CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: SWISS GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS (ESKAS) PROGRAM 2025
Kenya Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education, through the State Department for Higher Education and Research, is pleased to inform eligible Kenyan scholars of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) for the upcoming academic year. This opportunity has been officially communicated by the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bern, Switzerland.
This prestigious scholarship program is funded and administered by the Swiss Confederation and reflects Switzerland’s strong commitment to promoting international academic exchange and research collaboration. The initiative is designed to foster global engagement by attracting talented postgraduate researchers from around the world, including Kenya, to pursue advanced studies and research in Swiss institutions.
The ESKAS program provides Kenyan postgraduate researchers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s world-class academic environment, renowned for its innovation, scientific excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and are intended for highly motivated individuals with strong academic records and clear research goals.
Program Overview
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international students and researchers pursuing postgraduate studies or research at Swiss public universities, Federal Institutes of Technology, universities of applied sciences, and arts institutions. These scholarships are available to students in all academic fields, including humanities, sciences, engineering, technology, social sciences, and the arts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a master’s degree or its equivalent, earned from a recognized institution. The degree must be relevant to the field of study or research proposed for the scholarship.
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Research Proposal: A clear and detailed research proposal must be submitted. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong motivation for their research and articulate the anticipated contribution of their work to their academic field or national development.
- Academic Supervision: Each applicant must secure a Swiss academic supervisor who agrees to oversee and support their research project. This is a mandatory condition. An official, signed letter of acceptance from the Swiss professor or academic host must accompany the application.
- Language Proficiency: While not mandatory in all cases, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate adequate language proficiency (in English, German, French, or Italian, depending on the host institution’s requirements) to effectively undertake academic work in Switzerland.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive financial support package, which includes:
- Full tuition coverage at the host institution.
- A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
- Health insurance for the duration of the stay in Switzerland.
- In certain cases, travel costs to and from Switzerland may also be reimbursed, subject to the specific terms of the scholarship.
Please note that the scholarship does not provide funding for accompanying family members or dependents.
Application Process
Interested and eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early, as the application process is competitive and requires substantial documentation and planning. Key steps include:
- Identifying a suitable Swiss university or research institution aligned with your academic interests.
- Contacting a potential academic supervisor in Switzerland and obtaining their commitment to supervise your research.
- Preparing a detailed research proposal, personal motivation letter, and all required academic transcripts and certificates.
- Ensuring compliance with the application deadline and submission requirements.
Comprehensive application guidelines, documentation requirements, deadlines, and additional resources are available on the official Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships website.
How to Apply
All applicants must visit the official ESKAS website for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the scholarship program. The site provides country-specific instructions, downloadable application forms, and contact information for further assistance. Please ensure that your complete application package is submitted within the designated application window as indicated on the website. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Conclusion
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships present a remarkable opportunity for Kenyan scholars to gain access to world-class academic resources and contribute to global research efforts. The Ministry of Education encourages all qualified candidates to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications promptly.
For additional inquiries, applicants may contact the Swiss Embassy in Nairobi or the Directorate of University Education at the Ministry of Education.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
