Looking for a funded PhD in Switzerland that combines advanced cyber security research with salary support and research funding? The CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 offers outstanding international researchers up to four years of funded doctoral study, including a salary, annual research funding, conference support, and the opportunity to conduct cyber-defence research at leading Swiss institutions. Jointly offered by EPFL and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, this prestigious doctoral fellowship connects Swiss universities with one of the country’s leading cyber-defence research centres. Fellows complete their PhD under the supervision of a professor at a Swiss higher education institution while collaborating with researchers at the CYD Campus.
If you want to pursue a PhD in cyber security, cyber-defence, artificial intelligence, data science, privacy, or digital trust technologies, the CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity to build an international research career in Switzerland.
CYD Doctoral Fellowship in Switzerland 2026-Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Host Organisations | EPFL & CYD Campus |
| Programme | CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 |
| Degree Level | PhD / Doctoral |
| Funding | Salary + Research + Conference Funding |
| Duration | 4 years (possible one-year extension) |
| Application Deadline | 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities |
| Application Method | Online |
What is the CYD Doctoral Fellowship?
The CYD Doctoral Fellowship is part of the CYD Fellowships – A Talent Program for Cyber-Defence Research, established to strengthen cyber-defence research in Switzerland by supporting outstanding doctoral researchers. The programme combines academic research with practical cyber-defence applications through close collaboration between Swiss universities and the CYD Campus. Successful fellows are hosted by a Swiss higher education institution while conducting research at the CYD Campus located at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and its office in Thun. The fellowship emphasizes research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative solutions that address emerging cyber-security challenges.
Entity Snapshot
- EPFL jointly administers the CYD Fellowships.
- CYD Campus hosts funded doctoral researchers.
- CYD Doctoral Fellowship supports interdisciplinary cyber-defence research.
- Swiss higher education institutions supervise funded PhD candidates.
Eligible Research Areas for EPFL CYD Fellowship in Europe
Applicants should propose research that contributes to cyber-defence and security while aligning with the programme’s priorities. These include:
- Cyber security and cyber-defence
- Security of cyber-physical systems
- Artificial Intelligence for cyber defence
- Data science and cyber analytics
- Information sharing and data fusion
- Privacy and digital trust technologies
- Cyber threat intelligence
- Security of AI
- Vulnerability identification and mitigation
- Security of transportation and space systems
- Cyber technology monitoring
Projects should demonstrate scientific excellence while contributing to Swiss cyber-defence research.
Who Can Apply (EPFL Doctoral Fellowship Eligibility)?
The CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 welcomes talented researchers from all nationalities. However, applicants must meet the programme’s academic and institutional requirements.
You are eligible if you:
- Hold citizenship of any country.
- Have no age restrictions.
- Are enrolled, or will be enrolled according to your host institution’s rules, in a doctoral programme at a Swiss higher education institution.
- Obtain the endorsement of a professor at a Swiss higher education institution for the Stage 2 application.
- Plan research that fits the CYD Fellowship objectives.
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic record and excellent grades.
Although applicants may apply during any stage of their PhD, the programme states that preference is generally given to candidates who have not yet started or who are at the beginning of their doctoral studies.
How to apply for the CYD Doctoral Fellowship in Switzerland?
Follow these steps to prepare a competitive application for Switzerland PhD scholarship for international students:
Step 1: Review the official CYD fellowship guidelines and confirm your eligibility.
CYD Doctoral Fellowship Application Guidlines 2026
Step 2: Develop a research idea that aligns with the CYD research priorities. Identify a professor at a Swiss higher education institution who is willing to supervise your doctoral research for CYD funded PhD Jobs.
Step 3: Prepare your Stage 1 application, including the required documents.
- Motivation letter
- Research pre-proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic diplomas
- Official transcripts
- Two recommendation letters
Step 4: Submit your CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland application before 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST).
Apply Now for CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2026
If shortlisted, complete the mentor interview and prepare the full Stage 2 proposal before the official Stage 2 deadline.
Careers Help Desk Insight
One feature that makes the CYD Doctoral Fellowship Switzerland 2026 different from many funded PhD opportunities is its two-stage selection process. Your academic record alone is not enough. You also need a strong research idea, a suitable Swiss academic supervisor, and endorsement from a prospective CYD Campus mentor before progressing to the final evaluation. Starting conversations with potential supervisors well before the deadline can significantly strengthen your application.
Explore More Global Opportunities
If the CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is not the right fit, consider these other international opportunities available on Careers Help Desk:
- If you want broader funded doctoral opportunities across multiple disciplines in Switzerland, explore the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028, which support PhD and research applicants from more than 180 countries.
- If you plan to pursue a funded PhD in Japan, check the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027 (IGP Special Quota). It offers full financial support for international Master’s and PhD students in life sciences through the Japanese Government (MEXT).
- If you are looking for funded doctoral programmes in Europe across engineering, sciences, medicine, humanities, and sustainability, consider the University of Messina PhD Call 2026, which includes numerous funded PhD positions for international applicants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the deadline to contact a Swiss supervisor.
- Submitting a research proposal outside the programme’s priority areas.
- Providing incomplete or unofficial academic transcripts.
- Forgetting to arrange recommendation letters early.
- Ignoring formatting and template requirements in the application toolkit.
Funding & Fellowship Benefits
The CYD Doctoral Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the doctoral programme.
Successful fellows receive:
- Salary based on the salary scale of the host institution.
- Funding for four years.
- Possible one-year extension.
- Up to CHF 3,000 per year for eligible research expenses.
- Up to CHF 5,000 per year for conference participation.
- Employer social security contributions according to programme rules.
The official programme does not specify a fixed annual salary because it depends on the salary scale of the Swiss host institution.
Ready to Apply for CYD Fellowship 2026?
The CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland offers an outstanding opportunity for talented researchers who want to advance cyber-defence research while earning a funded PhD at a leading Swiss institution. With salary support, research funding, conference funding, and collaboration with both the CYD Campus and a Swiss university, the programme provides an excellent platform for developing an international research career. As the fellowship is highly competitive, start preparing your research proposal, identify a suitable Swiss supervisor, and organize your application documents well before the 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST) deadline.
Official Source: CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2026 Call for Applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the CYD Doctoral Fellowship open to international applicants?
Yes. Citizens of all nationalities are eligible to apply if they satisfy the fellowship requirements.
Does the fellowship provide a salary?
Yes. Fellows receive a salary based on the salary scale of their Swiss host institution, together with research and conference funding.
Do I need a Swiss supervisor?
Yes. Applicants must obtain the endorsement of a professor at a Swiss higher education institution for the Stage 2 application.
What is the application deadline?
The Stage 1 application deadline is 19 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
Can I apply after starting my PhD?
Yes. The programme accepts applications during doctoral studies, although preference is generally given to applicants who are at the beginning of their PhD.
Browse all opportunities on Careers Help Desk to discover the latest fully funded scholarships, fellowships, internships, research positions, and graduate programs available for international students.
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