Fully Funded PhD in Switzerland: ETH Zurich, EPFL, and Swiss University Guide

Switzerland is home to two of the world's top universities — ETH Zurich and EPFL — along with several other world-class research institutions. Swiss PhD salaries are among the highest in the world, making it a premier destination for doctoral research.

Why Switzerland for a PhD?

Swiss PhD positions are unique because PhD candidates are employees with full employment contracts. This means a competitive salary, social security, pension contributions, and paid vacation. There is no tuition — you are paid to do research.

• Monthly salary: CHF 4,000–5,500 (approx. $4,500–$6,000) depending on institution and experience
• Duration: 3–4 years
• Status: Full employee with benefits
• No tuition fees: Your salary is the funding

How Swiss PhD Funding Works

Employment-based Model

Almost all Swiss PhD positions are funded through research grants awarded to professors. When a professor receives a grant, they hire PhD students as employees. The salary is set by the institution's standard rates:

• ETH Zurich: CHF 4,500–5,200/month (first year to fourth year)
• EPFL: CHF 4,250–5,000/month
• University of Zurich: CHF 4,000–5,000/month
• University of Basel: CHF 4,000–4,800/month
• University of Geneva: CHF 4,000–4,700/month

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Funding

The SNSF funds a significant portion of Swiss PhD positions. Two main programmes:

• Doc.Mobility: Funding for Swiss-based PhD students to spend 6–24 months abroad
• Doc.CH: Funding for PhD projects in the humanities and social sciences
• Sinergia: Collaborative research grants that include PhD positions
• NCCRs (National Centres of Competence in Research): Large research networks with multiple PhD positions

University-specific Fellowships

• ETH Zurich: ETH Fellowships and individual doctoral programmes
• EPFL: ED (Doctoral School) fellowships for international students
• University of Lausanne: UNIL Doctoral Fellowships
• University of Bern: UniBE Doctoral Scholarships

Where to Find Positions

• ETH Zurich job portal (jobs.ethz.ch): All open PhD positions
• EPFL job portal (recruiting.epfl.ch): EPFL doctoral positions
• Academic Positions: Swiss university listings
• EURAXESS Switzerland: EU-affiliated research positions
• Individual lab websites: Many labs post openings on their group page
• ScholarshipHunter: Browse our PhD listings for Swiss positions

Application Process

1. Find an advertised position — Most Swiss PhDs are advertised as specific positions with defined projects
2. Prepare your application — CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and reference contacts
3. Submit through the portal — Follow the specific instructions in the job advertisement
4. Interview — Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (often online)
5. Offer and contract — Successful candidates receive an employment contract

ETH Zurich and EPFL also have centralised doctoral schools where you can apply without a specific position. These are more competitive but offer flexibility in choosing your supervisor.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field (almost always required)
• Strong academic record
• Research experience (thesis, publications are valued)
• English proficiency (most programmes are in English)
• Some programmes may require German or French (especially for teaching roles)

Tips for Success

• Swiss professors value independence — show that you can design and execute a research project
• Contact potential supervisors before applying, especially for positions that are not explicitly advertised
• Highlight specific technical skills relevant to the lab's research
• Swiss PhD interviews often include a research presentation — prepare thoroughly
• The cost of living is high in Zurich and Geneva, but the salary is designed to cover it comfortably

Living in Switzerland

Switzerland offers an exceptional quality of life. The public transport system is excellent, healthcare is world-class, and the country is centrally located in Europe for travel. PhD salaries, while high, should be budgeted carefully in expensive cities like Zurich and Geneva.

Tip: Swiss PhD interviews often include a research presentation — prepare a clear 20-minute talk in advance.

Switzerland's PhD funding model — with full employment status and competitive salaries — makes it one of the most financially secure options for doctoral study anywhere in the world.