Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for PhD & Postdocs

Are you looking to apply for the Swiss Government Scholarship? You have come to the right place on the internet.

Honestly, with the way the Naira is dancing against the Dollar and ASUU doing their usual “will they, won’t they” routine, the dream of “Japa” for education is more alive than ever.

But we are not just talking about any kind of Japa; we are talking about landing a premium, fully funded opportunity in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

If you are a Nigerian researcher or artist looking for doctoral funding that pays in a currency stronger than the Dollar, you need to pay attention to the Swiss government scholarship.

Officially known as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, this is the “crème de la crème” of academic funding.

It is not for the faint-hearted, but for the Campus Hustle NG community, we know you have the grit to pull it off.

In this guide, we will break down exactly how to apply, how to find a supervisor, and how to position yourself as the best candidate from Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Warwick PhD Scholarship for International Students

What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship About?

The Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships annually to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries, including Nigeria.

Unlike some scholarships that pay for a Master’s degree, this particular scheme is heavily focused on research. They are looking for serious intellects.

If you want to study in Switzerland to just do coursework, this might not be for you. But if you want to contribute to global knowledge through a research fellowship, keep reading.

There are Three Scholarship Categories

1. PhD Scholarships: For those who want to undertake a PhD at a Swiss university.
2. Postdoctoral Scholarships: For researchers who already have their PhD and want to do high-level research.
3. Arts Scholarships: For art students wishing to pursue an initial master’s degree at a Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.

READ ALSO: The DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship: How to Research in Germany While Studying in Nigeria (Full Guide)

What Does the Swiss Scholarship Cover?

Let’s talk about the benefits of the Swiss Government Scholarship, because nobody wants to study abroad and still be calling home for urgent 2k.

• Monthly Stipend: You receive a monthly payment ranging from CHF 1,920 to CHF 3,500 depending on if you are a PhD student or a Postdoc. Context: At current black market rates, calculate that in Naira and you’ll see why people fight for this.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory Swiss health insurance is paid for by the Swiss Confederation (FCBS).
• Flight Allowance: A lump sum for your airfare at the end of the scholarship.
• Housing Allowance: A one-time payment of CHF 300 to help you settle in (housing in Switzerland is pricey, so every bit helps).
• Public Transport: A half-fare card for Swiss public transportation.

Campus Hustle Tip: Switzerland is expensive. While the stipend is generous, don’t go there and start balling immediately. Save your Francs.

READ ALSO: Singapore Scholarship (SINGA Award): Fully Funded PhD in Singapore (No GRE Required)

Scholarship Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

Before you start dusting your CV, let’s ensure you qualify for the Swiss Government Scholarship first.

The Swiss are very precise people; if you don’t meet the criteria, your application enters the “recycle bin” faster than a failed transaction.

General Requirements for Nigerians

• Age Limit: For PhDs, you must usually be under 35 years old (born after a certain date specified in the yearly call). Postdocs usually have a 5-year window after their PhD completion.
• Academic Excellence: You need a Master’s degree (or equivalent) recognized by the Swiss university.
• Language: You must have the language skills necessary for your research (English is usually fine for sciences, but verify if your supervisor requires German, French, or Italian).

The “Supervisor” Hurdle

This is where 90% of applicants fail. You cannot just apply for the Swiss government scholarship in a vacuum. You must find a professor at a Swiss academic institution willing to supervise your research.

No Supervisor = No Scholarship.

READ ALSO: TWAS Scholarship: Application for TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Scheme (India)

How to Apply for Swiss Government Scholarship

This isn’t your typical online application where you just upload documents to a portal. The Swiss process involves the Embassy. Here is how to navigate it from Nigeria.

Step 1: The Hunt for a Supervisor (Do This First)

You need to search for professors in Swiss universities (ETH Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Bern, etc.) who align with your research interests.

1. Research: Read their recent papers.
2. Cold Email: Send a professional email.
   • Subject: Inquiry regarding PhD supervision – [Your Name]
   • Body: Introduce yourself, mention their specific work (don’t copy-paste generic text), and attach your research proposal and CV.
3. The Ask: Ask if they would be willing to host you if you win the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.

Note: Don’t send one email and relax. Nigerian professors might ghost you, and Swiss professors might be busy.

Send follow-ups, but be polite. If you get a “Yes,” ask for a formal Letter of Invitation. You need this document for the application.

Step 2: Get the Application Package

Once the call opens (usually around August/September), you cannot download the forms online. You must contact the Swiss Embassy in Abuja.

• Email the Embassy: Send an email to the Swiss diplomatic representation in Nigeria requesting the application package.
• They will verify you are Nigerian and send you the documents (usually PDF forms you fill digitally and print).

Step 3: Prepare Your “Dossier” (Documents)

You will need to submit three sets of documents (1 original, 2 copies). Here is the checklist:

• Official FCS application form (typed and printed).
• CV (Curriculum Vitae).
• Motivation letter (Why Switzerland? Why this research?).
• Research proposal (Max 5 pages).
• The Invitation Letter from your host Professor.
• Photocopies of certificates and transcripts (notarized/certified).
• Two recommendation letters.
• Medical certificate (on their specific form).

Step 4: Submit to the Embassy

You will likely need to submit the hard copies to the Swiss Embassy in Abuja by the deadline (usually November/December).

Also: Check out other PhD Scholarships in Europe

Our Expert Tips for Nigerian Applicants

We know and understand that the struggle is real; so here is how to stand out from the thousands of other applicants.

1. Your Research Proposal is King: Don’t write a vague proposal. It must be actionable, feasible within the timeframe (1-3 years), and relevant.

If you are researching “Effects of Cassava Farming in Benue,” explain why a Swiss University should care (e.g., Global food security angles).

2. Network via LinkedIn Look for Nigerians already studying in Switzerland. Search “PhD student Zurich” or “Postdoc Geneva” on LinkedIn. Connect with them. Ask them about their supervisors. The “Nigerian connection” works everywhere.

3. Start Early The deadline is usually in November/December, but you should start emailing professors in July or August.

August in Europe is holiday time, so replies will be slow. If you wait until October to find a supervisor, OYO is your case.

4. The “Art Scholarships” Angle If you are a creative (music, design, painting), do not ignore the art scholarships. Switzerland has world-class conservatories.

The competition is slightly different here, focusing on your portfolio rather than just academic papers.

READ ALSO: How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Scholarship

Disclaimer

Please Note: Campus Hustle NG is an informational blog. We do not award scholarships.

• Verification: Always verify information on the official website of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
• Scam Alert: The Swiss Embassy will never ask you to pay money to access the application forms. If someone asks for a “processing fee” to give you the form, run!

READ ALSO: How to Cold Email Professors for PhD Scholarship Funding

FAQs About the Swiss Government Scholarship

Is IELTS/TOEFL compulsory for the Swiss Government Scholarship?

Generally, no. However, your host professor must confirm that your language skills are sufficient for the research.

If your previous degree was in English (which is the case for Nigerian universities), that is usually accepted, but always double-check with the specific university requirements.

Can I move to Switzerland with my family?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship does not include family allowances.

While you can apply for family reunion visas, the process is strict, and you must prove you have sufficient funds to support them (outside of your stipend).

When is the deadline for the Swiss Scholarship for Nigerians?

The call for applications typically opens in August, and the submission deadline at the Swiss Embassy in Abuja is usually in November or December.

Does this scholarship cover Master’s degrees?

For Nigerians, usually no. The scholarship is strictly for PhD, Postdoc, and Research Fellowships. The only exception is for Art students pursuing a Master’s in the arts.

READ ALSO: TETFund Scholarship for Nigerian Lecturers: Steps to Apply

In Summary

Securing a Swiss government scholarship is not a walk in the park. It requires serious research, a solid proposal, and the confidence to approach supervisors abroad.

But the reward? A fully funded life in one of the most beautiful, stable, and academically advanced countries on earth.

Don’t let the “Nigerian Factor” or Imposter Syndrome hold you back. Polish that CV, start drafting those emails to professors, and secure your future.

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Are you planning to apply for this scholarship cycle? Drop a comment below with your research field, and let’s help each other find supervisors!