EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland: Fully Funded Research Opportunity Opens for Global Applicants

Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral researchers can apply for cyber-defence and data science fellowships in Switzerland

Applications have opened for the EPFL CYD Fellowship 2027, a fully funded international research programme jointly launched by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Cyber-Defence Campus. The fellowship aims to attract talented researchers from around the world to develop innovative solutions in cyber-defence, cybersecurity, security studies and data science.

The programme is open to candidates of all nationalities and offers opportunities at the master's, doctoral and postdoctoral levels. Selected fellows will conduct research at leading Swiss institutions, including EPFL, ETH Zurich and the Cyber-Defence Campus in Thun.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Host Institutions: EPFL, ETH Zurich and CYD Campus
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
• Fields: Cyber Defence, Cybersecurity, Security Research, Data Science and Related Areas

Three Fellowship Categories

CYD Master’s Thesis Fellowship (6 Months)

The fellowship allows master's students to complete their thesis research under the supervision of a professor from a Swiss higher education institution.

Benefits

• Living allowance
• Research funding

Eligibility

• Open to all nationalities
• Currently enrolled in a master's programme
• Endorsement from a professor or supervisor required

CYD Doctoral Fellowship (4 Years)

The doctoral fellowship supports candidates pursuing PhD research in cyber-defence-related fields at a Swiss university.

Benefits

• Salary support
• Living allowance
• Research funding
• Conference participation support

Eligibility

• Open to applicants worldwide
• Must be enrolled in a Swiss doctoral programme
• Professor's endorsement required
• Preference given to early-stage PhD researchers

CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship (2 Years)

Designed for postdoctoral researchers, this fellowship supports advanced research projects conducted under the guidance of a Swiss university professor.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Living allowance
• Research funding
• Conference travel support

Eligibility

• Open to all nationalities
• No age restrictions
• Professor's endorsement required
• Applicants should demonstrate the ability to contribute to a new research environment

Focus on Cybersecurity Research

The fellowship reflects Switzerland's growing investment in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital resilience. Researchers will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects addressing emerging cyber threats, data protection challenges and defence technologies.

Education experts say the programme offers an excellent pathway for students and researchers seeking international research experience, academic collaboration and exposure to one of Europe's leading innovation ecosystems.