EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland

EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland | Fully Funded Cyber-Defence Research Fellowship

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Looking for a funded research opportunity in Switzerland? Applications are now open for the EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027, a fully funded fellowship program for international researchers interested in cyber-defence, cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, and data science. The fellowship is jointly offered by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus in Switzerland.

The EPFL CYD Fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities. It offers funding for Master’s thesis, Doctoral (PhD), and Distinguished Postdoctoral fellowships. Selected fellows will conduct research at a Swiss higher education institution while collaborating with the CYD Campus, which operates at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and its office in Thun. The fellowship supports innovative research that addresses real-world cybersecurity challenges and strengthens Switzerland’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

The program covers salaries or living allowances, research funding, conference expenses, and other eligible academic costs, depending on the fellowship category. There is no nationality restriction, and there is no age limit for applicants. Candidates with an excellent academic record and strong research potential are encouraged to apply.

EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027 Summary

  • Host Country: Switzerland
  • Host Institutions: EPFL, CYD Campus, and Swiss higher education institutions
  • Funded By: EPFL and CYD Campus
  • Fellowship Types: Master’s Thesis, Doctoral (PhD), Distinguished Postdoctoral
  • Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
  • Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
  • Application Deadline: 19 August 2026 (Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships)

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Financial Benefits

The EPFL CYD Fellowship offers different funding packages depending on the fellowship category.

Master’s Thesis Fellowship

  • Living allowance for six months
  • Research funding

Doctoral Fellowship

  • Salary for four years
  • Possible one-year extension
  • Research funding
  • Conference funding

Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

  • Salary for up to two years
  • Research funding
  • Conference funding

For postdoctoral fellows, the program also provides up to CHF 3,000 per year for eligible research expenses and up to CHF 5,000 per year for conference participation.

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Fellowship Fields

The fellowship supports research in cyber-defence and related technologies, including:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyber-defence
  • Cyber-physical systems
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Privacy and Digital Trust
  • Information Sharing
  • Data Fusion
  • Network Security
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection
  • Emerging Cyber Technologies

Applicants should ensure that their research proposal aligns with the priority research themes outlined in the official call.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027, applicants must:

  • Be citizens of any country.
  • Have an outstanding academic record.
  • Demonstrate excellent research potential.
  • Meet the academic requirements for the selected fellowship category.
  • Secure hosting by a Swiss higher education institution.
  • Submit all required application documents in English.
  • Propose research related to cyber-defence, cybersecurity, privacy, AI, or data science.

The fellowship is highly competitive, and academic excellence is one of the primary selection criteria.

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Required Documents

Applicants generally need to prepare:

  • Completed online application
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificates
  • Research proposal or pre-proposal
  • Motivation letter
  • Letters of recommendation
  • English-language supporting documents
  • Additional documents required under the official application guidelines

Applicants should carefully review the official application toolkit before submitting their application.

Selection Process

The Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships follow a two-stage evaluation process.

During Stage 1, an internal CYD Campus committee evaluates applicants based on their academic profile, research experience, and the relevance of their proposed research.

Shortlisted candidates are matched with a prospective CYD Campus mentor. After the mentor interview, successful applicants are invited to submit a full research proposal in Stage 2.

Final fellowship decisions are expected after the second-stage evaluation.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships is 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST)

Applications for the Master’s Thesis Fellowship are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.

How to Apply for the EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027?

Applicants must submit their applications through the official EPFL online application platform. Before applying, carefully read the application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application toolkit to prepare all required documents. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered for evaluation.

Conclusion

The EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for talented researchers who want to contribute to the future of cybersecurity and cyber-defence. With comprehensive financial support, access to leading Swiss research institutions, and collaboration with experts at the CYD Campus, the fellowship provides an ideal environment for advanced research in one of today’s fastest-growing scientific fields. International students and researchers with strong academic backgrounds are encouraged to prepare their applications before the deadline.


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