Swiss Confederation / State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Europe
FundingFully Funded
LevelMasters/PhD
DeadlineDecember
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Full tuition, monthly stipend (CHF 1,920/month), flight ticket, health insurance, and Swiss public transport pass for PhD/postdoc in Switzerland. 12-36 months (depending on programme)
ProviderSwiss Confederation / State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)
CountrySwitzerland (Europe)
Host university / institutionSwiss universities (ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, etc.)
Degree levelsMasters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineApplications typically open in August and close in December. Results announced March-April.
IntakeSeptember
Applications openAugust
CompetitionVery High
Programme duration12-36 months (depending on programme)
MastersPhDAll fields
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAT) eligibility criteria
Citizenship of a country on the SERI list (including Pakistan)
Under 35 years of age for PhD; under 35 for postdoc
Master's degree with excellent academic record
Admitted or applying to a Swiss university
Not already residing in Switzerland
Research proposal accepted by a Swiss professor
Benefits and coverage
Monthly stipend CHF 1,920
Full tuition fees (most Swiss universities charge low fees anyway)
How to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAT)
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Applications typically open in August and close in December. Results announced March-April. Submit a complete application before the December deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageFull tuition, monthly stipend (CHF 1,920/month), flight ticket, health insurance, and Swi…
LevelsMasters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Citizenship of a country on the SERI list (including Pakistan) Under 35 years of age for PhD; under 35 for postdoc Master's degree with excellent academic record Admitted or applying to a Swiss university Not already residing in Switzerland Research proposal accepted by a Swiss professor
Monthly stipend CHF 1,920 Full tuition fees (most Swiss universities charge low fees anyway) Flight ticket to Switzerland Health insurance Swiss public transport half-fare card Mentoring support Cultural and networking events
ESKAT application form Academic transcripts and degree certificates Research proposal Letter of acceptance from Swiss professor Two recommendation letters CV/Resume Copy of passport English/French/German/Italian proficiency certificate
Applications typically open in August and close in December. Results announced March-April.
No — applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAT) are free.