• Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)

Selected universities for post-doctorate and research:

• 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
• Università della Svizzera italiana
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)
• Research Institutes of the ETH Domain (PSI; WSL; EMPA; EAWAG)
• Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID)
• University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland
• Bern University of Applied Sciences
• University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland
• University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland
• University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
• The Zürcher Fachhochschule
• Universities of teacher education

Scholarship benefits:

• A monthly stipend of 1920 francs for doctoral, arts, and research studies
• A monthly stipend of 3500 francs for post-doctoral studies
• Housing allowance in the amount of 300 francs (at the beginning of studies)
• Public transportation card with 50% discount for one year
• Pay for the return ticket to the country of origin at the end of the exchange
• Health insurance allowance
• Support services and various trips, dinners, and sightseeing tours are organized

Age requirement: PhD and research applicants must be born after December 31, 1988

How to Apply

Required Documents :

Please submit 2 sets (= 1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in the exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable the attested translations in English. The other set is a copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only 1st set). No copies of 2nd set.

1)  Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photo.

2)  A full CV with a list of personal education and training, degrees and diplomas (with precise dates), awards, academic positions (with precise dates), non-academic positions (with precise dates), publications with references, conferences, academic teaching experiences, extra academic teaching experiences, links to your science blogs, your presentations online, etc.

3)  A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).

4) All applicants must have a clear research goal. Therefore research fellowship, postdoctoral scholarship as well and Ph.D. scholarship candidates have to submit a complete research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed) including a layman abstract in English, using exclusively the FCS research proposal form provided with the application package. The research proposal is a central part of your application. Please devote the required attention to it and submit only a signed document.

5)  A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV, maximum 2 pages) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to support and supervise the research.

For research fellowships in addition:

A short CV (maximum 2 pages) of the academic mentor at the home institution.

For Ph.D. scholarships at doctoral schools (aka doctoral programs) only, in addition: Confirmation for accepted admission is required. A support letter from a host professor is required in any case additionally.

6)  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 FCS form –originals in sealed envelopes only, for the first set). No copies of 2nd set.

7)  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.

8)  Signed certificate «Fit for mission» (use only the FCS form).

9)  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.

Note: Please do not put documents in plastic folders or binders and use paper clips or staplers.

How to Apply for Afghan Students

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact number: 0093790080800
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact number: 0093729313135
• Embassy Address in Islamabad: Street 06, Diplomatic Enclave, G-5/4 44000 Islamabad Pakistan

Visit the official website