If you are a talented creative looking for fully funded art scholarships abroad, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offer one of the best opportunities in Europe.
These prestigious awards support outstanding international artists who wish to pursue their first Master’s degree in Switzerland at top conservatories and art schools.
Below is a complete, simplified, and well-structured guide to help you understand eligibility, benefits, requirements, and how to apply successfully.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded Art Scholarships |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree (First Master’s only) |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 21 months) |
| Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Monthly Stipend | CHF 1,920 |
| Eligible Fields | Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Acting, Writing, and other artistic fields |
| Eligible Applicants | Highly talented international artists |
| Deadline | Varies by country |
| Application Mode | Online only |
Overview of Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Art Scholarships are designed for gifted international artists who want to obtain their first Master’s degree in Switzerland.
These scholarships are offered at all Swiss conservatories and universities of the arts and support full-time study only. The program aims to nurture artistic excellence, creativity, and cultural exchange by providing financial assistance and academic opportunities in one of Europe’s leading creative environments.
Objective of the Art Scholarships
The scholarship aims to:
- Support talented international artists
- Enable recipients to complete their first Master’s degree in arts
- Promote international cultural and artistic collaboration
- Strengthen global creative talent through Swiss education
Target Group
These art scholarships in Switzerland are intended for:
- Highly talented young artists
- Applicants who do not already hold a Master’s degree
- Candidates who have not previously studied in Switzerland (priority given)
- Applicants from selected eligible countries only
Eligibility Criteria (2026 Intake)
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Bachelor’s degree completed by 31 July 2026
- Born after 31 December 1990
- Must NOT already hold a Master’s degree
- Must apply for full-time study in Switzerland
- Admission letter OR proof of application from a Swiss art school or conservatory
- If already in Switzerland, entry must not be earlier than 1 August 2025
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic quality and achievements
- Strength of portfolio and creative potential
- Motivation and career goals
- Admission availability at the chosen Swiss art institution
Scholarship Duration
- Standard duration: 12 months
- Extension possible up to 21 months
- Depends on Master’s programme and ECTS requirements
- Programme begins 1 September 2026
Scholarship Benefits
Monthly Funding
- CHF 1,920 per month (living expenses)
- Note: This is not a salary
Additional Benefits
- Free health insurance (for non-EU/EFTA students)
- One-time CHF 300 housing deposit support
- Half-Fare Travel Card for public transport
- Cultural excursions and networking activities
- Return flight allowance (for non-EU/EFTA students)
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover
Applicants must pay for:
- Tuition or semester fees (CHF 600 – CHF 2,000 per semester)
- Conference participation costs
- Field research expenses
- Travel costs (for EU/EFTA students)
- Family or dependent expenses
Required Documents for Art Scholarships
Applicants must prepare the following:
Personal Documents
- Complete CV (education, awards, exhibitions, concerts, experience)
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- Passport copy
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Medical certificate (“Fit for Mission” form)
- Residence permit (if living in Switzerland)
Academic References
- Email contacts of two professors (recommendation letters submitted online)
Art Portfolio Requirements
Submit a PDF portfolio including:
Music
- Link/QR to high-quality recordings (3 styles)
- Composers submit musical scores
Visual Arts
- Portfolio showing 3 artworks + sketches
- Include creation date and full name
Dance / Acting / Writing / Others
- Link/QR to performance recordings or creative works
Admission Proof
- Admission letter OR confirmation application is under review
- Conditional admission accepted
- If application period not open, submit confirmation from university
Scholarship Holder Obligations
Recipients must:
- Reside in Switzerland during the scholarship
- Live in the city/canton of their host institution
- Follow Swiss laws and university rules
- Inform authorities of additional funding or income
- Use scholarship for full-time study only
Family Policy
- Scholarship covers one person only
- No family allowance provided
- Residence permits for family are restricted
Exclusion Criteria (Important)
Applicants will be disqualified if:
- Application is incomplete or incorrect
- Multiple applications submitted simultaneously
- Applicant lived/studied in Switzerland more than 13 months before start
- Applicant already received this scholarship before
- This is the 4th unsuccessful attempt
- Applicant already holds a Master’s degree (for art scholarship)
Countries Eligible
The scholarship is not open to all countries. Applicants must check the official country list and deadlines before applying.
How to Apply for Swiss Government Excellence Art Scholarships
Follow these steps:
- Check eligibility for your country
- Choose a Swiss art school or conservatory
- Apply for admission
- Prepare portfolio and documents
- Submit application online only
- Wait for evaluation and selection results
Important: Applications are accepted only through the official online portal. Email or paper submissions are not accepted. Click here for more details about the scholarship.
Key Tips to Win This Art Scholarship
- Build a strong professional artistic portfolio
- Write a clear, focused motivation letter
- Apply early to your chosen Swiss art institution
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
- Demonstrate artistic originality and long-term vision
FAQs
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Is the Swiss Government Art Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It provides CHF 1,920 monthly stipend, health insurance, travel support, and other benefits, but tuition fees are usually not covered.
-
Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
No. The art scholarship is strictly for applicants pursuing their first Master’s degree.
-
Do I need admission before applying?
Yes. You must provide proof of admission or application to a Swiss art school or conservatory.
-
Is IELTS required?
Language requirements depend on the chosen Swiss institution. Some programs may require proof of English, French, German, or Italian proficiency.
-
Can I bring my family?
The scholarship covers only one person, and family residence permits are very limited.
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