Switzerland EPFL Fellowship for MS and PhD Pass Applicants Announced

If you’re an aspiring cybersecurity researcher or data scientist looking to make your mark in the ever-evolving digital defense landscape, a major gateway to Europe’s premier research labs just opened its doors. The 12th call for applications to the Cyber-Defense (CYD) Fellowship Program—a powerhouse collaboration between École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Switzerland’s Cyber-Defense Campus—is officially live!

Whether you’re in the middle of your Master’s, planning your PhD, or diving deep into postdoctoral research, the CYD Fellowship could be your launchpad to becoming a leader in global cyber resilience.

About the CYD Fellowship Program

The CYD Fellowships are more than just funding—they’re a springboard for bold, innovative research in the heart of Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Hosted at top Swiss institutions like EPFL and ETH Zurich, the program places fellows at the CYD Campus, where research meets real-world application in tackling today’s toughest digital threats.

Here, cutting-edge academia intersects with national cyber strategy—giving you access to elite labs, mentors, and an active defense community focused on anticipating, analyzing, and neutralizing emerging cyber risks.

What You Get: Fellowship Benefits?

• Full Financial Coverage: Research costs, living expenses, and travel are all funded.
• Prestige + Infrastructure: Work in world-renowned labs at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus.
• Elite Mentorship: Get coached by Europe’s leading cyber-defense experts.
• Career-Defining Impact: Your research could shape cyber policies and digital safety frameworks across Europe.
• Networking Across Borders: Tap into a community of decision-makers, academics, and security professionals.

Fellowship Categories

1# Master Thesis Fellowship

• • For: Students enrolled in a Swiss Master’s program
  • Focus: Cyber-defense-related thesis
  • Application Mode: Rolling basis throughout the year

2# Doctoral Fellowship

• • For: Future PhD candidates with top academic profiles
  • Focus: Full-time doctoral research in cybersecurity

3# Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

• • For: Researchers with a PhD and proven ability to lead research
  • Focus: Advanced cyber-defense topics with real-world impact.

Eligibility Snapshot

You’re an ideal applicant if you have:

• A stellar academic record
• Proven expertise in cyber-defense, computer science, or data science
• Active enrollment or future affiliation with a Swiss higher education institution
• A compelling research proposal tied to real cyber-defense priorities
• For postdocs: experience leading innovative, independent research

Last Date to Apply

The last date to apply for the Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships under the CYD Fellowships Program is 20 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST.