Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships 2026 – 2027

The Swiss Government Excellence PhD Scholarships 2026 – 2027 is an opportunity provided by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI to early-career researchers from all academic fields. This scholarship aims to support the education of talented researchers. The selected students will receive a monthly scholarship of CHF 1,920 (₹2,09,957.38 approx.). 

Source: sbfi.admin.ch/en

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is offering this opportunity. 

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• have completed a master’s degree or equivalent by 31 July 2026 (for ETH Zurich: 30 June 2026)
• be born after 31 December 1990
• be pursuing full-time research in Switzerland

The selected candidates will receive: 

• A monthly scholarship of CHF 1,920 (₹2,09,957.38 approx.) to cover the living expenses for 12 months.
• Health insurance
• One-time grant of CHF 300 for rental deposit.
• Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport
• Return flight allowance (for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries)

Eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship through the following steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below. 
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Scroll down to the ‘Apply here’ section and click on ‘this link’ to open the application form.   
Step 4: Fill in all the details and click on the ‘Complete eligibility check’ button. 
Step 5: Then click on the ‘Switch edu-ID - Registration’ link to create an authenticated electronic identity.   
Step 6: Fill in all the mentioned details and click on the ‘Register’ button. 
Step 7: You will receive an OTP and a link via email. 
Step 8: Enter the OTP or click on the link to complete your registration and proceed with the application.

• Detailed research plan with a timeline clearly outlining key milestones and activities.
• Letter of support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland, including a short CV of the supervisor.
• Copy of the registration confirmation or residence permit (if already residing in Switzerland, applicants have an entry date not earlier than 01 August 2025)

The candidates will be selected based on their:

• Academic profile, research competence, and motivation of the applicant.
• Originality and methodological quality of the proposed research project.
• Quality of supervision and potential for future collaboration with the host institution and academic supervisor.

Application Deadline: 10 November 2025 

Question: Who is offering this fellowship opportunity?
Answer: The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is offering this opportunity. 

Question: Who can apply for this fellowship?
Answer: Individuals pursuing a PhD at a Swiss university or recognised research institute can apply for this fellowship. 

Question: What are the benefits of this fellowship?
Answer: The selected fellows will receive a monthly scholarship of CHF 1,920 (₹2,09,957.38 approx.).  

Question: What is the last date to apply for this fellowship?
Answer: The last date to apply for this is 10 November 2025. 

Question: Does this scholarship cover the travel expenses? 
Answer: The scholarship covers a return flight allowance (for non-EU/EFTA applicants, usable up to two months post-scholarship) and a Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport. 

• This scholarship is renewable twice for up to 36 months, subject to academic progress during the first 12 months.
• No funding is provided for fieldwork and participation in conferences.
• The scholarship requires the holder to reside in Switzerland. Scholarship holders must live in the city or canton of their Swiss host institution.
• They must follow FCS instructions, comply with laws applicable to foreign nationals, and adhere to the regulations established by their host institution.
• The scholarship amount only covers the living expenses for one person. No family allowances are provided.
• Field research outside Switzerland is not permitted during research fellowships and postdoctoral scholarships.