Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (SGES) is a prestigious opportunity for aspiring Pakistani scholars and artists to pursue advanced studies and research in Switzerland. This fully funded scholarship program aims to promote international cooperation and exchange, providing opportunities to interact with world-renowned instructors and contribute to cutting-edge research.

Every year, the Swiss Government hands out Excellence Scholarships through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). This is a great opportunity for top-notch international students, including those from Pakistan, who are looking for a chance to study in Switzerland. These scholarships play a key role in Switzerland's plan to be a leader in education and research, drawing in talented individuals from all over the world to its respected universities. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (SGES) mainly target students who want to pursue postgraduate studies, whether it’s in research or the arts. It offers a special chance for people to grow both academically and professionally, all while living in a peaceful country that has a strong technological background. This is more than just a scholarship; it’s an invitation to become part of a community that values learning and innovation. If you're thinking about taking the leap into further studies, this could be the perfect fit for you!

Programs Offered

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is aimed at students who want to continue their studies or research after completing their undergraduate degree. Here’s a quick rundown of the types of scholarships offered:

• Research Scholarships: For those who already have a Master's degree and want to research or study for a PhD. These usually last for a year, and though they can’t be extended for research fellowships, PhD scholarships can go up to three years.
• PhD Scholarships: Designed for students looking to tackle a PhD in Switzerland. The length can be from 12 to 36 months, depending on how well you’re doing in your studies.
• Postdoctoral Scholarships: These are for researchers who have finished their PhD within the past five years and want to do postdoctoral research in Switzerland. Generally, these are for 12 months.
• Arts Scholarships: Specifically for art students who want to pursue an initial Master's degree in arts at a Swiss conservatory or institution of the arts. This category is open to students from a limited number of countries, therefore Pakistani applicants should clarify their eligibility.

Benefits

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship provides extensive financial assistance, making it a highly sought-after opportunity.

• Monthly Stipend: Scholarship recipients are paid a generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses (e.g., CHF 1,920 for Research, PhD, and Arts scholarships, and CHF 3,500 for Postdoctoral scholarships).
• Health Insurance: The FCS pays for the mandatory Swiss health insurance for non-EU and non-EFTA recipients.
• Travel Expenses: At the conclusion of their scholarship, grantees from outside the EU and EFTA are given a one-time return airfare allowance.
• Housing Allowance: A one-time lump sum (e.g., CHF 300) is included in the first grant payment to assist with housing deposits.
• Public Transportation: A one-year half-fare public transportation card for Switzerland is typically supplied.
• Tuition Fees: While the FCS does not directly cover tuition or semester fees, certain universities may waive them or require scholarship holders to pay lower fees. It is critical to check this with the host institution.
• Networking Opportunities: The fellowship offers a wonderful opportunity to interact with other students and researchers from various backgrounds, creating international cooperation and a strong alumni network.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, Pakistani applicants must generally meet the following criteria.

• Nationality: Pakistani citizen (a country with diplomatic ties with Switzerland).
• Academic Background:
  • Research Scholarship (Master's after research, PhD, Postdoctoral): A Master's degree (or equivalent) is necessary. For PhD and postdoctoral scholarships, a Master's degree comparable to a Swiss graduate degree is required. A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is necessary for enrollment in the Master of Arts program.
  • PhD Scholars must have a Master's degree (or equivalent) before July 31st of the application year (or June 30th at ETH Zurich). They must have been born after December 31, 1989 (the age limit for Master's and PhD scholarships).
  • Postdoctoral Scholars: Must have received their PhD after December 31st, 2021, but before July 31st of the application year (or June 30th for ETH Zurich).
• Acceptance Letter/Supervision: You need a letter from a professor at a Swiss university saying they’re willing to supervise you. If you don’t have this, your application won’t go through.
• Research Proposal: Make sure to include a detailed research proposal with a clear schedule if you're applying for a research scholarship.
• Residency: If you've lived in Switzerland for over a year by the time the scholarship starts in September, you usually can’t apply.
• Language Proficiency: The ability to communicate in the appropriate language (English, German, French, or Italian) is required for the chosen program. Specific universities may demand IELTS scores.
• Previous FCS Scholarship: Candidates who have previously earned a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are ineligible to apply for further prizes.
• Medical Certificate: A medical certificate that is no older than six months is usually necessary.

How to Apply

The application process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Pakistani citizens consists of many major components.

• Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet all of the qualifying conditions listed above.
• Contact the Swiss Embassy in Pakistan: The application packet and accompanying forms are normally obtained directly from the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad after August 1st for the subsequent academic year. You may also contact islamabad.scholarships@eda.admin.ch for more details.
• Secure a Host Supervisor: This is an important step. You must initiate contact with a professor at a Swiss university or institution who is ready to oversee your research or studies. Their confirmation letter and a short CV are required for your application.
• Prepare documents: Gather all required documents, including the FCS form, CV, motivation letter, research proposal, supervisor's letter/CV, two sealed recommendation letters, academic transcripts, medical certificate, passport copy, and portfolio (for arts).
• Send Application: Typically, you must send two complete paper copies of your application to the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad (one original signed set with recommendation letters and one copy without recommendation letters). Handwritten applications are rarely accepted; instead, use postal/courier service.
  • The application submission deadline for Pakistani citizens is usually September 30th (for the academic year beginning the following September). However, it is critical to double-check the actual deadline with the Swiss Embassy in Pakistan for the relevant application cycle.

FAQs

1. Do I need an acceptance letter from a Swiss professor?

Yes, you do. You need a letter from a Swiss university professor stating they're willing to supervise you. Without it, your application will be turned down.

2. How do I find a Swiss professor to supervise my research?

You should look for professors at Swiss universities who do research in your field. Send them your academic background and a brief summary of your research idea. The Embassy can’t help with finding supervisors.

3. Are IELTS/TOEFL/GRE scores necessary?

These tests aren't usually required for the scholarship application, but some Swiss universities might ask for them for program admission. Check their specific language and test requirements.

4. Can I apply if I'm already studying in Switzerland?

Generally, if you've been living in Switzerland for over a year when the scholarship starts, you can't apply.

5. Does the scholarship cover Bachelor's or standard Master's degrees?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are mainly for postgraduate research (like PhDs and postdoc fellowships) and an initial Master's in Arts. They don’t cover Bachelor's degrees or typical Master's programs in other areas.

6. Is there an age limit for applicants?

For Master's in Arts and PhD scholarships, you usually need to be born after December 31, 1989. There’s no age limit for Postdoctoral scholarships, but your PhD must be completed within the last five years.

7. Do I need to submit a bank statement?

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is fully funded, so you typically don't need to provide a bank statement.

8. Can I hand in my application at the Swiss Embassy?

No, you need to send your application through postal or courier service to the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad.

9. What’s the document submission format?

You usually send two sets: one original signed set (with two recommendation letters in sealed envelopes) and one copy of everything else (without the recommendation letters). Make sure the documents are in the right order according to the application guidelines.

10. When will I know the results?

The FCS generally announces scholarship decisions by the end of May for those starting in September.