Dreaming of shaping the future of digital security in the heart of Europe? The Switzerland Cyber Defense Fellowship 2025 is your launchpad into the world of elite cybersecurity research. This prestigious program, officially known as the CYD Fellowships, is a joint initiative by the globally-renowned École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Switzerland’s Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus. It’s more than just a fellowship; it’s a fully-funded opportunity to work on real-world challenges, connect with leading experts, and build a career that truly matters.
Navigating fellowship applications can feel like a maze, but this guide is here to be your clear and encouraging map. We’ll break down everything you need to know—from eligibility and benefits to crafting a standout application—so you can apply with confidence.
Switzerland Cyber Defense Fellowship 2025
| Key Fact | Detail / Statistic |
| Application Deadline | August 20, 2025 (17:00 CEST) for Doctoral & Postdoctoral tracks. |
| Funding | Fully funded, including a generous salary, research and conference costs. |
| Host Institutions | EPFL, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus (Thun, Zurich, Lausanne). |
| Eligible Candidates | Open to all nationalities. Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral researchers. |
The Switzerland Cyber Defense Fellowship 2025 is more than just a funded research position; it’s an invitation to join an elite community dedicated to solving some of the most critical challenges of our time. It’s a chance to receive world-class training, work with leading experts, and launch a career with purpose and impact.
The application deadline of August 20, 2025, will be here before you know it. Start exploring the research of professors at EPFL and ETH Zurich, begin drafting your proposal, and don’t forget to register for the applicant workshop. Your journey to the forefront of cyber defense starts now.
What Exactly is the CYD Fellowship?
At its core, the CYD Fellowship is a talent program designed to foster the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. It’s the Swiss government’s commitment to anticipating and neutralizing cyber threats by investing in brilliant minds like yours. The fellowship acts as a powerful bridge between academic research and practical application, ensuring your work has a tangible impact on national and global security.
Fellows are hosted by a top-tier Swiss university (like EPFL or ETH Zurich) while also conducting research at the CYD Campus. This unique structure gives you the best of both worlds: the academic rigor of a world-class university and the applied, mission-driven environment of a national cyber defense hub.
Why This Fellowship is a Career-Defining Opportunity
Choosing to pursue a research fellowship is a significant decision. In my experience advising aspiring researchers, the programs that offer the most growth are those that provide not just funding, but a holistic ecosystem of support. The CYD Fellowship excels in this regard.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Generous Financial Support: This isn’t just a stipend. The fellowship provides a full salary, benchmarked against the high standards of Swiss federal institutes. It also includes an annual budget for research equipment (up to CHF 3,000) and travel to international conferences (up to CHF 5,000). This allows you to focus completely on your research without financial stress.
- Access to World-Class Infrastructure: As a fellow, you’ll work in the state-of-the-art labs of EPFL, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus. These institutions are at the forefront of computer science, AI, and security engineering.
- Elite Mentorship: You will be co-mentored by a university professor and an expert from the CYD Campus. This dual mentorship ensures your research is both academically groundbreaking and practically relevant.
- Build a Powerful Network: You’ll connect with a diverse community of researchers, industry partners, and government stakeholders from across Switzerland and Europe, opening doors for future collaborations and career moves.
Which Fellowship Track is Right for You?
The CYD program is designed to support researchers at various stages of their careers. Understanding which category you fit into is the first step.
Master Thesis Fellowships
Perfect for current Master’s students at a Swiss university who want to write their thesis on a cutting-edge cyber defense topic.
- Duration: 6 months
- Application: Rolling applications, so you can apply anytime.
Doctoral Fellowships
The flagship program for aspiring PhD candidates. This track provides funding for your entire doctoral journey.
- Duration: 4 years (with a possible 1-year extension)
- Application Deadline: August 20, 2025
Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships
Designed for exceptional researchers who have already completed their PhD. This track allows you to lead an advanced, independent research project.
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Application Deadline: August 20, 2025
Understanding the Financial Support: A Closer Look
The promise of a “generous salary” is often what catches the eye, but what does that mean in practical terms? While the exact amount depends on the host institution and your experience level, we can look at the salary scales of ETH Zurich, a key partner, to get a clear idea.
According to the official ETH Zurich salary information for 2025, a typical doctoral student’s salary starts at CHF 52,500 in the first year and increases annually. For postdoctoral researchers, the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2025 offers a gross salary starting at CHF 91,280 per year. These figures are highly competitive and ensure a comfortable standard of living in Switzerland.
Are You Eligible? Key Requirements for Application
While each track has specific nuances, the core eligibility criteria are consistent:
- Academic Excellence: You need a strong academic record (excellent grades, relevant coursework) from a reputable university.
- Relevant Background: Your field of study should be in computer science, data science, cybersecurity, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Research Vision: You must have a clear and compelling idea for a research project that aligns with the CYD Campus’s focus areas. These include:
- Protection of cyber and cyber-physical systems
- Information sharing and data fusion
- AI and data science for analyzing cyber-data
- Security, privacy, and digital trust technologies
- Institutional Affiliation: You must be enrolled in, or have the endorsement of a professor from, a Swiss higher education institution.
Crucially, the fellowship is open to all nationalities. This is a fantastic opportunity for international talent to contribute to and benefit from Switzerland’s leading research ecosystem.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide to the CYD Fellowship Application?
I’ve seen many successful applicants focus on telling a clear and passionate story about their research. The application process for the Doctoral and Postdoctoral fellowships is a two-stage journey designed to identify the most promising candidates.
Stage 1: The Initial Application (Deadline: August 20, 2025)
This is your first impression. You’ll submit your application through the official online submission portal. This stage typically requires:
- Your CV: Detail your academic achievements, publications, and any relevant work experience.
- Academic Transcripts: Provide official records of your grades from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- A Short Research Proposal: Briefly outline your proposed research project, its objectives, and its relevance to cyber defense.
- A Motivation Letter: This is your chance to shine! Explain why you are passionate about this field, why you are a good fit for the fellowship, and how it aligns with your career goals.
Stage 2: The Full Proposal
If you are shortlisted after Stage 1, you will be invited to submit a more detailed research proposal. This is where you’ll work with your proposed university supervisor to flesh out your project plan.
Pro-Tip: The CYD Campus is holding an online applicant workshop on July 8, 2025. Attending this is an invaluable opportunity to get direct insights and ask questions. You can find the registration link on the official fellowship announcement page.
Insights from a Former Fellow
To give you a real sense of the experience, consider the journey of Andrea Lepori, a former CYD Master’s Fellow. In an interview with EPFL, he highlighted the immense value of mentorship. “The biggest advantage is the knowledge provided by the people there,” he noted, emphasizing their deep industry experience and valuable connections. His advice to future applicants is simple but powerful: “Try to apply no matter what. I hear from a lot of students that ‘they are not good enough’… you should not self-reject before even trying.”
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FAQ
Q1: Can I apply if I haven’t secured a supervisor yet?
A: For the initial Stage 1 application, you do not necessarily need a confirmed supervisor. However, showing that you have identified and contacted potential supervisors will strengthen your application. For Stage 2, the endorsement of a professor from a Swiss institution is mandatory.
Q2: Is there an age limit for the fellowship?
A: No, there are no age restrictions for any of the CYD Fellowship tracks. The selection is based on merit, experience, and the quality of your research proposal.
Q3: Do I need to speak German, French, or Italian to apply?
A: The working language of the research institutions and the fellowship program is English. All application materials must be submitted in English, and you will need to be proficient in English to succeed in the program.
Q4: What is the success rate for the CYD Fellowships?
A: The program is highly competitive. While official success rates can vary each year, the primary selection criterion is excellence. A strong academic background and a well-defined, impactful research proposal are critical for a successful application.
