To provide a funding source to international students undertaking their higher studies in Switzerland , EPFL has organized the CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships for the academic year 2025-2026.

To be eligible for this award, applicants of any nationality are eligible. They must have a doctoral degree (or be close to completion), secure endorsement from a professor at a Swiss institution, and carry out their research in a different lab from their previous or current doctoral/postdoctoral work. There are no age restrictions.

EPFL is one of Europe’s leading science and technology universities, located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Known for cutting-edge research, innovation, and international collaboration, EPFL offers a wide range of programs in engineering, natural sciences, computer science, and life sciences. It attracts top talent from around the world and is home to advanced laboratories and research centers, including the Cyber-Defence Campus.

Brief Description

• University or Organization: EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) / Cyber-Defence Campus

• Department: Research Service

• Course Level: Postdoctoral

• Award: Salary contribution, research and conference costs

• Access Mode: Online

• Number of Awards: NA

• Nationality: Domestic and international

• The award can be taken in: Switzerland

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible.

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship supports research in cyber defence, particularly in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, and privacy technologies.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree or be in the final stages of completing one.

  • Have an endorsement from a professor at a Swiss institution.

  • Conduct research in a different lab from where they completed their PhD or current postdoctoral work.

  • Have no age restrictions.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted in two stages:

• Stage 1: Submit a preliminary application by 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST).

• Shortlisting & Mentor Interviews: Conducted in September 2025.

• Stage 2: Submit a full proposal by 1 October 2025 (17:00 CEST).
• Final Decision: Announcement expected by end of November 2025.
  Visit the official EPFL CYD Fellowship page for full application instructions and templates.

Benefits

• Salary Contribution: According to the scale of the host institution, including social security benefits.

• Research Costs: Up to CHF 3,000 per year.

• Conference Costs: Up to CHF 5,000 per year.

• Duration: Up to two years.

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