Applications are now open for the 2026 CYD Fellowships in Switzerland. Jointly offered by the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus and EPFL, the fellowship programme supports outstanding researchers interested in advancing cybersecurity, cyber-defence, data science, artificial intelligence, privacy, and digital trust technologies.
The CYD Fellowships provide funded research opportunities for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers to conduct innovative research while collaborating with leading Swiss universities, research institutions, and cybersecurity experts.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Organizations: Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus and EPFL
- Category: Fellowships | Research Opportunities
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Fields: Cybersecurity | Cyber-Defence | Data Science | Artificial Intelligence | Privacy | Digital Trust
- Reward: Monthly Stipend | Salary Support | Research Funding | Conference Grants | Professional Networking
- Deadline: Varies by Fellowship Category
Fellowship Details
The CYD Fellowships Programme is a prestigious research initiative designed to strengthen innovation and excellence in cybersecurity and cyber-defence research. Through a collaboration between the Cyber-Defence Campus and EPFL, the programme offers researchers access to Switzerland’s advanced research ecosystem and provides opportunities to contribute to solutions addressing emerging cyber threats and digital security challenges.
The programme consists of three fellowship categories: the CYD Master Thesis Fellowship, the CYD Doctoral Fellowship, and the CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct impactful research projects, collaborate with leading researchers, and develop expertise in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, privacy protection, digital trust, and cyber-defence technologies.
Fellowship Duration
- CYD Master Thesis Fellowship: Up to 6 Months
- CYD Doctoral Fellowship: Up to 4 Years
- Possible Extension: Additional 1 Year
- CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship: Up to 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the CYD Fellowships, applicants must meet the requirements of their chosen fellowship category.
CYD Master Thesis Fellowship
- Be a citizen of any country
- Have no age restriction
- Be enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at a Swiss higher education institution
- Obtain support from a professor or academic supervisor
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
CYD Doctoral Fellowship
- Be a citizen of any country
- Have no age restriction
- Be enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Swiss higher education institution
- Secure support from a professor at the host institution
- Demonstrate excellent academic and research potential
- Preference may be given to candidates at the early stage of their PhD studies
CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Be a postdoctoral researcher of any nationality
- Have no age restriction
- Obtain endorsement from a professor at a Swiss higher education institution
- Conduct the proposed research in a laboratory different from their doctoral research laboratory
- Demonstrate strong academic and professional achievements
- Show the potential to make significant contributions to cybersecurity and cyber-defence research
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants of the CYD Fellowships will receive:
CYD Master Thesis Fellowship
- Monthly living allowance of CHF 2,500 for up to six months
- Up to CHF 1,500 for research-related expenses
- Opportunity to conduct research within Switzerland’s cyber-defence ecosystem
- Access to mentorship from researchers and cybersecurity experts
- Practical research experience on real-world cybersecurity challenges
CYD Doctoral Fellowship
- Salary contribution throughout the fellowship period
- Funding support for up to four years, with a possible one-year extension
- Up to CHF 3,000 annually for eligible research expenses
- Conference funding of up to CHF 5,000 per year
- Opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in cyber-defence and data science
- Collaboration opportunities with leading Swiss universities and research institutions
CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Salary support for up to two years
- Up to CHF 3,000 annually for approved research expenses
- Conference funding of up to CHF 5,000 per year
- Advanced research opportunities in cybersecurity, AI, privacy, and digital trust
- Collaboration with experienced researchers from CYD Campus and Swiss institutions
- Access to valuable professional networking and research partnerships
Required Documents
To apply for the CYD Fellowships, applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research proposal (where required)
- Recommendation or endorsement from a professor or supervisor
- Proof of enrolment at a Swiss higher education institution (where applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents required by the selected fellowship category
How to Apply
To apply for the CYD Fellowships:
- Review the official fellowship guidelines carefully
- Select the fellowship category that matches your academic or professional level
- Prepare all required application documents
- Contact a professor or supervisor at a Swiss higher education institution if endorsement is required
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all supporting documents in English
- Review your application thoroughly before submission
- Submit your application before the relevant deadline
Important Dates
CYD Master Thesis Fellowship
- Applications remain open throughout the year
CYD Doctoral Fellowship
- Application Deadline: 19 August 2026
- Full Proposal Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Results Announcement: November 2026
CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Application Deadline: 19 August 2026
- Full Proposal Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Results Announcement: November 2026
Applicant Workshop
- Online Workshop Date: 7 July 2026
To begin the fellowship application process, click HERE
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