Embarking on a doctoral journey is a transformative experience, a deep dive into the unknown with the promise of groundbreaking discoveries. If you’re a driven researcher eyeing the pinnacle of academic achievement, the CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 at Università Della Svizzera Italiana (USI) present an extraordinary opportunity. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with the insights and actionable steps needed to successfully navigate the application process, turning your doctoral aspirations into a tangible reality.
Your Path to Cutting-Edge Cyber-Defence Research
The CYD Doctoral Fellowships, a collaborative initiative between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the CYD Campus, and Swiss higher education institutions like USI, are a beacon for aspiring PhD candidates in the critical field of cyber-defence. These fellowships are designed to nurture the next generation of leading researchers who will address some of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity and data science. In my experience advising students, one common hurdle is understanding the interwoven nature of such multi-institutional programs. Rest assured, this guide will demystify the process.
CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
| Program Focus | Cyber-defence, including data science, AI methods, security technologies, protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cyber and cyber-physical systems, information sharing, data fusion, and digital trust technologies. EPFL CYD Doctoral Fellowships |
| Funding Duration | Up to four years of salary and research/conference funding, with a possible one-year extension. |
| Eligibility | Open to citizens of any nationality, enrolled in or seeking enrollment in a doctoral program at a Swiss higher education institution with professor endorsement. Preference for early-stage PhDs. Funds for Individuals – CYD Doctoral Fellowship Program |
| Salary & Benefits | Salary contribution based on host institution scales (including social security benefits), up to CHF 3,000 per year for research costs, and up to CHF 5,000 per year for conference costs. |
| Stage 1 Deadline | August 20, 2025 (17:00 CEST) for the 12th Call. (Note: A previous deadline of Feb 26, 2025, also existed, highlighting the dual call structure.) |
| Stage 2 Deadline | October 1, 2025 (17:00 CEST) for full proposal submission for the 12th Call. |
Understanding the CYD Fellowship’s Core Mission
The Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD Campus), based in Thun, Zurich, and Lausanne, acts as a pivotal competence center for information security in Switzerland. Its mission is to anticipate cyber developments, monitor trends, and cultivate the necessary skills and technologies for robust cyber-defence. The CYD Doctoral Fellowships 2025 at Università Della Svizzera Italiana are an integral part of this mission, directly contributing to Switzerland’s cyber strategy by fostering cutting-edge research.
- Protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cyber and cyber-physical systems: This involves securing everything from critical infrastructure to personal data.
- Information sharing, data fusion, and crowdsourcing: Exploring innovative ways to gather and leverage information for enhanced security.
- Data science & AI methods for analyzing cyber- and technology-relevant data: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to detect and mitigate cyber threats.
- Security, privacy, and digital trust technologies: Developing the foundational elements for a secure and trustworthy digital environment.
Eligibility: Are You the Right Fit?
One of the most encouraging aspects of the CYD Doctoral Fellowships is their global reach: they are open to citizens of any nationality, with no age restrictions. This commitment to diversity enriches the research environment significantly.
However, there are crucial requirements to meet:
- Doctoral Program Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a Swiss higher education institution, or be in the process of gaining acceptance.
- Professor Endorsement: A vital component is the endorsement of a professor employed at a Swiss institution who is willing to supervise your PhD thesis. This endorsement is required for your Stage 2 application.
- Stage of PhD: While applications are accepted at any stage of doctoral studies, preference is given to those who have not yet started their PhD or are in the early stages. This suggests a strong emphasis on nurturing new talent from the ground up.
- Research Impact: Your project must demonstrate the potential to significantly influence the fields of security and data science, and/or have a substantial impact on Swiss cyber-defence.
- Collaborative Effort: The proposed research should foster collaboration between researchers from the CYD Campus and at least one Swiss higher education institution.
The Two-Stage Application Process: A Strategic Approach
The application for the CYD Doctoral Fellowships follows a meticulous two-stage process, designed to identify the most promising candidates and research proposals. This structured approach allows both applicants and the evaluation committee to progressively refine and assess the project’s viability and impact.
Stage 1: The Pre-Proposal – Your Initial Impression
The first hurdle is the submission of an online application and a pre-proposal. This initial submission is your chance to make a compelling first impression. It should clearly outline your research idea, its relevance to cyber-defence, and how it aligns with the CYD Campus’s mission.
Key Deadline: For the 12th call, the Stage 1 submission deadline is August 20, 2025 (17:00 CEST).
After Stage 1, a shortlisting process occurs, and successful candidates are assigned a CYD Campus mentor. This mentorship is invaluable, providing guidance and insights that are crucial for developing a robust Stage 2 proposal.
Stage 2: The Full Research Proposal – Your Detailed Vision
If you are shortlisted and endorsed by your assigned mentor, you’ll proceed to Stage 2, where you’re required to submit a comprehensive full research proposal. This is where you delve into the specifics of your methodology, expected outcomes, and the broader impact of your work. This proposal will demonstrate your scientific rigor, originality, and the feasibility of your research plan.
Key Deadline: The Stage 2 submission deadline for the 12th call is October 1, 2025 (17:00 CEST).
Final decisions are typically announced by the end of November 2025, following evaluation by a committee comprising representatives from the CYD Campus and Swiss higher education institutions.
Funding and Benefits: Supporting Your Research Journey
The CYD Doctoral Fellowships offer comprehensive support, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder your research endeavors. The benefits include:
- Salary Contribution: Based on the salary scales of your host institution, including social security benefits. This ensures a stable living while you focus on your studies.
- Research Costs: Up to CHF 3,000 per year can be granted for specific equipment necessary for your project. This doesn’t cover general IT material, so plan your needs carefully.
- Conference Costs: Up to CHF 5,000 per year is allocated for attending conferences. This is a fantastic opportunity to present your work, network with leading researchers, and stay abreast of the latest developments in your field.
This generous funding package underscores the program’s commitment to enabling high-quality research and fostering academic growth.
Life as a PhD Student at Università Della Svizzera Italiana (USI)
Choosing USI for your doctoral studies means immersing yourself in a vibrant, international academic community in the heart of Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region. USI is known for its dynamic, informal culture and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research.
Being a PhD student in Switzerland offers a unique blend of academic rigor and an exceptional quality of life. While the cost of living can be higher than in some other countries, the high standard of living, excellent public transport, and stunning natural beauty are significant advantages. Many international PhD students in Switzerland are considered university employees, which can come with specific work permit regulations, but your university’s international office will be a valuable resource for guidance.22
Consider this video for a glimpse into the student experience
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FAQ
Q1: What specific research areas are prioritized by the CYD Doctoral Fellowships?
The fellowships prioritize research in cyber-defence, with a strong emphasis on the protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of cyber and cyber-physical systems, information sharing and data fusion, data science and AI methods for cyber-related data analysis, and security, privacy, and digital trust technologies.
Q2: Can I apply for the CYD Doctoral Fellowship if I have already started my PhD?
Yes, you can apply at any stage of your doctoral studies. However, preference is given to applicants who have not yet started their PhD or are in the early stages of their program. If you are applying for less than four years of funding, it should align with the completion of your thesis.
Q3: Do I need a professor’s endorsement before applying for Stage 1?
While the official requirements state that the professor’s endorsement is crucial for Stage 2, it is highly advisable to establish contact and secure a potential supervisor’s interest before submitting your Stage 1 pre-proposal. This will significantly strengthen your application.
Q4: What are the typical living costs for a PhD student in Switzerland?
Living costs in Switzerland are relatively high. While specific figures can vary, a typical monthly budget for a student, excluding tuition fees (which are covered by the fellowship’s salary), might be around €1,940, encompassing accommodation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.
Q5: How competitive are the CYD Doctoral Fellowships?
The CYD Doctoral Fellowships are highly competitive. The primary evaluation criterion is excellence, assessed through academic records and professional accomplishments. Strong alignment with the program’s research mission and a compelling research proposal are key to success.
