Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027/28: CHF 2,450/Month for Indian Researchers
Indian researchers and PhD aspirants planning to study or conduct research in Switzerland have a major scholarship opportunity for the 2027–28 academic year.
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 will open for Indian applicants on 20 August 2026. For applicants from India, the available categories are the Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship. The application deadline is 10 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Swiss local time.
Selected scholars currently receive CHF 2,450 per month toward basic living expenses, along with several additional benefits. However, applicants should understand that this is primarily a research and PhD scholarship programme, not a conventional scholarship for students looking for a taught Master's degree.
Swiss Government Scholarship 2027/28: Quick Overview
DetailInformationScholarshipSwiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28CountrySwitzerlandIndian applicants eligible?YesAvailable for IndiaResearch Fellowship and PhD ScholarshipApplications open20 August 2026Deadline for India10 November 2026Monthly scholarshipCHF 2,450Scholarship start1 September 2027Master's degree requiredYesSwiss academic supervisor requiredYesApplication modeOnline through GO ESKASThe Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships to promote international research cooperation between Switzerland and applicants from more than 180 countries. Candidates are selected by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS/ESKAS).
Which Scholarships Are Available for Indian Applicants?
Indian applicants can apply under two categories for the 2027/28 cycle.
1. Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship is intended for highly qualified early-career researchers who are pursuing a PhD in their home country and want to undertake a research project at a recognised Swiss higher education institution or research institute.
The fellowship normally lasts between 6 and 12 months, with a maximum duration of 12 months.
The scholarship begins on 1 September 2027 and provides CHF 2,450 per month.
2. PhD Scholarship
The PhD Scholarship is designed for highly qualified applicants who have completed a Master's degree and want to pursue a PhD at an eligible Swiss university or recognised research institution.
The scholarship is initially awarded for 12 months and can potentially be renewed twice, allowing funding for up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
PhD scholars also receive CHF 2,450 per month.
How Much Funding Does the Scholarship Provide?
For the 2027/28 academic year, Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship recipients receive:
CHF 2,450 per month
The amount is intended to contribute toward the basic living expenses of one scholarship holder.
The Swiss Government specifically states that this scholarship is not a salary.
In addition to the monthly amount, eligible scholarship holders may receive:
Compulsory health-insurance premiums covered for scholars from non-EU/EFTA countries
A one-time CHF 600 rental-deposit allowance
A Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport
A return-flight allowance for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders
Access to activities and excursions organised for federal scholarship holders
Indian scholarship holders fall under the non-EU/EFTA category for these benefits.
Important: Tuition Fees Are Not Automatically Covered
Applicants should be careful about describing the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship as completely “fully funded.”
The scholarship provides substantial financial support, but the Federal Excellence Scholarship itself does not cover tuition or semester fees.
Depending on the institution, scholars may still need to pay semester fees or reduced tuition fees. The official guidance indicates that such fees may be approximately CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester in some cases.
Conference expenses and field-research expenses are also generally not covered by the scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Applicants
For both the Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship, applicants generally need to meet important academic and research requirements.
Key requirements include:
A Master's degree or equivalent
The Master's degree must normally be completed by 31 July 2027
For ETH Zurich, the relevant deadline is 30 June 2027
Applicant's date of birth must be after 31 December 1991
A detailed research proposal
A clear research timeline with milestones and activities
A suitable academic supervisor at a Swiss institution
A formal support letter from the Swiss academic supervisor
A strong academic and research profile
Applicants already living in Switzerland are also subject to specific residence-related eligibility rules.
A Swiss Professor or Supervisor Is Mandatory
This is one of the most important requirements Indian applicants should understand.
You cannot simply prepare your scholarship application first and look for a professor later.
For Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship applications, you must identify an appropriate academic supervisor in Switzerland who is willing to support your proposed research project.
The supervisor must provide a formal letter of support, along with a short CV.
Applications without a Swiss academic supervisor or without the required supervisor support letter will not be considered.
This means applicants should start searching for relevant Swiss professors before the application deadline, as finding a suitable supervisor can take several weeks or even months.
Documents You May Need
The application documentation for research applicants can include:
Curriculum Vitae
Master's degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Detailed research proposal
Research timeline
Motivation documents
Support letter from a Swiss academic supervisor
Short CV of the Swiss supervisor
Recommendation letters
Passport copy
Residence documentation, where applicable
Applicants are also required to provide the email addresses of two professors in the relevant academic field. The online system contacts these professors to obtain recommendation letters.
For applicants from India, the official guidance states that self-certification of copies is accepted.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Scholarship 2027/28
Applications will be submitted online through the Swiss Government's GO ESKAS – Grants Online system.
The application portal becomes accessible from 20 August 2026.
Applicants should follow these basic steps:
Confirm that India is eligible for the desired scholarship category.
Check the eligibility requirements carefully.
Identify a relevant Swiss university or research institution.
Find a professor or research supervisor working in your proposed area.
Contact the potential supervisor with your academic profile and research idea.
Secure the supervisor's support letter.
Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
Register on GO ESKAS.
Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.
The Swiss Government states that applications should not be submitted by email or in paper form.
Important Dates for Indian Applicants
Applications open: 20 August 2026
Application deadline: 10 November 2026
Deadline time: 11:59 PM Swiss local time
Scholarship commencement: 1 September 2027
Scholarship decisions for the following academic year are generally announced by the FCS by the end of May at the latest.
Is This Scholarship Available for a Regular Master's Degree?
For Indian applicants, this point is extremely important.
The scholarship categories currently listed for India for 2027/28 are:
Research Fellowship
PhD Scholarship
Therefore, this should not be promoted as a regular Master's scholarship for Indian students.
Applicants generally need to already hold a Master's degree or equivalent to qualify for these research categories.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications based on factors including:
Candidate's academic profile
Research competence and motivation
Quality and originality of the proposed research
Research methodology
Quality of academic supervision
Potential for future academic and research cooperation
A strong research proposal alone may therefore not be enough. The quality of the candidate, proposed project and Swiss academic supervision all matter.
Who Should Start Preparing Now?
This opportunity is particularly relevant for Indian:
Master's graduates
PhD aspirants
Existing doctoral researchers
Early-career researchers
Academic researchers looking for international research exposure
If you are planning to apply, one of your first priorities should be identifying a Swiss professor whose research aligns closely with your proposed project.
Do not wait until the final weeks before the deadline to start contacting supervisors.
Final Takeaway
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 provide Indian researchers with an opportunity to carry out high-quality research or pursue doctoral studies in Switzerland with financial support of CHF 2,450 per month.
For India, applications open on 20 August 2026 and close on 10 November 2026.
The most important point to remember is that applicants need a Swiss academic supervisor and a formal support letter as part of their scholarship application.
This is a research-focused opportunity rather than a regular taught Master's scholarship, so applicants should carefully check their eligibility before beginning the process.
Clear My Udaan helps students and researchers understand international education opportunities, scholarship requirements, application pathways and study-abroad planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian applicants apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027/28?
Yes. India is included in the 2027/28 scholarship list, with Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship categories available.
How much is the Swiss Government Scholarship?
Eligible Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship recipients receive CHF 2,450 per month.
When do applications open for Indians?
Applications open on 20 August 2026.
What is the deadline for India?
The deadline is 10 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Swiss local time.
Do I need a Swiss professor before applying?
Yes. Research and PhD applicants must secure an academic supervisor in Switzerland and obtain the required support letter.
Can I apply for a normal Master's degree through this scholarship?
For India, the 2027/28 list currently specifies Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship categories, not a conventional taught Master's scholarship.
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