Looking for a fully funded international fellowship in cyber-defence and data science? The EPFL CYD Fellowships 2025-26 in Switzerland offer an unparalleled opportunity for master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers.
The EPFL CYD Fellowships, a joint initiative by EPFL and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, support outstanding researchers in cyber-defence through Master Thesis, Doctoral, and Distinguished Postdoctoral fellowships. Aimed at addressing critical challenges in security and data science, the program promotes both basic and applied research.
The EPFL CYD Fellowships program is hosted by top Swiss institutions: École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CYD Fellows are hosted at Swiss universities and conduct research at the CYD Campus in Lausanne, Zurich, or Thun.
Application Deadlines:
- Master Thesis Fellowships: Year-round (apply any time)
- Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- Current Call: 4 June 2025 – 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST)
- Next Call: Opens 3 December 2025
University/Institution Details
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- Location: Lausanne, Switzerland (on the shores of Lake Geneva)
- Rankings: #26 in QS World University Rankings
- Campus: 65 buildings, 136 acres, vibrant student life with clubs, arts, sports, and media
- Research Facilities: Nuclear and fusion reactors, supercomputers, P3 bio-hazard labs
- Student Body: Over 10,000 students from 112 nationalities
ETH Zurich
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- Rankings: Top global university for science and technology
CYD Campus
- Location: Thun, Switzerland
- Role: Cyber-competence center for research and innovation in cyber-defence
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The EPFL CYD Fellowships support research in:
- Cyber-Defence
- Data Science
- Security and Privacy Technologies
- AI and Machine Learning for Cyber-Defence
- Digital Trust Technologies
Available fellowships:
- Master Thesis Fellowships
- Doctoral Fellowships
- Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships
EPFL CYD Fellowships Benefits
- Master Thesis Fellowships:
- Living Allowance: CHF 2,500 per month (about USD 2,750) for up to 6 months
- Research Costs: Up to CHF 1,500 for project-specific equipment
- Doctoral Fellowships:
- Salary: According to host institution’s scale (typically competitive)
- Research Costs: Up to CHF 3,000 per year
- Conference Costs: Up to CHF 5,000 per year
- Duration: 4 years (with possible 1-year extension)
- Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- Salary: According to host institution’s scale
- Research and Conference Costs: Covered
- Duration: Up to 2 years
Benefits Not Included
- General IT equipment (unless specified for the project)
- Travel costs not related to research or conferences
- Personal expenses beyond living allowance
Eligibility Criteria for EPFL CYD Fellowships
Master Thesis Fellowships:
- pen to all nationalities
- No age limit
- Must be enrolled in a Master’s program in Switzerland
- Must have endorsement from a professor in Switzerland
Doctoral Fellowships:
- Open to all nationalities
- No age limit
- Must be enrolled (or enrolling) in a PhD program in Switzerland
- Must have endorsement from a Swiss professor
- Preferably early in PhD studies or not yet started
Required Documents for the Application
Master Thesis Fellowships:
Application – Stage 1 Requirements:
- Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- CV (with publications, using the provided template)
- Diplomas and grade transcripts (+ official translation if not in EN/FR/DE/IT)
- 2 recommendation letters
- Selection of a thesis topic (from list or propose your own)
- Project proposal (only if proposing your own topic, max 2 pages)
Application – Stage 2 Requirements:
- Project plan (max 2 pages)
- Budget (template provided)
- Host institution endorsement letter
- Ethical issues form
Doctoral Fellowships:
Application – Stage 1 Requirements:
- Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- Research pre-proposal (max 1 page for PhD, using template)
- CV (with publications, using template)
- Diplomas and transcripts (Bachelor, Master, and PhD if applicable)
- 2 recommendation letters (one must not be from host professor)
Application – Stage 2 Requirements:
- Full research proposal (max 5 pages)
- Host institution endorsement letter
- Salary scale confirmation (with HR stamp if not public)
- Budget (template provided)
- Ethical issues form
EPFL CYD Fellowships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Review the Application Toolkit: Download and read the guidelines for your chosen fellowship.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather your CV, transcripts, motivation letter, research proposal (if required), and secure a professor’s endorsement.
- Submit Online: Use the official application portal to upload your documents.
- Stage 1 Evaluation: Your application is reviewed by the CYD Campus committee.
- Interview and Mentor Endorsement: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a prospective mentor.
- Stage 2 (for Doctoral/Postdoctoral): Submit a full research proposal by the deadline.
- Final Decision: The selection committee announces results by the end of November.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight your academic excellence and relevant experience.
- Tailor your research proposal to cyber-defence and data science challenges.
- Secure a strong endorsement from a professor.
- Submit all documents in English and well before the deadline.
- Show how your work can impact Swiss and global cyber-defence.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
- Accommodation: $800–$1,500
- Food: $500–$700
- Transportation: $70–$120
- Health Insurance: $100–$250
- Miscellaneous: $200–$400
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $1,670–$2,970
Note: The living allowance for Master Thesis Fellowships covers most of these costs.
Why Choose This Fellowship?
- Fully Funded: Covers living expenses, research, and conference costs.
- World-Class Research Environment: Access to EPFL, ETH Zurich, and CYD Campus facilities.
- International Exposure: Collaborate with researchers from over 100 nationalities.
- No Application Fee: Open to all nationalities and ages.
- Career Advancement: Gain expertise in cutting-edge cyber-defence and data science.
Frequently Asked Questions: EPFL CYD Fellowships 2025-26
1. Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee.
2. Can I apply if I am not Swiss?
Yes, the fellowship is open to all nationalities.
3. What is the selection process?
It is a two-stage process: initial review and, if shortlisted, interview and full proposal submission.
4. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Master Thesis: up to 6 months; Doctoral: up to 4 years (with extension); Postdoctoral: up to 2 years.
5. Do I need to be enrolled in a Swiss university?
For Master and Doctoral Fellowships, yes. For Postdoctoral, you must have a PhD and a professor’s endorsement.
Conclusion
The EPFL CYD Fellowships 2025-26 in Switzerland are a golden opportunity for ambitious researchers in cyber-defence and data science. With generous funding, world-class facilities, and a global community, this program is ideal for those seeking to advance their careers and make a real impact in digital security.
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