CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 in Switzerland – Fully Funded PhD Opportunity
Are you passionate about cyber-defence, data science, artificial intelligence, or security technologies? The CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 offer an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in Switzerland, one of the world’s leading research and innovation hubs.
About the CYD Fellowship
Funded by the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus and hosted at top Swiss universities, the CYD Doctoral Fellowships are part of a national effort to strengthen Switzerland’s cybersecurity capabilities. Fellows conduct advanced research under the guidance of a Swiss professor while collaborating with CYD researchers on real-world digital security challenges.
Degree Level
-
PhD / Doctoral Programs
(Must be enrolled or planning to enroll at a Swiss university)
Available Research Fields
-
Cyber-Defence
-
Data Science
-
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-
Machine Learning
-
Security Technologies
-
Systems Security
-
Cryptography
-
Computational Sciences
Fellowship Benefits
The CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 offer comprehensive financial support:
-
Full salary (based on the host university’s PhD scale, including social security)
-
CHF 3,000 per year for research-related expenses
-
CHF 5,000 per year for international conference participation
-
Access to cutting-edge cybersecurity research facilities
-
Collaboration with government and academic experts in Switzerland
-
Prestigious career-boosting credentials in the field of cyber-defence
Eligible Nationalities
-
Open to all international and domestic applicants
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the CYD Doctoral Fellowship, applicants must:
-
Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD program at a Swiss university
-
Obtain support from a Swiss professor who will act as the doctoral supervisor
-
Be in the early stages of their PhD (preferred)
-
Submit a high-quality research proposal aligned with CYD’s mission
-
No age restrictions apply
Application Timeline
Stage 1 – Preliminary Application
-
Deadline: 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST)
-
Submit CV, motivation letter, and project summary
Shortlisting & Interviews
-
Timeline: September 2025
-
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for online interviews with CYD mentors
Stage 2 – Full Proposal
-
Deadline: 1 October 2025 (17:00 CEST)
-
Submit a detailed proposal, budget, and letters of endorsement from host professor and university
Final Results
-
Announcement: End of November 2025
How to Apply
-
Visit the CYD Fellowship website for official guidelines
-
Prepare and submit your Stage 1 documents before 20 August 2025
-
If shortlisted, submit your Stage 2 proposal before 1 October 2025
-
Ensure your Swiss host professor provides official endorsement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the CYD Fellowship?
Anyone with a strong academic background who is (or will be) enrolled in a Swiss PhD program with support from a local professor.
Q2: Can I apply if I’ve already started my PhD?
Yes, but early-stage PhD applicants are prioritized.
Q3: What does the fellowship cover?
It includes a full salary, CHF 3,000/year for research, and CHF 5,000/year for conferences.
Q4: Do I need admission before applying?
You need endorsement from a Swiss professor who confirms supervision of your PhD.
Q5: How competitive is the fellowship?
Highly competitive—strong proposals with institutional backing stand out.
Final Thoughts
The CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 represent a rare opportunity to study in Switzerland with full funding, professional mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. If you are dedicated to advancing research in cybersecurity, AI, or data science, this program offers the support and prestige to launch your career.
Apply now and become part of Switzerland’s next generation of cyber-defence leaders.
