The Embassy of Switzerland in Pakistan has opened applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-28.
Eligible Pakistani students and researchers can apply for a one-year research scholarship or a three-year PhD scholarship. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has set October 31, 2026, as the application deadline in its announcement.
The program supports international research cooperation and accepts applicants from 183 countries. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students selects the successful candidates.
Swiss Government Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
| Academic year | 2027-28 |
| Eligible country | Pakistan |
| Scholarship types | Research and PhD |
| Research scholarship duration | One year |
| PhD scholarship duration | Three years |
| Maximum age | 35 years |
| Monthly scholarship | CHF 2,450 |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Application fee | Free |
Available Scholarships for Pakistani Students
The one-year research scholarship is intended for doctoral candidates who want to complete a research stay in Switzerland.
The three-year PhD scholarship is available to candidates who plan to pursue a doctoral degree at an eligible Swiss institution.
The Swiss government has not included postdoctoral fellowships in the 2027-28 program.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships mainly target early-career researchers from other countries who have already completed a master’s degree.
Applicants can submit research proposals in any academic discipline. However, they must meet the requirements of their selected scholarship and host institution.
The maximum age for the available research scholarships is 35 years. Candidates should check the Pakistan-specific application documents to confirm all academic and age requirements before applying.
Eligible Universities and Research Institutions
Successful applicants can conduct their work at a Swiss cantonal university, a university of applied sciences or one of Switzerland’s two federal institutes of technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL.
The program also covers four research institutes within the ETH Domain: PSI, WSL, Empa and Eawag.
Applicants must identify an appropriate host institution and research supervisor before submitting their scholarship application.
Swiss Academic Supervisor Requirement
Every research application must have the support of an academic supervisor in Switzerland. The supervisor must agree to guide the proposed project.
Applicants are responsible for finding a suitable professor themselves. The scholarship secretariat and Swiss universities do not find supervisors on behalf of candidates.
Students should contact professors whose academic work matches their proposed research. A focused and well-prepared request is more likely to receive a response.
Documents for Contacting a Supervisor
The Swiss scholarship authorities advise applicants to include a short CV, motivation letter, two or three recommendation letters and a two-to-three-page research plan when approaching a potential supervisor.
These documents help the professor review the candidate’s academic background and proposed project. Applicants must still consult the official Pakistan application package for the complete list of documents required for the scholarship.
PhD Admission Requirements
Candidates applying for a regular PhD under an assigned academic supervisor must submit a support letter from that supervisor. A PhD admission letter is not required at that stage under this route.
Applicants choosing a doctoral school that does not assign a supervisor during the first year must provide both an admission letter from the doctoral program and a support letter from an academic supervisor.
Candidates should confirm the correct route directly with their selected Swiss university or doctoral school before applying.
Scholarship Amount
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month.
Applicants should review the official scholarship documents for complete information about the award, permitted expenses and any conditions attached to the funding.
How to Apply for the Swiss Government Scholarship
Applicants should first visit the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships page on the HEC website. They can then select the Apply Online option, which directs them to the Swiss Government’s official ESKAS application portal.
Candidates must register or sign in on the portal and follow the instructions for Pakistani applicants. They should select the relevant research or PhD scholarship, complete the online form, and provide the documents requested by the Swiss authorities.
Applicants should arrange support from an eligible academic supervisor in Switzerland before submitting the form. They must also prepare their research proposal and other supporting documents according to the requirements of their chosen scholarship.
Candidates should review every entry and submit the completed application by October 31, 2026. The scholarship application is free.
HEC does not receive or process applications for this program. It only shares information about the opportunity. Applicants must submit their forms through the official Swiss Government application portal and contact the relevant Swiss authority or institution if they need assistance.
Visit EduNation to find scholarships from around the world.
The post Switzerland Announces Excellence Scholarships for Pakistani Students appeared first on ProPakistani.
