Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence CYD Fellowships 2025, Switzerland

EPFL Switzerland CYD Fellowships 2025 Fully Funded

The CYD Fellowships 2025 at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) offer an exceptional opportunity for international students and researchers interested in cybersecurity and cyber-defence. This fully funded fellowship program is backed by armasuisse Science and Technology and is open to Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates from all over the world.

Designed to foster innovation in digital resilience and national security, the CYD Fellowships allow scholars to conduct advanced research at leading Swiss institutions such as EPFL, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus in Thun. The fellowship covers living expenses, research costs, and travel grants, depending on the fellowship type. Researchers will work on pressing topics including AI-driven security systems, blockchain technologies for defense, quantum encryption, and critical infrastructure protection.

This prestigious program is ideal for candidates with outstanding academic records and a clear, impactful research proposal. If you’re looking to contribute to the future of cybersecurity while being supported by world-class experts and facilities, this fellowship is a perfect fit.

Fellowship Levels and Benefits

1. CYD Master Thesis Fellowship

• Duration: 6 months

• Benefits: Living allowance and research support

• Eligibility: Enrolled Master’s students in Switzerland

• Deadline: Rolling call (apply anytime)

2. CYD Doctoral Fellowship

• Duration: Up to 4 years (extendable by 1 year)

• Benefits: Full salary, research funding, travel support

• Eligibility: Master’s graduates admitted to a Swiss PhD program

• Deadline: 20 August 2025

3. CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Duration: Up to 2 years

• Benefits: Salary, project funds, conference grants

• Eligibility: Completed PhD with a strong publication record

• Deadline: 20 August 2025

Research Areas

• Cybersecurity and cyber-defence

• Digital forensics and resilience

• Blockchain and decentralization technologies

• Quantum encryption and secure communication

• Artificial intelligence in cyber threat detection

Host Institutions

• EPFL Lausanne

• ETH Zurich

• CYD Campus, Thun

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance

• Research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals

• Motivation to contribute to national and global digital security

• Enrollment or intention to enroll in a Swiss institution (for Master’s and PhD)

Application Process

1. Download the Application Toolkit

   • Available for both Master Thesis and Doctoral/Postdoctoral programs

2. Prepare Required Documents

   • Academic transcripts, CV, supervisor confirmation, research proposal

3. Submit Online

   • Use the CYD Fellowship submission portal

4. Deadlines

   • PhD & Postdoc: 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST)

   • Master Thesis: Apply anytime

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can apply for the CYD Fellowships?
A: Students and researchers of all nationalities are eligible, provided they are pursuing or planning to pursue a degree or research in Switzerland in the field of cyber-defence.

Q2: Are these fellowships fully funded?
A: Yes, the CYD Fellowships cover living expenses, research costs, and travel grants depending on the fellowship level.

Q3: Can I choose any Swiss university?
A: You can choose from top institutions like EPFL, ETH Zurich, or other recognized Swiss higher education institutions.

Q4: What makes this fellowship unique?
A: It offers the chance to work at the intersection of academia, government, and industry in cutting-edge cyber-defence technologies.

Q5: What is the CYD Campus?
A: The Cyber-Defence Campus is a Swiss government initiative focused on cyber-threat assessment and innovation, based in Thun.