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.
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Latest PhD Positions
🌿❄️ PhD Opportunity in Alpine & Arctic Plant Ecology – University of Basel, Switzerland 🌍✨
Are you passionate about biodiversity, ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change? 🌱 The Ecology group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel is inviting applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position starting Jan/Feb 2026.
🔹 Focus: Alpine & Arctic ecosystems, plant rarity, biotic homogenization, climate-driven species shifts
🔹 Where: European Alps & Arctic 🌄
🔹 Perks: Fully funded position, fieldwork opportunities, international research networks, and career development support
📌 Application Deadline: Review begins Sept 21, 2025 (open until filled)
📍 Apply online via UniBas recruiting platform
👉 A perfect chance to combine field research, big datasets & climate ecology at one of Europe’s oldest universities, right at the crossroads of Switzerland, France & Germany!
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🚀 Additional September PhD Recruitment – Wrocław University of Science & Technology 🎓✨
Looking to start your doctoral journey this year? Here’s your chance! 📚
The university is opening extra spots in three disciplines:
🔹 Automation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Space Technologies – 7 places
🔹 Environmental Engineering, Mining & Energy – 6 places
🔹 Mathematics – 6 places
🗓 Application Period: September 1 – September 5, 2025
📍 Apply through the recruitment system
Don’t miss this opportunity to take your research ambitions to the next level! 💡🌍
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🔬 PhD Alert: Chemical Analysis of Environmental Pollutants (PFASs) – Switzerland 🇨🇭
Are you passionate about analytical chemistry and environmental protection? Join Empa – the Swiss research institute for materials science and technology – in a cutting-edge, FOEN-funded PhD project investigating PFASs (the “forever chemicals”) in ambient air 🌍💨
📍 Location: Empa, Dübendorf ZH
🎓 Enrolled at: ETH Zurich
💼 Duration: 3 years, fully funded
What you’ll do:
✅ Develop & validate PFAS sampling & analysis methods
✅ Conduct fieldwork across Switzerland 🇨🇭
✅ Use LC-MS/GC-MS and model emissions
✅ Present at top conferences & publish globally
Who should apply:
🎓 MSc in Analytical Chemistry / Environmental Science
⚙️ Mass spectrometry skills
💻 Bonus: Python/R
🚗 Driving license needed (for field sampling)
🌐 Apply now via Empa portal: [link in bio or story]
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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![🔬 PhD Alert: Chemical Analysis of Environmental Pollutants (PFASs) – Switzerland 🇨🇭
Are you passionate about analytical chemistry and environmental protection? Join Empa – the Swiss research institute for materials science and technology – in a cutting-edge, FOEN-funded PhD project investigating PFASs (the “forever chemicals”) in ambient air 🌍💨
📍 Location: Empa, Dübendorf ZH
🎓 Enrolled at: ETH Zurich
💼 Duration: 3 years, fully funded
What you’ll do:
✅ Develop & validate PFAS sampling & analysis methods
✅ Conduct fieldwork across Switzerland 🇨🇭
✅ Use LC-MS/GC-MS and model emissions
✅ Present at top conferences & publish globally
Who should apply:
🎓 MSc in Analytical Chemistry / Environmental Science
⚙️ Mass spectrometry skills
💻 Bonus: Python/R
🚗 Driving license needed (for field sampling)
🌐 Apply now via Empa portal: [link in bio or story]
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdabroad #researchscholarship #phdposition #phdpositions #PhDOpportunity #academicopportunities #scholarshipalert #PhD #PhDApplications #swissresearch #researchjobs #phdalert #empa #ETHZurich #EnvironmentalScience #AnalyticalChemistry #PFAS #AirPollution #MassSpectrometry #SustainabilityResearch #ClimateScience](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTE3NjozNDU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAwMCA1NjAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU2MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
🚨 PhD Opportunity in Australia! 🇦🇺
💡 Run-Time Monitoring of Machine Learning for Robotic & Autonomous Perception
📍 University of Adelaide x Lockheed Martin Australia
💰 Stipend: $52,268/year (4 years)
🎯 Work at the cutting-edge intersection of AI + Robotics
👩💻 Co-located at AIML & industry partner site
🧠 Build smarter, safer autonomous systems
🗓️ Apply by: 10 Nov 2025 (or until filled)
🔗 Open to Australian Citizens only
Tag someone who should apply! 👇
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🚨 PhD Opportunity – Neural Control @ Donders Institute (Radboud University)
💡 Harness AI for real-time brain modulation!
Join an elite research team working at the interface of machine learning, neuroscience & clinical applications, as part of the Neural Control Project (Radboud + Maastricht). Your work will pioneer AI-based systems to control brain dynamics and improve treatments for neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, depression, and epilepsy.
🧠 Project: AI-driven closed-loop neuromodulation using FUS & DBS
🤖 Department: Artificial Cognitive Systems
📍 Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
💰 Salary: €3,059 – €3,881/month + benefits
📅 Deadline: 27 July 2025
👨🔬 Eligibility: MSc/M.Eng in AI, BME, Control Engg, CS, Physics
⏳ Don’t miss the chance to shape the future of neurotechnology.
👉 Apply now via [link in bio]
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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![🚨 PhD Opportunity – Neural Control @ Donders Institute (Radboud University)
💡 Harness AI for real-time brain modulation!
Join an elite research team working at the interface of machine learning, neuroscience & clinical applications, as part of the Neural Control Project (Radboud + Maastricht). Your work will pioneer AI-based systems to control brain dynamics and improve treatments for neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, depression, and epilepsy.
🧠 Project: AI-driven closed-loop neuromodulation using FUS & DBS
🤖 Department: Artificial Cognitive Systems
📍 Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
💰 Salary: €3,059 – €3,881/month + benefits
📅 Deadline: 27 July 2025
👨🔬 Eligibility: MSc/M.Eng in AI, BME, Control Engg, CS, Physics
⏳ Don’t miss the chance to shape the future of neurotechnology.
👉 Apply now via [link in bio]
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdabroad #researchscholarship #phdposition #phdpositions #PhDOpportunity #academicopportunities #scholarshipalert #PhD #PhDApplications #NeuralControl #ArtificialIntelligence #RadboudUniversity #Neurotechnology #BrainResearch #MachineLearning #DondersInstitute #PhDNetherlands #NeuroscienceJobs #ClosedLoopControl #FUS #DBS #GradSchoolAbroad](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTQxODozNzQ=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAwMCA1NjAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU2MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
🧠✨ New PhD Opportunity at KU Leuven!
📍 Location: Belgium
Join the world-renowned DTAI Lab under Prof. Luc De Raedt & Dr. Giuseppe Marra to explore the next frontier in AI — Neurosymbolic AI combining logic, probability & neural networks!
🔍 Project Focus:
✅ Learning + Reasoning
✅ Real-world applications in NLP, robotics, smart electronics & more
✅ Cutting-edge neurosymbolic foundations
👨💻 Who can apply?
🎓 Master’s in CS or AI
🧠 Background in logic, probability, neural networks a plus
💡 Creative, motivated, and strong in coding & communication
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Oct 2025
📍 Fully funded | 4 years max | Starts immediately
🔗 Apply now: [link in bio]
📩 Tag a friend who dreams of building the future of AI!
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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![🧠✨ New PhD Opportunity at KU Leuven!
📍 Location: Belgium
Join the world-renowned DTAI Lab under Prof. Luc De Raedt & Dr. Giuseppe Marra to explore the next frontier in AI — Neurosymbolic AI combining logic, probability & neural networks!
🔍 Project Focus:
✅ Learning + Reasoning
✅ Real-world applications in NLP, robotics, smart electronics & more
✅ Cutting-edge neurosymbolic foundations
👨💻 Who can apply?
🎓 Master’s in CS or AI
🧠 Background in logic, probability, neural networks a plus
💡 Creative, motivated, and strong in coding & communication
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Oct 2025
📍 Fully funded | 4 years max | Starts immediately
🔗 Apply now: [link in bio]
📩 Tag a friend who dreams of building the future of AI!
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
#phdscholarship #phdposition #phdabroad #researchscholarship #phdposition #phdpositions #PhDOpportunity #academicopportunities #scholarshipalert #PhD #PhDApplications #ArtificialIntelligence #neurosymbolicai #kuleuven](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTU1MzoyMTk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAwMCA1NjAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU2MCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
🌊🔬 Exciting Opportunity for Ocean Innovators! Join the cutting-edge PhD project “Primary Production Around Offshore Wind Farms” at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). Immerse yourself in marine science, tackle real-world ecological questions, and shape the future of sustainable oceans and renewable energy. Collaborate with top institutes, conduct field research in the North Sea, and become part of an inspiring community dedicated to climate impact and marine policy!
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🚀 GEN‑Q PhD Positions Now Open! 🔬✨
Join Generation Quantum — a fully funded European doctoral program focused on next-gen quantum science and technology.
🌍 51 PhD positions across top universities in Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Poland.
📅 Apply by 31 August 2025
💶 4-year fully funded positions (Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND)
🔗 Interdisciplinary training + industry secondments
🔍 Focus areas: quantum hardware, software, sensing, scalability & more!
This is your chance to be at the forefront of Quantum Europe. Ready to shape the future? 🌐
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🚨 PhD Opportunity | AI & Food Quality Monitoring
Join KU Leuven`s Livestock Technology Group to revolutionize sustainable food production using AI, machine learning & sensor technology! 🧪🐄💡
✨ Develop cutting-edge models to monitor milk quality & cow health
✨ Work with advanced near-infrared sensors & a massive milk spectral database
✨ Collaborate with experts across Europe (France, Belgium)
✨ Perfect for candidates with a background in AI, data science, biosciences or chemometrics
🔍 Interested in data science, food security, animal health & sustainable agriculture?
📅 Apply before: 22 August 2025
🌍 Location: Belgium & international collaborations
💼 Fully funded | 4 years
🔗 Apply now: Link in Bio
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🔬 PhD Training Opportunity | Molecular Machines & Nanotech
Join the cutting edge of science with the MONALISA Project, a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-funded doctoral network focused on artificial molecular machines 🤖🧪
🚀 Work alongside Nobel Laureates, leading scientists & industry partners
🌍 Train across Europe in nanotech, smart materials, medical tech & chemical synthesis
🎓 15 PhD positions | World-class mentoring & hands-on research
💼 Gain entrepreneurial & interdisciplinary skills for academic + industry careers
Be part of the next generation of innovators shaping the future of nanotechnology.
🔗 Apply now: Link in Bio
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🌿 PhD Alert! 📍Leiden University
Are you passionate about climate resilience and urban ecology?
The Institute for Biology is hiring a PhD candidate to explore how soil biodiversity can enhance urban drought resilience 🌱💧
Work on the Thirsty Cities Project, focus on tree-microbe interactions, and contribute to creating climate-proof, water-sensitive green spaces.
🧪 MSc in Ecology, Microbiology, Environmental Science or related?
📅 Apply before: 1 August 2025
📍 Location: Netherlands
💰 Fully funded (4 years)
🔗 Apply now: Link in Bio
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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🌱 PhD Position in Computational Plant Biology – Umeå University, Sweden
Are you passionate about interdisciplinary science and computational modelling? 🧠🌿 Umeå University is offering a fully funded PhD position in computational physics, focusing on uncovering how plant cells coordinate between the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts 🌞⚛️
This unique project is part of the IceLab Stress Response Modelling Research School, funded by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation & the Swedish Research Council. You`ll develop models, simulate biological systems, and explore evolutionary biology – all while collaborating across disciplines like molecular biology, ecology, and systems biology. 💡🧬
✨ At Umeå University – home to the Nobel-winning CRISPR-Cas9 discovery – you`ll join a vibrant research community where groundbreaking science meets a supportive and inclusive culture.
📌 Start: As soon as possible
📅 Deadline: August 15, 2025
📍 Location: Umeå, Sweden
💰 Salary: According to local PhD agreement
🔗 Apply now: Link in Bio
Need help with the application process? Check out the Consultation Services of @road_to_abroad.
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