Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027 to 28: What Changed for Pakistan
Pakistan remains eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, but only in two categories this year. According to official Swiss government sources, Pakistani applicants can apply for the Research Fellowship and the PhD Scholarship. Postdoctoral scholarships have been removed from the programme starting this cycle.
Pakistan Deadline: October 31, 2026
The Pakistan specific deadline is October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Swiss local time. This date comes from the official country list published by the Swiss authorities, not the general scholarship page. Every country gets a separate deadline, so relying on a generic date can cause a missed application.
Key Dates for 2027 to 28
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | August 20, 2026 |
| Pakistan deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Scholarship begins | September 1, 2027 |
| Application system | GO ESKAS |
Postdoctoral Scholarships Are Ending
The biggest change for this cycle affects researchers who already hold a doctorate. Switzerland’s Federal Council decided in November 2025 that postdoctoral scholarships would stop from the 2027 to 28 academic year. The same decision raised the monthly payment from CHF 1,920 to CHF 2,450.
Switzerland also plans to reduce total funded places from up to 350 to around 200 to 250 per year. This means the programme now puts more weight on doctoral level research than before.
Who Can Apply From Pakistan
For the Research Fellowship, applicants generally need a Master’s degree by July 31, 2027. ETH Zurich uses an earlier date of June 30, 2027. Applicants must also have been born after December 31, 1991 under the current eligibility rules.
A Research Fellowship supports a research project in Switzerland while the applicant continues doctoral studies in Pakistan. The PhD Scholarship is for those who want to complete their full doctorate at a Swiss institution.
How Much Funding Does the Scholarship Offer
The scholarship pays CHF 2,450 per month for basic living costs. Additional benefits for eligible applicants outside the EU and EFTA can include compulsory health insurance, a CHF 600 housing deposit grant, a Half Fare Travelcard, and a return flight allowance.
However, tuition and semester fees are usually not included. Some Swiss institutions charge CHF 600 to CHF 2,000 per semester, and applicants may need to cover this cost themselves.
Why a Swiss Supervisor Matters
Applicants must find an academic supervisor in Switzerland before applying. This supervisor has to support the research plan and provide a letter confirming it. Without this letter, the application will not move forward.
Swiss authorities note that finding a supervisor can take weeks or months, since professors receive many requests each year. Applicants are advised to start this search early and check that the supervisor’s work truly matches their research field.
Step by Step Application Process
First, applicants should confirm whether the Research Fellowship or PhD Scholarship fits their current academic stage. Next, they should check the Master’s degree and age requirements carefully before contacting a supervisor.
The research proposal must follow the official FCS or ESKAS format and can run up to five pages, including a summary written for non specialists. Supporting documents include a CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, a supervisor support letter, and a passport copy.
All applications go through the GO ESKAS online portal at go.eskas.ch. Applications sent by email or post are not accepted.
Where Pakistani Researchers Can Study
The scholarship covers study at major Swiss institutions, including ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, University of Bern, University of Basel, and the University of St Gallen. Research institutes within the ETH Domain are also included.
What Changed Compared With the Previous Cycle
| Area | Earlier Cycle | 2027 to 28 Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly amount | CHF 1,920 | CHF 2,450 |
| Housing deposit grant | CHF 300 | CHF 600 |
| Postdoctoral scholarships | Available | No longer awarded |
| Total funded places | Up to 350 | About 200 to 250 |
From January 2028, doctoral scholarships can also be extended from three years to a maximum of four years under the revised rules.
Common Mistakes Pakistani Applicants Should Avoid
Many applicants use the general scholarship deadline instead of the Pakistan specific date of October 31, 2026. Others apply without a confirmed Swiss supervisor, which leads to an incomplete application.
Some applicants also assume the scholarship pays every cost, including tuition. This is not accurate, since semester fees can still apply. Applicants should also stay alert for fake agents, since Swiss authorities have warned that the official application process is free and never requires payment.
Students comparing international funding routes can also review the Sindh Youth Card scholarship and loan scheme, the Seoul Scholarship 2026 deadline guide, and the HEC Thailand Scholarship 2027 details for more options open to Pakistani students.
What Happens Next
The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students will evaluate applications based on academic profile, research quality, and potential for cooperation. Decisions are usually announced by the end of May. Successful applicants begin their scholarship on September 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for Pakistani applicants?
The official deadline for Pakistan is October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Swiss local time. Pakistan is listed for Research Fellowship and PhD scholarships only.
How much is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
The current amount is CHF 2,450 per month for basic living expenses.
Are postdoctoral scholarships available for 2027 to 28?
No. Switzerland confirmed that postdoctoral scholarships will no longer be awarded starting this academic year.
Do Pakistani applicants need a Swiss academic supervisor?
Yes. Applicants for the Research Fellowship and PhD Scholarship must have a supervisor in Switzerland who agrees to support the research.
Does the scholarship cover university tuition?
Not always. Some institutions charge semester fees separately, which scholarship holders may need to pay themselves.
Where is the official application made?
Applications are submitted online through the GO ESKAS system. Paper and email applications are not accepted.
