Note: This fellowship application cycle has expired. The following information is for reference purposes only.
EPFL CYD Fellowships 2025 Switzerland – Advance Cybersecurity Research
The EPFL CYD Fellowships 2025 in Switzerland offered researchers a unique opportunity to lead innovation in cybersecurity, AI security, and digital resilience. Fully funded and hosted by top Swiss institutions, the program supported master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers worldwide.
Funded by armasuisse Science and Technology, the CYD Fellowships formed part of Switzerland’s national cyber-defence strategy.
Application Deadlines:
PhD & Postdoc: 20 August 2025
Master’s Thesis: Rolling applications
About the CYD Fellowship
The Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships were co-developed by EPFL and the Cyber-Defence Campus (CYD) to cultivate talent in military-grade cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and emerging technologies such as quantum encryption and blockchain.
Host Institutions:
EPFL Lausanne
ETH Zurich
CYD Campus Thun
Fellows gained access to advanced labs, Swiss national cyber research initiatives, and collaborative defense networks.
Why Apply to the EPFL CYD Fellowships?
The program combined academic prestige, cutting-edge technology, and government collaboration:
Fully funded for the entire research duration
Conduct research at world-renowned Swiss institutions
Work on national cyber-defence priorities
Collaborate with defense agencies, AI labs, and public-private consortia
Launch a career within Europe’s leading cybersecurity ecosystem
Fellowship Tracks & Benefits
1. Master Thesis Fellowship
Duration: 6 months
Support: Living allowance and research funds
Eligibility: Enrolled in a Swiss master’s program
Application: Rolling basis
2. Doctoral Fellowship
Duration: 4 years (extendable by 1 year)
Support: Full salary, travel, and research budget
Eligibility: Excellent master’s graduates applying for a Swiss PhD
Deadline: 20 August 2025
3. Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship
Duration: Up to 2 years
Support: Salary, project funds, conference grants
Eligibility: Completed PhD with strong publication record
Deadline: 20 August 2025
Supported Research Areas
CYD Fellows could focus on any field relevant to Swiss cyber-defence, including:
Artificial Intelligence for threat detection
Machine learning for military-grade encryption
Quantum-secure communication
Blockchain and decentralization for defense
Cyber-forensics and vulnerability analysis
National infrastructure protection
Projects needed to demonstrate technical depth and strategic value for national digital resilience.
Eligibility Criteria
The program welcomed applicants of all nationalities, requiring:
Academic excellence
Strong and feasible research proposals
Alignment with Swiss cyber-defence priorities
Motivation to contribute to global cyber innovation
CYD encouraged students, PhD candidates, and emerging researchers to participate in securing the digital future.
Application Procedure
Steps to Apply:
Download the Toolkit:
Master Toolkit
PhD/Postdoc Toolkit (11th Call)
Prepare Your Documents:
CV
Academic transcripts
Research proposal
Supervisor confirmation (if applicable)
Submit Online:
Via the CYD submission platform
Deadlines:
Master Thesis: Rolling
PhD & Postdoc: 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST)
Next Call Opens: 3 December 2025
Applicants were advised to consult with their host supervisor before applying.
About EPFL and CYD Campus
EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) is a global leader in technology and security sciences, renowned for AI, quantum computing, and software systems research.
CYD Campus, under the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, functions as the national hub for cyber-competence, focusing on threat assessment and fostering innovation.
Together, they create a world-class ecosystem for tackling cybersecurity challenges.
Conclusion – Join the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Leaders
The EPFL CYD Fellowships 2025 Switzerland were an exceptional opportunity for fully funded, high-impact research in cybersecurity and digital resilience. Fellows benefited from elite Swiss labs, government partnerships, and global networks.
Application Deadlines:
PhD & Postdoc: 20 August 2025
Master Thesis: Rolling
Official Link (Expired): CYD Fellowship Office
FAQs
Q1: Who could apply for CYD Fellowships?
A1: Candidates of all nationalities, including master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers, with academic excellence and strong proposals.
Q2: What funding was provided?
A2: Full salary for PhD/Postdoc, living allowances, research funds, project budgets, and travel/conference support.
Q3: Which institutions hosted the fellows?
A3: EPFL Lausanne, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus Thun.
Q4: What research areas were eligible?
A4: Cybersecurity, AI threat detection, quantum communication, blockchain for defense, cyber-forensics, and critical infrastructure protection.
Q5: How were applications submitted?
A5: Via the CYD submission platform after preparing the required documents and consulting the host supervisor.