Switzerland, known for its academic prowess and breathtaking landscapes, extends an exceptional opportunity to foreign students holding a Master’s or Doctoral degree. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program offers between 10 to 25 excellence scholarships for the academic year 2024-2025. This initiative is open to talented students from countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Libya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Cycles and Duration of Education: Flexibility in Pursuit of Excellence
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program provides a range of academic fields and education levels:
Doctorate: 12 to 36 Months
The program offers scholarships for students pursuing a Doctorate degree. The duration varies from 12 to 36 months, providing researchers with the flexibility to delve deep into their studies.
Research Stages: 12 Months
For curious minds inclined towards research, 12-month research stage scholarships are available. This enables students to immerse themselves in exciting projects under the guidance of experts.
Post-Doctorate: 12 Months
Doctoral graduates can also benefit from post-doctorate scholarships lasting 12 months. This opportunity allows established researchers to engage in cutting-edge research in Switzerland.
Program Benefits: Support and Recognition
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program offers several benefits to recipients to ease their stay and studies in Switzerland:
Medical Insurance
Student health is a priority. Scholarship recipients are provided with medical insurance, ensuring their well-being throughout their stay.
Generous Monthly Allowance
Depending on the level of study, students receive a monthly allowance to cover their expenses:
- Doctorate and Research Stages: CHF 1920
- Post-Doctoral Studies: CHF 3500
Housing Allowance
A one-time housing allowance of CHF 300 is provided to help scholars with initial housing costs in Switzerland.
Application Portfolio: Essential Components
The application process for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships requires careful preparation. Here are the key elements to include in your application portfolio:
Application Form (Annex 2)
The official application form must be accurately filled out, providing precise information about your academic background and aspirations.
Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should be complete, including a list of your academic publications, awards, and relevant accomplishments.
Convincing Motivation Letter (Maximum 2 Pages)
In this letter, express your motivations for joining the program, highlighting your passion for research and alignment with the program’s objectives.
Research Project with Timeline (Annex 3)
Provide a detailed description of your intended research project, explaining its relevance, objectives, and key milestones. Include a timeline to demonstrate your thoughtfulness.
Letter of Recommendation from a Professor
A letter from a professor at the Swiss university of your choice must confirm their willingness to supervise your work. This applies whether it’s a research stage, Doctorate, or post-Doctorate.
Letters of Recommendation from Professors (Annex 4)
Include two recommendation letters from professors in your field of research or study. Make sure to use the provided official recommendation form.
Certified Copies of Diplomas
Include certified copies of all your obtained diplomas and transcripts.
Medical Certificate (Annex 5)
Provide a medical certificate following the provided template to ensure your fitness for pursuing studies in good health.
Passport Copies
Copies of your passport are required to verify your identity and eligibility.
Selection Criteria: Upholding Excellence
The selection of scholarship recipients is based on several criteria aimed at ensuring academic excellence and research potential:
- Candidate’s academic profile, excellence in the application dossier, research abilities, and motivations.
- Originality and quality of the research project.
- Potential for synergies and future collaboration (from the Swiss side).
- Applications submitted in cooperation between a Moroccan and Swiss university take priority.
Eligibility Criteria: Embracing Promising Minds
To be eligible for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships program, you must meet certain conditions:
- Possess a Master’s degree or equivalent for research stages and Doctorates (obtained before July 31, 2024).
- Hold a Doctoral degree for post-Doctoral scholarships (obtained after December 31, 2020, and before July 31, 2024).
- Be under 35 years old when applying for research stage or Doctorate scholarships (born after December 31, 1988).
- Have good language proficiency.
- Application portfolios must be submitted in two copies (1 original and 1 copy) to the Swiss Embassy in Morocco. Tunis Street, Berkane Square, 10020 Rabat.
N.B.: Incomplete applications will be systematically rejected.
Conclusion: Seize Your Opportunity
The Excellence Scholarships in Switzerland 2024/2025 offer a unique chance for international students to pursue their academic dreams in a land of innovation and beauty. Make sure to review the application guidelines in Annex 1 for more information on this exciting opportunity.
