To all outstanding researchers and students working in cybersecurity, cyber defence, and related fields: would you like to experience cutting-edge research at a Swiss higher education institution? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you. Applications are invited for the EPFL CYD Fellowships 2027, a fully funded fellowship programme jointly organized by EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) community to promote research and education in cyber defence.
It is a prestigious, talent programme for cyber defence research, hosted by higher education institutions in Switzerland, that allows outstanding students and researchers to conduct cutting-edge research at the Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD), located on the premises of ETH Zurich and EPFL, including its office in Thun.
The fellowship is highly competitive, and applicants with excellent achievements in relevant fields are encouraged to apply. The objective of the CYD Fellowship Programme is to support researchers, advance cyber defence research, foster innovation, and strengthen collaboration.
The fellowship offers three programmes: (1) Master’s Thesis Fellowships, (2) CYD Doctoral Fellowships, and (3) Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Purpose of CYD Fellowship
The purpose of the CYD fellowship in Switzerland is to support outstanding students and researchers working in fields of Cyber defence and Cyber security, and to promote new solutions to pressing challenges in data science and security by bringing together applied research in Cyber defence.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Hosted at the Swiss Higher Education Institute
- Organized by: EPFL, CYD
- Programme: CYD Fellowship
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Duration: 6 Months – 2 Years
- Application Deadline: August 19th, 2026
Research Areas
The fellowship offers funding to carry out research in the following areas:
- Cyber Security
- Cyber Defence
- Privacy
- Artificial Intelligence for Security
- Digital Tryst and related fields
CYD Fellowship Types:
The fellowship is offering three types of funding schemes, which are:
- Master’s Thesis Fellowship
- Doctoral PhD fellowship
- Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
Let’s discuss them in detail:
1) Master Fellowship:
The funding scheme supports master’s students in conducting their thesis research in cybersecurity-related fields. The funding is available for six months, during which applicants will complete their master’s theses at the CYD campus under the supervision of a professor at the Higher Education Institute in Switzerland.
Coverage
The fellowship covers
- Monthly stipend of CHF 2’500
- Research Allowance of CHF 1’500
Who can apply?
- Open for all nationalities
- There are no age restrictions
- Applicants enrolled in the master’s degree program at a higher education institute in Switzerland.
Deadline: On a rolling basis
2) Doctoral PhD Fellowship
The fellowship scheme allows doctoral students to complete their PhD thesis at the CYD campus under the supervision of a host professor at a higher education institute in Switzerland. The fellowship is funded for a duration of four years.
Funding
- Applicants will recieve competitive salary, including social security benefits
- A research allowance of CHF 3000/year
- A maximum amount of CHF 5’000 for conference costs
Who can Apply?
- Open for all nationalities
- There are no age restrictions
- Enrolled in a Doctoral programme at a Swiss higher education institute
- Endorsement from a supervisor willing to supervise you
Deadline: August 19th, 2026
3) Postdoctoral Fellowship
The fellowship scheme allows fellows to complete their research projects at the CYD Campus under the supervision of a renowned professor at a higher education institution in Switzerland. The programme provides funding for up to two years
Funding:
- A competitive salary based on their position in the host institute
- Research allowance of maximum CHF 3’000/year
- Conferenec allowance up to CHF 5’000/year
Who can Apply?
- Citizens of all nationalities can apply
- There are no age restrictions
- Endorsement from the professor to supervise your
- Already holding a Ph.D. degree
- Have an excellent publication record
- Deadline: 19th August 2026
Fellowship Benefits
- Fellows receive generous support that allows researchers to focus on their research
- Opportunity to conduct research in leading Swiss institutes
- Receive support to attend conferences
- Access to world-class research facilities
- Networking opportunities with researchers and industry experts
- Gain global recognition
How to Apply?
Applicants interested in the CYD fellowship need to follow the following steps to apply:
- Step 1: Choose from the right fellowship type
- Step 2: Secure a host professor at a Swiss institute to supervise your research
- Step 3: Submit CYD application form via offical portal.
For more details, visit the offical link below:
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