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Dreaming of studying abroad in 2026? Two of the most prestigious opportunities available are the Chevening Scholarships in the United Kingdom and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (often called Swiss Excellence). Both open the door to top universities, financial support, and global recognition—but they are designed for different types of students.
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To help you choose wisely (or even apply to both), here’s a clear side-by-side comparison.
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Purpose and Focus of Both Scholarships
1# Chevening exists to create a global network of leaders, influencers, and decision-makers. It funds one-year taught master’s degrees in the UK and emphasizes leadership, diplomacy, and networking.
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2# Swiss Excellence is about advancing research. It supports PhD, postdoctoral, and research fellowships (plus a limited track for arts master’s students), with a focus on innovation, science, and international collaboration.
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Chevening = policy and leadership.
Swiss Excellence = research and innovation.
Who Can Apply?
Chevening is designed for ambitious young professionals who have already completed their undergraduate studies and gained at least two years of work experience. Applicants must apply to three master’s programs in the UK, secure at least one unconditional offer, and commit to returning to their home country for a minimum of two years after graduation. This ensures that the leadership skills and knowledge gained in the UK directly benefit their communities.
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The Swiss Excellence Scholarships, on the other hand, are tailored for researchers who already hold a master’s degree and are ready to pursue a PhD, postdoctoral study, or a focused research project. Applicants need to prepare a solid research proposal, secure a Swiss host professor willing to supervise their work, and in some cases meet specific age requirements. Unlike Chevening, there is no strict requirement to return home afterward, offering scholars more flexibility to continue their careers in Switzerland or beyond.
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Available Programs Under Both Scholarships for 2026 Admissions
Chevening Scholarships & Fellowships
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- Standard Chevening Master’s Scholarship
- Regional tracks: Chevening SIDS, Chevening ASEAN
- Fellowships for mid-career professionals:
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- Research Fellowships (12 months)
- PhD Scholarships (up to 3 years)
- Postdoctoral Scholarships (12–24 months, renewable)
- Art Scholarships (limited to master’s in arts at Swiss conservatories)
What’s Funded by Both these Scholarships for 2026 Batch?
Both Chevening as well as Swiss Excellence scholarships programs for 2026-2027 session provide strong financial support, but the structure differs.
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| Funding Component | Chevening (UK) | Swiss Excellence (Switzerland) |
| Tuition Fees | Full or partial coverage for UK master’s programs | Tuition waivers (depending on host university) |
| Monthly Stipend | Living allowance to cover housing and daily costs | CHF 1,920 (PhD/Research), CHF ~3,500 (Postdoc) |
| Travel Costs | Return airfare to and from the UK | Limited travel allowance; varies by program |
| Other Benefits | Visa fees, cost of attending official events, networking opportunities | Health insurance (non-EU scholars), housing assistance, access to Swiss research networks |
| Extras | Membership in the powerful Chevening alumni community | Professional research mentorship and collaboration opportunities |
Chevening = complete student lifestyle package.
Swiss Excellence = research stipend with strong institutional support.
Timeline and Deadlines
Following is the applications window timeline for Chevening and Swiss Excellence scholarships for 2026 batch admissions:
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| Stage | Chevening (2026 Intake) | Swiss Excellence (2026–27 Intake) |
| Applications Open | 5 August 2025 | August 2025 |
| Applications Close | 7 October 2025 (12:00 UTC) | Autumn/Winter 2025 (varies by country) |
| Interviews | March–April 2026 | Screening by local Swiss embassies during Autumn/Winter |
| Results Announced | June 2026 | May 2026 |
| Final Requirements | Unconditional UK university offer by 9 July 2026 | Confirmation of Swiss host institution |
| Studies Begin | September/October 2026 | Autumn 2026 |
Chevening = fixed, global timeline.
Swiss Excellence = country-specific deadlines (must check early).
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Obligations After Graduation
- Chevening requires scholars to return to their home country for at least two years—to ensure the knowledge and leadership skills gained benefit their communities.
- Swiss Excellence has no formal return obligation, offering scholars greater flexibility to pursue opportunities in Switzerland, their home country, or elsewhere.
Prestige and Alumni
- Chevening alumni include heads of state, CEOs, government officials, and civil society leaders. The network is vast and influential.
- Swiss Excellence alumni are recognized researchers, scientists, and academics making global contributions in science, technology, and innovation.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Pick Chevening if your ambition is to become a global leader in policy, business, or public service through a master’s degree in the UK.
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- Pick Swiss Excellence if you want to deepen your research career at the PhD or postdoc level in one of the most innovative academic environments in Europe.
And if you’re eligible for both? Apply to both.
They complement each other—Chevening shapes future leaders, while Swiss Excellence empowers researchers. Either way, 2026 could be the year you change your future.
Final Motivation: Don’t let deadlines pass you by. Prepare your documents now, draft your research proposal or personal statement, and step into a world of opportunity. Whether you end up in the UK as a Chevening Scholar or in Switzerland as a Swiss Excellence Scholar, you’ll gain more than funding—you’ll gain a platform to change the world.
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
DATE . Sep/28/2025