Research Fellowship with Travel Grants for Kenya

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships brings the Research Fellowship program for the highly qualified postgraduate researchers from all academic fields as well as young medical doctors. This is the opportunity for them to be enabled to undertake research in the realm of their Ph.D. or medical specialization at one of the 10 Swiss cantonal universities, the two Swiss federal institutes of technology, the public teaching and research institutes or the universities of applied sciences.

Eligibility

Master’s degree or equivalent university degree achieved before 31 July 2020 (degree certificate) recognized by the Swiss university.
As proof, the degree has to be submitted to the Federal Commission for Scholarships before the start of the scholarship.
Applicants must be born after 31 December 1984.
Applicants who have been in Switzerland for more than one year at the beginning of the scholarship in September are not eligible.
Applicants must provide a letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research. Without such support, the application will be rejected.
Applicants must have a research proposal including a timeframe. This is the centerpiece of the application.
The applicant must devote all required attention to it.
Applicants must be in command of the necessary language skills required for the research/studies.
Applicants who have already benefited from a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a second scholarship.
Scholarship holders are expected to move to Switzerland during their grant period.

Benefits

The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 1,920.
For non-EU and non-EFTA grantees only: the FCS pays mandatory Swiss health insurance.
Scholarship holders from non-EU and non-EFTA countries receive a flight allowance (lump sum) for a ticket back to their country of origin (provided at the end of the scholarship).
Special CHF 300 housing allowance (paid once at the beginning of the scholarship).
One-year half-fare public transportation card.
Support services and various trips, dinners and sightseeing tours organized for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship holders.

Documents to prepare:

Submit 2 sets (=1 original + 1 copy) of application documents in the exact order given below: The 1st set contains the original, signed documents plus the confidential letters of recommendation and, if applicable the attested translations in English. The other set is a copy of the 1st set except for the confidential letters of recommendation (only 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
Signed FCS application form (typed and printed) with photos.
A full CV with a list of academic publications, awards, etc. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
A complete research proposal (max. 5 pages, signed), using exclusively the FCS research proposal form.
A copy of the letter from an academic host professor (including her/his short CV) at the chosen Swiss university confirming why she/he is willing to supervise and support the research.
For research fellowships in addition: A short CV of the academic mentor at the home institution. Two confidential letters of recommendation from two different professors in the applicant’s field (use exclusively the FCS reference form – originals in sealed envelopes only for the 1st set). No copies for 2nd set.
Photocopies of certificates and grade sheets from previously attended universities/colleges and diplomas with grades, starting with the most recent.
If not in English, French, Italian or German with attested certified translations in English.
Do not submit the original certificates.
Signed medical certificate (use only the FCS health certificate form).
Two copies of the applicant’s passport (main page with personal data).
Dual nationals add copies of both passports.
Applicants already in Switzerland during the application procedure add a copy of the residence permit for Switzerland.