The Embassy of Switzerland in Pakistan has opened applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-28, offering Pakistani students and researchers opportunities to study in Switzerland.
Eligible candidates can apply for either a one-year research scholarship or a three-year PhD scholarship. The Higher Education Commission has set October 31, 2026, as the application deadline.
The programme promotes international research cooperation and accepts applications from candidates across 183 countries. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students will select successful applicants.
Scholarship Opportunities for Pakistani Students
The one-year research scholarship is designed for doctoral candidates seeking a research stay in Switzerland.
Meanwhile, the three-year PhD scholarship supports candidates planning to pursue doctoral studies at an eligible Swiss institution.
The 2027-28 programme does not include postdoctoral fellowships.
Applicants can propose research projects in any academic discipline. However, candidates must fulfil the requirements of their chosen scholarship and host institution.
The maximum age for the available research scholarships is 35 years.
Scholarship Benefits and Eligibility
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides a monthly allowance of CHF 2,450.
The programme mainly targets early-career researchers who have already completed a master’s degree.
Applicants should carefully review the Pakistan-specific application documents. These documents contain the complete academic, age and scholarship requirements.
There is no application fee for the scholarship programme.
Where Can Pakistani Students Study?
Successful applicants can conduct research at several recognised Swiss institutions.
These include Swiss cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences. Candidates can also apply to Switzerland’s two federal institutes of technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL.
The programme further covers four research institutions within the ETH Domain:
- PSI
- WSL
- Empa
- Eawag
Applicants must identify a suitable host institution and research supervisor before submitting their applications.
Academic Supervisor Requirement
Research applicants must secure support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland.
The supervisor must agree to guide the candidate’s proposed research project. Applicants are responsible for contacting suitable professors themselves.
The scholarship secretariat and Swiss universities do not arrange supervisors for candidates.
Applicants should approach professors whose research interests closely match their proposed projects.
When contacting a potential supervisor, candidates are advised to provide a short CV and motivation letter. They should also include two or three recommendation letters and a two-to-three-page research plan.
However, applicants must check the official Pakistan application package for the complete document requirements.
PhD Admission Requirements
Candidates applying for a regular PhD with an assigned academic supervisor must provide a support letter from that supervisor.
Under this route, a PhD admission letter is not required at that stage.
Candidates applying through a doctoral school that does not assign a supervisor during the first year face different requirements.
They must provide an admission letter from the doctoral programme and a support letter from an academic supervisor.
Applicants should confirm the applicable route with their selected Swiss university or doctoral school before applying.
How to Apply for Swiss Government Scholarship
Pakistani applicants should first review the scholarship information and requirements available through the HEC website.
Applicants can select the online application option, which directs them to the Swiss Government’s official ESKAS application portal.
Candidates must register or sign in and follow the instructions specifically provided for Pakistani applicants.
They should select the appropriate research or PhD scholarship and complete the online application form.
Applicants must also submit the required academic documents and supporting materials. They should arrange support from an eligible Swiss academic supervisor before completing the application.
Candidates are advised to carefully review all information before submitting their forms.
The final application deadline is October 31, 2026, and the scholarship application is free.
HEC does not receive or process applications for this programme. It only shares information about the opportunity.
Applicants must submit their applications through the official Swiss Government portal. For further assistance, candidates should contact the relevant Swiss authority or their selected Swiss institution.
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