Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS)
Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) / SERI Switzerland · All India
| Scheme Name | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) |
| Provided By | Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) / SERI Switzerland |
| Eligibility Summary | Doctorate · No income limit |
About the Program
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide CHF 2,450 per month plus full health insurance and return airfare to Indian postgraduates and researchers pursuing Ph.D., Postdoctoral, or research fellowships at top Swiss universities such as ETH Zurich and EPFL.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹28.5 Lakh+
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for the academic year 2027-2028 provides a monthly stipend of CHF 2,450 (approximately INR 2,38,000) to cover basic living expenses. This amounts to an estimated annual value of INR 28,56,000. Additionally, the scholarship includes full coverage of mandatory Swiss health insurance for non-EU/EFTA scholarship holders, a one-time grant of CHF 600 for rental deposit, and a Half-Fare Travelcard for public transport. A return flight allowance is also provided. Please note that tuition and semester fees are generally not covered by the scholarship and must be paid by the recipient. The scholarship is not a salary and direct benefit transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this is an international scholarship to Switzerland.
Monthly living allowance of CHF 2,450 + health insurance + return airfare + CHF 600 housing subsidy for 1 to 3 years in Switzerland.
Note: Must secure a written acceptance letter from a professor at a Swiss university prior to applying.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Doctorate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Minimum Marks | 70% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Official FCS Application Package obtained from the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi
- ✓Formal Acceptance / Confirmation Letter from a Swiss host professor endorsing the research project
- ✓Detailed Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages) with precise methodology and timeline
- ✓Curriculum Vitae and list of scientific publications
- ✓Master’s Degree marksheets and diplomas with certified translations
- ✓Two confidential recommendation letters from academic professors in prescribed FCS format
- ✓Medical certificate on FCS form and valid Indian passport copy
Selection Process
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Candidates for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are selected based on a rigorous process
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Applications are submitted online via the official portal and then evaluated by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
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The selection criteria are primarily focused on three key pillars: the candidate's academic profile (including academic records and research output), the quality of the proposed research project (originality, methodology, and feasibility), and the potential for future collaboration between the host and home institutions
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Successful Indian applicants typically hold a first-class degree or equivalent (above 60% or 7.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale)
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A mandatory requirement for Research and PhD scholarship applications is securing a formal letter of support from an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss institution, endorsing the proposed research project
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The process includes shortlisting and interviews, with final selection results announced by the FCS by the end of May.
Renewal Policy
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PhD scholarships are initially granted for 12 months and are renewable twice for a maximum duration of 36 months, subject to satisfactory academic progress during the first year
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Research fellowships are typically awarded for a duration of 6 to 12 months, with no possibility of extension
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Art scholarships may be granted for a maximum of 21 months.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1
Confirm Eligibility and Scholarship Type * Carefully review the eligibility requirements for Research Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, or Art Scholarships for Indian citizens. Ensure your academic background and age meet the criteria for the chosen scholarship type.
- 2
Secure an Academic Supervisor (Mandatory for Research and PhD) * For Research and PhD scholarships, it is mandatory to identify and contact a professor at a Swiss university or recognized research institute who is willing to supervise your project. Obtain a formal letter of support from this academic supervisor, including their short CV. Your application will not be considered without this letter. * For Art Scholarships, you must provide proof that admission is under consideration at your intended Swiss art or music school.
- 3
Access the Online Application Portal * Applications are now fully online, replacing the old embassy-based process. Register and sign in to the official online application portal, GO ESKAS (go.eskas.ch), which typically opens around August 20.
- 4
Complete the Online Application Form and Upload Documents * Fill out the online application form thoroughly. You will need to upload all required documents, including: * Completed FCS application form (generated through the GO ESKAS portal). * Comprehensive CV (including academic publications and awards). * Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages). * Detailed research proposal (maximum 5 pages, following the FCS/ESKAS template). * Letter of support from your Swiss academic supervisor (mandatory for Research and PhD). * Short CV of the Swiss academic supervisor. * Copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts from previous universities (with certified translations if not in English, French, German, or Italian). Self-certification is accepted for applicants from India. * Two confidential academic recommendation letters from different professors in the relevant academic field (these are typically requested via the application system). * Copy of your passport. * Medical certificate on the FCS form. * For PhD scholarships at graduate schools, confirmation of admission to the graduate school.
- 5
Submit Your Application * Submit your completed online application before the country-specific deadline. For Indian applicants, the deadline is typically around November 10-15.
- 6
Status Tracking** * The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) will communicate selection decisions by the end of May following the application deadline. While a specific online tracking guide for individual applications is not widely detailed, successful applicants will be notified directly.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship cover Master's degree programs for Indian students?
Generally, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Indian students are primarily aimed at highly qualified postgraduate researchers pursuing PhD or research fellowships. While some art scholarships are available for Master's level art students in select countries, for India, the focus is on doctoral and research opportunities. Students seeking a taught Master's degree should typically explore university-funded awards.
Is it mandatory to have a letter of support from a Swiss academic supervisor to apply?
Yes, for Research and PhD scholarships, obtaining a formal letter of support from an academic supervisor at an eligible Swiss higher education institution is a mandatory prerequisite. This letter confirms their willingness to host and supervise your proposed research project. Applications submitted without this letter will not be considered.
Does the scholarship cover tuition and semester fees?
No, for the 2027-2028 academic year, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship generally does not cover tuition and semester fees. These costs must typically be paid by the scholarship recipient. The scholarship primarily provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance, and certain travel and housing allowances.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) / SERI Switzerland website before final submission.