Are you an ambitious early-career researcher seeking a fully funded postdoctoral experience at one of the world’s top universities? The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025/26 in Switzerland is a golden opportunity for international scholars to launch their independent research careers, collaborate with world-class scientists, and enjoy the vibrant culture of Zurich. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship: eligibility, benefits, application process, and expert tips to maximize your chances of success.
Basic Information About the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025/26
- Host Institution: ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- Duration: 2 years (non-extendable)
- Application Deadlines: March 1, 2025, and September 1, 2025, 17:00 Swiss local time
- Type: Fully funded postdoctoral fellowship
- Target Group: Early-career researchers from all nationalities (except ETH Zurich/University of Zurich PhD holders)
- Application Fee: None
University/Institution Details
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities globally for science, engineering, and technology. It is renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovation, and a diverse international community. ETH Zurich’s world-class facilities and collaborative culture make it an ideal environment for postdoctoral researchers to thrive.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship is open to all research fields offered at ETH Zurich. Whether your background is in natural sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, architecture, social sciences, or interdisciplinary research, you are eligible to apply if your project aligns with an ETH Zurich professor’s expertise.
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Scholarship Benefits
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of the most generous and prestigious postdoc awards in Europe. Key benefits include:
- Competitive Salary:
- Research Funding: CHF 10,000 (about $11,200 USD) per year for research expenses, travel, and mobility allowances.
- Travel Allowance: Funding for research-related travel and mobility.
- Mentorship: Supervision and support from a leading ETH Zurich professor.
- Professional Development: Access to state-of-the-art labs, international conferences, and networking opportunities with global experts.
- Career Advancement: Nearly 40-50% of past fellows secure professorships after the program.
- Cultural Experience: Live and work in Zurich, a global hub for science, culture, and quality of life.
Benefits Not Included
While the fellowship is comprehensive, some costs are not covered:
- Visa application fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses outside research/travel
- Accommodation search and arrangements (though salary is sufficient to cover living costs)
- Family/spousal support (the fellowship is for the fellow only)
Eligibility Criteria for the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship
To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Must hold a PhD or be within 6 months of completing it at the submission deadline.
- If PhD is completed, the defense/exam must have taken place no more than 2 years before the deadline.
- If PhD is pending, a signed confirmation of the planned defense date is required.
- PhD must be completed before the fellowship starts (no later than 6 months after the deadline).
- PhD must not be from ETH Zurich or University of Zurich.
- Must not have lived or worked/studied in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
- Must not have worked/studied at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, ETH research institutes (PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag), or University of Zurich for more than 6 months in the last 3 years.
- Must have at least one peer-reviewed journal publication or a prize for the doctoral thesis.
- ETH Research Commission members may only host one Fellow at a time.
- One candidate per professor per evaluation round.
- Host professor must have a guaranteed ETH position for the full fellowship duration.
- Assistant professors must check eligibility to host with the Grants Office.
- Applications not meeting the criteria will be formally rejected.
Required Documents for the Application
Prepare the following documents (in PDF, no password protection):
- Research project description and candidate’s specific role.
- Candidate’s full CV with clear dates for education and employment.
- Candidate’s 1-page career goals statement.
- Defense date certification (if PhD not completed).
- Invitation letter from host professor confirming excellence.
- Host professor’s short CV (max 2 pages).
- Two external reference letters (sent directly by referees to the Grants Office, with letterhead and signature, 10 days before deadline).
- Joint application by the candidate and ETH professor (mentor).
- All documents must be in English.
Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
1: Find a Mentor
- Identify and contact an ETH Zurich professor whose research aligns with your proposed project.
- Discuss your project idea and secure their agreement to mentor you (each professor can only support one candidate per round).
2: Prepare Your Documents
- Draft your research proposal, motivation letter, and career goals outline.
- Collect your CV, host professor’s CV, and other required documents.
- Request reference letters well in advance (referees must email them directly to the Grants Office).
3: Complete the Application
- Register and log in to the ETH Zurich eResearch grant application system.
- Select the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship call and upload your documents in PDF format.
- Ensure all documents are complete and meet the requirements.
4: Submit Before the Deadline
- Submit your application by March 1 or September 1, 2025, 17:00 Swiss time. If the deadline falls on a weekend, it shifts to the next Monday.
5: Evaluation and Interview
- The ETH Zurich Research Commission reviews applications for scientific merit and independence.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 15-minute online interview within two months of the deadline.
- Final decisions are announced about four months after the deadline.
6: Start Your Fellowship
- Fellowships begin on the first day of a month, no later than eight months after the application deadline. Extensions require approval from the Grants Office.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Contact potential mentors and request reference letters well before the deadline.
- Align Your Proposal: Ensure your research project fits the expertise and ongoing work of your host group.
- Show Independence: Propose your own research ideas and demonstrate academic independence.
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your publication record, awards, and research impact.
- Follow Guidelines: Use the official templates and adhere strictly to all requirements.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure clarity, coherence, and error-free documents.
- Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your project and career goals clearly and confidently.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Zurich (USD)
Zurich is one of Europe’s most vibrant and expensive cities, but the ETH fellowship salary is designed to cover all living costs. Here’s an estimated monthly budget:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Food | $500 – $800 |
| Local Transportation | $90 – $120 |
| Health Insurance | $300 – $400 |
| Miscellaneous | $300 – $500 |
| Total | $2,390 – $3,820 |
The annual salary (over $100,000 USD) is more than sufficient to live comfortably in Zurich and travel for research purposes.
Why Choose the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- World-Class Research Environment: Access to cutting-edge labs, resources, and a vibrant academic community.
- Generous Funding: Fully funded salary and research expenses, allowing you to focus on your work without financial stress.
- Career Advancement: Nearly half of past fellows secure professorships or top research positions soon after their fellowship.
- Mentorship and Networking: Collaborate with leading scientists and build a global professional network.
- Cultural and Personal Growth: Live in Zurich, experience Swiss and European culture, and enjoy an outstanding quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship?
A: Early-career researchers worldwide (except ETH Zurich/University of Zurich PhD holders) who have completed their PhD within two years or will defend within six months of the deadline.
Q: Can I apply if I received my PhD from ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich?
A: No, the fellowship is only open to those who earned their PhD elsewhere.
Q: What if I haven’t defended my PhD yet?
A: You can apply if you will defend within six months of the deadline and provide certification from your advisor or department chair.
Q: Can I apply if I have already worked or studied in Switzerland?
A: You must not have spent more than 12 months in Switzerland or more than six months at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, or University of Zurich in the past three years.
Q: How competitive is the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship?
A: The success rate is approximately 25%, making it highly competitive.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: The fellowship is awarded to the fellow only, but your salary is sufficient to support dependents if you choose to bring them.
Q: When do I start the fellowship?
A: Start dates are flexible but must be within eight months of the application deadline.
Ready to take the next step in your research career?
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025/26 in Switzerland could be your gateway to academic independence and global recognition. Start preparing your application today and join the ranks of outstanding scholars at ETH Zurich!
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