In this article, we will talk about how you’ll apply for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026. It is a fully funded 2-year fellowship at ETH Zurich for young researchers. There are no fees, no age limit, and salary and research costs are covered by ETH Zürich. It is open to those who are finishing or have recently completed their PhD.
In order to apply, you will need a professor at ETH Zurich who supports you and acts as your mentor during the time of the fellowship. Each professor can only support one candidate per application round, so bear in mind that it is essential to contact the one whose research field is in accordance with your interests. Furthermore, you will have to create your own project idea and also write the proposal on your own. ETH recommends that new researchers should be at the forefront and act independently, thus unique and creative thoughts are highly valued.
The amount of wages decided by ETH Zurich’s pay scale will be the salary of successful fellows, and they will also get a contribution of CHF 10,000 per annum for research-related expenditures. You will be entitled to the best research facilities, labs, and a powerful academic network. This is a great opportunity for your career development, learning from the best in the field, and possibly becoming a long-term academic staff member after the fellowship.
Applicants from all academic backgrounds are eligible to place their applications, on the condition that they have not been students or employees at ETH Zurich for more than six months immediately before the submission of their application. As it is a highly competitive program, be sure to construct a convincing and clear proposal if you want to be in. But if you have a convincing idea and are highly motivated, it should be tried for sure.
Are you ready to apply for the Fully Funded ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 in Switzerland? Follow the steps below👇.
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Table of Contents
Host Country:
- Switzerland
Host University:
- ETH Zürich
Fellowship Duration:
- 2 years
Fellowship Areas:
- The ETH Zürich Fellowship is open to all academic fields.
Benefits of the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025:
- Monthly salary (100%, paid according to ETH Zurich standards)
- You’ll be given CHF 10,000 per year to cover your research expenses
- Travel and mobility allowance so you can attend events, visit labs, or just get around
- A chance to work with top researchers and professors from around the world
- Access to cutting-edge labs and equipment
- Chance to live in Switzerland and experience life in the heart of Europe
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Eligibility Criteria for ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025:
- You need to have a PhD that you got in the last 2 years.
Or, you’re about to finish, as long as you defend your thesis within 6 months after the deadline. If that’s the case, you’ll need a letter from your advisor confirming the plan. - You can’t have done your PhD at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
Also, if you’ve worked or studied at either place for more than 6 months, you’re not eligible. - You shouldn’t have lived, worked, or studied in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
- You must have at least one paper published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Documents Required for the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025:
- Research Project Description
- Your CV (with publications)
- Career Goals (short outline)
- Cover Letter (max 1 page)
- Invitation Letter from Host Professor
- Short CV of Host Professor
- Copy of Your Passport
- If the PhD has not been done yet: Letter from advisor with planned defence date
- Two Reference Letters (sent directly by the referee)
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How to Apply for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025:
- Apply online using ETH Zurich’s grant system (eResearch).
- All files must be in PDF format.
- You and your host professor must apply together.
- Your host must be a professor at ETH Zurich and can only support one applicant per round.
- Use the official project description template (available on the website).
- You should come up with the project idea and write the application yourself, showing your independence.
- There should be no major past collaboration between you and your host professor.
- Reference letters must be submitted at least 10 days before the deadline.
- Please review the full guidelines on the official site before you begin.
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Deadline for the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025:
- September 1, 2025
Some Commonly Asked Questions:
What are the key benefits of the fellowship?
The fellowship includes a full salary of around CHF 89,000+, CHF 10,000 per year for research expenses, mobility allowance, and access to ETH Zurich’s labs and academic network.
Who can apply for this postdoc fellowship?
You must have completed your PhD in the last 2 years or plan to defend it within 6 months. You must not have been at ETH Zurich or University of Zurich for more than 6 months, and not have lived in Switzerland for over 12 months in the last 3 years.
How do I apply for the ETH Zurich Fellowship 2026?
You must apply online via ETH Zurich’s eResearch system with the support of an ETH professor. A research proposal, CV, references, and supporting documents are required.
What is the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
It is a fully funded 2-year fellowship at ETH Zurich for early-career researchers, covering salary, research expenses, and offering access to top research facilities in Switzerland.
