If you are an international student who wants to pursue research or artistic studies in Switzerland, you might be interested in applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

These scholarships are awarded by the Swiss Confederation to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. In this blog post, I will explain what these scholarships are, who can apply, how to apply, and what benefits they offer.

Understanding the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships were established in 1958 and are administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

The scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhDand at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree.

The scholarships are available for different levels of education, such as research fellowships, PhD scholarships, postdoctoral scholarships, and arts scholarships.

The application procedure and the selection criteria vary depending on the country of origin and the type of scholarship.

Generally, applicants need to have a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in arts, a research proposal, a letter of acceptance from a Swiss academic host institution, and a recommendation letter from an academic supervisor.

Finding your academic host institution and supervisor in Switzerland

One of the main requirements for applying for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is to have a letter of acceptance from a Swiss academic host institution and a recommendation letter from an academic supervisor.

This means that you need to find a university, a research institute, or an arts school in Switzerland that offers the academic program and the research facilities that match your interests and goals. You also need to contact a potential supervisor who is willing to support and guide your project.

How to find your academic host institution and supervisor in Switzerland

To find your academic host institution and supervisor in Switzerland, you can use the following steps and resources:

• Identify the field and the topic of your research or artistic project and narrow down your options based on your preferences and qualifications. Access the pdf of the requirements here.
• Search for the Swiss higher education institutions that offer the academic program and the research facilities that suit your project. You can use the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship to find the list of eligible academic host institutions.
• Browse the websites of the academic host institutions and look for the faculty members, the research groups, or the arts departments that are working on the topics related to your project. You can also check their publications, portfolios, or projects to learn more about their research interests and achievements.
• Contact the potential supervisors by email and introduce yourself and your project. Explain why you are interested in working with them and how your project fits their research agenda or artistic vision. Attach your CV, your research proposal, and your academic transcripts and certificates. Be polite, professional, and concise in your communication.

Read here to find all the documents and tricks required for successful application: How to Apply for a fully funded Scholarship to Study abroad: Tips and Tricks To Win Scholarships

• Follow up with the potential supervisors and wait for their response. If they agree to accept you as a scholarship candidate, they will send you a letter of acceptance and a recommendation letter that you need to include in your application.

How to prepare and submit your application for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

To prepare and submit your application for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, you need to follow these steps and documents:

• Download the application package from the official website of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarshipsand fill out the application forms according to the instructions. You can also read the application guidelines2 for more details and tips.

• Prepare the required documents for your scholarship type, such as your CV, your research proposal, your academic transcripts and certificates, your language certificates, your letter of acceptance, your recommendation letter, your passport copy, and your photo. Make sure that your documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.

Here is our linked guide for what is needed to land the scholarships: How to Apply for a fully funded Scholarship to Study abroad: Tips and Tricks To Win Scholarships

• Send two paper copies of your application and your documents to the postal address of your country of origin. The submission deadline and the postal address vary from country to country, so make sure that you check them before sending your application. You can also contact the Swiss Embassy or the competent national institution in your country of origin for more information and questions.

What are the benefits of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer various benefits to the scholarship recipients, such as:

• A monthly stipend, tuition fees, health insurance, travel expenses, and housing allowance. The amount and the duration of the financial support depend on the type of scholarship and the academic program.
• Access to the academic resources and the research facilities of the Swiss higher education institutions, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and artists in Switzerland and abroad.
• Exposure to the Swiss culture, society, and values, as well as the chance to learn one of the official languages of Switzerland (German, French, Italian, or Romansh).
• Participation in the network and the events of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships alumni, which can help to build professional and personal connections and to enhance career prospects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are a great opportunity for international students who want to pursue research or artistic studies in Switzerland. The scholarships provide financial support, academic opportunities, and cultural experiences to the scholarship recipients. To apply for the scholarships, you need to find your academic host institution and supervisor in Switzerland, prepare and submit your application and documents, and meet the eligibility and selection criteria for your country of origin and your scholarship type.

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