Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Recipient, Mariano Villalba, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His PhD in Sciences of Religions at the University of Lausanne

My name is Mariano Villalba, and I am originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. After completing my undergraduate degree in History at the University of Buenos Aires and graduate studies in Sociology of Culture at the National University of San Martín, I decided to pursue a PhD focused on the history of esotericism. I chose to continue my academic path in Europe, where the field has experienced significant growth in recent decades. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship was a turning point in my career, as it enabled me to undertake a PhD in Sciences of Religions at the University of Lausanne and to carry out advanced research in an international academic environment.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for Foreign Researchers by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) for the period 2017–2020 to pursue a PhD in Sciences of Religions at the University of Lausanne. The scholarship provided a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 and covered health insurance expenses.

Educational Background

Before moving to Switzerland, I completed a degree in History (Licenciatura) and obtained a teaching qualification for secondary and higher education at the University of Buenos Aires. I also earned a Master’s degree in Sociology of Culture at the National University of San Martín, where I conducted research on the relationship between esotericism and political power in late medieval Spain. My academic performance in both programs was strong, and I consistently ranked among the top students in my cohort. This background provided me with a solid foundation in cultural history and equipped me to pursue doctoral research in the field of esotericism, where historical, religious, and sociological approaches converge.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Lausanne?

While exploring options for postgraduate studies in Europe, I focused on institutions with strong programs in the history of esotericism, such as the University of Amsterdam. I researched programs and scholarship opportunities by consulting university websites, reading academic publications in my field, and reaching out to professors and former students for guidance. As part of my preparation, I took the TOEFL iBT exam in 2015 and obtained a score of 104 out of 120. I prepared independently using online resources, official TOEFL materials, and sample tests. Although I initially sought to apply to programs in the Netherlands, I ultimately accepted the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, which allowed me to carry out my doctoral research in Lausanne under excellent academic supervision and institutional support.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

I learned about the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship through the website of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and through academic networks in Europe. Once I identified the opportunity, I carefully reviewed the application requirements and contacted a potential supervisor at the University of Lausanne, who agreed to support my research project. I dedicated several weeks to preparing a detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected contributions of my doctoral thesis. I also gathered academic references, updated my CV, and wrote a motivation letter tailored to the scholarship’s aims. As part of the formal application process, I had to translate all my academic degrees and transcripts from Spanish into French using an official sworn translator, which required time, money, and coordination.

How Does the University of Lausanne Support International Students?

The University of Lausanne offers strong support for international students through its International Relations Office, which provides guidance on administrative procedures, visa requirements, housing, and integration into academic life. I personally benefited from French language courses, orientation sessions, and assistance with residence permits and health insurance.

In addition, the Swiss Government Scholarship Committee provided ongoing support to scholarship holders. They organized regular meetings and networking events that allowed us to share experiences, ask questions, and stay connected as an international academic community. This created a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment throughout the duration of the program.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country’s Native Language? 

My classes and academic activities at the University of Lausanne were conducted in French. As I did not speak the language when I first arrived, I took intensive French courses during the first year of my stay. Learning French was essential not only for academic integration but also for participating fully in seminars, reading primary and secondary sources, and engaging with the local community. Over time, I reached full fluency (C2 level) and was able to write and successfully defend my doctoral dissertation in French. This linguistic immersion greatly enriched my academic experience and opened new opportunities for research and collaboration.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing the Native Language of the Country?

Yes. In the field of religious studies and the humanities at the University of Lausanne, French is the main language of instruction, discussion, and academic writing. Most seminars, research meetings, and institutional communications are conducted in French, and many of the required readings are in that language. Without at least an intermediate knowledge of French, it would be difficult to follow the academic curriculum and fully engage with the research community. That said, the university offers excellent language support, and with dedication, it is possible to acquire the necessary proficiency within the first year.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it combined a solid academic background with a well-defined and original research project. My previous studies in history and sociology of culture gave me the methodological tools to approach esoteric traditions in a rigorous and interdisciplinary way. Additionally, my proposal addressed a relatively unexplored topic, the role of esotericism in the political and intellectual history of Latin America, and it was framed within a broader transnational and comparative perspective, which aligned well with the priorities of Swiss academic institutions. Having already published in peer-reviewed journals and participated in international conferences also helped demonstrate my commitment to research and my capacity to contribute to the academic community in Switzerland.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would start learning French earlier, ideally before arriving in Switzerland. Although I eventually reached fluency and was able to write my dissertation in French, the first months were challenging, especially when trying to follow seminars and integrate socially and academically.

I would also begin preparing the application materials earlier, particularly the research proposal, to have more time for feedback and revisions. Finally, I would reach out to potential supervisors and former scholarship holders sooner, as their insights proved extremely helpful and could have made the process even smoother from the beginning.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My main advice is to take the application process seriously and begin preparing as early as possible. Develop a clear, original, and feasible research project that aligns with your academic background and explains why Switzerland is the ideal context for your work. Make sure your proposal is well-structured, with defined objectives and methodology, and tailor it to the strengths of the host institution.

It is also essential to contact a potential supervisor in advance and to write a compelling motivation letter. Ask for feedback on your materials from trusted mentors or colleagues, and take time to revise each part of the application carefully.

Finally, be aware that while the scholarship offers excellent academic and institutional support, the monthly stipend (CHF 1,920) can be quite modest given the high cost of living in Switzerland. It is manageable, but it requires careful budgeting and, ideally, access to additional resources or low-cost housing. Despite this, the experience is immensely rewarding, both academically and personally, and I strongly encourage motivated students to apply.