ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships 2023

ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships 2023 is an Asia-Pacific program which is funded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)* and supported by Swissnex, India** and the Embassies of Switzerland in Singapore and in Australia. 

The aim of the program is to promote research opportunities in Switzerland for Indian, Australian and Singapore students and to foster the exchange between Swiss and Asia-Pacific universities & institutions. The selected candidates will receive CHF 60 per day till the time of stay and other benefits.

*State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is a federal government's specialised agency for national and international matters concerning education, research and innovation policy.

**Swissnex India aims to connect Switzerland and India in the fields of science, education, art, and innovation.

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is offering this scholarship. The scholarship program is also supported by the Swissnex India and the Embassies of Switzerland in Singapore and Australia.

To be eligible, an applicant must -

• be currently enrolled at an accredited Indian/ Australian or Singapore university/ institute
• be a master's/ bachelor's degree student
• have completed the 2nd year by the time the research stay in Switzerland begins

The selected students will receive a stipend of CHF 60 per day from the start to the last day in the University, +2 days for arrival and departure up to a maximum of 90 days (CHF 5,400 maximum).

Note - This amount covers only a portion of the average student’s living expenses. The students will be asked to prove sufficient financial means to the Swiss Cantonal authorities before a visa can be issued

Eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship by following the below-mentioned steps - 
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required details to 'Register'. (Note - If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email Id.)
Step 3: Fill in the details, upload the necessary documents and submit the application form.

• A cover letter (describing the research projects and goals)
• A Curriculum Vitae (should not be more than 2 pages)
• A photocopy of the official transcripts of the current institute/university
• An acceptance letter (from a professor/and or hosting institute in Switzerland)
• A recommendation letter (from a current professor of Swiss university)

Note - All the documents must be uploaded in a single PDF.

Selections will be made on the basis of documents submitted by the candidates.

Application Deadline - 15th January 2023

Q. Are non-Indian, non-Australian or non-Singapore citizens eligible to apply for the program?
A. All enrolled students at accredited Indian, Australian and Singapore universities are eligible, but the ability to participate will depend on obtaining a visa, if necessary. 

Q. Are there any language requirements?
A. For a research stay in Switzerland, foreign language skills are not required, as the working language will generally be English. Knowledge of any Swiss national language would, of course, be helpful for daily life.

For more FAQs, click here.

• ​​​​​​Scholars are responsible for their own insurance coverage, visa, and housing, but the students can opt for a recommendation from the host institute.
• The scholarship only supports research at public universities and public research institutions, not at private research higher education or research institutions.
• The scholarship amount will be transferred to the bank account of the selected scholars after their arrival in Switzerland. 
• After the completion of the research project,  the applicants have to return to their respective countries, and must carry out at least one activity as a 'student ambassador'.
• Once selected for this scholarship, the scholar cannot apply for a second time.