PhD admission criteria & application

how to apply for phd in switzerland

Some programs publish open positions related to specific projects but in order to be eligible, one should be enrolled in the Doctoral School, registering in the related doctoral program is therefore mandatory.

Your file should be submitted online through the application form provided below. It should be duly completed (including recommendation letters) before the deadline specified by the doctoral program of your choice.

Completed files are transmitted to the chosen doctoral program and candidates are selected based on the merits of their files by a committee of experts : they will take into account your academic records, your research interests and the potential thesis supervisor(s) among other criteria in their assessments. As eligibility is extremely competitive, it is crucial to prepare your file carefully.

If you qualify, you will have to register in the Doctoral School within a year. Should you be appointed by an EPFL laboratory, your employment contract will be established meanwhile*. The final enrollment in the doctoral program is conditional to the choice of a thesis topic, a supervisor and a secure funding.

*A 3 months timeframe is usually necessary to handle admistrative issues concerning visas and work permits

Before you begin, it is important to check the pages of the doctoral program you intend to apply to. Each program has its own requirements, eligibility criteria and procedures that you need to be aware of.

List of EPFL doctoral programs .

You will first have to fill in the online application form .

Requested information:

  • your personal details
  • your academic background
  • the doctoral program you wish to apply to
  • the contact details of three referees

PDF documents to upload, written or translated into English, French, German or Italian:

  • scans of your diplomas and grades from all academic institutions of higher education listed in your application (after and not including high-school)
  • statement of objectives
  • copy of your passport or official identity document

Your application will be considered only if the complete file, including all required documents and three references, reaches us by the specified deadline. Do not underestimate the time needed by your referees to send their letters to us.

Each applicant is requested to provide the contact details of 3 referees who can write a recommendation. These recommendations are confidential and will only be accepted if they are received through the electronic application process.

Each recommendation consists of two elements:

  • A form to be filled out by the referee
  • An additional letter with the referee’s comments

Your referees’ recommendations are a required part of your application file and, as such, are also due by the chosen deadline. Messages will automatically be sent to referees when you submit your application in the system; they will then be invited to complete their recommendation online. Therefore, submit your application early enough in order to give your referees enough time to complete this task before the deadline. Please be aware that it is not possible to change your referee details once you have submitted your application.

As a courtesy, you should ask your referees ahead of time if they are willing to write a reference letter to support your application. Doing so will also give your referees time to consider what they want to write and, if they wish, to discuss your plans with you.

You will be notified by email when each referee has provided his or her recommendation to the doctoral program. The system allows you to send one reminder per referee.

We do not encourage this, but if you want to apply to more than one program, you will have to supply one complete application to each program.

This means that you will have to fill in separate forms online, using the same identification. So long as you use the same identification details, your personal information, referees and curriculum will be reproduced automatically on each application form. However, referees can then be adapted in your separate applications. With the change to the new application form on May 13, 2024, references made in the current form cannot be used to complete a future application for another program in 2024. You will then have to ask your referees to re-upload their letter of recommendation.

Each doctoral program has its own deadlines for applications and you should check their pages for detailed information, or see the overview of all deadlines by program .

All material that you submit on this website will be treated confidentially to the extent that normal procedures allow (there are no special security measures applied to this website, and by submitting your application, you agree not to hold EPFL liable for any misuse by others of the information you provide).

All incomplete online forms that have not been validated by the applicant will regularly be deleted.

An FAQ is available here .

In case of questions, please contact your program of interest

See programs

  • Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Registration for the Doctorate

> Contact the Doctoral Administration

Navigation auf uzh.ch

Graduate Campus

Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, guide: how to phd, this section provides those interested in pursuing a doctorate with an overview:.

Food for thought for beginning PhD candidates

  • Collection of links to relevant topics for PhD candidates
  • Preparation and procedure at UZH (following)

Table of contents

Find a supervisor, admission to doctoral studies, requirements for admission and procedures, content and requirements, individual phd and phd programs, procedures at uzh faculties, employment and funding, for international students and scholars.

First of all, get in contact with a UZH professor who is willing and able to supervise your doctoral project. If you are interested in participating in a PhD program, you should first of all carefully read through the application procedures for the program in question. Doctoral programs at UZH

The doctorate is comprised of a PhD thesis as well as coursework. It serves as a qualification for an academic career or other demanding professions.

As a general rule, a Master's degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited university is the prerequisite for admission to the doctorate. Certain criteria regarding content as well as formal conditions (e.g. grade-point average, qualification phases) are also considered when processing applications.

Admission to Doctoral Studies

The requirements for admission and the admission procedures are set out in the ordinance for obtaining a doctoral degree at the faculty in question. Some faculties also offer a  fast-track  doctoral program, a program for particularly talented students in which the Master's degree and PhD are integrated in a single program of study. The individual programs define their PhD programs' admission procedures – which, as a rule, are highly competitive.

Please note that PhD candidates must be matriculated at the University for the duration of their doctorate, i.e. until they have been conferred the final degree. 

Application and admission Application period

Writing a PhD thesis – independent and original academic work – forms the core part of the doctorate. The thesis can take the form of a monograph or consist of several publications on a single subject which have been published in scientific journals (a cumulative PhD thesis). You can find more information about the formal requirements in the doctoral program regulations for your subject area. As a general rule, however, the thesis should be of such scope and content that it can be completed within three years.

The required coursework serves to enhance subject-specific skills, but also goes toward developing transferable skills. All coursework will be recorded in your final transcript of records and Academic Record. Coursework requirements can be fulfilled by attending courses in your subject area, by visiting classes from the main pool of courses in transferable skills (transferable skills and university-level teaching), or, in some cases by attending courses at another institution. Alongside the required coursework (including transferable skills), it is highly recommended that PhD candidates develop their teaching skills. Transferable skills courses University-level teaching  

In many disciplines at UZH there are two types of doctoral programs offered: the individual doctorate and the structured doctoral programs . Moreover there are also interdisciplinary and inter-university schools or programs, partly financed by third-party funds. Doctoral Programs

Because the various faculties at UZH are thematically and structurally so diverse, each faculty is in charge of designing its own PhD program.

Be sure to read about the specific requirements at the faculty in question.

Various types of academic employment opportunities at UZH are open to junior scholars. During doctoral study, you can find employment as a «PhD candidate» or an «academic assistant»; postdocs receive positions as «postdocs» or «senior research and teaching assistants». These junior academic positions are an integral part of the procedure when pursuing an academic career. Junior academic positions are by nature temporary and are funded either by the university department in question or by a third party. Junior academic positions give young scholars the opportunity to achieve their next professional goal and to further qualify themselves for a career in academia. The main requirement for earning the necessary academic qualifications is performing individual research, but junior researchers are also given the opportunity to qualify themselves for teaching roles. In 2003 the guidelines for specifications at UZH faculties for employees holding junior academic positions were issued to define the rights and duties of UZH employees in junior academic positions. These were revised in fall 2023 and a new employment model was defined, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024. Employees with the status of a junior academic receive individual specifications which refer explicitly to their job description.

Employment as a PhD candidate or teaching and
research assistant (new regulations from 1.1.2024)

Legal principles and regulations
governing employment

Open Positions of the University of Zurich
Funding for Early Career Researchers
Funding for PhD Researchers

This UZH platform provides neccesary information from visits & exchange at the UZH to Visa, entry and residece permit. UZH for International Students and Scholars FAQ for International Students and Scholars

Weiterführende Informationen

Successful phd.

Food for thought for beginning PhD candidates

Collection of links to relevant topics

Mobility, Continuing education and courses, Career & Networking, Scientific integrity and Counseling

Best Practice for Doctoral Education

The guideline shows ways and possibilities to strengthen the quality, attractivity and internationalization of the doctorate at UZH.

 alt=

Masters abroad: preps and steps

PhD in Switzerland: Guide on Universities in Switzerland for PhD, Fees, Requirements, Scholarships, Scope

Author_Image

Le News revealed, ‘’Switzerland breaks record for the highest number of PhD students.’’ In 2017, the number of PhD students in Switzerland was 31,293, and in 2022, the number has grown twice more, 54,279. Pursuing PhD in Switzerland is a popular choice amongst international students for its QS-ranked PhD universities, fully funded PhD in Switzerland and a diverse choice in Swiss PhD programs. 

Did you also know that PhD graduates in Switzerland receive the highest salary? Working as a doctoral assistant in EPFL offers you 52,700 CHF/year on a general salary range. All of this clearly states your decision to pursue a Swiss PhD is a wise investment. Read along to explore your study and career options for PhD in Switzerland.  

Why Study PhD In Switzerland?

Before we can proceed further, let’s first understand why pursuing PhD in Switzerland is a great choice:

how to apply for phd in switzerland

  • QS-Ranked PhD Universities: Switzerland is home to multiple QS-ranked universities, especially PhD studies. A few are University of Zurich (Rank 70), University of Basel (Rank 138), etc.
  • Preferred choice by international students: Academics revealed 50% of PhD students in Switzerland are international students. As you also learnt above, the number of PhD students in Switzerland has increased since 2017. 
  • Different types of PhD: The Swiss PhD is of two types, general and structural. The general PhD refers to focusing n a doctoral thesis and may include training and development. The structural PhD includes more coursework, formal training and even collaboration with different institutions.
  • Multiple Scholarship opportunities: Studying PhD in Switzerland is easy due to the range of scholarship opportunities provided. These scholarships help fund PhD studies and provide payment convenience in recurrent student expenses.

Suggested: How is the education system in Switzerland?

An Overview Of Swiss PhD 

To help you get a better understanding of what to expect from a Swiss PhD study, we have curated brief information on the same:

Course Duration

3-5 years

Top PhD specialisations

Food science, Finance, Management, Law, Physics, Economics, etc.

Top PhD programs

Engineering, Education, Psychology, etc.

PhD tuition fees

8- CHF- 500 CHF/semester

Popular PhD universities

University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Bern, etc.

No of PhD universities

43

No. of PhD international students

54,279

PhD Academic Year

Spring/ Autumn 

PhD Cycle

Bachelor- 1st cycle, Masters- 2nd cycle, PhD- 3rd cycle

Suggested: Working in Switzerland

Top 5 Universities In Switzerland For PhD 

There are multiple universities to choose from when pursuing PhD in Switzerland for international students. These are popular choices amongst international students, and the universities offer multiple PhD programs to choose from. Here are the top 5 choices:

  • University of Lausanne
  • University of Bern
  • University of Zurich
  • University of Geneva
  • University of Basel

Details of each of these universities to study in Switzerland is mentioned below: 

1. University of Lausanne

University of Lausanne is a research institution that offers seven different facilities. It provides a range of PhD programs for international students to choose from. University of Lausanne is also home to multiple Nobel prize winners in PhD. 

Type

Public

220

Academic Reputation

32.8

International Student Ratio

61.7

PhD Programs Offered

PhD in Business Analytics, Actuarial Science, Economics, etc.

Average Tuition Fees

80 CHF/semester

Location

Lausanne

2. University of Bern

The University of Bern offers a diverse range of PhD programs for international students to choose from. The university is well known for its teaching methods and campus environment.

Type

Public

126

Academic Reputation

30.4

International Student Ratio

44

PhD Programs Offered

PhD in Art history, Business Administration, Computer Science, etc

Average Tuition Fees

200 CHF/semester

Location

Bern

3. University of Zurich

The University of Zurich is on the top list of the best PhD universities in Switzerland. Zurich is a popular student destination and the university offers a range of PhD programs based on different faculties. 

Type

Public

91

Academic Reputation

59.3

International Student Ratio

57.8

PhD Programs Offered

PhD in Informatics, Theology, law, etc

Average Tuition Fees

150 CHF/semester

Location

Zurich

4. University of Geneva

Another widely popular PhD choice is the University of Geneva . Geneva is well known for its academic excellence and the teaching methods they offer. With every PhD program, students are encouraged to do more self work. 

Type

Public

128

Academic Reputation

48.7

International Student Ratio

97.3

PhD Programs Offered

PhD in Biology-Medicine, Biomedical science, Neurosciences, etc

Average Tuition Fees

500 CHF/semester

Location

Geneva

5. University of Basel

The University of Basel is a great choice to pursue PhD studies as the list of PhD programs available here are multiple. The university has a great staff student ratio and offers better research based learnings. 

Type

Public

#=124

Academic Reputation

28.7

International Student Ratio

86.7

PhD Programs Offered

PhD in Ancient History, African Studies, Botany, Geography, etc

Average Tuition Fees

350 CHF/semester

Location

Basel

Suggested: View more PhD universities in Switzerland

Eligibility Criteria For Swiss PhD 

To pursue PhD in Switzerland, there are certain eligibility criterias that have to be met. These differ based on the university choice, but there are two standard processes for this field of study:

  • A Bachelor and Masters Degree
  • Language requirements

1. A Bachelor and Masters Degree

International students need to have a three year Bachelor's degree as well as a Master's degree or equivalent in the relevant field of study.

2. Language requirements

Based on the language of instruction of the PhD program, international students will write the language proficiency test like IELTS , TOEFL . For instance, for English, you require a C1 level to pass, etc.

Admission Process For PhD In Switzerland For Indian Students

To apply to the top PhD universities in Switzerland, here is an overview of the admission process:

  • Identify which PhD program you wish to study. Choose the PhD university that offers the same.
  • Search for a supervisor and confirm the supervision based on your PhD program choice
  • Visit the selected PhD universities' official website to learn about the entry requirements
  • Clear any tests required and attach them and other relevant documents to send before the application deadline. 
  • Pay the application fee ( 100 CHF-400 CHF)
  • Wait for confirmation, once accepted apply for the student visa and start arranging for funds

Suggested: How to apply for student visa in Switzerland?

Documents Required For A Swiss PhD 

When submitting your PhD application, there are certain documents that need to be attached. Ensure the below is checked:

  • All educational transcripts
  • Valid identity proof
  • Scorecard of exams required(ELP Scores, GRE , GMAT , etc)
  • Proof of payment
  • Proof of application fee payment
  • Signed declaration of consent
  • Information of residence with regards to last educational background

Note: Ensure all documents are translated as per the language enquired on the universities official website.

Cost Of Studying PhD in Switzerland

To study PhD in Switzerland, there are two cost factors you need to consider. These factors are important as they will contribute to your fund planning when you arrive in the country. 

Let’s learn about them one by one:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees of doing a PhD in Switzerland ranges from 80 CHF- 500 CHF/semester.  

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Switzerland ranges from 1,400 CHF- 2,250 CHF/month. Most of your recurring monthly expenses will be accommodation, transport, health insurance, food, and miscellaneous expenses.  

Suggested: A detailed guide on cost of studying in Switzerland

Scholarship Opportunities To Study PhD In Switzerland

You can now study for a PhD in Switzerland with scholarship conveniently. There is a list of popular Switzerland PhD scholarships for international students. They help cover multiple expenses such as travel, etc and also offer grants. 

Here are the top 5 Switzerland PhD scholarships for international students:

University of Geneva

Pursue PhD in Life Sciences


Covers the cost of living in Geneva

Bizoentrum PhD fellowship in Life Sciences

Pursue any Bizoentrum PhD program


Covers full and independent funding for complete PhD program and also offers travel funds

Life Sciences Zurich Graduate School

Pursue PhD in Life Sciences


Provides financial support based on the PhD student salary

Swiss Excellence Scholarship for Foreign students

Pursue doctoral studies in any discipline


Covers monthly payments and exempts tuition fees, health insurance, airfare and housing, etc expenses

EPFL Postdoctoral Fellowships in Switzerland 

Pursue PhD project in EPFL


Provides salary for the academic year

Suggested: View more scholarships in Switzerland for international students

Career Opportunities After PhD In Switzerland

After completing PhD in Switzerland for Indian students, there are a range of job profiles to choose from. Based on your expertise and experience, the salary figure will fluctuate. On average a PhD graduate in Switzerland will earn 116,000 CHF/year. 

Here is an overview of the popular PhD job profiles and expected salary for each:

Lecturer

112,000- 272,000 CHF

Senior Research Analyst

110,000 CHF

Advanced Nutrition Aide

182,000 CHF

Clinical Psychologist

408,000 CHF

General Medical Practitioner

260,000 CHF

Suggested: What is it like to work in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers research-based PhD programs that are tutored well with the help of academic experts. Pursuing a PhD program should always be from an institute that offers a blend of theory and practical approaches whilst also offering additional knowledge about the real world. Luckily this is exactly what a PhD in Switzerland will offer you. With all the information listed above, it's time to apply to top universities in Switzerland for PhD .

Frequently Asked Questions About PhD In Switzerland

Is GRE required for PhD in Switzerland for Indian students?

Yes, GRE scores are required for PhD studies in Switzerland. GRE Analytical- 3.5 and GRE Quantitative- 165

Can you study PhD in Switzerland In English?

Yes, most PhD programs in Switzerland are taught in English.

Can PhD students work in Switzerland?

Yes, PhD students are allowed to work for 15hrs/week during semesters and unlimited in holidays. Suggested: How to do part-time jobs in Switzerland?

Is it easy to get a Swiss PhD?

To get accepted in a PhD university, you need to have a good academic score in your previous educational qualifications. Based on this, the university will measure your candidature. 

Can PhD in Switzerland for international students complete their PhD in one year?

No, to complete your PhD studies in Switzerland, international students will take up to three to five years based on the PhD programs in Switzerland chosen. 

More Topics

Top Premium Admits

Columbia University

students-admitted

Yocketers Admitted

students-admitted

Scholarships granted

university-image

Sharwari Bhosale

Cornell University

university-image

Atharva Thodge

New York University

university-image

Shravan Khunti

University of California, Los Angeles

university-image

Prateeka Rawat

Johns Hopkins University

university-image

Kaustubh Rai

University of Washington

university-image

Neeharika Eddula

University of Pennsylvania

university-image

John Harshith

University of Toronto

university-image

Meghamala Dash

Duke University

university-image

Varun Bhardwaj

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

university-image

Romil Gupta

University of California, San Diego

university-image

Harshit Timmanagoudar

The University of Chicago

university-image

Northwestern University

university-image

The University of Edinburgh

university-image

Nandita Shekar

Articles you might like

The Indian Dream To Go For Higher Studies Abroad?

Hold all the aces before you depart for your higher studies

What After SAT / ACT Exam? | Things to do for Studies Abroad

Upcoming Events

Scholarships and Other Funding Strategies 2025

June 15th, 7:00 pm IST | 1hr

Fireside chat with Brown uni admitted student

June 21st, 3:00 pm IST | 1hr

Looking for Funding options: Scholarships, RA & TA are the way forward!

July 2nd, 5:00 pm IST | 1hr

Navigation auf uzh.ch

Life Science Zurich Graduate School

Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, application.

Impressions of Zurich and its universities

Welcome to apply for a PhD Program at the Life Science Zurich Graduate School!

Image research field examples

Doing your PhD at the LSZ Graduate School of the ETH and the University of Zurich means that you will belong to a large and ambitious life science research community. You will receive a comprehensive and challenging education that will allow you to take further career steps within academia as well as in industry – in Switzerland or worldwide.

We are searching for highly motivated students with a Master’s degree in the field of Life Sciences. You are looking for a PhD position at a renowned institution? That could be a good match! You are welcome to apply now!

Can I apply?

As a rule you must hold or anticipate receiving a university Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of natural sciences, computer sciences or engineering. With an excellent track record and good skills in spoken and written English you are welcome to apply to our PhD programs. Our funded positions are open for national and international (also non-EU) students. PhD studies at our programs usually last around 4 years.

When can I apply?

Our deadlines are 1 November (23:59 CET) and 1 May (23:59 CEST).

Please note that PhD Programs: Drug Discovery, Biomedical Ethics and Law - Medical Track, MD-PhD Program are not recruiting via track 1 ! 

Ready to apply?

Weiterführende informationen, application process, registration form, frequently asked questions, admission requirements, admission to doctoral studies at uzh, admission requirements at ethz, what is it like to do a phd in zurich.

Screen shot video spot by Samer Angelone

Meet our students in the video spot

logo

  • Application Process
  • Candidate Registration

 alt=

  • Main navigation
  • Content area

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Service navigation.

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

Main navigation.

  • Scholarships and Grants

Context sidebar

For Foreign Scholars and Artists for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree or PhD and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree.

One minute introduction to Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

FAQs for scholarship applicants & academic supervisors (PDF, 126 kB, 26.06.2024)

Research scholarships

Art scholarships, application procedure, how to apply.

The research scholarship ( research fellowship , PhD , Postdoc ) is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master’s degree is the minimum qualification required) who are planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level.

Research scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and the two federal institutes of technology, as well as the four research institutes. Only candidates nominated by an academic supervisor at one of these higher education institutions will be considered.

Abbreviated summary. For full details, please refer to the  Guidelines for Scholarship Applicants 2025-26 (PDF, 789 kB, 31.07.2024) .

  • To enable selected applicants to undertake postgraduate research in the realm of their PhD at one of the Swiss public universities, the Swiss federal institutes of technology, the Graduate Institute, the universities of applied sciences, or the public teaching and research institutes.
  • Valid for full-time research in Switzerland only.

Target Group

  • Highly qualified postgraduate researchers from all academic fields as well as young medical doctors.
  • Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master’s degree or equivalent achieved before 31 July 2025 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2025). Degree certificate completed.
  • Applicants must be born after 31 December 1989.
  • A research proposal including a timeframe.
  • Mandatory letter from an academic host professor (including their short CV).
  • Scholarship starts for the academic year 2025-26: 1 September 2025.
  • 12 months maximum (starting in September).
  • No prolongation possible.
  • The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 1’920.-
  • The scholarship amount covers the living costs of one person only.
  • This scholarship is not a salary.

Selection Criteria

  • The candidate: academic profile, research capacity and motivation.
  • The research project: originality and methodological soundness.
  • The academic context: quality and context of supervision and potential for future academic cooperation.

Contact for further questions

  • See the contact address for your  country of origin " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> country of origin (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024)  - this is the country according your passport.
  • Check the available scholarship types for your country of origin.
  • Check the opening of the call and the submission deadline. Applications submitted too late will not be considered.
  • Download the  application package " class="icon icon--before fa fa-file-archive-o"> application package (ZIP, 2 MB, 31.07.2024)  (application forms and templates).
  • Fill out and print.
  • Note: Two paper copies of your application must be submitted.
  • Click here " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> Click here (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024)  for the e-mail contact that will give you the postal address of your country of origin.

Abbreviated summary. For full details, please refer to the Guidelines for Scholarship Applicants 2025-26 (PDF, 789 kB, 31.07.2024) .

  • To enable selected applicants to undertake a PhD at one of the Swiss public universities, the Swiss federal institutes of technology or the Graduate Institute.
  • Highly qualified postgraduate students (possessing the required degrees to start a PhD).
  • Master’s degree or equivalent university degree achieved before 31 July 2025 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2025). Degree certificate completed.
  • Mandatory letter from an academic host professor (including their short CV). 
  • 12 months (starting in September).
  • Prolongable up to 36 months. The scholarship is awarded in three steps of 12 months each based on the achieved academic results.
  • See the contact address for your country of origin " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> country of origin (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024)  - this is the country according your passport.
  • Check the opening of the call and the submission deadline. Applications submitted too late will not be considered. 
  • Download the application package " class="icon icon--before fa fa-file-archive-o"> application package (ZIP, 2 MB, 31.07.2024) (application forms and templates). 

Abbreviated summary. For full details, please refer to the Guidelines for Scholarship Applicants 2025-26 (PDF, 789 kB, 31.07.2024) .

  • To enable selected applicants to undertake postdoctoral research at one of the Swiss public universities, the Swiss federal institutes of technology, the Graduate Institute, the universities of applied sciences or the public teaching and research institutes.
  • Valid for full-time research in Switzerland only. 
  • Highly qualified early career scientists on postdoctoral level.
  • Primarily for scholars who have not already been to Switzerland. 
  • PhD degree achieved after 31 December 2021 and before 31 July 2025 (except: ETH Zurich: 30 June 2025). PhD degree certificate completed.
  • Scholarship starts for the academic year 2025-26:  1 September 2025.
  • The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 3’500.-
  • Download the application package " class="icon icon--before fa fa-file-archive-o"> application package (ZIP, 2 MB, 31.07.2024) (application forms and templates).
  • Click here  " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> Click here   (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024) for the e-mail contact that will give you the postal address of your country of origin.

Art scholarships are open to art students wishing to pursue an initial arts master’s degree in Switzerland.

Art scholarships are awarded for study at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts. This scholarship is available to students from a limited number of countries only.

  • To enable selected applicants to undertake initial Master’s studies in Switzerland at any Swiss conservatory or university of the arts.
  • Highly qualified young artists without Master degree.
  • Art scholarships only available to citizens of countries with which Switzerland has a reciprocity agreement for art scholarships.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent achieved before 31 July 2025. Degree certificate completed.
  • Invalid: All applications for a second master’s degree.
  • Prolongable up to 21 months at most depending on the Master programme chosen and the necessary ECTS credits.
  • The scholarship amounts to a monthly payment of CHF 1'920.-
  • The candidate: artistic profile, qualification and motivation.The submitted portfolio: artistic maturity and potential.
  • The host institute: available study places.
Go to: early August
Download , questions? see this September
Forms, research proposal,
support letters, references
before the submission deadline
This varies from country to country September - December
By the Federal Commission for Scholarships FCS by the end of May
At the Swiss academic host institution next September

Select your country of origin according to your passport. Find out about the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria and application deadlines for your country. For more information and questions, please contact the address provided in the list of contacts " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> list of contacts (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024) . 

Select your country of origin according to your passport (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024)

welt-b-w

North America (PDF, 197 kB, 31.07.2024)

South america (pdf, 205 kb, 31.07.2024), europe (pdf, 217 kb, 31.07.2024), africa (pdf, 90 kb, 31.07.2024), asia (pdf, 212 kb, 31.07.2024), australia and ozeania (pdf, 187 kb, 31.07.2024), download the application package (zip, 2 mb, 31.07.2024).

Read the Application Guidelines " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> Application Guidelines (PDF, 789 kB, 31.07.2024)  and read the instructions. Prepare your application and submit two complete copies to the relevant office in your country of origin according to the list of contacts " class="icon icon--before icon--pdf"> list of contacts (PDF, 299 kB, 31.07.2024) by the deadline.

Applications are subject to preliminary selection by the relevant national authorities and/or the Swiss diplomatic representation. The short-listed applications are then assessed by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), which takes the final decision.

The FCS assesses scholarship applications according to three criteria:

  • Candidate profile
  • Quality of the research project or artistic work
  • Synergies and potential for future research cooperation

The FCS is composed of professors from Swiss public universities. Scholarship awards are decided on the basis of academic and scientific excellence.

The FCS will announce its decisions regarding the new scholarship awards by the end of May at the latest.

The FCS will select scholarship holders for the 2025-26 academic year by the end of May 2025. Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will be advertised online from August 2025.

Documentation

Survey among former scholarship holders.

«Career-boosting scholarships». Online survey of ESKAS alumni from the 2016-2021 cohort and follow-up survey of the 1996-2015 cohort (PDF, 10 MB, 23.02.2024) in German, summary in French and English

«Stipendien, die das Leben verändern» (PDF, 1 MB, 03.04.2019) Online Befragung von ESKAS Bundesstipendiat/innen der Jahrgänge 1996-2015 (German, summary in English)

E-Mail for queries

warnung_e

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation issues this warning regarding false advertisements for Swiss government scholarships sent by email or on social media. Fraudsters are offering fake scholarships in an attempt to get their victims to transfer money (e.g. by claiming that this money is required for visa or social insurance costs).

The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students FCS recommends that members of the public ignore these fraudulent offers and above all do not transfer any money . The application process for a Swiss government scholarship is free of charge .

Swiss government scholarships are offered by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students exclusively via Switzerland’s official diplomatic representations in the applicants’ countries of origin.

Please pass on this information.

  • go to the principal content
  • go to the secondary content
  • go to the navigation
  • go to the UNIL links
  • go to the section explaining the accessibility of the web site
  • go to the site map
  • go to the homepage
  • go to the search
  • go to the news page
  • go to the contact page
  • go to the legal information page
  • contact technique
  • Campus life
  • Faculty of Theology and Sciences of Religions
  • Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration in French
  • Faculty of Arts in French
  • Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
  • Faculty of Business and Economics
  • Faculty of Geosciences and Environment
  • Faculty of Biology and Medicine in French
  • Choose your programme of doctorate
  • Administrative Fees
  • Study permit - visa
  • IT account and UNIL email address
  • Admission procedure
  • How to register online and prepare your application
  • with a diploma from a State who has ratified the Lisbon Recognition Convention
  • with a diploma from another State
  • with a diploma from China
  • Reactivation of application
  • Satellites and intensive French courses

Application deadlines for a Doctorate programme for candidates with a Swiss university or HES Master

Autumn semester, spring semester.

A complete application has to reach the Admissions Office:

Autumn semester 2024/2025: before 31 July 2024

The prospective PhD student must also send the two copies of the completed and signed PdD form (attestation de thèse) to his/her thesis director. The link to the form is provided in the online application and in the email acknowledging receipt sent immediately after the confirmation by the candidate (to be printed out by him/her).

The thesis director signs and forwards the form to the Doctoral School or the Dean’s Office, who stamps and signs the document before returning it to the Admissions Office by 15 October 2024 (autumn semester 2024/2025) or 28 February 2025 (spring semester 2025). It is therefore important for the candidate to forward the PhD form to the thesis director without delay.

If the application has been sent after 31 July 2024 or the PhD form has been submitted to the Admissions Office after 15 October 2024, the registration will be postponed to the next semester (or, in case the late application is accepted, the prospective student will have to pay a surcharge of CHF 200.-).

It is therefore important that the candidate sends the PhD forms to his/her thesis director as soon as possible.

TOP   ^

Spring semester 2025: before 30 Novembre 2024

If the application has been sent after 30 November 2024 or the PhD form has been submitted to the Admissions Office after 28 February 2025, the registration will be postponed to the next semester (or, in case the late application is accepted, the prospective student will have to pay a surcharge of CHF 200.-).

  • Pre-Travel Advice and Vaccination
  • Post Travel
  • Bachelor's Programmes
  • Master's Programmes
  • Postgraduate Programmes and Continuous Education
  • Research Areas
  • Research Entities
  • Research Infrastructure
  • Clinical Trials
  • Consultancy and Project Implementation
  • Diagnostic Centre
  • Impact Stories
  • Departments
  • Facts and Figures
  • Vision and Mission
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Our Partners
  • Study with Us
  • How to Apply

How to Apply for a PhD at Swiss TPH

Are you interested in starting your PhD in the inspiring environment of Swiss TPH? We look forward to receiving your application. Please follow the steps below.  

Applying for an Advertised Position

Please refer to the institute's website for information on the research areas of Swiss TPH. All open PhD positions can be found here . This is the most recommended and successful way to move forward with your application.

Swiss TPH makes the final decision on whether or not to accept a PhD candidate. Acceptance is very restrictive as there are no paid positions available at the institute.  

Unsolicited Applications

1. Find a supervisor: If you are interested in becoming a PhD student at Swiss TPH, please note that finding a supervisor is the most important step for prospective candidates. Swiss TPH does not offer fellowships to PhD students, rather PhD students are funded through projects led by potential supervisors. Students may also be funded by competitive external fellowships to which they apply independently. In both cases, a Swiss TPH supervisor is required for eligibility. Please explore the Swiss TPH website to find an area or team of interest and relevance to you .

2. Documentation : Your application will only be considered if you include the following documents/information:

  • Detailed motivation letter
  • Field and team of interest
  • Potential funding, if available

Please submit your application to christine.mensch @ swisstph.ch . 

After an initial departmental screening, unsolicited applications will be shared with potential supervisors at Swiss TPH. You will be contacted directly if an opportunity is available and asked to submit further information.

Students observe malaria parasites in the various stages of the life cycle.

For Employers

Find qualified employees

The functionality of our website is currently limited - reload the page if this message is still displayed after a few seconds.

PhD in Switzerland Pursuing a doctorate in Switzerland as a foreigner

A young indian PhD student in Switzerland

In Switzerland, doctorates can be obtained under excellent conditions © gorodenkoff / iStock.com

Astonishingly, over 50 percent of PhD candidates at Swiss universities are international students. World-renowned institutes, a growing emphasis on doctoral education, multilingual education, funding for early career researchers and travel opportunities are just a few of the attractions.

Published: 2024-04-08

By: Claire Wenngren, Dacha Media

Swiss PhD programmes

Switzerland’s universities have experienced considerable growth in recent decades and have ambitious plans to increase the number of doctoral researchers in the country. The Swiss are rightfully proud to be home to universities that are regularly ranked among the best in the world, including the renowned ETH Zurich (which has produced over 20 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein), the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL ) and the University of Zurich . The country's academic history stretches back to the 15th century, when the first university was founded in Basel in 1460 , an institution that remains top-notch today.

The universities’ offerings have been so successful in recent decades that SwissInfo ran the headline in February 2024: “Are Swiss universities victims of their success?” The online news outlet, part of the public broadcaster SRG SSR, also reported in the same story that EPFL is considering capping slots for international students to ensure it can maintain its high quality of education. The university reported that fully 85.7 percent of its doctoral candidates are from abroad. Still, with universities booming, it is unlikely we will see the alpine nation shut its doors to international doctoral students anytime soon.

Currently, students seeking to study in Switzerland have four types of universities to choose from:

  • 10 cantonal universities ( Universitäten ), which are run by individual Swiss cantons
  • 2 federal institutes of technology ( Eidgenössische Technische Hochschulen )
  • 9 universities of applied sciences and arts ( Fachhochschulen ), including eight public institutions and one private university
  • 20 universities of teacher education ( Pädagogische Hochschulen )

PhD students are most likely be based at a Swiss cantonal university or a federal institute of technology, since they are the only institutions of higher learning in the country [CH3] allowed to award recognised PhD titles. While universities of applied sciences and arts are not entitled to award doctorates, they may offer doctoral studies in collaboration with other universities that provide the primary PhD supervision and award the degree.

With four national languages, multilingualism is an inherent part of Swiss identity , and that linguistic diversity is also present in academia. Universities normally teach in the language of their canton (German, French or Italian) or in English. And although Romansh is spoken in some areas, it is not a language of instruction at universities.

As in other countries, the Swiss PhD is research-based and entails independent work towards an original thesis that contributes significant new knowledge to the field of study. There are two typical routes towards a PhD in Switzerland:

  •   Traditional or general PhDs  at a single university with one or more advisors: Students spend most of their time working on their doctoral thesis, but opportunities for additional training and development may also be offered.
  •   Structured PhDs , a relatively new development, come more formal training, which may include coursework, and often entail collaboration between different institutions, including partnerships between different types of institution.

Current jobs and vacancies in Switzerland

Universität Freiburg / Université de Fribourg - Logo

Universität Freiburg / Université de Fribourg

Université de Fribourg - Logo

Université de Fribourg

Zurich University of the Arts - Logo

Zurich University of the Arts

How long does a doctorate in Switzerland take?

There is no standard length of study for PhDs in Switzerland . Candidates can expect to spend between two and seven years , depending on their field and programme, though traditional programmes tend to be on the shorter end of that spectrum. Doctoral candidates are assigned at least one academic supervisor, who will act as a mentor for their project in addition to providing guidance and support for the research. Some Swiss PhD programmes, especially structured ones, involve two or more supervisors.

The main product of the PhD is the doctoral thesis, which will be assessed by an oral examination or defence after submission. In Switzerland, this process takes place in a public setting. Candidates present their PhD thesis in front of a panel of experts, including at least one external examiner from outside the university.

Applying for a PhD in Switzerland

PhD opportunities in Switzerland can be found by searching for advertised projects and programmes or by browsing information on university websites. In most cases, a master’s degree in a relevant subject is a prerequisite for applying . Other requirements depend on the type of PhD being applied for. If responding to an advertised project or position, applicants will need to submit a personal statement, an academic CV and references ( more information here ).

Candidates devising their own PhD topic generally must submit a research proposal outlining their project , its objectives, methodology and outcome . Applicants should also submit supporting material, such as references. Applications for structured PhD programmes may not require an initial research proposal because students often develop their project during the first year of the doctorate. Applicants may also be required to take a test to prove their competence in the language of instruction .

Application procedures may vary between individual doctorates and PhD programmes. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the requirements for the program to which they are applying prior to submission. Most applications are submitted digitally through an online form. It is also important to contact the university regarding any additional documents, such as language certificates, that may be required as well as the specifications regarding the translation of supporting application documents.

Advertisement

PhD salaries in Switzerland

Sometimes Swiss universities advertise PhD opportunities as paid research positions or assistantships . In this case, they normally hire PhD candidates as research assistants or PhD candidates. If awarded one of these positions, students do not have to pay fees while pursuing their PhD and receive a regular salary . Those hired may also be entitled to additional benefits, including sick pay and holiday leave.

In return, PhD candidates hired in these positions are normally expected to assist with undergraduate teaching and other administrative responsibilities . Job portals like academics.com publish positions for PhD students, but it is a good idea to check whether the prospective university offers these positions and what conditions they stipulate. Additionally, it is common practice to contact a professor or research group directly and ask about opportunities.There are also research positions at companies and universities of applied sciences, but they are less common.

PhD candidates at the ETH Zurich can expect to earn a salary of between 50,700 CHF and 83,200 CHF gross per year . PhD candidates in exact sciences and medicine are usually paid better than PhD candidates in life sciences, chemistry, arts and humanities.

However, a candidate’s salary and working conditions depend on specific contracts and workload, city of residency, marital status and number of children. The personnel consultants from human resources are responsible for determining salaries and are generally happy to provide that information if asked.

Don't miss a thing!

Create an account to benefit from all the advantages under “My academics”.

Scholarships for PhDs in Switzerland

Universities and institutes offer scholarships for specific programmes, and some universities provide additional support to their PhD students in the form of financial loans, but the main source of funding for international PhD students in Switzerland is the  Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) . It awards Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, which are divided into research scholarships and art scholarships . These scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree and at foreign artists holding a bachelor’s degree, respectively. They normally cover fees and living costs.

Related Topics

This might also interest you.

woman on a swiss street

Professorship in Switzerland: Requirements, types, salaries

Professors in Switzerland enjoy high salaries and excellent career prospects at institutions such as ETH Zurich. What is the academic career path for a researcher in Switzerland?

Building metaphor income tax Switzerland

Taxes in Switzerland: Income tax for foreigners

Switzerland is famed for its financial arrangements both nationally and internationally. Its tax rates may at first seem complicated, but there are benefits if the rules are followed. This article examines how taxes work in Switzerland.

Barrier metaphor Visa Switzerland

Visas, residence permits and work permits for Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the world’s most innovative research countries and has attracted international students and researchers for some time. This article provides information which will help you get your visa.

how to apply for phd in switzerland

  • Privacy policy
  • Terms and Conditions

ar

Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad

Phd in switzerland for international students.

Herilalao Study in Switzerland 2 Comments

There are a few reasons why one might want to do a PhD. Mostly, it’s for a career advancement but also to conduct research and deepen your knowledge on a subject you’re passionate about. And Switzerland is one of those countries which had made a huge investment in the field of education. PhD’s candidates have access to some of the most prestigious institutions with cutting-edge research facilities. And they do so while studying in a stimulating environment with a high standard of living. You’re considering Switzerland for your PhD? Here are some crucial details to help you find the best program for you.

Table of Contents

Is it worth doing a PhD in Switzerland?

There are several reasons why you should study in Switzerland for your PhD. Starting by the reputation of excellence of the country, whose institutions and graduates have contributed to some of the most groundbreaking research programs in the world. Graduates from universities in Switzerland are highly skilled, innovative, creative, and the country counts the highest number of Nobel Prize per capita. 

Another reason to choose this country for a PhD’s degree is that among all the qualifications you can earn at Swiss universities , PhDs and MBA are the most popular ones. In other words, you can’t be wrong in considering this country to pursue research or further studies. And being a global hub for finance and business, career options are numerous once you’ve completed your studies in Switzerland.

Last but not least, you have the choice between 3 official languages of instruction: French, German, and Italian, depending on the canton you’re in. But there are also more and more programs in English, especially at graduate and postgraduate levels. 

How long is a PhD in Switzerland?

Switzerland being a signatory of the Bologna process, a PhD in the country is then a third-cycle qualification. It’s also the highest level of degree you can achieve in the country. And it will take between 3 and 7 years to complete it, depending on whether you pursue a traditional PhD or a structured one.

A traditional PhD tends to be shorter while a structured PhD, which involves additional training, may take longer. The other difference between the 2 types of PhD is that a general PhD takes place in one university, where the student is under the supervision of one or more academic experts. 

The structured PhD, on the other hand, takes place at more than one institution. And it can even involve a collaboration between different institution types such as cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences. 

Moreover, the academic year in Switzerland runs from September to May. It comprises 2 semesters, from September to December and from February to May/June. However, PhD research may continue beyond these periods, while training only take place during semester sessions. 

Supervision and assessment 

Like in any PhD programs, students will have at least an academic supervisor to oversee their work. But in some cases, there might be a second or more supervisors involved, especially in the case of structured PhD. 

Each supervisor will then have a specific role in the student’s project, but all of them will provide overall mentoring, guidance and support along the research process.

The PhD program always results to the writing and submission of a doctoral thesis at the end of your research. The thesis must bring up a considerable yet unique contribution to the student’s field of specialization, something that is worth a publication and that other scholars and researchers can use. 

The candidate then will be assessed through a defense, in a public setting. The assessment is made by a panel of experts that includes at least one external examiner, from outside the student’s university. 

In the case of a structured PhD, some smaller assessments will take place along the way. This may be a coursework and some exams related to training modules. They will then need to undertake these exams in order to continue in their program. However, these small-scale assessments don’t affect the final grade for the PhD degree.

How to apply for a PhD in Switzerland?

As long as you have chosen your program and university for your PhD in Switzerland, you can easily navigate the application process. 

So how does it work? First and foremost, you need to browse available PhD positions. For that you have 2 options: visiting the websites of your university of interest or visiting portals that bring together any available PhD positions.

It’s common practice also to get in touch with a professor or a research group whose work has sparked your interest. You can then ask if there is any opportunity for you to do your PhD with them.

Entry requirements 

In the case you register for an existing position, requirements include a personal statement or cover letter, an academic CV, your references and any other file your university requires.

If you plan to conduct research on a topic you’ve provided, you need to add a research proposal to the list of documents. This dissertation should give details regarding the purpose of your project, its scope and the outcome you expect to get out of it.

Furthermore, students who apply to a structured PhD might not need an initial research proposal. This is because the student’s project has to be put in place during the first year of the PhD.

Read also about the requirements to study in Switzerland .

PhD in Switzerland in English 

PhD programs in Switzerland are either in the university’s canton language or in English. However, the possibility of a PhD program to be in English also depends greatly on the type of subject.

That’s why you’re more likely to get a degree in English with highly international subjects such as business, engineering or science. In this case, you’ll have to provide the classic paperwork proving your proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL…) depending on your university.

The cost to study a PhD in Switzerland is paid either for the entirety of the program or per term as it applies at some universities. Typically, Swiss universities are free to set up their own fees. 

Some may cost as low as €182 while some will cost more than €6,000 for the entirety of the course. If you’re given a price per semester, you then have to multiply it by 6 to get the total cost of a 3-year study program. 

Moreover, you need to consider other smaller fees for registration, examination and student union fees. But these costs will remain very low thanks to generous support from the Swiss government for higher education.

Of course, you’ll need to prepare for your living cost in Switzerland as an international student. 

How much is a PhD salary in Switzerland?

In some cases, PhD opportunities are advertised as paid research positions. Students then receive a regular salary as an employee of their university. Moreover, they are exempt from paying the study cost above. 

They also have the right to additional benefits such as a holiday leave. In return, they assist with undergraduate teaching and take care of some administrative tasks. This is a quite common practice at universities but a lot less at universities of applied sciences. 

PhD candidates receive on average a salary of CHF 2,000 to CHF 6,000 per month. The amount they earn depends on their level of experience. Beginners can get roughly CHF 48,000 per year while the most experienced candidate can get around CHF 60,000 per year.

Lastly, PhD students in medicine or exact sciences are more likely to get a better payment than those studying humanities or arts for example.

Can you work while doing a PhD in Switzerland?

To fund their PhD, international students in Switzerland can work up to 15 hours per week on school days and unlimited hours during holiday periods. For that, their potential employer needs to apply for a work permit on their behalf. 

They also need to contact the Swiss Immigration Authority to check about their rights to work and study in Switzerland. It’s important to keep in mind that PhD students can work only 6 months after the beginning of their program. 

And lastly, they must inform the immigration authorities whenever they undertake any employment in Switzerland.

Find out also how to work in Switzerland after graduation.

PhD in Switzerland with a scholarship

For students who don’t perceive any salary, the other source of funding they can look for is with the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS). This commission grants every year some scholarships based on merit, as well as a research scholarship. 

The latter is available at research universities, federal institutes of technology and universities of applied sciences throughout Switzerland. Any international students can apply for this funding as long as they meet the academic qualifications and provide a convincing enough PhD work proposal 

Moreover, this scholarship covers the candidate’s PhD fees and living cost in Switzerland.

Tags Study in Switzerland

About Herilalao

' src=

Related Articles

study pharmacy in Switzerland

Study Pharmacy in Switzerland for International Students

July 17, 2024

internships in Switzerland

Internships in Switzerland: benefits, types of program, platforms and tips for students

June 7, 2023

learn German in Switzerland

Learn German in Switzerland for international students

May 22, 2023

Switzerland study abroad

The ultimate guide to study abroad in Switzerland

April 24, 2023

Switzerland hospitality schools

Hospitality schools in Switzerland

April 14, 2023

medical schools Switzerland

The best medical schools and medical universities in Switzerland

March 27, 2023

Switzerland business schools - HEC Lausanne

Does Switzerland have good business schools?

March 1, 2023

Switzerland scholarships for international students

How can I get a scholarship to study in Switzerland?

February 22, 2023

Master's Degree in Switzerland

Masters Study in Switzerland

July 14, 2022

Work after graduation in Switzerland

Work After Graduation in Switzerland

July 8, 2022

Cost of studying and living in Switzerland

Cost of Studying and Living in Switzerland

Customs and Traditions in Switzerland

Customs and Traditions in Switzerland

July 7, 2022

Top universities in Switzerland

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland

July 6, 2022

Student Accommodation in Switzerland

Student Accommodation in Switzerland

Enrollment Requirements in Swiss Universities

Enrollment Requirements in Swiss Universities

July 5, 2022

How to get study visa in Switzerland

How do I get a Student Visa to Switzerland

June 30, 2022

' src=

Can enrollment be given to a student in a phD program withless than 3.0Gpa? If yes, which universities in Switzerland does that?

' src=

It depends on the university. To find out, please consult the websites of the universities you’re interested in. Here’s our article on Switzerland’s top universities , where you can visit their official websites.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Ultimate Guide to Scholarships in Switzerland [Updated 2022]

Studying in Switzerland

Switzerland is best known for its banks , watches, chocolate, education , and high living cost. What we didn’t know is that it’s generous when it comes to scholarships, too. Undoubtedly, the Swiss country is one of the countries with the best education system in the world – so who wouldn’t want to study there, plus without spending a dime (nor a Swiss Franc (CHF))! Here is an extended list of the scholarships available for international students in Switzerland:

Types of scholarships

International students in Switzerland interested in scholarships can get them from the Swiss government, from Swiss Universities, or other organizations such as SEMS.

Governmental scholarships

The Swiss government scholarships are based on partnerships established with several countries and are offered through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). Most of these scholarships are granted to postgraduate candidates and researchers . If you want to check whether your home country is a partner, you can contact the Swiss Embassy or consulate in your home country .

Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students

students walking

Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships for international post-graduate researchers in any discipline. This is done to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and 180 other countries.

Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarship covers a monthly living stipend, exemption of tuition fees, health insurance, travel costs/airfare, and housing allowance.

Eligibility: The research scholarship is available to those who hold at least a Master’s degree and plan to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at the doctoral or post-doctoral level.  

Non-governmental scholarships

Swiss universities offer scholarships, too, where one can benefit from grants of up to CHF 60.000. Below you can find 13 Swiss Universities that offer scholarships for international students:

ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarships

how to apply for phd in switzerland

ETH Zurich supports excellent students wherever they have finished their studies. All of them who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at ETH are eligible to apply for their two scholarship programs: the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP).

Scholarship value/inclusions: The Excellence Scholarship covers the full study and living costs of the students. At the same time, the Master Scholarship Programme (MSP) gives students a partial stipend and an assistantship offer.

Eligibility: Excellent students who have finished their Bachelor studies in the ETH or other Swiss or international university.

University of Lausanne Master’s Grants for Foreign Students

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The University of Lausanne offers scholarships to international students who want to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University through the UNIL Master’s Grants.

Scholarship value/inclusions: The amount of the grant is CHF 1,600.- per month.

Eligibility: International students with undergraduate degrees.

EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master’s students

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) is one of Europe’s most famous science and technology institutions. EPFL gives a limited number of fellowships at the Master level to students with excellent academic records.

Scholarship value/inclusions: The Excellence Fellowship consists of a grant (CHF 8,000/semester) covering expenses such as accommodation, tuition fees, etc. for a maximum of four semesters.

Eligibility: Anyone applying to an EPFL Master’s Program.

University of Bern

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The University of Bern offers scholarships for international students, too. Through the Swiss Study Foundation , UNIBE offers grants for excellent students. At the same time, through The Spark of Hope Foundation , it supports female Master and doctoral students from the Global South by offering scholarships.

Scholarship value/inclusions: Partial and full scholarships .

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled at the University of Bern, or respectively be female graduates from developing countries.

Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships

how to apply for phd in switzerland

Graduate Institute invests considerably in financial aid, aiming to attract talented scholars worldwide, regardless of origin and financial ability. They help their students that have financial need and award others based on academic excellence.

Scholarship value/inclusions: Financial aid may take the following forms: a full scholarship of CHF 20,000; a partial scholarship of CHF 10,000; A merit scholarship awarded based on academic excellence; it may be associated with a paid position as a teaching assistant or with need-based tuition reduction.

Eligibility: Students documenting financial needs or based on academic excellence.

Moreover, Graduate Institute Geneva offers specific scholarships, which may include cost-of-living scholarships, tuition reduction, and/or a paid position, in various proportions. They are either given to students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America or through the Refugee Scholarship. They support refugees in Switzerland holding a B or F permit and wishing to pursue their studies. They offer them a full annual scholarship of CHF 20,000 to cover living expenses, with the possibility of a tuition fee reduction depending on the candidate’s financial means.

University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The University of Geneva Faculty of Science, in collaboration with several sponsors, has established an Excellence Fellowship Program to support highly motivated candidates who intend to pursue a Master of Science in any of the disciplines covered by the Faculty. 

Scholarship value/inclusions: The Excellence Fellowship consists of a grant amounting to CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year.

Eligibility: All outstanding and highly motivated candidates who intend to pursue a Master of Science.

University of Zurich Scholarships for Ph.D. candidates

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The University of Zurich (UZH) is the largest in Switzerland, with over 26,000 students. They offer scholarships for Master graduates from around the world and awarded to candidates on the grounds of outstanding academic merit. Continuing support will be subject to the satisfactory completion of course work, and the duration of the scholarship can be up to 4 years.

They report that ‘while preference may be given to students whose research plans include areas of interest of the UBS International Center of Economics in Society, applications from all areas are welcomed.’  

Scholarship value/inclusions: The UBS Center Scholarships are full scholarships, covering living expenses and all fees of approximately CHF 42’500 plus tuition fees.

Eligibility: Candidates with outstanding academic merit.

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The Geneva Academy offers partial and full scholarships for its LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law (M TJ).

Scholarship value/inclusions: Full scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses in Geneva for 10 months. Partial scholarships cover tuition fees.

Eligibility: A full degree in law, a strong academic record, and a sound command of English.

University of St.Gallen

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The University of St.Gallen offers two different scholarships to students.

• Excellence Scholarships

They are granted to international students enrolled in Bachelor studies based on merit. Every year, six scholarships are awarded to students in the Assessment Year, which will be paid out over a period of 3 years.

Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarship amount is equivalent to the Bachelor’s Level’s current tuition fees. Since it runs to six semesters, a grantee receives an annual sum of CHF 6,252 (for all three years, which means the total sum of the scholarship is CHF 18,756).

Eligibility: International applicants with internationally recognized relevant educational qualifications and certificates that have passed the University of St.Gallen’s internal admission test.

• The Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is set aside for highly talented foreign-language students with a recognized foreign Bachelor’s degree who are completing a Master’s degree in one of the English-language programs the university provides.

Scholarship value/inclusions: Grants are given in the amount of CHF 15,000 per program every year.

Eligibility: Exceptionally talented foreign-language students who are completing a Master’s degree in one of the English-language programs.

IMD MBA Scholarships

how to apply for phd in switzerland

IMD offers several scholarship programs for international students from different countries and backgrounds.

• Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women

The Nestlé Scholarship for Women was initiated by a group of IMD MBA participants who wanted to encourage women to take a Masters in Business Administration.

Scholarship value/inclusions: CHF 25,000

Eligibility: Preference is given to women from developing countries.

University of Basel

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The University of Basel has its own fund to aid students with minimal resources and from low-income families. These are either partial scholarships awarded during the final degree phase (BA/MA) or Solidarity funds (Solifonds) awarded from the student body. As for scholarships specifically for international students, UniBas says they ‘should find out what scholarships they are eligible for in their home country.’

Scholarship value/inclusions: The partial scholarship ranges from CHF 200 to 600 per person, per month. The Solifond is CHF 500 to 1000 per person, per semester.

Eligibility: Students with limited resources.

Aristotle College

how to apply for phd in switzerland

The Reginaldus Foundation awards several scholarships to deserving and needy students of the university campus of Lugano. These grants are aimed at students who intend to live in Aristotle College, which offers board and lodging and some academic activities.

Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarships cover the college fees, totally or partially, depending on applicants’ merit and financial situation.

Eligibility: Low-income, deserving students.

Les Roches Global Hospitality Education

how to apply for phd in switzerland

Founded in Switzerland in 1954, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and event management. They follow the Swiss model of hospitality education, with experiential, hands-on learning built into the fabric of the study programs they offer.

As part of their partner scholarships, they have the International Baccalaureate IB Scholarship, which is given to 10 incoming undergraduate students who are IB Diploma graduates. They also give 20-25% scholarships to specific GEMS students but contact them for detailed information. They also have a limited number of merit-based scholarships that are awarded to outstanding students.

Scholarship value/inclusions: Each scholarship and financial aid package has specific criteria. For the Merit-based scholarships (new students) , it’s either a 10%, 15%, or 20% reduction off Semester 1 tuition fees.

Eligibility: It is examined on a case-by-case basis, but usually by merit or need.

Alfred Werner Masters Scholarships

The Foundation offers a maximum of ten scholarships. Candidates must apply for admission to an M.Sc. program at a Swiss University or a Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and, at the same time, ask for the support of the institution for an Alfred Werner Scholarship. The Foundation expects to receive the nominations of the different institutions by mid-April 2021.

Scholarship value/inclusions: For the academic period from September 2021 to May 2023, a maximum of 10 scholarships of CHF 30’000 each.

Eligibility:  International students in the top 10% of their undergraduate programs. 

European Mobility for Higher Education: Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) / ERASMUS

The Swiss version of the program Erasmus+ for higher education is called Swiss-European Mobility Programme or SEMP . SEMP gives Swiss higher education institutions the possibility to support students and teaching staff doing a study-, training- or teaching-mobility in Europe with funding.

Therefore, scholarships for incoming students will be covered by the Swiss side. A SEMP exchange may last 3 to 12 months.

Scholarship value/inclusions: CHF 380 to CH 440 per month, depending on your home country.

Eligibility: All European countries enrolled in a university in their home countries.

Scholarships for American students who want to study in Switzerland

Up to 10 Fulbright-Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for research or a Ph.D. degree program in all disciplines, and for research or a master’s degree program in the Arts. The grant lasts 12 months.

Scholarship value/inclusions: Grantees receive a monthly stipend and up to 1,000 Swiss Francs for airfare upon successful completion at the end of the grant period.

Eligibility: In general, a Bachelor’s degree is sufficient for conducting research at Swiss universities, with two exceptions: research candidates applying to ETH Zurich or the University of Basel must have completed a master’s degree by December 2018.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation: Scholarship for International Students

This scholarship is targeted for international students from all countries committed to the German liberal party’s political ideas and willing to take responsibility.  Minimum funding covers two semesters starting with the beginning of the sponsorship. It is initially granted for one year. Deadlines for application are 30 April and 31 October of each year.

Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarship’s worth is up to EUR 850 per month. In addition, there is a contribution to health insurance.

Eligibility:  Qualified international candidates pursuing their first degree, Bachelor’s or Master’s, at a state or state-recognized higher-education institution in Germany, Switzerland, or within the European Union.

Great information. I’m actually looking forward to studying in Switzerland so this is very useful ;).

Happy to help, Sebastian. 🙂

Good morning. I am Adam Iddrisu, reaching you from Ghana. I graduated from the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Administration, double majored in Public Administration and Development Studies. I also went further to do an Honours degree in Development Studies, which is considered to be a post-graduate qualification in South Africa. I saw an invitation for applications for the Executive Master in Development Policies and Practices at the Graduate Institute, Geneva. I applied and was shortlisted. I have since been interviewed and I am sure I will be part of the successful applicants. The fee to be paid by the applicants from Africa is CHF 3500. I know the Swiss government has done us a favour by giving us this amount to pay for the program. Successful applicants from other parts of the globe will be paying CHF 25000 yet I cannot pay the CHF 3500.

This is a life time opportunity and missing this great opportunity, following the lack of funding, will be a great misfortune. Here, the lack of financial resources will prevent me from reaching my potential.

I would be grateful if some kind of financial aid could be made available to enable me reach my potential. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Adam Iddrisu

I would love to study MBA in Switzerland .

I would love to study MBA in Switzerland.

How can we apply for a full scholarship in switzerland ? Please i want details i would like to study there thank you

Dear Tracy,

The first step towards applying for a scholarship is to find them. As we explained in the article, there are many types of scholarships. The procedure of applying for a scholarship depends on which type of scholarship you’re choosing. We hope to have been of help.

preference to university of St Galen and university of BAsel

Good information, am actually looking forward to study in Switzerland, hope to get that opportunity

Good information , i would like to study in switzerland Hope to get this opportunity

I would like to go forward to study in Switzerland, its a great opportunity so this is useful

Thank you Khalid,

We’re glad to be of help.

Best of luck!

Fantastic and very informative piece for all students interested in studying the cute mountainous country in name of Switzerland.. This is hundred percent helpful..keep the good job up????

Thank you, Michael,

Glad to be of help.

I would like to get scholarship for me to achieve my dream. Thank you

Hi Teresia,

Every university in Switzerland offers different scholarships. We mentioned most of them in our article. For more information visit the website of the university of your choice and see if you are eligible for any of them. We hope we have been of help.

Hello, My Daughter is currently giving exams to clear high school she is passionate to learn neurology and wishes to become a neuro surgeon. We are Pakistani national Can you please guide for further process

We would advise your daughter first to research the universities that offer her choice of program. We’re sure that the university she’ll choose is going to guide her further into applying for admission and with whatever she needs help with. We hope we have been of help.

I am delsiya Tharmarasa from srilanka i whould like to study biomedical engineering in Switzerland so what i want to do for get this scholarship

Hi Delsiya,

One of the Swiss universities that offer Biomedical Engineering is ETH Zurich. This university offers several scholarships. Take a look to see if you’re eligible for any of them: https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships.html

Hi, looking forward to find a full scholarship in Switzerland. I want to get my MBA degree next year. I am from the Philippines holding a degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION major in OPERATION MANAGEMENT. Currently working in Cayman Island for almost 2years now.

Hi Emmarie,

We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Hi Emma! I am a fellow Filipino planning to take a Master’s degree in Switzerland as well. Were you able to find a full scholarship?

I would like to apply for a scholarship at the University of Basel .The scholarship given to less privileged international students. How can I apply for it?

For scholarships offered by the University of Basel, please visit their page: https://www.unibas.ch/en/Studies/Advice/Funding/Scholarships.html wherein you’ll also find the email addresses where you can contact them.

Additionally, you can check: https://www.unibas.ch/en/Studies/Advice/Funding/Scholarships/Funding-From-the-University-of-Basel.html https://www.hochschulen.bs.ch/stipendien/fragen.html https://stipendien.educa.ch//# https://www.baselland.ch/politik-und-behorden/direktionen/bildungs-kultur-und-sportdirektion/bildung/sekundarstufe-ii/berufsbildung-berufsberatung

If your profile matches “highly motivated, competitive young researchers” who have graduated from University with a Master’s degree for pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral level studies or Bachelor’s for grantees of Fine Arts Scholarships.” , then you might be eligible to apply for a Government Excellence scholarship. Get the details here: https://studyinginswitzerland.com/swiss-government-scholarships-international-students/

Finally, please also take a look at this other resource we have published on scholarships for international students: https://studyinginswitzerland.com/switzerland-scholarships-for-international-students/

Best of luck, SIS

Accept my greetings first! I am a BBA graduate from Afghanistan. I am in need of a free scholarship and can’t provide any scholarship by myself. So if you have any funded scholarships please don’t hesitate to inform me.

Thank you for this great article!

hey i like to study computer science in Switzerland help me for scholarship

Dear Sir, Hope you are well and safe. My husband, daughter and I live in Lebanon. My daughter Julie, born on Oct. 22, 2012, is a high flyer honor student now in Grade 3 class. Due to bad situation in lebanon, I was wondering if we are eligible to have the scholarship in Switzerland and get the child study visa for her and be with her. We only have Lebanese passports. Thank you

Hello, I am currently pursuing my B.S from a US university in physics. I wanted to complete my graduate program at ETH Zurich in theoretical physics. I was wondering if International students are granted full scholarships based on academic merit. Please let me know about the funding and initiation of the application process. Thank you.

Please am asking if youcan provide scholarship

My daughter graduated summa cum laude in UBIS Geneva with a dual degree (international relations). we are currently looking for a scholarship program for masters related to her field. would you be able to recommend as it seems we tried some universities here and nothing transpired. thank you very much for your kind assistance.

Hi, I am currently taking a master’s degree in European and International Law. I was awarded the “Best Performance in class” (best-overall Diploma grade) further to my graduation from my undergraduate university. I was born and raised in a developing country. I am looking for an Excellence scholarship to pursue further master’s studies in Law in Switzerland (either for 2021/2022; or 2022/2023 period). I was also potentially interested in Ph.D. Which scholarship of a Swiss institution/university would you be able to recommend? Many thanks in advance!

Hi! I’m a highschool student and I wanted to know if there are any Bachelor scholarships. Because all I could read was for Masters or for students with a Bachelor’s degree.

Hello Am from Nigeria and I need of full scholarship that covers both my tuition and accommodation through out my schooling years…I already have BSc in Anatomy and will love to do a course that will help me become a nurse Any help please?

This article was very useful and I do appreciate it very much. Looking forward to getting a scholarship and studying in Switzerland. It’s really cool.

I’m an undergraduate student in a Catholic University here in Cameroon. How do I get full information about the tuition fee, cost of living and any other added information?

Great read. I am a government employee in Uganda, currently, I am pursuing Masters’s Degree in Economics from Japan. I hope to transition straight for my Ph.D. and Switzerland is my choice for the Ph.D., how can I better my odds of getting a fully-funded Ph.D. scholarship in Economics.

Dear sir/madam,

I am a hospitality student from Sri Lanka, I am very interested to study further in one of the worlds best countries like Switzerland. I am always searching on the internet for a good scholarship to continue my studies because I know that I cannot afford the fees of the universities in your country. Please guide me to get a good scholarship for me in the hospitality industry. I am trying to get help from your side to find the best way to get into Switzerland. Please help me. if you need any detailed information I can share with you. I believe that you will be my life changer. God bless you all & thank you for your valuable time.

your sincerely, Aashiq Riyal. 7/4/2021.

Hello, thank you for the informative guide first.

I’m an undergraduate computer science student from Kenya, currently in my final year on campus. I want to study in Switzerland for my Master’s and Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence as soon as I’m done with my Bachelor’s degree. Which Swiss universities offer such kinds of scholarships for international students?

I am Lawrence Sylvester Daudu, from Nigeria i would love to get swiss scholarship in order to further my education as an accounting student graduated from university of abuja, (FCT) not a must studying the same course but any related course available. Best regard wait to hear from you and to be guided.

Am Hannah I would wish to apply for a scholarship for my son Brian maina as an undergraduate enrollment for medicine in your universities. He is from Kenya Africa has completed his secondary school and achieved a grade A. Please assist

Hello, thank you so much for the informations given. Personally i would like to pursue MA in Tourism studies and am having trouble picking the right university and finding scholarship. Can you please assist me with links or websites. Thank you

I’m looking for MSc in Global Health or Public Health with a full scholarship. I heard that the quality of education is so rich in any university in Switzerland. Is there any recommendation for me, regarding which universities will be the better choice for studying public health or global health subject with scholarship opprotunities?

Good morning,

Your article is very helpful. I just got admitted into the University of Zurich for masters in International Business Law. The tuition fee is very high and I applied to the school’s financial aid but I was informed that I have to be a permanent resident in Switzerland before I can be eligible. Is there any way you can be of help? Thanks so much.

Adetokunbo Ajibulu

Hi everyone. Thanks to go this kind of opportunities for young students. Please i would want to know more details on how to apply for this scholarship. Thank you for your time and understanding

I am Zerihun from Ethiopia, I would like to study Ph.D. in the field of biomedical sciences in Switzerland, so which University provides Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences/Health sciences? And what I want to do to get this scholarship?

Hi everyone, I am Jacob, I am a Kenyan citizen interested to study in Switzerland for undergraduate course in Education to fulfill my dream of being a teacher. I have just completed my O level in Kenya I am hereby requesting for who will be within reach to assist me get a scholarship to pursue my education course I am looking forward for better feedback. Thanks for your time.

Hi guys, i need your help! how can i apply for basel university? who has information for this ?

I want to find a scholarship for Masters in Switzerland I need help ( with love from Afghanistan )

Please I really need this scholarship to study

Hello, I’m from India, and I’ve completed my bachelors in Commerce, Now I’m looking for Msc in data analytics . How can apply for University of Bern with full scholarship?

What universities offer optometry or vision science Masters program

I am C resident Holder , and I want to go to London for Bachelor in Art , yearly fees 23 thousand Pound. is there any chances for international students like myself to apply for loan in switzerland in order to study in london? Thank you in advance Regards

Plz send the links the scholarships offered in Switzerland to study bachelor degree plz dude i really need it plz

I am Ahmed from Egypt, I am 23 years old, I have a Bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Arabic Language, Department of History, I am looking for a free scholarship in technology and software. Please help and inform me.

I would like to study digital media marketing , is it available? Thank you

I want a paid scholarship to Switzerland to study

Hello, my name is Hassan Emad from Syria, I am 21 years old, I live in Egypt, and I hope to receive the scholarship to continue my education in a better country. I am looking forward to a better future… Thank you very much

I WANT TP KNOW IF THERE IS AN AUSBILDUNG ALS BAUZEICHNER IN SWITZERLAND?? I WANT HELP

I want to apply for masters degree that I may get scholarship but I don’t know what to do

am Egyptian live in egypt because love Switzerland and study

I’m Architect .. I wanna Free Schoolership for Master … I have B.A

My son is currently pursuing his A Level studies in Kingsley International School, Malaysia. Upon completion in mid 2023, he plans to further his undergraduate studies in Economics, Finance and Banking in overseas. Switzerland is one of the countries he is looking forward to.

As we are from middle income family, we would like to know is there any scholarship available for my son to apply for undergraduate studies in Switzerland.

We would appreciate if you could provide us some information on any scholarships available.

Applying for Friday entry in Switzerland is fully funded

i would like to study in switzerland

Am looking for a Phd program in electrical and electronic engineering. Iam 43 years old

Best regards

Hello , iam ibrahim merazka from algeria i study in alamrani brothers high school in batna and this year iam gonna have my high school degree. Iwant to ask you if there is a free grant for studying sport in one if your universities in switzeland.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

how-to-open-a-Swiss-bank-account

Banking in Switzerland: How To Open a Swiss Bank Account [2022]

library

Education in Switzerland: Here’s What You Need To Know

University of central florida.

how to apply for phd in switzerland

Founded as a public institution in 1785, UGA boasts an illustrious history in higher education. Today, Georgia's flagship university offers online programs to make a UGA degree more accessible. The online courses limit class sizes and use the same high academic standards as on-campus classes. UGA offers an online bachelor's degree in special education and multiple online graduate programs in education. Degree-seekers can also earn master's degrees in community nutrition, international biomedical regulatory sciences, emerging media, and avian health and medicine. Other available online master's programs include business, technology, and social work.

  • VIEW PROFILE

University of Georgia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

how to apply for phd in switzerland

10% your international health insurance for life!

Scorestudies includes higher benefits than the Swiss compulsory health insurance, it is very often on a full refund basis and no co-​payment of 10% is required. In case of emergency, hospitalisation or prescribed medication, you are fully reimbursed by Allianz Care.

Receive job alerts that match your preferences.

61 PhD jobs in Switzerland

Find PhD jobs in Switzerland here. To have jobs sent to you the day they're posted, sign up for job alerts.

  • PhD positions in Zurich (33)
  • PhD positions in Basel (18)
  • PhD positions in Dübendorf (4)
  • PhD positions in Lugano (2)
  • PhD positions in Lausanne (1)
  • PhD positions in Bern (1)
  • PhD positions in Neuchâtel (1)
  • PhD positions in St. Gallen (1)
  • PhD positions in Courroux (1)

Other countries

  • PhD positions in Belgium (145)
  • PhD positions in The Netherlands (116)
  • PhD positions in Germany (71)
  • PhD positions in Finland (40)
  • PhD positions in Austria (29)
  • PhD positions in Luxembourg (27)
  • PhD positions in Sweden (21)
  • PhD positions in Norway (18)
  • PhD positions in France (16)
  • PhD positions in Israel (5)

Search results (61)

...

Ph.D. candidate for modelling & optimising highly efficient drive systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devices

Ph.D. candidate for modelling & optimising highly efficient drive systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devicesThe Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information ...

Ph.D. candidate for designing, modelling & optimising charging systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devices

Ph.D. candidate for designing, modelling & optimising charging systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devicesThe Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information Tec...

...

PhD student position: quantum sensing of biomolecules and their chemical stimuli.

For the prestigious PhD school of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute, we solicit applications for a paid 4-year PhD student position in the Biomolecular Nano-Dynamics group at the Dept. of Chemistry a...

PhD position on "On-Chip Separation of Proteins for Single-Cell Proteome Profiling"

PhD position on "On-Chip Separation of Proteins for Single-Cell Proteome Profiling"The laboratory of Single-Molecule and Single-Cell Biophysics (BMC)is a research group in the Department of Informa...

PhD Position in Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles for Enhanced Catalysis

PhD Position in Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles for Enhanced CatalysisHave you ever dreamed of controlling chemical reactions using magnetic fields? With magnetoelectric composite nanoparticles actin...

2 PhD Positions in Designing and Optimizing Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery Systems

2 PhD Positions in Designing and Optimizing Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery SystemsThe bioMatter Microfluidics (Dr. Eleonora Secchi, D-BAUG) and SoftMat Group (Prof....

Promotionsstelle am Seminar für Medienwissenschaft der Universität Basel

Forschungsgruppe »Bureaugraphies. Administration After the Age of Bureaucracy«Im Rahmen der vom Schweizerischen Nationalfonds (SNF) in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) und...

PhD position on Practical AI Planning with Ontologies 100%

The Artificial Intelligence (https://ai.dmi.unibas.ch/) research group at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, is seeking a PhD candidate for a collaborative pro...

Doctoral Student in Computational Chemistry

Doctoral Student in Computational ChemistryProf. Dr. Sereina Riniker's group for Computational Chemistry at the Institute of Molecular Physical Science is interested in the development of methodolo...

PhD Position in Biofabrication and 3D BioPrinting

PhD Position in Biofabrication and 3D BioPrintingInjuries to the musculoskeletal system are widespread and can impact quality of life. The field of tissue engineering and bioprinting is constantly ...

Biozentrum PhD Fellowships – Winter Call 2024/25

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading life sciences institutes in the world. Its fundamental research embraces a wide range of topics such as biochemistry, biophysics, phy...

PhD position: Spin waves get a twist! (P2402) 100 %

We are looking for a PhD student for a joint research project of the Quantum Sensing Lab at the University of Basel led by Prof. P. Maletinsky (https://quantum-sensing.physik.unibas.ch) and Mesosco...

...

PhD position in X-ray based 3D virtual histopathology for studying metastases evolution in colorectal cancer

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. ...

PhD and Post-doc positions in the field of Optimization and Deep Learning Theory (Prof. A. Lucchi)

The Optimization of Machine Learning Systems Group (Prof. A. Lucchi) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Basel is looking for several PhD students and post-do...

Doctoral (PhD) student in Karma economies

Doctoral (PhD) student in Karma economiesThe NCCR Automation is looking for a doctoral student to study the problem of fair and efficient resource allocation in engineering systems. The student wil...

Doktorand*in am Center for Philanthropy Studies

Das Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) ist ein interdisziplinäres Universitätsinstitut für Philanthropie und Stiftungswesen der Universität Basel. Das CEPS wurde 2008 gegründet und verbindet in...

PhD position (100%, Start from October 2024)

The Department of Biomedicine is a joint effort between the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel. It unites basic and clinical scientists to advance our understanding of health an...

PhD position on novel mRNA nanotherapeutics against antibiotic-resistant pulmonary infections (P2405)

The Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) at the University of Basel invites highly motivated scientists to apply for the SNI PhD program in Nanoscience.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healt...

PhD position: Global History/Violence Studies with a regional focus on the Southwestern Pacific

The Department of History at the University of Basel, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD position in a global history project led by Prof. Dr. Marie Muschalek (principal investigator, PI),...

PhD student position in Optical Spectroscopy of Tunable van der Waals Quantum Materials

The newly-established “Quantum Opto-Electronics" research group of Prof. Tomasz Smoleński at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, Switzerland (https://smolenski-lab.com), is looking for ...

...

International Fully Funded PhD Positions in the Life Sciences in Switzerland

*New application deadlines for two open calls per year: November 1 and May 1!Life Science Zurich Graduate School offers more than 100 funded PhD positions. With around 500 research groups and more than 1600 Ph.D. students, the Life Science Zurich ...

PhD student in Structural Biology by NMR 100%

How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate the entire spectrum ranging from the atom to the organism. ...

Doctoral student in Genomics

Doctoral student in GenomicsThe Animal Genomics group within the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at ETH Zurich investigates animal (epi-)genomes and transcriptomes. We apply long read sequencing...

...

Ph.D. Student in Machine Learning for Biosignal Processing

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) has opened a full time (100%) position for a Ph.D. Student in student in Machine Learning for Biosignal Processing at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI) locat...

PhD position: Global History/Violence Studies with a regional focus on South America

Doktorand/in (md-student/in) im bereich sport- und bewegungsmedizin (100%).

In der Abteilung Rehabilitative und Regenerative Sportmedizin des Bereichs Sport- und Bewegungsmedizin im Departement für Sport, Bewegung und Gesundheit (DSBG) der medizinischen Fakultät der Univer...

Open PhD position in nature conservation

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland, and in the French nature reserve Petite Camargue Alsacienne, 6 km north of...

...

Assistenzstelle (Doc-Stelle, 100%) in Deutscher Sprachwissenschaft

Stellenantritt:1. Februar 2025Ihre Aufgaben:Zu den Aufgaben der Assistenz gehört die eigene wissenschaftliche Qualifikation durch eine Dissertation, die akademische Lehre im Umfang von 2 Semesterwochenstunden sowie die Mitwirkung in der akademisch...

...

PhD FELLOWSHIPS & POSITIONS in Life Sciences starting April 2025

Want to start a PhD?The University of Lausanne, Switzerland, offers:PHD FELLOWSHIPS & POSITIONSin Life SciencesStarting April 2025Talented and motivated candidates who have or will have obtained their Master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant fi...

PhD position in Reality Capture for Real Estate Valuation

PhD position in Reality Capture for Real Estate ValuationDo you want to be part of the circular revolution to rethink the way we value the built environment? Join us as a fully-funded doctoral cand...

Jobs by field

  • Programming Languages 217
  • Electrical Engineering 216
  • Artificial Intelligence 190
  • Machine Learning 180
  • Materials Engineering 158
  • Molecular Biology 151
  • Computational Sciences 149
  • Materials Chemistry 148
  • Electronics 140
  • Cell Biology 136

Jobs by type

  • Postdoc 347
  • Lecturer / Senior Lecturer 239
  • Assistant / Associate Professor 158
  • Professor 149
  • Researcher 139
  • Research assistant 135
  • Engineer 85
  • Management / Leadership 74

Jobs by country

  • Germany 384
  • Belgium 283
  • The Netherlands 184
  • Morocco 131
  • Switzerland 127
  • Luxembourg 86

Jobs by employer

  • IU International University o... 231
  • Mohammed VI Polytechnic Unive... 135
  • KU Leuven 123
  • University of Luxembourg 85
  • Eindhoven University of Techn... 68
  • ETH Zürich 55
  • Ghent University 49
  • University of Cologne 45
  • Free University of Bozen - Bo... 45
  • Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) 43

how to apply for phd in switzerland

IMAGES

  1. How to apply for PhD in Switzerland? ETH Zurich

    how to apply for phd in switzerland

  2. How to get PhD Admission in Switzerland Universities || Best lecture on this topic

    how to apply for phd in switzerland

  3. Student Visa For PHD In Switzerland

    how to apply for phd in switzerland

  4. Multiple PhD Vacancy in Switzerland in all major fields

    how to apply for phd in switzerland

  5. PhD In Switzerland

    how to apply for phd in switzerland

  6. Hurry up! Deadlines to apply Switzerland approaching

    how to apply for phd in switzerland

COMMENTS

  1. PhD study in Switzerland

    On an average it takes 3-5 years to complete a Swisss PhD. However, traditional PhDs tend to be shorter whereas structured PhDs may last longer because of the additional training involved. The academic year in Switzerland runs from September to May and is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and February to May/June).

  2. PhD In Switzerland: Everything You Need To Know

    PhD students and postdocs tend to get employed by universities on a fixed-term contract—and they get paid well. Additional benefits may also apply, such as reduced public transportation or free access to all the university gyms. PhD student salary in Switzerland. The average PhD student salary in Switzerland is around CHF 50,000 per year ...

  3. Applying for a PhD in Switzerland

    Entry requirements. Before you apply for a PhD in Switzerland, you must have completed a Masters degree in a relevant subject. That will be the main academic requirement for admission into doctoral research. However, further requirements usually depend on the type of PhD you are applying for:

  4. PhD admission criteria & application ‒ Admission ‐ EPFL

    PhD admission criteria & application. Doctoral School candidates must submit their application file to the doctoral program of their choice within the deadlines specified by the latter. Some programs publish open positions related to specific projects but in order to be eligible, one should be enrolled in the Doctoral School, registering in the ...

  5. Study in Switzerland: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2024

    Tuition fees in Switzerland. In Switzerland, both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students pay the same tuition fees at most public universities (with a few exceptions listed further below). For Bachelor's and Master's degrees, students pay between 400-3,700 EUR per year. Private universities are much more expensive.

  6. Registration for the Doctorate

    United Herbaria of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. EFAF: Indexing of refugee files (VSJF) in the research database. LUDI: Digitization and recording of refugee files VSJF Lucerne. Cataloging of the Richard R. Ernst personal papers (ErNE) Digitization of downy mildew fungi (Peronosporomycetidae) in the Fungarium.

  7. How to PhD

    The individual programs define their PhD programs' admission procedures - which, as a rule, are highly competitive. Please note that PhD candidates must be matriculated at the University for the duration of their doctorate, i.e. until they have been conferred the final degree. Application and admission. Application period.

  8. PhD in Switzerland: Guide on Universities in Switzerland for PhD, Fees

    Admission Process For PhD In Switzerland For Indian Students. To apply to the top PhD universities in Switzerland, here is an overview of the admission process: Identify which PhD program you wish to study. Choose the PhD university that offers the same. Search for a supervisor and confirm the supervision based on your PhD program choice

  9. PhD in Switzerland

    PhD fees in Switzerland. PhD fees are typically between €182 and €1,995 for the full period of study. However, individual universities are free to set their own fees and they can reach as high as €6,145 for the entire course. Sometimes universities will give fees per term, rather than giving the cost of a full PhD, so make sure you check ...

  10. Application

    Welcome to apply for a PhD Program at the Life Science Zurich Graduate School! Doing your PhD at the LSZ Graduate School of the ETH and the University of Zurich means that you will belong to a large and ambitious life science research community. You will receive a comprehensive and challenging education that will allow you to take further ...

  11. 207 PhD programmes in Switzerland

    Swiss-French Dual Degree Doctor of Business Administration (Online) D.B.A. / Part-time / Online. 6,000 EUR / year. 2 years. Swiss School Of Business and Management Online. View Programme Information. Featured. Add to compare.

  12. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

    Research scholarships. The research scholarship (research fellowship, PhD, Postdoc) is available to post-graduate researchers in any discipline (who hold a master's degree is the minimum qualification required) who are planning to come to Switzerland to pursue research or further studies at doctoral or post-doctoral level.Research scholarships are awarded for research or study at all Swiss ...

  13. Application deadlines for a Doctorate programme for candidates ...

    If the application has been sent after 30 November 2024 or the PhD form has been submitted to the Admissions Office after 28 February 2025, the registration will be postponed to the next semester (or, in case the late application is accepted, the prospective student will have to pay a surcharge of CHF 200.-).

  14. How to Apply for a PhD at Swiss TPH

    Unsolicited Applications. 1. Find a supervisor: If you are interested in becoming a PhD student at Swiss TPH, please note that finding a supervisor is the most important step for prospective candidates. Swiss TPH does not offer fellowships to PhD students, rather PhD students are funded through projects led by potential supervisors.

  15. PhD in Switzerland

    Applying for a PhD in Switzerland. PhD opportunities in Switzerland can be found by searching for advertised projects and programmes or by browsing information on university websites. In most cases, a master's degree in a relevant subject is a prerequisite for applying. Other requirements depend on the type of PhD being applied for.

  16. Student Visas for PhD in Switzerland

    A declaration that you will leave Switzerland at the end of your PhD (unless applying for a separate post-study work visa) You should begin your application for PhD study as soon as possible. The visa application process can take eight weeks or more and you will need to provide a large amount of information. The cost of a Swiss student visa is ...

  17. PhD in Switzerland: the complete guide for international students

    PhD fees. The cost to study a PhD in Switzerland is paid either for the entirety of the program or per term as it applies at some universities. Typically, Swiss universities are free to set up their own fees. Some may cost as low as €182 while some will cost more than €6,000 for the entirety of the course.

  18. Best PhD Programs in Switzerland

    International Law, Ph.D., University of Geneva Source: Université de Genève on Facebook. While this international law program at the University of Geneva— which is one of Switzerland's best law schools—offers an intellectually stimulating environment. It also requires students to have the ability to go on with independent research and have a strong commitment to the field.

  19. How to apply for PhD in Switzerland? ETH Zurich

    The application process is explained step b... #studyinswitzerland #scholarship In this video, you will learn how to apply for PhD at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

  20. PhD In Switzerland

    Switzerland is a world-renowned destination for higher education, known for its high-quality research and excellent universities. A PhD program in Switzerlan...

  21. Top Universities for PhD Study in Switzerland

    University of St Gallen. 351-400. =436. -. University of Fribourg. 401-500. =563. 501-600. Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities.

  22. The Ultimate Guide to Scholarships in Switzerland [Updated 2022]

    Source: The Graduate Institut Geneva. Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships for international post-graduate researchers in any discipline. This is done to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and 180 other countries.

  23. 59 PhD jobs in Switzerland

    International Fully Funded PhD Positions in the Life Sciences in Switzerland. *New application deadlines for two open calls per year: November 1 and May 1!Life Science Zurich Graduate School offers more than 100 funded PhD positions. With around 500 research groups and more than 1600 Ph.D. students, the Life Science Zurich ...