Apply Now – Swiss Government Scholarship 2024

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for talented young researchers from around the globe to pursue their academic goals in Switzerland. This prestigious program, administered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students, aims to foster international exchange and collaboration in research.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support to cover their research endeavors in Switzerland. The scholarship includes:

• Monthly Stipend: CHF 3500 for Postdoctoral Scholars and CHF 1920 for PhD and Research Scholars.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance coverage.
• Travel Allowance: A one-time lump sum of CHF 300 to assist with housing and travel expenses.
• Flight Allowance: A ticket back to the country of origin at the end of the scholarship period.

Eligibility for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are open to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and research potential.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be citizens of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Switzerland. This means that students from a wide range of countries can apply, fostering a diverse and international community of scholars in Switzerland.

Academic Qualifications

• Research Scholarships: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
• Postdoctoral Scholarships: Candidates should have recently completed their PhD (within the past five years) and possess a strong research record.

Age Restrictions

To be eligible for both Research and Postdoctoral Scholarships, applicants must be under 35 years old at the time of application. This age limit encourages the participation of young and promising researchers.

Language Proficiency

Given that Switzerland is a multilingual country, proficiency in either English or French is essential for successful participation in the program. Applicants may be required to submit language proficiency test scores as part of their application.

It’s important to note that while the scholarship is open to a wide range of applicants, the selection process is highly competitive. Meeting the eligibility criteria is just the first step; demonstrating strong academic qualifications and a compelling research proposal are crucial for securing a scholarship.

How to apply

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer a remarkable opportunity for foreign students to pursue research in Switzerland. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the application process to guide you through each.

Applications are opened from 1st August to 29th November, 2024. Ensure you fulfill the basic requirements like citizenship (country with diplomatic relations with Switzerland), age limit (under 35), and relevant academic qualifications (Master’s for Research Scholars, recent PhD for Postdoctoral) before proceeding.

Visit the official website (https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/scholarships-and-grants/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships.html) and download the application package. This likely includes forms, instructions, and any additional documents you’ll need to submit.

Submit your complete application package to the relevant Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. This typically involves physical mail, but double-check for any online submission options offered by your specific embassy.

If your application is successful, you’ll receive notification and can commence your research journey in Switzerland.

Selection Criteria

The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications based on three key criteria:

• Candidate Profile: The applicant’s academic background, research experience, and motivation.
• Research Proposal: The originality, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed research.
• Academic Context: The quality of the host institution and the potential for collaboration.

A competitive selection process determines the final recipients of the scholarships.