Federal Council increases contributions for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships without impacting costs
Berne, 19.11.2025 — On 19 November, the Federal Council amended the Ordinance on Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, thereby increasing monthly scholarship contributions to CHF 2,450 starting from 1 January 2026 . This ensures that this funding instrument remains attractive for promising foreign students and researchers and continues to strengthen international exchange at Swiss universities. To implement this change without impacting costs, the number of scholarships available will be reduced. In addition, postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027/28 academic year.
The monthly scholarship amount has remained unchanged at CHF 1,920 since 2006. From 2026, foreign doctoral students and artists will receive CHF 2,450 per month to cover their living expenses at their place of study. The one-off housing allowance will be increased from CHF 300 to CHF 600, while the federal government will continue to pay the health and accident insurance premiums for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries. Going forward, greater importance will be given to awarding doctoral scholarships. As of 1 January 2028, these can be extended from a maximum of three years to up to four years.
To implement these changes in a way that does not impact costs, the number of funded scholarship places will be reduced from 350 to between 200 and 250 a year (new and ongoing). In addition, postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded from the 2027/28 academic year.
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) has been awarding Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships on a competitive basis since 1961. These scholarships are intended to support academic, cultural and science diplomacy between Switzerland and other countries.