How much is the monthly scholarship?
CHF 2,450 per month.
Does it cover tuition?
No. The Swiss government explicitly states that tuition and semester fees are not covered.
What documents are especially important?
A detailed research proposal, Swiss supervisor support and two academic referees submitted through the portal.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
A Swiss federal research/PhD scholarship for early-career researchers. It provides strong living support but is not a universal full-cost scholarship because tuition and several research expenses remain outside the award.
Other verified benefits
CHF 2,450 monthly living allowance, CHF 600 one-time rental-deposit grant, Half-Fare Travelcard, compulsory health-insurance premiums for non-EU/EFTA scholars and a return-flight allowance for non-EU/EFTA recipients.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
SERI states that tuition/semester fees are not covered and can be about CHF 600–2,000 per semester. Conference and field-research costs are also not funded.
Who is eligible to apply?
Pakistan applicants can apply for Research Fellowship or PhD scholarship. Applicants need a completed master's by the 2027 deadline rules, birth after 31 December 1991, a detailed research plan and Swiss academic supervisor support.
For Pakistan, only Research Fellowship and PhD scholarship types are listed for 2027/28. Postdoctoral fellowships are no longer awarded from this cycle.
Eligible countries
Applicants from 183 eligible countries; scholarship types and deadlines vary by country of origin.
Language requirements
Research and host-institution requirements apply.
Which documents should you prepare?
- CV or résumé
- Research proposal
- Host supervisor commitment letter
- Two reference letters
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Passport/ID
Which documents may be required conditionally?
- Admission/offer letter
How do you apply?
- Find a suitable Swiss academic supervisor.
- Prepare the research proposal, CV and academic records.
- Enter two academic referees in the online system.
- Submit through GO ESKAS by 31 October 2026 for Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
The 2027/28 Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship provide CHF 2,450 per month, plus selected additional benefits such as insurance for non-EU/EFTA scholars and a rental-deposit grant.
Does the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship cover tuition?
No. SERI explicitly states that tuition and semester fees are not covered and may remain payable to the Swiss host institution.