Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars (ESKAS)

ESKAS fellowships represent a great opportunity to host foreign researchers in your group. They support researchers from developing countries coming to Switzerland under the supervision of a host professor for a limited period of time.

There are 3 types of ESKAS: doctoral scholarships, research scholarships and post-doc scholarships. See below their characteristics and funding amounts. Please note that not all countries offer all types of scholarships.

Procedure

Interested candidates need to check the call details pertaining their country of origin and get the application package from the Swiss representation. Applications are submitted in person at the Swiss Embassy of the relevant country, if not mentioned otherwise in the call document.

Deadlines and conditions

ESKAS scholarships for the 2023-2024 Academic Year will open beginning of August. Deadlines vary from country to country and usually are situated in November/ December. Have a look at each country page to learn the specific deadlines and the scholarships on offer.

Types of scholarships

• Doctoral scholarship

For full-time PhD studies in all academic fields. Duration: 12 months, extendable up to 36 months. Amount: monthly salary of CHF 1’920 + housing, health and travel allowances.

• Research scholarship

Full-time research in Switzerland, to enable applicants to undertake research in the realm of their PhD or medical specialization. Duration: 12 months; no extension possible. Amount: monthly salary of CHF 1’920 + housing, health and travel allowances.

• Post-doc scholarship

For full-time postdoctoral research in Switzerland in all academic fields. Duration: 12 months; no extension possible. Amount: monthly salary of CHF 3’500 + housing, health and travel allowances.

Exclusion criteria and scholarship start

Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship (in September 2023) are not eligible.

For further information please visit the official website or contact Ms. Martina Pestoni.