Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide, No IELTS

Introduction

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most research-intensive universities, world-class labs and a culture of precision and innovation. For researchers from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are a high-value pathway: funding, mentorship, and an immersive research environment that often leads to strong collaboration back home.

This guide unpacks the programme in plain language (and with practical steps you can use today): what the scholarships are, who they’re for, the benefits (including typical stipends), the application process (a step-by-step checklist), realistic advice about language proof (the “No IELTS” reality), real-world examples, a comparison table to orient choices, an SOP template, common mistakes to avoid, FAQs, and a clear call to action. Where something varies by country or by host institution, I’ll point that out and cite the Swiss government and university guidance so you can double-check.

Overview of the topic

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (often abbreviated ESKAS or “Swiss Government Scholarships”) are awarded annually to highly motivated foreign researchers and artists to spend time at Swiss higher-education institutions (universities, federal institutes of technology, universities of applied sciences and arts, and public research institutes). The awards are meant to encourage international research exchange and create professional ties between Switzerland and partner countries. Recipients are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS) on the basis of academic quality, the research project, and the potential for future cooperation. Applications are submitted via the Swiss diplomatic missions or national nominating authorities in applicants’ home countries; shortlisted dossiers then go to the FCS for final selection.

Key types of research scholarships typically include:

Research fellowships (for postgraduate researchers working in the context of a PhD project),
PhD scholarships (to undertake a doctoral programme in Switzerland),
Postdoctoral scholarships (for early-career scientists shortly after their PhD),
Art scholarships (for initial Master’s studies in the arts in certain eligible countries).

Before you apply you’ll usually need:

a host supervisor or letter of invitation from a Swiss professor/institute,
a research proposal (FCS research plan form),
university transcripts, CV, references and any country-specific documentation requested by the Swiss embassy or nominating authority.

Why Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships matter in 2025

High-quality research environment: Switzerland’s universities (ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, etc.) are deeply connected with industry and research institutes — a big plus for scholars focused on science, engineering, health or applied social research.
Targeted research funding: Unlike mass scholarships, the Swiss Government Excellence Awards target research and artistic exchange — they are designed to help scholars produce publishable research and long-term institutional partnerships.
Return-focused selection: The FCS weighs not only academic quality but the potential for future cooperation — what you do in Switzerland should have benefit back home. That makes the scheme particularly relevant for researchers who will drive institutional capacity (university labs, policy units, research centers) in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Realistic language flexibility: While language proof is required, Swiss authorities and host universities routinely accept alternatives to IELTS — meaning access is feasible even where IELTS testing is difficult or expensive.

Finally, the Swiss scholarship calendar is periodic and country-based: for example, the FCS published the call and indicated that applications for the new intake cycle open on 4 August 2025, with country-specific deadlines later in the autumn — a clear, authoritative marker for planning.

Key Importance — quick bullets

Designed for postgraduate researchers and artists — not for first-degree (undergraduate) study.
Host supervision is mandatory: your Swiss host must support your application with a letter and supervisor CV.
Language requirements depend on host institution and on the teaching/research language (English, German, French or Italian). IELTS is accepted by many institutions but is not the only route — alternatives are frequently allowed.
Stipends are real and measurable: research/PhD scholarships commonly include a monthly living allowance (CHF ~1,920 for research/PhD; CHF ~3,500 for postdocs — consult the call for exact 2025 figures).

Key Insights (practical and up-to-date for September 2025)

Call & timeline: The FCS/ESKAS runs an annual call; in 2025 the application portal and official call materials for the 2026–27 academic year opened on 4 August 2025. Country deadlines typically fall between late October and mid-December 2025 — check your Swiss embassy or national nominating authority for the exact cut-off.
Types of awards and renewability:
- Research fellowships — up to 12 months (non-extendable in many cases),
- PhD scholarships — often awarded for 12 months initially and renewable (commonly up to 36 months subject to progress),
- Postdoc scholarships — normally awarded for 12 months; duration varies. Exact rules are on the official call.
Financials: The scholarship amounts reported for recent calls are in the CHF 1,920/month range for research/PhD scholarships and roughly CHF 3,500/month for postdoctoral awards. These amounts are intended to cover living costs and are not a salary; they are sometimes adjusted year to year, so use the official call figures for budgeting.
Application route: Applications are submitted to Swiss diplomatic missions / national authorities; you will typically use the FCS online portal (go.eskas.ch) and follow country-specific instructions. Only applications submitted via the official national channel are considered.
Language & “No IELTS” reality: Applicants must meet the language requirement of their host institution or programme (English, German, French or Italian depending on the university and discipline). Many Swiss universities accept alternatives to IELTS (TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge tests), or letters confirming prior English-medium instruction. So not having IELTS is not automatically disqualifying, but you must provide an alternative proof the host accepts. Confirm with your host professor and the university’s admission page.

Benefits — what the scholarship actually gives you

A Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship usually includes the following core benefits (subject to the official call):

Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Switzerland (CHF amounts as published for the year of award).
Support for research activity (access to supervisor, labs and Swiss research networks).
Access to university facilities and integration support (many universities offer orientation and administrative help for international scholars).
No tuition fee: the scholarship is a mobility/research fellowship rather than a tuition waiver; most public Swiss research institutions do not charge tuition for research scholars but check host rules.
Networking & future funding pathways: Swiss research collaborations often lead to follow-on grants, co-supervised PhD or access to European research funding instruments.

Comparison table — quick reference (Research Fellowship / PhD / Postdoc / Art)

Scholarship type	Typical eligibility	Initial duration	Renewable?	Typical monthly stipend (guide)	Host supervisor letter required
Research fellowship	Hold a Master’s; research project tied to PhD	12 months	Usually no extension (depends)	CHF 1,920 (guide)	Yes. Mandatory.
PhD scholarship	Master’s completed; acceptance by Swiss PhD programme	12 months initial; renewable (up to ~36 months)	Yes (subject to progress)	CHF 1,920 (guide)	Yes. Mandatory.
Postdoc scholarship	PhD completed within qualifying window	12 months	Varies (often single year)	CHF 3,500 (guide)	Yes. Mandatory.
Art scholarship	Initial Master’s in arts (select countries)	Varies (per call)	Varies	Varies	Yes (host/collaboration)

Note: Stipend figures are those published in the FCS/official calls for recent intake cycles and should be confirmed in the current call for the exact year. Some country calls also adjust application deadlines; always verify with the Swiss embassy in your home country.

Real-world examples (practical sketches — Africa / Asia / Middle East focus)

Below are three realistic, anonymised profiles showing how applicants from different regions navigate the Swiss scholarship route.

Example 1 — International student (Kenya) — Research Fellowship in Agricultural Biotechnology

Profile: Joseph is a Kenyan researcher with an MSc in plant biotechnology working at a national agricultural research institute. He wants to develop drought-tolerant seed lines and needs access to genomic sequencing facilities and technical expertise.

Path: Joseph identified a Swiss supervisor working on crop genomics at a cantonal university. He contacted the professor with a concise research proposal and requested a supervisory letter. The professor agreed to host him as a research fellow for 12 months and provided a brief CV. Joseph submitted the package via the Swiss embassy’s nomination channel, including his proposal, references and a medium-of-instruction letter (his MSc was taught in English). He did not have IELTS but the host confirmed the researcher-to-research conversations would be in English and the university accepted his prior English-taught degree as evidence.

Outcome: Joseph received the research fellowship, used the Swiss lab facilities to run assays, co-authored a paper, and on return set up a sequencing pipeline at his institute — leveraging his Swiss collaboration to attract further funding.

Key takeaways: Host supervisor and a clear implementation plan are decisive; language proof can be a prior-degree letter for research roles where English is the working language.

Example 2 — Educator (Jordan) — PhD scholarship in Renewable Energy

Profile: Dr. Nour is a university lecturer in Jordan with a strong MSc and a portfolio of applied projects in solar microgrids. She seeks a PhD to build a national research group.

Path: Dr. Nour prepared a PhD research outline, contacted a Swiss professor at ETH/EPFL, secured a supervisor’s letter, and applied through her Swiss embassy’s call. Her application included publications, an institutional letter confirming study leave, and a TOEFL score (she chose TOEFL over IELTS). The FCS asked for a short interview; Dr. Nour’s strong professional plan, employer support and host letter helped.

Outcome: She won a PhD scholarship; the 12-month initial award was renewable upon progress. She used the time in Switzerland to learn experimental techniques, co-supervise a joint project and later secured a competitive EU collaboration grant.

Key takeaways: For PhD awards, demonstrable research outputs + institutional support + supervisor’s letter are crucial; you can pick among accepted language tests (TOEFL/other) and many hosts accept prior English instruction.

Example 3 — Parent perspective (India) — Postdoc opportunity for returning scholars

Profile: Priya’s son, Arun, had completed a PhD in public health and hoped to apply for a postdoc in Europe. He worried about English tests and the family about the financials.

Path: Arun located a Swiss host focused on health systems research. The host provided a letter; Arun’s PhD certificate and publications satisfied the Swiss embassy’s dossier. The family asked the host about language proof and learned the host could confirm his research-level English; the scholarship selection considered research plans over standardized test scores for an experienced postdoc.

Outcome: The family felt reassured: the stipend and host support made the move feasible and the scholarship allowed Arun to collaborate with Swiss partners and later return to run a national research project.

Key takeaways: For postdoc candidates with strong publications, research record and host supervision, standardized English tests are often less important than documented research competence and host confidence.

Step-by-step application guide (practical checklist)

Below is a pragmatic roadmap you can follow — from the “first pick” to submission.

Step 0 — Decide the right award type

Are you targeting a research fellowship, PhD, postdoc, or art award? Each has different eligibility rules (e.g., PhD: require Master’s; postdoc: PhD finished within qualifying window). Check the FCS call and your country’s nomination note.

Step 1 — Identify potential Swiss host(s) (months: −6 to −12)

Search Swiss university/research group pages for supervisors whose work matches your research. Read recent papers, and send a concise email with: 1–2 paragraph research outline, your CV, and a suggested timeframe. Respect academic etiquette: tailor each message and indicate why your research fits. ETH/EPFL and cantonal university pages include hosting rules and contacts.

Step 2 — Secure a host letter (months: −4 to −8)

A letter from the Swiss supervisor is mandatory; it typically should indicate willingness to host, a brief plan of supervision, and the host’s CV. Some parts of the FCS form require the host to provide a short biography.

Step 3 — Prepare the research proposal & documents (months: −3 to −6)

Documents typically required:

Completed FCS research proposal (use the official form where provided).
Host letter and host CV.
Academic transcripts and certified degree copies.
Curriculum Vitae (Europass or academic CV).
Two reference letters (academic or institutional).
Proof of language (see below).
Medical certificate (often required on FCS form).
Passport copy and nationality evidence.

Step 4 — Language proof: the “No IELTS” reality

Check host & university rules: do they accept alternatives (TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge, or a medium-of-instruction letter)? If your prior degree was taught in English, request an official medium-of-instruction/confirmation letter from your university — this is accepted in many cases for research roles. If a university explicitly requires IELTS, plan for it; otherwise explore TOEFL/Duolingo or host confirmation. Always confirm in writing with the host/institute admissions office and attach that message to your application for clarity.

Step 5 — Submit via the national channel (deadlines vary)

Apply to the Swiss diplomatic representation specified for your country by the FCS call (applications are not direct to FCS by default). Use the FCS portal link (go.eskas.ch) when instructed. Country deadlines often fall between late October and mid-December for the following academic year; check country pages.

Step 6 — Wait for selection and follow instructions

The FCS shortlists and selects awardees; selected candidates will receive instructions on acceptance, visa and arrival. If you are shortlisted, promptly respond and get your institutional paperwork ready.

Your Statement of Purpose — A simple, strong structure

The research proposal and motivation letter are central. Use clear structure and be concrete.

For Research/PhD applicants (SOP ≈ 1–2 pages):

Opening (1 paragraph): Who you are, current role and the exact scholarship type and host.
Academic & professional background (1 paragraph): Summarise degrees, key projects, publications and technical skills.
Research problem & objectives (1–2 paragraphs): Define the problem, research questions, and why it matters (local/regional impact). Be specific about methods, data sources and expected outcomes.
Fit with Swiss host (1 paragraph): Mention the supervisor, lab, and facilities you plan to use — show alignment with the host’s previous work.
Plan & timeline (short): Milestones for the 12 months (or PhD phases), deliverables (papers, prototypes, capacity building), and measurable indicators.
Return & impact (1 paragraph): How will you use the experience back home? Include concrete capacity building steps (trainings, lab upgrades, new course modules).
Closing: Brief thanks and readiness to contribute.

Tip: For short research fellowships emphasise what you will complete in the 12-month window and how this will create a lasting collaboration.

Common mistakes — and how to avoid them

Mistake: No host supervisor before applying.
Fix: Contact potential supervisors early (6–12 months ahead). A perfunctory email rarely works — attach a concise, tailored research pitch.
Mistake: Ignoring country-specific rules or embassy deadlines.
Fix: Each Swiss embassy or nominating authority publishes its own checklist and cut-off dates. Missing local requirements or deadlines is a common fail point.
Mistake: Relying on “No IELTS” claims.
Fix: Don’t assume IELTS is waived — instead, collect an alternative (TOEFL, Duolingo, or official medium-of-instruction letter) and confirm acceptance with the host in writing. Host confirmation appended to your dossier helps selection panels.
Mistake: Weak research proposal (too vague).
Fix: Have a crisp research plan (objectives, methods, timeline, expected outputs). Use the FCS form where provided.
Mistake: Late referee letters.
Fix: Ask referees early and send them a one-page summary of your research and the scholarship’s goals so they can write targeted references.

FAQs (concise but useful)

Q: Do I need IELTS to apply?
A: Not necessarily. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships require proof of language ability in the language of instruction, but IELTS is not the only accepted proof. Many applicants use TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge tests, or a medium-of-instruction letter from their previous university — and in some research cases, a Swiss host’s confirmation is accepted. Always confirm with the host university and the embassy’s checklist.

Q: How much is the stipend?
A: Recent official call figures show about CHF 1,920/month for research/PhD scholarships and roughly CHF 3,500/month for postdoctoral scholarships — check the current call for exact amounts for your intake year.

Q: How do I find a Swiss supervisor?
A: Use university department pages, recent papers (look at last 2–4 years), and Swiss research networking platforms. Send short, tailored emails describing your research and why you want to work with that supervisor. ETH/EPFL departmental pages include contact and hosting guidance.

Q: When are deadlines?
A: The call typically opens in August (e.g., 4 August 2025 for the 2026–27 call) and country deadlines can fall from late October to mid-December — check the Swiss embassy in your country.

Q: Can I apply directly to the FCS?
A: No — applications are submitted via the Swiss diplomatic missions or nominating authorities as specified in the call (use the FCS portal and follow your country instructions).

Quick sample SOP opening (ready to adapt)

I am [Your Name], holder of an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from [Your University], currently a research engineer at [Organization]. I apply for the Swiss Government Excellence PhD scholarship to pursue [specific research topic] at [Swiss University/Lab] under the supervision of Prof. [X]. My research to date includes [2–3 concrete achievements] and the proposed project will develop [deliverable] that can be piloted with my home institution to improve [local impact] within 12–36 months.

Practical timeline example (if you’re applying for the next call)

T − 12 months: Identify host supervisors, read recent papers and reach out with a 1-page concept.
T − 8 months: Secure host letter; gather transcripts and references; draft proposal.
T − 4 months: Finalise FCS form, SOP and referee letters; collect medium-of-instruction letter if needed.
T − 2 months: Submit to the Swiss embassy / national channel (check country deadline).
T + 2–8 months: If shortlisted, follow embassy and FCS instructions; prepare visa and arrival logistics.

Conclusion — recap of main points

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are targeted research awards for postgraduate researchers and artists that fund stays at Swiss universities — perfect for building research capacity and long-term institutional collaborations.
Host supervision and a solid research proposal are non-negotiable. Your supervisor’s letter is central to admissibility and selection.
Language proof is required but IELTS is not always mandatory. Use alternative accepted tests or a medium-of-instruction letter and confirm host/university rules in writing.
Stipends and duration are clearly stated in the official call (CHF figures are published and updated each year); plan your budget around the published monthly amounts and the host institution’s support structures.

If you want to apply, start now: identify a Swiss host, draft a crisp 2-page research plan, and collect the employer/university and reference letters early. If you’d like help, I can:

Draft a 1-page research proposal tailored for a Swiss supervisor (give me your field, 3 achievements, and an idea you want to pursue).
Write or polish a short outreach email to Swiss professors to secure a host letter.
Review your application checklist (CV, proposal, references) against the FCS form and your country’s embassy notes.

Useful official pages (bookmark these two authoritative links)

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (official, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation — SERI / SBFI).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — official SERI page
ETH Zurich guidance for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (practical university-level advice on hosting and application steps).
ETH Zurich — Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship information.

(Those two links will take you to the official call, FAQ and country-specific instructions — your starting points.)

“Great research changes practice — scholarships are the invitation to make that change. Start with a clear question, find the right Swiss lab, and let the scholarship amplify your impact.”