Swiss researchers can now apply for the Research Partnership Grant 2025, which supports new and existing collaborations with partners in South Asia. The grant, worth up to CHF 35,000, helps teams collect preliminary data and develop long-term research partnerships.

Eligible applicants include Swiss-based PhD researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty with at least a 40% appointment at a recognized Swiss institution. They must team up with a qualified partner from an eligible South Asian country, with both parties bringing strong academic expertise and relevant research experience.

The Swiss Leading House South Asia, managed by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), promotes and facilitates research and innovation cooperation between Switzerland and nine countries in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Iran. It provides funding for collaborative projects, interdisciplinary research, and academia-industry training, aiming to address challenges such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development by connecting Swiss researchers with South Asian partners in diverse fields.

Application Deadline: November 21, 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Swiss Leading House South Asia (Mandated by the Swiss Federal Government)
• Department: NA
• Course Level: Research Grant (for PhD students, postdocs, professors, and researchers)
• Award: Maximum CHF 35,000
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: NA
• Nationality: Swiss-based researchers (main applicants)
• The award can be taken in: Switzerland and eligible South Asian partner countries

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries (Partner Countries): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship supports projects in any scientific discipline offered or conducted under the applicant’s Swiss research institution.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • The main applicant must be a Swiss-based scientist affiliated with a Swiss university, university of applied sciences, university of teacher education, or public research institute.
  • Must hold at least a 40% employment position, either permanent or valid for at least six months after project completion.
  • Must have a minimum of three years of research or practical experience in a relevant field.
  • The project must involve collaboration with at least one eligible partner from South Asia.
  • The partner researcher must be affiliated with an accredited university or public research institute and hold a faculty/scientist position with several years of experience.
  • Projects will be evaluated on relevance, complementarity, feasibility, engagement, dissemination potential, and continuity.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the Good Grants platform. All required documents, including the call document and budget table, must be uploaded as instructed. The call is open until November 21, 2025, and selected applicants will be notified by late January to mid-February 2026.

Benefits

• Grant amount of up to CHF 35,000
• Supports project activities for up to 12 months
• Enables interdisciplinary and international research collaboration
• Helps teams collect preliminary data for future large-scale proposals
• Strengthens long-term Swiss–South Asia research partnerships.

Apply Now