Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28 for Pakistan

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The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–28 are open to eligible Pakistani researchers and PhD applicants. Applications must be submitted through the official Swiss portal by 31 October 2026. The scholarship provides CHF 2,450 per month, but applicants should treat it as a contribution toward basic living costs rather than an unlimited full-cost award.

Quick Overview

  • Host country: Switzerland
  • Eligible applicants: Pakistani nationals who meet the research or PhD route requirements
  • Available routes: Research scholarship and PhD scholarship
  • Monthly contribution: CHF 2,450
  • Application deadline: 31 October 2026
  • Planned start: 1 September 2027
  • Application status: Open

About the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Confederation awards these scholarships through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students. The 2027–28 Pakistan call includes a research scholarship for doctoral candidates and a PhD scholarship. Applicants need a well-developed research proposal and written support from an academic supervisor at a Swiss institution.

HEC Pakistan is advertising the opportunity, but it does not receive applications and has no financial liability. Candidates apply directly through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships portal.

Financial Benefits

The official Swiss guidance lists a monthly scholarship payment of CHF 2,450 for the research and PhD routes. This is intended to contribute to basic living expenses. Applicants should read the country-specific package carefully and budget separately for any costs not explicitly covered.

The application is free. The Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation also warns applicants about fraudulent agents and payment requests.

Scholarship Structure

Research scholarship

This route is for candidates who are pursuing a doctorate outside Switzerland and want to conduct a defined research stay with a Swiss academic host. The award normally lasts 6 to 12 months and cannot be renewed.

PhD scholarship

This route supports doctoral study in Switzerland. The initial award is for 12 months and may be renewed twice, subject to academic progress and the scholarship rules, for a maximum of 36 months.

The Swiss government discontinued the postdoctoral scholarship route for the 2027–28 cycle. Applicants who already hold a PhD should therefore check whether another Swiss or European research scheme fits their stage.

Eligibility Requirements

Pakistani applicants should confirm every condition in the official country package. Key requirements include:

  • A completed master’s degree by 31 July 2027, or by 30 June 2027 for ETH Zurich.
  • Date of birth after 31 December 1991.
  • A research project with a clear timetable and academic value.
  • A signed support letter from an eligible Swiss academic supervisor, plus the supervisor’s short CV.
  • For the research route, current doctoral study outside Switzerland.
  • For the PhD route, eligibility for doctoral admission at the intended Swiss institution. The scholarship decision does not replace university admission.

Selection considers the candidate’s academic profile, the quality and feasibility of the research project, and the potential for future academic cooperation.

Required Documents

The official application package typically requires:

  • Signed application form generated by the online portal.
  • Academic CV.
  • Motivation letter of no more than two pages.
  • FCS research proposal of no more than five pages.
  • Swiss supervisor’s support letter and CV.
  • Contact details for two professors who will provide confidential recommendations.
  • Degree certificates and transcripts, with certified translations when required.
  • Copy of the passport identity page.

Prepare the research proposal and supervisor contact early. A generic email or a project unrelated to the prospective host’s work is unlikely to be competitive.

How to Apply

  1. Read the HEC Pakistan announcement and the official Swiss scholarship guidance.
  2. Identify an appropriate Swiss professor and obtain the required support letter.
  3. Prepare the research proposal and supporting documents exactly in the required format.
  4. Create an account and submit the application through the official Swiss online portal.
  5. Submit before 31 October 2026 and keep the portal confirmation for your records.

Do not pay an agent to file this application. The official process is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship open for Pakistan?

Yes. The 2027–28 Pakistan call is open, with an official deadline of 31 October 2026.

Can I apply without a Swiss supervisor?

No. The research and PhD routes require written support from an academic supervisor in Switzerland.

Does HEC submit the application?

No. HEC only advertises the call. Applicants submit directly through the official Swiss portal.

Is a university offer the same as a scholarship award?

No. University admission and the scholarship decision are separate processes.

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