Swiss PhD candidates are usually employed with some of the highest PhD salaries in the world.
PhD opportunities in Switzerland
Why do a PhD in Switzerland?
- Very well-paid PhD positions
- ETH Zurich and EPFL
- Strong international research culture
Universities in Switzerland
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in Switzerland include:
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL
- University of Zurich
- University of Basel
- University of Geneva
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
PhD programmes include courses and a qualifying exam in some schools, research and a defence.
Fees and funding
Fees: Low semester fees.
Main funded routes: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, salaried PhD positions at ETH, EPFL and universities.
Official starting points: SERI — Excellence Scholarships
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in Switzerland
Apply for advertised positions; EPFL runs PhD school calls; ETH hires directly via professors.
Language: English; local languages help.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Non-EU candidates need a residence permit arranged with the university.
Working during your PhD: PhD positions are employment.
After your PhD
Graduates can stay six months to seek work.
Open PhD opportunities in Switzerland
Biozentrum (University of Basel) International PhD Fellowships
Biozentrum, University of Basel
Switzerland
- Fully funded, Salary
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: PhD
- 4 years
World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme
World Health Organization
Multiple countries Switzerland
- Stipend
- Open to all nationalities
- Open to: Graduate, Master's, PhD
- 6–24 weeks
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — Research (PhD & Postdoc)
Swiss Confederation (SERI / FCS)
Switzerland
- Stipend
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: PhD, Postdoc / early career
- Up to the length set in the award (PhD, postdoc or research stay)
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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