To promote research and education in cyber-defence, the EPFL and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus have jointly launched the “CYD Fellowships – A Talent Program for Cyber-Defence Research.”
The 14th call for applications is now open, with a rolling call for Master Thesis Fellowship applications and Proof of Concept Fellowship applications, and with a deadline of 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST) for Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applications.
Application Deadline:
- Master Thesis Fellowships: Rolling applications (open year‑round).
- Doctoral & Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships: Deadline 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST).
Tell Me About The Award:
The CYD Fellowships – A Talent Program for Cyber‑Defence Research are jointly launched by EPFL and the CYD Campus to promote cutting‑edge research in cyber‑defence and data science. The program supports outstanding students and researchers at different career stages, hosted by Swiss higher education institutions, with research conducted at the CYD Campus (EPFL, ETHZ, and Thun).
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Cyber‑Defence Research
- Data Science & Security
- Applied Computer Science
- Engineering & Systems Security
Type:
- Research Fellowship | Master Thesis, Doctoral, Postdoctoral | Switzerland
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate academic excellence (strong transcripts required).
- Have an outstanding academic and/or professional track record.
- Be hosted by a Swiss higher education institution.
- Conduct research at the CYD Campus.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Highly competitive, based on academic records and professional accomplishments.
- Excellence is the primary evaluation criterion.
- Applications reviewed in stages (document submission, evaluation, interviews).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- International applicants hosted by Swiss institutions.
Where will the Award be Taken?
- EPFL, ETH Zurich, and CYD Campus (Thun, Switzerland).
How Many Awards?
- Multiple fellowships awarded per call (Master, Doctoral, Postdoctoral).
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Master Thesis Fellowship: Living allowance + research funds for 6 months.
- Doctoral Fellowship: Salary + research & conference funds for 4 years (possible 1‑year extension).
- Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship: Salary + research & conference funds for up to 2 years.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Master Thesis: 6 months.
- Doctoral: 4 years (extendable).
- Postdoctoral: Up to 2 years.
How to Apply:
- Review the application toolkit (separate for Master vs. Doctoral/Postdoctoral).
- Prepare transcripts, CV, research proposal, and supporting documents.
- Submit via the CYD application platform before the deadline.
- Attend the online applicant workshop (optional but recommended).
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
Next Application Round:
📅 Opens again on 3 December 2026
(for Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships)
