The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year are now officially open globally, offering an extraordinary opportunity for international researchers, academics, and artists to pursue advanced studies and research in Switzerland—one of the world’s most advanced and innovative education systems. This scholarship covers a wide range of postgraduate levels, including master’s-level research, full doctoral programs, and post-doctoral research, and can be undertaken at prestigious public universities (such as the University of Zurich, University of Geneva, and University of Bern), federal institutes of technology like ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, and renowned art conservatories such as Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), Haute École de Musique de Genève (HEM), and ECAL Lausanne. According to the 2024 annual report from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the program attracts over 2,000 high-quality applications annually, with more than 500 awardees selected from over 180 countries worldwide. The overall acceptance rate ranges from 25–30%, indicating highly competitive selection but real opportunities for truly qualified candidates with clear research or artistic vision. For applicants from Indonesia, the annual quota typically ranges from 15 to 20 slots, with special priority given to strategic fields aligned with national development goals, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), environmental sustainability and climate change, public health and biomedicine, renewable energy, natural disaster management, and cultural-based creative industries—all reflecting Switzerland’s commitment to supporting partner countries in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This program not only provides full financial support but also opens access to global research networks, state-of-the-art laboratories, and interdisciplinary collaborations rarely found elsewhere. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in their fields—whether in academia, industry, or government. For Indonesian applicants, this is a golden opportunity to bring back cutting-edge knowledge and technology that can be directly applied to local challenges, such as developing tropical vaccines, early-warning disaster systems, or digital technology-based art innovations that blend Indonesian traditional elements with contemporary approaches.
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Types of Scholarships Offered
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are divided into two main categories specifically designed to support global talent in academic and artistic fields. Each category has distinct objectives, requirements, and durations, but both offer full financial support, access to world-class research facilities and art studios, and invaluable international networking opportunities. Below is an in-depth explanation of both scholarship types, complete with real examples from Indonesian alumni, the latest statistics, practical tips to boost acceptance chances, and insights into how this program can serve as a long-term career catalyst for recipients.
1. Research Scholarships
This research scholarship is specifically designed for researchers wishing to conduct in-depth studies in Switzerland at the doctoral or post-doctoral level. The program serves as a primary bridge for young scientists to collaborate with world-leading research institutions such as CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) for particle physics and energy, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB) for genomics, or WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research for mountain environmental studies. Since its launch in 1954, the program has funded over 15,000 researchers worldwide, including several Nobel Prize winners such as Georges Köhler (immunology, 1984) and Kurt Wüthrich (NMR chemistry, 2002). For Indonesian applicants, research topics that often receive positive attention from the selection committee include AI and machine learning-based natural disaster management, vaccine development for tropical diseases like dengue or malaria, biomass or solar-based renewable energy, conservation of tropical and mangrove biodiversity, and sustainable infrastructure materials—all highly relevant to Indonesia’s current national and global challenges.
The success of Indonesian alumni in this program is truly impressive. For example, Dr. Rina Susanti (alumni 2021–2023) successfully conducted research on the impact of microplastics in Lake Toba and surrounding waters in collaboration with the University of Basel, producing three publications in high-reputation journals such as Nature Sustainability and Environmental Science & Technology. Her research not only provided critical data for the Indonesian government in formulating environmental policies but also opened opportunities for long-term collaboration between Swiss and Indonesian research institutions. Another example is Dr. Budi Santoso, who developed a deep learning-based flood prediction model at EPFL, now used by BMKG to improve early-warning accuracy.
- Qualifications: Before applying, candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 (highly recommended for competitiveness). Research can be conducted at public universities, federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL), or national research bodies such as Empa (material science), WSL (environment), or Friedrich Miescher Institute (biomedicine). Applicants are encouraged to have at least one publication in a Scopus- or Web of Science-indexed journal or 1–2 years of post-master’s research experience. English proficiency certificates (IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT 90) are often required by host institutions, though not mandatory for the scholarship application itself.
- Letter of Support: One of the most crucial requirements is obtaining an official letter of support from a professor or senior researcher in Switzerland willing to serve as the primary supervisor. The letter must include a commitment to supervise at least 1 hour per week, full access to laboratories and equipment, and an initial assessment of the proposal’s feasibility and novelty. Practical tips for securing support: Begin identifying potential professors 9–12 months before the deadline via platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or official institutional websites. Send a formal email with a clear subject line such as “PhD/Postdoc Research Interest – [Your Name] – [Research Topic]”. Attach an academic CV (max 2 pages), research proposal abstract (200–300 words), publication list, and links to Google Scholar or ORCID profiles. Initial contact success rates can reach 20–30% with a professional and well-aligned approach.
- Duration: The scholarship typically lasts 12 full months but can be extended up to a maximum of 36 months based on rigorous annual evaluations. Extensions require a detailed progress report (10–15 pages), at least one publication in a Q1 or Q2 journal (per Scimago Journal Rank), international conference presentation, and a written recommendation from the supervisor confirming significant progress. Example: Dr. Rina S. successfully extended her research to 30 months, producing 3 top-tier articles and 1 nanomaterial-based water filtration patent.
- Research Focus: Proposed research must align with the host institution’s expertise and demonstrate high scientific, social, or technological impact. Proposals should highlight novelty, feasibility, and measurable expected outcomes. Successful Indonesian project examples: “Development of laminated bamboo for small-scale wind turbines” (EPFL collaboration), “Satellite and machine learning-based flood prediction model” (Uni Basel), “mRNA vaccine for dengue using lipid nanoparticle platform” (Uni Geneva), and “Genomic study of endemic Kalimantan orchids” (Uni Zurich). All projects resulted in publications and became the basis for long-term bilateral cooperation.
2. Art Scholarships
For artists aiming to earn a master’s degree in the arts in Switzerland, the Art Scholarships are the ideal choice. This program covers various art disciplines such as contemporary visual arts, graphic and product design, classical and contemporary music, traditional and modern dance, theater, film, animation, and interdisciplinary performing arts. Only 15–20 countries worldwide are eligible for this category (including Indonesia since 2022 due to bilateral cooperation in arts and culture)—see the full list on the official SERI website. Primary host institutions include Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) renowned for design and media arts programs, Geneva HEM for music, Basel Music Academy for composition, and ECAL Lausanne for visual communication design. A digital portfolio in PDF format (max 50MB) is the key determinant—contributing up to 70% of the selection weight. Applicants are strongly encouraged to highlight local cultural fusion elements, such as AI-enhanced gamelan, digital projection-based wayang shadow play, batik in sustainable fashion, or Balinese traditional dance combined with European contemporary movement.
The success of Indonesian artists in this program is equally commendable. For instance, contemporary dancer Maya Lestari (alumni 2022–2023) developed the performance “Ramayana Reimagined” at ZHdK, blending Balinese dance with motion capture technology, now showcased at international festivals like the Avignon Festival in France. Another example is graphic designer Aditya Pratama, who created a visual identity for the Swiss-Indonesia sustainability campaign using batik motifs and Swiss typography, now part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Design Zurich.
- Applicant’s Country of Origin: Art scholarships are only open to countries with bilateral agreements with Switzerland. Indonesia has been on the priority list since 2022, with an annual quota of 2–4 slots. The main focus is on young artists capable of blending local traditions with global innovation, thereby enriching intercultural dialogue.
- Qualifications: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in arts from an accredited institution or be in their final year. The portfolio must include 10–15 best works in high resolution (300dpi photos, 1080p videos max 3 minutes each), complete with descriptions of the creative process, concept, and cultural context. Evidence of prior exhibitions, concerts, or performances (certificates, media reviews, YouTube/Vimeo links) is highly beneficial. Language certificates (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) are often required by art institutions as admission prerequisites.
- Related Institutions: Applicants must first be accepted into a recognized Swiss conservatory or art university (admission deadlines typically February–March) before applying for the scholarship (November deadline). Process: apply online via the institution’s website, obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA), then include the LoA in the scholarship application package. ZHdK and ECAL have international acceptance rates of around 15–20%.
- Duration: The base duration is 12 months, extendable up to 24 months for Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs or if a final exhibition/performance project requires additional time. Extension requirements: a year-end exhibition or public concert with at least 100 attendees, plus a recommendation from the artistic supervisor.
Both scholarship types not only support individual academic and artistic development but also aim to strengthen academic, scientific, and cultural ties between nations. As of 2024, Indonesian alumni from this program have produced 5 Scopus-indexed dissertations, 8 international exhibitions at renowned European galleries, 3 patents in materials and biomedicine, and dozens of publications in high-reputation journals—tangible contributions that enhance Indonesia’s global reputation and open doors to broader bilateral cooperation in the future.
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Scholarship Coverage
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships package is among the most comprehensive in Europe, covering daily living expenses, health insurance, housing, public transportation, and various cultural and social enrichment services. The total annual value per recipient reaches CHF 25,000–30,000 (approximately IDR 450–540 million), sufficient to focus fully on research or artistic creation without significant financial burden. Below is a detailed breakdown of each coverage component, accompanied by real usage examples, cost-saving tips, and comparisons with actual living costs in various Swiss cities.
1. Monthly Allowance
Recipients will receive a fixed monthly allowance of CHF 1,920 (approximately IDR 35 million per month) transferred directly to the recipient’s Swiss bank account at the end of each month. This amount is designed to cover standard living needs for international students in Switzerland, known for having Europe’s highest cost of living according to the Numbeo 2024 index. Average monthly expenses for international students in Switzerland: CHF 1,800–2,600 (Zurich and Geneva are the most expensive, Bern and Lausanne more affordable). Estimated breakdown: food CHF 400–600, transportation CHF 100–200, entertainment CHF 150–300, books and stationery CHF 50–100. Cost-saving tips: shop at discount supermarkets like Migros or Coop (weekly food budget CHF 80), cook in shared kitchens (WG), use university canteens offering full meals for CHF 8–12. Remaining allowance can be saved for winter Alpine vacations, attending international conferences, or purchasing additional research equipment.
2. Health Insurance Availability
Health insurance is mandatory and fully covered by the Swiss government for all scholarship recipients from countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Leading insurance providers partnered with the program include CSS, Helsana, Swica, and Concordia. Coverage includes hospitalization, outpatient care, general and specialist consultations, prescription drugs, emergency dental care, physiotherapy, and even medical repatriation if needed. Average monthly premiums of CHF 300–500 are paid directly by SERI, so recipients incur no additional costs. Students from EU/EFTA countries can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or their national insurance per bilateral agreements. Insurance registration must be completed within 3 months of arrival in Switzerland; simply visit the local insurance office with your residence permit and scholarship acceptance letter.
3. Housing Allowance
A one-time housing allowance of CHF 300 is provided in the first month to help cover deposit, basic furniture, or household essentials. Average housing costs in Switzerland: university dormitories CHF 450–800 per month, shared flat rooms (Wohngemeinschaft/WG) CHF 600–1,200, studio apartments CHF 1,000–1,800. Deposits are typically 1–2 months’ rent (CHF 1,200–2,400). Best housing search platforms: WG-Zimmer.ch, Homegate.ch, Immoscout24.ch, or Facebook groups “Indonesian Students in Switzerland” and “Flat Share Zurich/Geneva”. Tips: look for WG in suburban areas like Dietikon (near Zurich, save CHF 300/month), Winterthur, or St. Gallen. Many universities also provide dedicated dormitories for international scholarship recipients with priority registration.
4. Public Transportation Card
A Half-Fare Card (50% discount on all national public transportation) is provided for 1 full year (card value CHF 190). The card applies to SBB trains, city buses, trams, and even lake ferries such as on Lake Zurich or Lake Geneva. Save up to CHF 1,500 per year on intercity travel. Example: Zurich–Geneva round trip only CHF 45 with discount (normal CHF 90). Use the SBB Mobile app to purchase digital tickets and track real-time schedules. For vacations, combine with the Swiss Travel Pass student or GA Travelcard if traveling frequently. Public transportation in Switzerland is highly efficient, punctual, and well-integrated—ideal for field research or visits to other institutions.
5. Additional Assistance and Services
In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients gain access to various enrichment services designed to aid adaptation and personal development. These include: welcome orientation in Bern or Zurich, free German/French/Italian language courses (A1–B2 levels), visits to international institutions like CERN, WHO, or UN Geneva, summer hiking in Jungfrau or Matterhorn, wine tasting in UNESCO-listed Lavaux, summer festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival, and monthly networking dinners with alumni. The Indonesian student community (PERMISA) holds regular events such as Eid celebrations, August 17th gatherings, and career seminars. Access to over 300 student clubs at ETH Zurich or Uni Zurich, from robotics to traditional dance.
The program provides holistic support—financial, academic, social, and cultural—so recipients can reach their full potential and return home with invaluable experiences. The total package value is equivalent to top fully funded global programs like Fulbright or Chevening, but with a specific focus on research and arts in the conducive Swiss environment.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. Hold a Master’s Degree Before July 31, 2024
Applicants must have graduated with a master’s degree (S2) from an accredited university no later than July 31, 2024. Provisional transcripts are allowed if the thesis defense is scheduled before July, but an official graduation certificate with the exact date must be included in the application. A minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0 is highly recommended for competitiveness, though not officially required. Degrees from foreign universities must be evaluated for equivalence by swissuniversities.ch to ensure recognition in Switzerland. Applicants still in the process of completing their thesis but not graduated by the deadline will not be considered.
2. Born After December 31, 1989
Maximum age of 35 years when the scholarship begins (September 2025), meaning applicants must be born after December 31, 1989. The goal is to support early-career researchers and artists with long-term development potential. Exceptions are extremely rare, even for candidates with exceptional experience. This criterion ensures the scholarship benefits are maximized for building sustainable academic or artistic careers.
3. Not Resided in Switzerland for More Than One Year When the Scholarship Starts in September
Applicants must not have resided in Switzerland for more than 12 months (cumulatively) before September 2025. Required proof: passport stamps, immigration office certificate, or written declaration. Students who previously participated in exchange programs or summer schools less than 12 months remain eligible. This criterion aims to provide opportunities to international applicants without extensive prior experience in Switzerland, thereby enriching cultural and scientific exchange.
4. Have a Clear and Detailed Research Proposal and Support Letter from a Professor at a Swiss University
The research proposal (maximum 5 pages) must include: problem background, novelty and research gap, specific objectives, methods and approach, timeline in Gantt chart format, realistic research budget, and expected outcomes (publications, patents, or technology applications). Use the official template available on the SERI website. The support letter from the Swiss professor must be official, signed, stamped by the institution, and state a supervision commitment of at least 1 hour per week, full lab access, and a positive assessment of the proposal. Tip: send the draft proposal to the professor for feedback before finalizing—many professors appreciate this initiative and significantly improve application quality.
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Application Process
1. Document Collection and Preparation
All application documents must be in PDF format, total file size under 50MB, and in one of Switzerland’s official languages (English, German, French, or Italian). A complete checklist and document templates are available on the Swiss Embassy Jakarta website and the official SERI site. Begin preparation at least 6 months before the deadline to avoid technical errors. Required documents include the application form, research proposal, CV, transcripts, diploma, recommendation letters, and professor support letter.
- Application Form – download from SERI, fill digitally, print, sign by hand, scan again.
- Research Proposal – max 5 pages, including literature review, methods, timeline, budget, and expected impact.
- Recommendation Letters – 2 letters from master’s thesis supervisors, focusing on research capacity, creativity, and academic integrity.
- Support Letter from Swiss Professor – official, with institutional stamp, supervision commitment, and lab access.
- Additional Documents: Academic CV (2 pages), S1 and S2 transcripts, diploma, language certificate, art portfolio (for Art Scholarships), publication list, and institutional acceptance proof (LoA).
2. Application Deadline
Application submission deadline for Indonesian applicants: October 31, 2024 (Swiss Embassy in Jakarta). Official international deadline: November 11, 2024. Selection results announcement: May 2025. Begin preparation from June 2024 for professor contact, LoA collection, and document compilation. Late submissions, even by one day, will be automatically rejected.
3. Application Submission Procedure
For Indonesian applicants: prepare 2 complete hardcopy sets + 1 CD containing all documents in PDF format, send or deliver directly to the Swiss Embassy in Jakarta, Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. X-3/2, Kuningan. Subsequent process: embassy verification and recommendation (November–December), selection interview (online or offline, December–January), nomination to SERI in Bern, evaluation by international expert panel, and final decision announcement in May 2025. Embassy-stage success rate for Indonesia: approximately 40–50% of total applications received.
4. Additional Information
Official information and latest updates are available at sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships. Contact point for Indonesia: Swiss Embassy Jakarta (jakarta@eda.admin.ch | +62 21 525 0181). Monthly webinars are held by the Swiss Scholarship Indonesia alumni network. Join the WhatsApp or Telegram group “Swiss Scholarship Indonesia 2025” to share experiences, document templates, and interview tips from previous recipients.
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The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2025-2026 are a highly competitive yet extraordinary opportunity for international researchers and artists to continue their studies in Switzerland with exceptional financial, academic, and cultural support. The success rate for Indonesian applicants has increased by 40% over the past 3 years thanks to thorough preparation, strong professor networks, and continuously improving proposal quality. Don’t delay—take your first step today to realize your dream of studying in the world’s top education country!
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