Switzerland–Rwanda Cooperation Scholarships 2026/2027 | Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Deadline: 28th November 2025
The Higher Education Council
(HEC) of Rwanda has announced that the Swiss Government is offering
limited scholarships for the academic year 2026–2027. These prestigious
scholarships fall under the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
program and are dedicated to promoting academic exchange, international
research collaboration, and long-term partnerships between Rwanda and
Switzerland.
For talented Rwandan researchers,
PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows, this is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to study and conduct research in one of the most advanced
higher education systems in the world.
If you are passionate about research,
innovation, and global networking, this program is tailor-made for you.
About
the Switzerland–Rwanda Cooperation Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence
Scholarships are offered annually to students and researchers from over 180
countries. For Rwanda, the scholarships are specifically allocated for:
- Research Fellowships (1 year) – For master’s degree holders seeking to conduct
independent research in Switzerland.
- PhD Scholarships (up to 3 years) – For Rwandan students who want to pursue a full
doctoral degree at a Swiss university.
- Postdoctoral Scholarships (1 year) – For PhD holders who wish to continue their research
and academic work at Swiss institutions.
Not Covered: Undergraduate studies, Master’s programs, and Fine Arts
degrees are not eligible for Rwandan students.
Why
This Scholarship Matters for Rwandans
Education is at the center of
Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which aims to transform the country into a knowledge-based
economy. Opportunities like the Switzerland–Rwanda Cooperation
Scholarships align perfectly with Rwanda’s development goals by:
- Building highly skilled researchers who can
address Rwanda’s socio-economic challenges.
- Creating international partnerships between
Rwandan and Swiss universities.
- Supporting Rwandan scholars to publish in global
journals, increasing Rwanda’s academic visibility.
- Training experts who return to Rwanda with world-class
knowledge to strengthen industries, academia, and government
institutions.
This is more than just a
scholarship—it is an investment in Rwanda’s future.
Who
Is Eligible?
The scholarship targets talented,
motivated, and ambitious Rwandan students and researchers. Below are the eligibility
requirements:
For
Research Fellowships
- Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Must be under 35 years of age.
- Must submit a detailed research proposal
approved by a Swiss professor.
For
PhD Scholarships
- Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Maximum age limit: 35 years.
- Must provide an admission letter from a Swiss
doctoral school.
For
Postdoctoral Scholarships
- Must hold a PhD degree completed within the past
5 years.
- No age limit.
- Must submit a research plan and proof of
academic supervision in Switzerland.
What
Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a fully funded
scholarship, meaning most of your expenses will be taken care of. Benefits
include:
- Monthly stipend
to cover living costs (varies by program).
- Tuition fee exemption
at Swiss universities.
- Health insurance
for the duration of the scholarship.
- Accommodation allowance (in some cases).
- Return airfare ticket
Rwanda ↔ Switzerland.
- Support for research costs (depending on
program).
- Networking opportunities with international
researchers.
These benefits make it possible to
focus fully on your studies without financial stress.
Step-by-Step
Guide to Applying
Applying for the Swiss Government
Excellence Scholarship requires preparation and attention to detail. Follow
these steps:
Step
1: Research Swiss Universities
Visit the official scholarship page Swiss
Government Scholarships.
Explore Swiss universities such as:
- ETH Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Bern
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Step
2: Secure a Host Professor
Contact potential supervisors in
Switzerland. A professor’s support letter greatly strengthens your
application.
Step
3: Register on GO ESKAS Portal
Apply electronically via the
official portal www.go.eskas.ch.
Step
4: Prepare Documents
- Completed application form
- CV with
academic achievements
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
(clear, innovative, feasible)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Recommendation letters from professors
- Host professor’s confirmation
Step
5: Submit Before Deadline
Deadline: 28th November 2025
Late or incomplete applications will
not be considered.
Why
Choose Switzerland for Higher Studies?
Switzerland is consistently ranked
among the top education destinations in the world. Here’s why:
- Top-ranked universities like ETH Zurich (#6 globally in QS Rankings).
- World-leading research centers in science, engineering, health, and social sciences.
- High quality of life
and safety for international students.
- multilingual and multicultural society (German, French, Italian, English widely spoken).
- Home to global organizations: UN, WHO, WTO,
CERN, Red Cross.
- Career opportunities
in research, technology, banking, and international development.
Switzerland is more than a study
destination—it’s a gateway to international opportunities.
Tips
to Make Your Application Stronger
Since the Swiss Government
Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive, here’s how you can stand
out:
- Write a Research Proposal with Impact
- Choose a topic relevant to Rwanda’s development (e.g.,
renewable energy, health, ICT, agriculture).
- Demonstrate how your research benefits both Rwanda and
Switzerland.
- Get Strong Recommendation Letters
- Select referees who know your academic strengths.
- Ask them to highlight your research potential,
leadership, and commitment.
- Show Commitment to Rwanda’s Development
- Scholarship committees prefer candidates who will return
home and contribute to their country.
- Polish Your CV and Motivation Letter
- Highlight achievements, awards, leadership roles, and
publications.
- Clearly explain why Switzerland is your best choice.
- Apply Early
- Don’t wait until the last week—technical errors and
missing documents are common.
Helpful
Resources for Applicants
- Official scholarships page: Swiss
Government Excellence Scholarships
- Application portal: GO ESKAS
- Study opportunities in Switzerland: Study
in Switzerland Plus
- HEC Rwanda (support for applicants):
- www.hec.gov.rw
- info@hec.gov.rw
- MINEDUC Building, Kacyiru, Kigali
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for a Master’s
program under this scholarship?
No. The program is only for Research Fellowships, PhD, and Postdoctoral
studies.
2. Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be under 35 years old, except for postdoctoral
candidates.
3. Does the scholarship cover my
family?
No. The scholarship covers only the student.
4. Do I need to speak French or
German?
Not always. Many Swiss universities offer English-language programs,
especially for research and PhD studies.
5. How competitive is this
scholarship?
Extremely. Only a limited number of awards are given, so a strong
application is essential.
Recommended for you:
Don’t Miss Your Shot!
The Switzerland–Rwanda Cooperation Scholarships 2026/2027 present an exciting opportunity for Rwandan researchers to study in one of the most advanced education systems in the world.
By preparing early, writing a compelling research proposal, and securing a host professor, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
Application Deadline: 28th November 2025
Don’t let this opportunity pass—take the first step toward becoming a global researcher and future leader for Rwanda.
Have questions about the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/2027? Drop them in the comments below and we’ll help guide you through the process!
ASK HELP IN APPLICATION:
- Bookmark or save this page so you can easily return to it anytime during your application process.
- Leave a comment below if you have any questions—we're here to help!
- Follow us for more scholarship tips and updates.
- Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest scholarship alerts straight to your inbox!
Click Here to Read More and Apply
Theos Careers Tip: Whether or not you are accepted, keep seeking opportunities like this. Scholarships,Jobs, bridge programs, and fellowships are the stepping stones to a brighter career. Stay motivated, stay curious, and keep applying!
0 Comments