Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) for Kenyan Researchers

The Kenyan Ministry of Education’s State Department for Higher Education and Research, in partnership with the Swiss Government, is delighted to announce the 2024/2025 call for applications for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS). This prestigious program offers fully funded opportunities for Kenyan postgraduate researchers to pursue advanced studies in Switzerland, a global hub for innovation and academic excellence.

Why Choose the ESKAS Program?

Switzerland is renowned for its cutting-edge research, world-class universities, and multicultural academic environment. The ESKAS scholarship underscores Switzerland’s commitment to:

• Promoting international collaboration in research and education.

• Supporting emerging scholars from Kenya and other partner nations.

• Providing access to state-of-the-art facilities across all disciplines.

  Eligibility Criteria

  To qualify, applicants must:
  ✔ Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent (PhD candidates are also eligible).
  ✔ Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
  ✔ Secure a research placement with a Swiss university supervisor (a formal acceptance letter is required).

  Note: Open to all academic fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

  Scholarship Benefits

  Recipients will receive:
  ✅ Full tuition waiver for the duration of their program.
  ✅ Monthly stipend for living expenses (CHF 1,920–3,500 depending on study level).
  ✅ Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  ✅ Possible airfare reimbursement (case-specific).

  Tips for a Strong Application

  • Start early: Securing a supervisor can take time—reach out to Swiss professors well in advance.

  • Tailor your proposal: Align your research with Switzerland’s academic strengths (e.g., robotics, sustainability, finance).

  • Highlight impact: Emphasize how your work will benefit Kenya or global research.

    How to Apply

    1. Identify a Swiss host institution and supervisor (contact universities directly).

    2. Prepare required documents, including:

       • Academic transcripts

       • Research proposal

       • Supervisor’s acceptance letter

       • CV and recommendation letters

    3. Submit your application via the official ESKAS portal:
       🔗 ESKAS Application Portal