PhD in Switzerland – Your Complete Guide
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, Life Sciences, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland is affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. Also, Switzerland has some of the world’s most renowned universities, with a history of higher education dating back to the fifteenth century. It is estimated that around 50% of PhD students in Switzerland are international students. Swiss universities are generously funded, globally renowned, and have excellent research opportunities for international students. Also, The Swiss National Science Foundation provides great support for postdoc and early career researchers who want to research in Switzerland after a PhD. If you’re planning to PhD in Switzerland, you should read this blog until the end.
PhD Degree Structure in Switzerland
PhD is the highest qualification degree you can achieve in Switzerland and represents a significant achievement. As in other countries, the Swiss doctorate is a research-based qualification, involving independent work towards an original thesis. There are two typical routes towards a Swiss PhD:
Traditional or general PhDs take place within a single university under the guidance of one or more of its academic experts. You’ll spend most of your time working on your doctoral thesis, though opportunities for additional training and development may also be offered.
Structured PhDs are a more recent development. They involve more formal training as part of the PhD programme and often involve collaboration between different institutions (including partnerships of different institutional types, such as cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences).
PhD Supervision in Switzerland
At least one academic supervisor is appointed during your PhD. This may be the principal investigator for the laboratory or research group you work within, or an experienced academic with expertise in your general field. The supervisor will act as a mentor for your project and will work with you to guide and support your research.
Some Swiss PhD programmes involve second or multiple supervisors. This is especially likely if you are enrolled in a structured PhD, within input from more than one institution. Each supervisor will normally have a specific role to play in your project, sometimes focussing on particular topic areas or on providing overall mentoring and pastoral support at your university.
Length of PhD in Switzerland
A PhD in Switzerland generally lasts for three to five years. The academic year in Switzerland runs from September to May and is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and February to May/June). There isn’t usually a deadline for Swiss PhD applications. However, international students from outside the EU / EEA should apply as early as possible in order to leave time for their visa to be processed.
Cost of PhD in Switzerland
All students in Switzerland pay fees, including EU, EEA and international students. These are typically between CHF 1000 to CHF 2000 for a full PhD. These low fees are possible due to generous government support. Sometimes, Swiss universities advertise their PhD programs as paid assistant jobs. This way, you don’t have to pay your tuition fee, and you get paid for the job you’re doing (that is doctoral research).
Scholarships/ Funding for PhD in Switzerland
The main source of funding for international PhD students in Switzerland is the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). They award annual Government Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s degree. They normally cover fees and costs of living.
Students from over 180 different countries are eligible to apply and selection is based on the candidate’s academic qualifications and achievements as well as the merits of their proposed PhD work. If your application is successful, the scholarship will normally cover your fees and living costs. The average PhD student salary in Switzerland is around CHF 50,000 per year. However, if not fully employed, the pay will be accordingly less.
Entry Requirements for PhD in Switzerland
You need a Master’s degree in a relevant subject and this is the main academic requirement for admission to doctoral research. Other requirements will depend on the type of PhD you are applying for:
If you are responding to an advertised project or position you will need to put together a personal statement or cover letter, along with an appropriate academic cv and references. Your university should provide further information and guidance for this.
If you are coming up with your own PhD topic you should normally submit a research proposal outlining the scope of your project, its objectives, methodology and outcomes. Supporting material such as academic references may also be required.
Applications to join structured PhD programmes may not require an initial research proposal as students will often develop their project during the first year of the doctorate.
Post-Study Work Visa in Switzerland
After PhD, international students can obtain a residency permit for six months in order to look for a job in Switzerland that is consistent with their qualifications. Once you find work you may become eligible for a longer-term or permanent residence permit.
Family visa norms in Switzerland
PhD students, visiting professors, post-doctorates can bring their family to Switzerland with them.
Can I work in Switzerland part-time during my studies?
Most PhD students in Switzerland are employed by their universities, and therefore there may not be much scope for additional work. Nonetheless, in some cases, you may wish to undertake additional employment.
International students can take up part-time work for up to 15 hours a week during the semester and they can work full-time during holidays. But there’s a catch for non-EU/EFTA students: they can only begin working 6 months after the start of their studies. For non-EU/EFTA students, the hiring company/employer needs to apply for a work permit.
How can “Road to Abroad” help you?
We provide the best PhD Assistance across the globe. We provide the right guidance and support needed to complete the tedious and time-consuming PhD admission process. Our flawless track record and very high success rate have fulfilled the dreams of many students who aspire to gain a doctoral degree. We will help you secure a fully-funded PhD position and help you in all the steps from application to immigration. For more information, visit our PhD Consultation Page.
Latest PhD Positions
Multiple PhD & Postdoc Positions at Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Postdoctoral researcher in cardiometabolic epidemiology of aging.
1-2 Doctoral position in cancer epidemiology.
1-2 doctoral students in computational pathology and medical artificial intelligence.
Postdoctoral studies in Vascular biology and Neuroscience (scholarship).
Postdoctoral Researcher in Single-Cell Genomics and Dosage Compensation at KI.
And more.....
Link in bio.
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinsweden #studyinsweden
Multiple PhD & Postdoc Positions at Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Postdoctoral researcher in cardiometabolic epidemiology of aging.
1-2 Doctoral position in cancer epidemiology.
1-2 doctoral students in computational pathology and medical artificial intelligence.
Postdoctoral studies in Vascular biology and Neuroscience (scholarship).
Postdoctoral Researcher in Single-Cell Genomics and Dosage Compensation at KI.
And more.....
Link in bio.
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinsweden #studyinsweden
New PhD & Postdoc Positions at Luxembourg University, Europe.
Pursuing a PhD in Luxembourg offers numerous advantages, including access to world-class research facilities and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Luxembourg is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Luxembourg, which provides a highly international environment and generous funding opportunities for research projects. The country`s strategic location in the heart of Europe allows for networking with leading European research centers and industries. Additionally, Luxembourg offers a high standard of living, a diverse and multilingual culture, and a supportive ecosystem for innovation, making it an ideal destination for doctoral studies
Deadline - variable
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Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phinbelgium #belgium #belgiumstudy #studyinbelgium #biophysical #biophysicalmodeling #luxembourg #luxembourg🇱🇺 #studyinluxembourg
New PhD & Postdoc Positions at Luxembourg University, Europe.
Pursuing a PhD in Luxembourg offers numerous advantages, including access to world-class research facilities and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Luxembourg is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Luxembourg, which provides a highly international environment and generous funding opportunities for research projects. The country`s strategic location in the heart of Europe allows for networking with leading European research centers and industries. Additionally, Luxembourg offers a high standard of living, a diverse and multilingual culture, and a supportive ecosystem for innovation, making it an ideal destination for doctoral studies
Deadline - variable
Link in bio.
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phinbelgium #belgium #belgiumstudy #studyinbelgium #biophysical #biophysicalmodeling #luxembourg #luxembourg🇱🇺 #studyinluxembourg
The NordForsk-funded NORPOD program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to nurture the next generation of scientists whilst promoting research collaborations in molecular medicine across the Nordics and beyond for human health. The four Nordic EMBL nodes work in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and its sites throughout Europe thus, encouraging competence building and engagement with its research networks.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinfinland #phdinnorway #studyinnorway #studyinfinland #studyinsweden
The NordForsk-funded NORPOD program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to nurture the next generation of scientists whilst promoting research collaborations in molecular medicine across the Nordics and beyond for human health. The four Nordic EMBL nodes work in partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and its sites throughout Europe thus, encouraging competence building and engagement with its research networks.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinfinland #phdinnorway #studyinnorway #studyinfinland #studyinsweden
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and laughter, and may the coming year bring you happiness and success!
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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and laughter, and may the coming year bring you happiness and success!
#christmastime #christmascelebration #christmaswishes
New PhD Positions at Ghent University, Belgium.
Within the framework of an ERC Consolidator Grant (PASTIME project), they are seeking a motivated PhD students in biophysical modeling. The students will perform theoretical and computational research using simulations at the molecular scale.
The student will be embedded in the Biophysical Models for Medical Applications (BioMMedA, https://biommeda.ugent.be) research group, which creates a motivating environment to perform research. BioMMedA is part of the Institute of Biomedical Technology (IBiTech), which is a hub of biophysicists and engineers working on biomedical research questions.
The PhD student will work towards a doctoral degree through the doctoral schools program of Ghent University under the supervision of Prof. An Ghysels.
Deadline - 15 Jan 2025
Link in bio.
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phinbelgium #belgium #belgiumstudy #studyinbelgium #biophysical #biophysicalmodeling
New PhD Positions at Ghent University, Belgium.
Within the framework of an ERC Consolidator Grant (PASTIME project), they are seeking a motivated PhD students in biophysical modeling. The students will perform theoretical and computational research using simulations at the molecular scale.
The student will be embedded in the Biophysical Models for Medical Applications (BioMMedA, https://biommeda.ugent.be) research group, which creates a motivating environment to perform research. BioMMedA is part of the Institute of Biomedical Technology (IBiTech), which is a hub of biophysicists and engineers working on biomedical research questions.
The PhD student will work towards a doctoral degree through the doctoral schools program of Ghent University under the supervision of Prof. An Ghysels.
Deadline - 15 Jan 2025
Link in bio.
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phinbelgium #belgium #belgiumstudy #studyinbelgium #biophysical #biophysicalmodeling
New PhD Positions at UCAM-SENS in Spain.
The UCAM-SENS is a scientific unit that strives for the true digital transformation of key domains such as Health, Sport, Food and the Environment by using advanced (bio)chemical sensing based on electrochemistry and imaging principles. The UCAM-SENS is led by two well-recognized worldwide investigators, Prof. Maria Cuartero (ERC Fellow) and Prof. Gaston Crespo, who after an extensive academic career in Switzerland and Sweden of ten years, set this unique research and educational environment at the UCAM.
Deadline for submission of your application - as soon as possible.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phinspain #studyinspain #studyinspain🇪🇸 #chemistry #phdinchemistry #materialscience #materialscienceandengineering
New PhD Positions at UCAM-SENS in Spain.
The UCAM-SENS is a scientific unit that strives for the true digital transformation of key domains such as Health, Sport, Food and the Environment by using advanced (bio)chemical sensing based on electrochemistry and imaging principles. The UCAM-SENS is led by two well-recognized worldwide investigators, Prof. Maria Cuartero (ERC Fellow) and Prof. Gaston Crespo, who after an extensive academic career in Switzerland and Sweden of ten years, set this unique research and educational environment at the UCAM.
Deadline for submission of your application - as soon as possible.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phinspain #studyinspain #studyinspain🇪🇸 #chemistry #phdinchemistry #materialscience #materialscienceandengineering
Laboratory of RNA Biology IBB PAS seeks a highly motivated PhD Student candidate who would like to join a mitochondrial research group working under the supervision of Dr Roman Szczesny.
Project Title: Identification and functional analysis of human mitochondrial RNA quality
factors.
Deadline for submission of your application is 14TH Jan 2025.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinphysics #physicsphd #phdinpoland #studyinpoland
Laboratory of RNA Biology IBB PAS seeks a highly motivated PhD Student candidate who would like to join a mitochondrial research group working under the supervision of Dr Roman Szczesny.
Project Title: Identification and functional analysis of human mitochondrial RNA quality
factors.
Deadline for submission of your application is 14TH Jan 2025.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinphysics #physicsphd #phdinpoland #studyinpoland
Are you interested in becoming a doctoral researcher in the field of condensed matter science? The International Max Planck Research School for Condensed Matter Science (IMPRS-CMS) in Stuttgart, Germany, currently has an open call for multiple fully funded doctoral researcher (m/f/d) positions.
Deadline for submission of your application is 28th February 2025.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinphysics #physicsphd
Are you interested in becoming a doctoral researcher in the field of condensed matter science? The International Max Planck Research School for Condensed Matter Science (IMPRS-CMS) in Stuttgart, Germany, currently has an open call for multiple fully funded doctoral researcher (m/f/d) positions.
Deadline for submission of your application is 28th February 2025.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship #phdinphysics #physicsphd
The AMBER postdoc programme has been assembled for the exploitation and development of large-scale European infrastructures to address key needs for biological imaging over length scales from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation.
It brings together a wide range of competence including clinical practitioners, biological and biomedical scientists, physical scientists, and facility / infrastructure scientists.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
The AMBER postdoc programme has been assembled for the exploitation and development of large-scale European infrastructures to address key needs for biological imaging over length scales from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation.
It brings together a wide range of competence including clinical practitioners, biological and biomedical scientists, physical scientists, and facility / infrastructure scientists.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
Every year EUR MINT (Mathematics and Interactions in Toulouse) offers several Master and PhD fellowships in Mathematics.
The MINT Master and PhD program is strongly research-oriented and designed to follow students for up to 5 years leading all the way to the completion of his/her thesis. In addition to standard courses in Toulouse, MINT promotes summer schools and series of lectures named “Masterclasses”, all revolving around research topics of current interest.
The MINT fellowships provide competitive funding as well as a number of complements including travel expenses to Toulouse, tuition and university fees, as well as financial support to attend conferences and schools either in France or abroad.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the PhD Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
Every year EUR MINT (Mathematics and Interactions in Toulouse) offers several Master and PhD fellowships in Mathematics.
The MINT Master and PhD program is strongly research-oriented and designed to follow students for up to 5 years leading all the way to the completion of his/her thesis. In addition to standard courses in Toulouse, MINT promotes summer schools and series of lectures named “Masterclasses”, all revolving around research topics of current interest.
The MINT fellowships provide competitive funding as well as a number of complements including travel expenses to Toulouse, tuition and university fees, as well as financial support to attend conferences and schools either in France or abroad.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the PhD Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
Ludwig Bolzmann Institute in Vienna is seeking curious and motivated individuals that are eager to look beyond their background in one of the following fields: biology, medicine, physics, mathematics, informatics, computing, software engineering, AI, digital arts.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the PhD Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
Ludwig Bolzmann Institute in Vienna is seeking curious and motivated individuals that are eager to look beyond their background in one of the following fields: biology, medicine, physics, mathematics, informatics, computing, software engineering, AI, digital arts.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the PhD Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
HITEC (Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training in Energy and Climate) is a graduate school for scientists and engineers who want to earn a PhD in the challenging fields of energy and climate research, and is a joint initiative between Forschungszentrum Jülich, the RWTH Aachen University, the University of Bochum, the University of Cologne, the University of Düsseldorf, and the University of Wuppertal.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the PhD Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
HITEC (Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training in Energy and Climate) is a graduate school for scientists and engineers who want to earn a PhD in the challenging fields of energy and climate research, and is a joint initiative between Forschungszentrum Jülich, the RWTH Aachen University, the University of Bochum, the University of Cologne, the University of Düsseldorf, and the University of Wuppertal.
Link in our bio and story (Latest Positions)
Need help with the application process? Check out the PhD Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdinsweden #phdineconomics #phdabroad #phdingermany #phd #scholarship
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