CYD Fellowships, Switzerland – 2025

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence
Host Institution: EPFL and other top Swiss institutions
Supported by: armasuisse Science and Technology

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🔐 Overview

The Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships 2025 provide a fully funded opportunity for international students and researchers to advance their careers in cybersecurity and digital defense. Sponsored by armasuisse Science and Technology, and hosted by prestigious Swiss institutions such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus in Thun, these fellowships support research that contributes to national and international cyber resilience.

Whether you’re a Master’s student, doctoral candidate, or postdoctoral researcher, the CYD Fellowships are designed to help you develop and apply breakthrough ideas in areas such as quantum encryption, blockchain defense, secure AI, and critical infrastructure protection.

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🎓 Fellowship Levels and Benefits

1. CYD Master Thesis Fellowship

• Duration: 6 months

• Benefits:

  • Monthly living allowance

  • Research-related expenses

• Eligibility: Master’s students currently enrolled at a Swiss university

• Deadline: Rolling applications (apply any time)

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2. CYD Doctoral Fellowship

• Duration: Up to 4 years (extendable by 1 additional year)

• Benefits:

  • Full salary (based on Swiss doctoral scales)

  • Funding for research activities

  • Conference and travel grants

• Eligibility:

  • Master’s degree holders

  • Admitted to a Swiss doctoral program (or planning to enroll)

• Deadline: 20 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST

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3. CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Duration: Up to 2 years

• Benefits:

  • Competitive salary

  • Project-specific funding

  • Travel and conference support

• Eligibility:

  • PhD completed at time of application

  • Strong academic and publication record

• Deadline: 20 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST

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🔬 Research Focus Areas

Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposals with one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Cybersecurity & Cyber-Defence Strategies

• Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Threat Detection

• Digital Forensics & Resilience Engineering

• Blockchain & Decentralized Systems for Defense

• Quantum Cryptography & Secure Communications

• Critical Infrastructure Protection

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🏛️ Participating Institutions

Fellowship recipients will conduct research at one or more of the following renowned institutions:

• École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

• ETH Zurich

• Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, Thun

• Other accredited Swiss higher education and research institutions

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📌 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for any CYD Fellowship, applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong academic background and research capabilities

• A compelling and feasible research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals

• Motivation to contribute to the advancement of national and global cybersecurity

• Enrollment in or confirmed intention to enroll in a Swiss institution (for Master’s and PhD programs)

• A completed PhD at the time of application (for postdoctoral applicants)

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🧾 Application Process

1. Download the Application Toolkit

   • Available via the official CYD Fellowship webpage

2. Prepare Application Documents

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Academic transcripts

   • Supervisor commitment letter (if applicable)

   • Detailed research proposal (aligned with CYD priorities)

3. Submit Online

   • Use the official CYD Fellowship submission portal

   • Ensure all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline

📅 Application Deadlines

• Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships:
  Deadline: 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST)

• Master Thesis Fellowship:
  Deadline: Rolling admission – applications accepted year-round

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, as long as they are pursuing or plan to pursue study or research in Switzerland in the field of cybersecurity or cyber-defence.

Q2: Are the fellowships fully funded?
A: Yes. All CYD fellowships cover living costs, research expenses, and travel/conference grants depending on the level.

Q3: Can I choose any university in Switzerland?
A: You may choose from top-tier institutions like EPFL, ETH Zurich, or any recognized Swiss university or research institute.

Q4: What distinguishes this fellowship from others?
A: The CYD Fellowships uniquely position researchers at the intersection of government, academia, and industry, providing access to cutting-edge infrastructure, national security networks, and real-world impact projects.

Q5: What is the CYD Campus?
A: Located in Thun, Switzerland, the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus is a national initiative led by armasuisse, focusing on cyber threat analysis, defense innovation, and applied research.

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🌐 Final Thoughts

The CYD Fellowships 2025 represent one of the most prestigious and impactful opportunities for those aiming to shape the future of cybersecurity and digital defense. With full funding, access to world-class institutions, and collaboration opportunities across sectors, these fellowships are ideal for forward-thinking researchers passionate about making a real difference in cyber-defence innovation.

🔗 Apply now and become a key contributor to global cyber resilience.

APPLY HERE

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