The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the U.S. government’s flagship exchange. In Switzerland it is run by the swissuniversities Scholarship Service with the U.S. Embassy in Bern.
Swiss graduates, young professionals and artists spend 4–10 months at a U.S. university on a master’s or PhD degree, non-degree coursework or PhD research; the Institute of International Education (IIE) handles placement. The 2027–28 round closed on 3 August 2026; the next deadline is August 2027.
Benefits & funding
- About US$20,000 for one academic year, depending on the number of finalists and funds; toward tuition and academic costs (program page), or tuition and living costs (FAQ).
- One grant year only, not renewable, even for two-year degrees.
- Health and accident cover up to US$100,000 per incident; J-1 visa sponsorship.
- Grantees pay their own travel and other costs.
- J-1 duty: two years back home before seeking U.S. residence or work status.
Eligibility
- Swiss citizens only, by birth or naturalization; Swiss–U.S. dual citizens and green-card holders cannot apply.
- A bachelor’s degree from a university or university of applied sciences and arts, completed by summer 2027; not anyone who holds a PhD or will finish one before or during the grant.
- Not currently living, working, studying or lecturing in the U.S.; no deferred U.S. admission, own U.S. affiliation or double-degree plan.
- TOEFL or IELTS unless English is your native language or the language of your bachelor’s.
- All fields except medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine; no clinical or patient/animal contact.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“Undergraduate degree from a University or University of Applied Sciences and Arts completed by summer 2027. … In the following cases, you are not eligible to apply: … You have already completed a Ph.D. degree, or you will complete a Ph.D. degree by the grant start date (usually in fall 2027) or during the grant period in the U.S.” Eligibility
Eligible nationalities
Switzerland
Residence required
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Apply online through the IIE portal by 3 August 2026 at midnight (2027–28 round, closed), following the Swiss application instructions.
- 2Three referees, at least one academic and one professional, upload letters by the deadline.
- 3Each post-secondary institution must post official transcripts in a sealed envelope to swissuniversities by the same date.
- 4Shortlisted applicants interview in person at the U.S. Embassy in Bern.
- 5IIE applies to about four to five universities for you; self-placement is not allowed.
Program timeline
Application deadline (closed)
3 August 2026
Interviews in Bern
Early September 2026
Results
Mid-September 2026
University placement
November 2026–April 2027
Study or research starts
August/September 2027