YBB – Are you passionate about cybersecurity? The EPFL CYD Fellowships 2027 are now open for applications, offering outstanding students and researchers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at leading higher education institutions in Switzerland.
Jointly organized by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, this prestigious fellowship programme supports innovative research. The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities and offers funding for master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers.
Quick Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Institutions: Swiss Higher Education Institutions
- Organized by: EPFL & Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus
- Programme: EPFL CYD Fellowships 2027
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Duration: 6 Months–4 Years (depending on fellowship type)
- Eligible Applicants: Students and Researchers of All Nationalities
- Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
About the EPFL CYD Fellowships
The EPFL CYD Fellowships aim to strengthen research and innovation in cyber defence by supporting talented students and researchers working on today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.
Selected fellows will conduct their research at the Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD), located across the campuses of EPFL, ETH Zurich, and its office in Thun, while collaborating with experts from Swiss universities and research institutions.
The programme is designed to encourage interdisciplinary research, promote technological innovation, and develop future leaders in cyber defence.
Also read: Shape the Future of Cybersecurity: CYD Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland Now Open
Research Areas
Applicants may conduct research in various fields, including:
- Cyber Security
- Cyber Defence
- Privacy
- Artificial Intelligence for Security
- Digital Trust
- Other related cybersecurity disciplines
Fellowship Categories
The EPFL CYD Fellowships offer three funding schemes to support researchers at different stages of their academic careers.
1. Master’s Thesis Fellowship
This fellowship supports master’s students completing their thesis in cybersecurity-related fields at the CYD Campus under the supervision of a professor from a Swiss higher education institution.
Duration: 6 months
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of CHF 2,500
- Research allowance of CHF 1,500
Eligibility:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- No age restrictions.
- Must be enrolled in a master’s programme at a Swiss higher education institution.
2. Doctoral (PhD) Fellowship
The doctoral fellowship enables PhD students to conduct their dissertation research at the CYD Campus while being supervised by a professor from a Swiss university.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with social security benefits.
- Research allowance of CHF 3,000 per year.
- Conference funding of up to CHF 5,000.
Eligibility:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- No age restrictions.
- Must be enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Swiss higher education institution.
- Requires endorsement from a supervising professor.
3. Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship supports independent research projects in cyber defence and related fields.
Duration: Up to 2 years
Benefits:
- Competitive salary according to host institution regulations.
- Research allowance of up to CHF 3,000 per year.
- Conference funding of up to CHF 5,000 per year.
Eligibility:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Must already hold a PhD degree.
- Demonstrate an excellent publication record.
- Obtain support from a host professor at a Swiss institution.
Also read: ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in Austria | Fully Funded Research Fellowship with €73,500 Salary
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive comprehensive support throughout the programme, including:
- Financial support based on fellowship category.
- Opportunities to conduct research at leading Swiss institutions.
- Access to world-class laboratories and research facilities.
- Conference funding to present research internationally.
- Collaboration with renowned researchers and cybersecurity experts.
- International networking opportunities.
- Enhanced academic and professional recognition.
Application Deadline
The application deadlines vary depending on the fellowship category:
- Master’s Thesis Fellowship: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Doctoral (PhD) Fellowship: August 19, 2026.
- Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship: August 19, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to begin contacting potential supervisors as early as possible, as securing a host professor is an essential part of the application process.
How to Apply
The application process consists of three main steps:
- Choose the fellowship category that best matches your academic level.
- Secure a host professor from a Swiss higher education institution to supervise your research.
- Complete and submit the online application through the official CYD Fellowship portal before the relevant deadline.
Conclusion
The EPFL CYD Fellowships 2027 offer an outstanding opportunity for students and researchers passionate about cybersecurity and cyber defence to work alongside leading experts in Switzerland. With generous benefits, the programme provides an ideal environment for advancing both academic research and professional careers in cyber defence.
For detailed information: https://www.epfl.ch/research/funding/epfl-programmes/cyd/
