Golden Opportunity To Study In Switzerland: 2025 CYD Fellowships For Master’s, PhD & Postdoctoral Researchers In Cyber Defense -

Introduction to the CYD Fellowships 2025

Are you passionate about cybersecurity, data science, or digital defense? The CYD Fellowships 2025 offer a golden opportunity to pursue advanced research in Switzerland—home to some of the world’s best scientific institutions. Whether you’re a Master’s student, PhD candidate, or postdoctoral researcher, this program gives you the tools, funding, and mentorship to shape the future of cyber resilience in Europe.

About the CYD Fellowships 2025

The Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships – A Talent Program for Cyber-Defence Research is a prestigious initiative launched by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in collaboration with the CYD Campus. The program is designed to support outstanding young researchers who are tackling real-world cyber-defense challenges.

Fellows are hosted by Swiss academic institutions and have access to cutting-edge labs and expert mentorship through EPFL, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus in Thun.

Whether you’re working on digital forensics, AI in cybersecurity, cryptography, or national defense strategies, this fellowship equips you to contribute meaningfully to Switzerland’s—and Europe’s—cyber resilience landscape.

Eligible Fields

The CYD Fellowships are open to research in areas including (but not limited to):

Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Defense
Data Science and Analytics
Network and System Security
Information Assurance
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Digital Forensics
Privacy and Cryptography
Secure Software and Hardware Design

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you:

Have excellent academic performance and research potential
Are conducting or planning research relevant to cyber defense
Are affiliated with a Swiss higher education institution or plan to be
Are highly motivated to address practical cybersecurity challenges
(For Doctoral and Postdoc applicants) Have a well-structured research plan and demonstrate leadership in your field

Note: The program is open to international candidates, provided they are based in or affiliated with a Swiss academic or research institution.

Fellowship Categories

There are three types of CYD Fellowships:

Master Thesis Fellowships
- For students pursuing a Master’s thesis in cyber defense
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis year-round
Doctoral Fellowships
- For PhD students pursuing original research in cybersecurity
- Deadline: 20 August 2025, 17:00 CEST
Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships
- For experienced researchers ready to lead independent studies
- Deadline: 20 August 2025, 17:00 CEST

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on:

Quality and relevance of the proposed research project
Academic excellence and demonstrated research capability
Alignment with the strategic priorities of the CYD Campus
Leadership potential and motivation
Institutional fit and feasibility of the research plan

The selection process includes expert peer review and may involve interviews or presentations.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to all nationalities, as long as applicants are enrolled in or affiliated with a Swiss university, research institute, or higher education institution.

Benefits of the CYD Fellowships

Successful applicants will enjoy:

Generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses
Research and travel funding for conferences, fieldwork, or collaboration
Access to world-class research labs at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and CYD Campus
Mentorship from leading cybersecurity experts
Integration into Switzerland’s cyber-defense network, including government, academia, and industry
Real-world application of your research in national and international cybersecurity contexts

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

CV or résumé
A detailed research proposal
Transcripts and academic certificates
Letter of support from host institution in Switzerland
Two letters of recommendation
(Optional) Publications or research portfolio

All documents must be submitted via the official CYD Submission Platform.

Important Dates

Application Deadline (Doctoral/Postdoctoral): 20 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST
Rolling Deadline (Master Thesis Fellowship): Applications accepted anytime
Next Round Opens: 3 December 2025

How to Apply

Visit the official fellowship website
Select your fellowship category (Master, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral)
Read the application toolkit carefully
Prepare and upload all required documents via the official CYD Submission Platform
Submit your complete application before the deadline

Final Thoughts

The CYD Fellowships 2025 are more than just a funding program—they’re a launchpad for future cybersecurity leaders. With generous support, access to top-tier labs, and opportunities to shape real-world digital defense strategies, these fellowships are your chance to make a lasting impact in one of the most critical domains of our time.

Don’t miss this opportunity to study, innovate, and defend in Switzerland’s thriving cybersecurity ecosystem.