Introduction
For ambitious students in Africa and Asia looking to unleash their full academic potential, the idea of studying in Switzerland may feel both exciting and intimidating. High living costs, language barriers, and the challenge of finding scholarships can stand in the way. That’s why the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SGES) stand out — they are designed to help international scholars pursue advanced research or specialised studies in Switzerland, backed by generous funding and a prestigious brand. With the 2026 call anticipated for August–September 2025, this is a major opportunity for students and young researchers in law, science, and humanities to secure a truly world-class, fully funded experience.
This blog post is crafted to guide you through the entire journey: what the scholarship is, what it covers, how it compares to other options, a step-by-step guide to applying (especially if you’re new to such scholarships), tips for success, and common pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you’ll feel equipped and motivated to apply with confidence.
Importance of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026
Why does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship deserve your full attention? Here are key reasons:
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Fully funded: The scholarship covers living stipend, health insurance, and in many cases supports travel for non-EU/EFTA countries. For example, recent calls quote a living stipend of CHF 1,920 per month for research/PhD candidates.
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Prestigious host institutions: Scholars can study or conduct research at Swiss cantonal universities, federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL) or recognised research institutes.
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Global mobility and network: You’ll connect with world-class supervisors, international peers and build a global academic footprint—especially valuable if you come from Africa or Asia and aim to impact your home region.
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Tailored for early-career researchers: The scholarship focuses on candidates who have completed a Master’s or equivalent and are entering or advancing through PhD or research track.
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Opportunities in law, science & humanities: Though often called “research scholarships”, the programme is open to all disciplines (including law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences) — making it relevant beyond STEM.
For students across Africa and Asia, this scholarship offers not just a gateway to Switzerland, but a robust platform for world-class research, future leadership, and meaningful impact back home.
What the Scholarship Covers – Benefit Overview
Here is a table summarising key benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, and what you should verify when making your application.
| Feature | What is Provided | Key Notes for Africa/Asia Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Living stipend / Monthly allowance | Typically CHF 1,920/month for research/PhD candidates (recent data). | This should be sufficient for Switzerland though cost of living is high. Check if stipend covers dependents if applicable. |
| Host institution tuition/fees | Most Swiss institutions waive or reduce fees for scholarship holders. | Ensure the Swiss university you apply to will waive or reduce the tuition/semester fees for scholarship recipients. |
| Health insurance | For non-EU/EFTA holders, basic compulsory health insurance is covered. | You’ll likely need to join Swiss health insurance; ensure that scholarship covers it fully. |
| Travel allowance / Return airfare | Return flight allowance may be granted for non-EU/EFTA scholars at end of scholarship. | If you’re from Africa or Asia, this is especially relevant—check how much is covered. |
| Duration | Research/PhD: 12 months renewable up to 36 months (subject to progress) for many country calls. | For PhD applicants from Africa/Asia, verify the renewal conditions and duration for your country. |
| Application window | Announced in early August, submission deadlines vary by country (often Sept–Dec) for scholarships starting next academic year (e.g., September). | You must check your country’s embassy/Swiss diplomatic representation for the correct deadline and procedures. |
Comparison: How Does This Scholarship Stack Up?
To appreciate how strong this scholarship is, let’s compare the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships with a few alternatives and highlight cost implications.
| Criteria | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Typical Master’s Scholarship in Europe (for Africa/Asia) | Self-Funded Study in Switzerland/Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly allowance | ≈ CHF 1,920+ for research/PhD | Often €800-€1,200 or no stipend; many require students to finance living costs | Full living costs borne by the student; high expenses |
| Tuition & fees | Waivers or reductions for scholarship recipients | Some scholarships cover tuition but not always fees or living costs | Student pays tuition + living costs fully |
| Travel support | Return flight allowance may be included | Often not included or only partial support | Student pays travel entirely |
| Application competition | Very competitive but high prestige | Varies; medium-high competition | You control the funding but bear full risk/cost |
| Impact / network | Strong global network; research capacity build | Good network but possibly smaller scale | No scholarship network; self-managed |
| For law/humanities/sciences | All disciplines eligible | Some scholarships restrict to specific fields | All fields eligible but cost heavy |
Eligibility Criteria – What You Must Meet
Before you begin your application, verify that you meet the following broad eligibility criteria. Note: Country-specific calls may add additional requirements, so always check the Swiss diplomatic representation in your country.
General eligibility:
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You must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) by the time you start the scholarship (for research/PhD track).
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For PhD track: you often need an admission offer from a Swiss university or a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor.
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You should not have previously spent extensive time in Switzerland (some calls exclude applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year prior to start).
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Your application must be for full-time research or study in Switzerland; part-time or distance studies are usually not eligible.
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Age limits and deadlines: many calls require you to be born after December 31 of a certain year (for example for 2026/27 calls).
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Nationality/residence: You must hold citizenship of or be permanently resident in an eligible country. Check your country is listed.
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Language: Must meet the language requirements of the Swiss host institution (commonly English, German or French) and your research proposal must be in the right language.
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You cannot apply for undergraduate or standard Master’s programmes in many country calls (some calls exclude Master’s level except for art scholarships) — this scholarship is mostly for research or PhD for many countries.
For applicants from Africa or Asia, especially those looking at law, science or humanities PhDs or major research stays, the key is to secure a strong research proposal, identify a supervisor in Switzerland, and prepare early.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply (Beginner-Friendly)
Here’s a step-by-step guide especially useful if this is your first time applying for a global research scholarship.
Step 1: Check your country’s call and deadline
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Visit the official SGES page (Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation — SBFI) and select your country of origin.
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Download the country-specific “fact sheet” for your country (eligibility, field restrictions, deadline)
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Mark the key dates: announcement often early August, deadline often September–November.
Step 2: Choose your research field, Swiss university & supervisor
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Decide your research focus: in your case law, science or humanities.
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Research Swiss universities and identify a potential academic supervisor or host institution willing to support your project (letter of support is often required).
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Ensure the institution is eligible under SGES (Swiss cantonal universities, ETH/EPFL, etc.)
Step 3: Prepare your research proposal
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Write a clear, well-structured research proposal: background, problem statement, objectives, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes.
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Include how your research will link to your home country or region (for Africa/Asia applicants this is advantageous).
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Ensure word limit and structure adhere to your country call.
Step 4: Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Master’s degree certificate + transcripts
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Two letters of recommendation
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Letter of support from Swiss supervisor
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Proof of language proficiency (or relevant credentials)
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Application form / fact sheet filled out
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Passport or ID copy
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Any additional country-specific documents
References: Many summaries include these requirements.
Step 5: Submit the application via your Swiss diplomatic representation
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Some countries require you to apply online using the ESKAS portal (go.eskas.ch).
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Ensure you send all required documents as per the call instructions (some require digital+hard copy).
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Submit before the deadline. Late submission usually means automatic disqualification.
Step 6: Wait for selection & prepare for admission
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After national selection, shortlisted applications are forwarded to the Federal Commission (FCS) in Switzerland for final decision (often by May).
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Upon award, you’ll receive an agreement/contract from Swiss authorities, you accept it, and your Swiss host institution will help you with enrolment, visa, arrival instructions.
Step 7: Conduct your research or study in Switzerland
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Begin in Switzerland by the start date (often September of the academic year following)
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You must conduct full-time research/study, adhere to your agreement, report periodically, and fulfil any renewal requirements (for PhD track up to 36 months).
Step 8: Return (if required) & use your experience to impact your home country
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In many cases, the scholarship emphasises your ability to create linkages between Switzerland and your home country (Africa/Asia).
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Use your Swiss experience, networks and research output to contribute to development or academia in your region.
Key Insights & Real-World Examples
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The living stipend of CHF 1,920 per month is for “basic living expenses” for a single person, and is not a salary.
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For those in law, humanities or social sciences, this scholarship provides one of the most robust funding packages globally — particularly for those from under-represented regions (Africa/Asia).
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Because the scholarship is research-oriented, identifying a Swiss supervisor early improves your chance dramatically. Many less successful applications lacked strong host institution backing.
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Researchers often note that living costs in Switzerland can be high, so while the stipend is generous, budgeting is still important (housing, food, transport).
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For African/Asian applicants: emphasise how your research connects to your home region and how you will bring impact back home.
Statement of Purpose – Simple Strong Structure
Here is a structure to help you craft a strong Statement of Purpose (SoP) for this scholarship:
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Opening paragraph: Describe a motivating event or challenge in your home region (Africa or Asia) that inspired your interest in law/science/humanities.
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Academic & professional background: Briefly highlight your Master’s degree, research experience, publications (if any), and how they relate to the chosen field.
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Why Switzerland & why this university: Explain why you chose Switzerland, the host institution, and how the Swiss environment supports your research goals.
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Research project overview: Outline your proposed research: the problem, objectives, methodology, expected outcome, and timeframe.
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Impact & return to home country: Emphasise how you will use the knowledge and network to contribute to development in your country or region.
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Leadership & network potential: Show you’ve been active (student societies, volunteer work, leadership roles) and how being a scholar will amplify this.
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Closing commitment: Reaffirm your readiness, excitement, and commitment to succeed and contribute.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why it goes wrong | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Weak or missing letter of support from Swiss supervisor | Without supervision or host backing, application is weak | Reach out early, build relationship, secure agreed letter before submission |
| Poor alignment of research project with home region or host university’s strengths | Diminishes your uniqueness | Tailor the proposal to link your home country challenge + Swiss university expertise |
| Late submission or missing documents | Disqualification is likely | Start 3-4 months ahead, make checklist, double-check all attachments |
| Treating the stipend as “salary” and not budgeting for Switzerland’s living costs | You might struggle financially | Research living costs in your host city, build realistic budget |
| Ignoring renewal requirements for PhD track | Your scholarship may stop after 12 months | Understand benchmark criteria for renewal up to 36 months |
| Applying for the wrong track (e.g., standard MSc when only PhD/research eligible) | Your application may be rejected outright | Confirm your country call: many calls exclude standard Master’s for this scheme |
FAQs (Concise but Useful)
Q: Can I apply for a Master’s in law or humanities under this scholarship?
A: In many country calls, the scholarship is for research or PhD-level study. Some countries allow arts-Master’s, but many do not allocate for standard taught Master’s programmes. Always check the country-specific fact sheet.
Q: What is the monthly stipend amount?
A: Recent sources indicate roughly CHF 1,920/month for research/PhD.
Q: Are tuition fees covered?
A: The scholarship does not directly cover tuition fees, but Swiss universities often waive or reduce fees for recipients—so effectively in most cases, you’ll study tuition-free.
Q: Is the application open August–September 2025?
A: The call is expected to open in early August 2025 for the 2026/27 academic year, with country-specific deadlines between September and December.
Q: Can students from Africa/Asia apply?
A: Yes — the programme is open to applicants from 180+ countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America. Ensure your country is eligible on the official list.
Q: Does the scholarship waive IELTS or English test?
A: The scholarship does not explicitly waive IELTS or language tests; you must meet your host university’s language requirements. Many Swiss programmes accept English-taught research or have alternative language criteria. Always verify for your institution.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026 offer a truly exceptional opportunity for students and young researchers across Africa and Asia to pursue advanced studies or research in Switzerland in law, science, or humanities—fully funded, with strong institutional support and a global network. If you aim for a world-class experience, this is one of the best platforms available.
Your next steps:
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Visit the official SGES website and download the country-specific fact sheet for your country of origin.
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Start reaching out to potential Swiss supervisors in your field and draft your research proposal early.
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Create a timeline: gather your documents, secure recommendation letters, polish your CV, and meet the deadline (likely in September–October 2025).
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Be intentional about how your research will relate to your home region (Africa/Asia) and show that vision in your application.
“You won’t just go to Switzerland to study—you’ll bring home knowledge, network, and change.” Let this scholarship be the launch-pad for your global impact.
Take action now—set your sights on Switzerland, prepare well, and step into your future.
Wishing you success in your application journey!
