제 27 호 How to get a scholarship for international students: You can be supported by FCS
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How to get a scholarship for international students: You can be supported by FCS
By Soi Lee, Cup-reporter
Conducting research abroad is a dream for many early-career scholars, yet the high costs of tuition, research materials, and daily living can make this dream difficult to achieve. For talented students and researchers, financial constraints often become the biggest barrier to pursuing international academic opportunities. Every year, hundreds of promising researchers from around the world are forced to delay or abandon projects due to these obstacles, missing the chance to collaborate with leading institutions and expand their academic horizons. The pressure of balancing ambition with financial realities is a challenge many face in their pursuit of advanced research. Have you ever imagined pursuing a cutting-edge project at a top university abroad, only to worry whether you could afford it? For those who have, there is encouraging news: the Swiss Government offers Excellence Scholarships that aim to remove these financial barriers and support talented international researchers.
What is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are prestigious awards designed to support talented international researchers and students in pursuing their academic goals in Switzerland. Established with the aim of fostering global academic exchange, the program encourages collaboration between Swiss research institutions and scholars from around the world. By providing financial support to early-career researchers who have completed their Master's or PhD, the scholarships remove one of the main barriers to studying abroad: the high cost of research and living expenses. These scholarships not only benefit individual researchers but also contribute to strengthening Switzerland's research institutions and expanding the country's influence in international academic and cultural circles. Recipients have the opportunity to work at a variety of institutions, including Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich or EPFL), or one of the four research institutes within the ETH Domain (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag).
In addition to supporting scientific and technical research, the program also includes scholarships in the arts, reflecting Switzerland's commitment to fostering creativity and cultural diversity alongside academic excellence. By attracting talented students and researchers across disciplines, the program aims to create a vibrant international community in Switzerland, where knowledge, innovation, and creativity can thrive together. Ultimately, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are more than just financial aid- they are a bridge for promising scholars to access world-class research opportunities, develop their careers, and contribute to a global exchange of ideas.
How to apply
To apply, candidates must submit a recommendation letter from a professor in their home country, along with a research proposal or portfolio, to the Swiss diplomatic mission. The selection process is conducted by the Swiss Government based on three main criteria: the applicant's academic and professional profile, the quality of the proposed research project or artistic work, and the potential collaborative value of the project, including its expected synergy with Swiss education and research. Among the selected candidates, approximately 90% of the scholarships are awarded to researchers, while the remaining 10% are allocated to artists.
In South Korea, the online application opens on August 4, 2025, and the deadline for submission is November 10, 2025. Further details, including contact information and application links, can be found on the official website of the Swiss Embassy: [Website link here]. For inquiries, please contact here seoul.science@eda.admin.ch.
Beware of phishing the name of the official scholarship program
Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent information circulating online regarding the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. In recent years, some individuals have been misled by social media posts that falsely claim applicants must transfer money in order to secure a scholarship. It is important to remember that the Swiss Government never promotes its scholarship programs through social media, and any such advertisement should be treated as a scam. The only official way to verify information or submit an application is through the Swiss Embassy or its designated e-mail contacts. Applicants are strongly advised to carefully check the official name of the scholarship before registering or sharing any personal details. Never reply to suspicious e-mails, and above all, never send any money. The application process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is entirely free of charge.
Editors view
Opportunities such as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships remind us that education and research transcend borders. For early-career researchers and students, the chance to continue their studies or pursue a new project in Switzerland can be more than just an academic achievement; it can be the beginning of an entirely new chapter of personal and professional growth. Standing on the doorstep of such an opportunity is both exciting and overwhelming, and it is natural to feel uncertain about whether you are ready to take the leap. To those who are hesitating: remember that scholarships like this exist to support you. They are designed to recognize talent, ambition, and potential - qualities you may already have but sometimes underestimate in yourself. Applying is not only about competing with others but also about giving yourself the chance to grow. Even if the process seems daunting, taking the first step toward an application can in itself be a meaningful act of courage. At the same time, we must remain vigilant. The rise of phishing attempts and fraudulent announcements targeting students is a sober reminder that every opportunity also comes with risks. Protect yourself by seeking information only from official embassy channels, and remember that no legitimate scholarship will ever demand payment from applicants. Your dream should not come at the cost of your safety or trust.
As you prepare your applications, do so with hope, but also with wisdom. The path ahead may be challenging, but the experience you gain - whether in Switzerland or through the process of daring to apply - will shape you as a scholar and as an individual. May this opportunity lead you not only to academic success but also to the confidence that your efforts and aspirations truly matter.
Sources:
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships-at-a-glance
https://youtu.be/6JMVJRf3rCw?si=N6wrx1IcMh0TDmaG
