Pakistani students and researchers looking for a funded opportunity in Europe can now apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-28.
The Embassy of Switzerland in Pakistan has announced the latest scholarship round, while Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has also published the opportunity for Pakistani applicants. The online application deadline is October 31, 2026.
Scholarships Available for Pakistani Applicants
According to HEC, Pakistani applicants can apply under two main categories:
Research Fellowship: A research scholarship for doctoral candidates who want to complete a research stay in Switzerland. The fellowship normally runs for 6 to 12 months.
PhD Scholarship: Designed for highly qualified candidates who want to pursue a full-time PhD at a Swiss university or recognised research institution. It initially covers 12 months and can be renewed for up to 36 months, subject to academic progress.
The programme covers research opportunities at eligible Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology and recognised research institutes.
Monthly Scholarship of CHF 2,450
Successful scholars receive CHF 2,450 per month to help cover basic living expenses for one person in Switzerland.
The Swiss government increased the monthly contribution from CHF 1,920 to CHF 2,450 from 2026. A one-time housing allowance was also increased to CHF 600, while health and accident insurance premiums continue to be covered for scholarship holders from non-EU/EFTA countries under the programme’s rules.
Who Can Apply?
For the research and PhD routes, applicants generally need a Master’s degree or equivalent completed by July 31, 2027. For ETH Zurich, the relevant completion date is June 30, 2027.
Candidates must have been born after December 31, 1991.
One of the most important requirements is finding an academic supervisor in Switzerland. The supervisor must agree to support the proposed research and provide a letter of support. Applications without a Swiss academic supervisor will not be considered.
Applicants also need a detailed research proposal, CV, motivation letter and academic recommendations.
How Are Candidates Selected?
The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates applications based on the candidate’s academic profile, the quality and originality of the research project, supervision arrangements and potential for future research cooperation. Final scholarship decisions are expected by the end of May 2027.
How to Apply from Pakistan
Applications must be submitted through the Swiss Government’s official online scholarship system before October 31, 2026. HEC is only advertising the opportunity and is not responsible for funding or processing the applications.
Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Applicants should also remember that the official application is free of charge. The Swiss authorities have warned students about fake scholarship offers asking for money for visas, insurance or other supposed application costs.
For Pakistani researchers planning to study in Switzerland, the 2027-28 programme offers a valuable route to funded research at some of the country’s leading academic institutions.
