CYD Master Thesis Fellowship in Switzerland: Secure Your Research Funding
Shoaib Mehdi
Published June 13, 2026 · 4 min read

Are you a Master's student in Switzerland looking for a fully-funded research opportunity? The CYD Master Thesis Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland could be the perfect chance to advance your academic and research career. Offering a substantial stipend and expert supervision, this fellowship focuses on critical areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. This post will guide you through everything you need to know about this prestigious opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria
The CYD Master Thesis Fellowship is open to ambitious students who meet specific criteria:
- Applicants must hold any nationality.
- There is no age restriction for applicants.
- You must be currently enrolled in a Master’s program at a Swiss university or a Swiss university of applied sciences.
- You need to have secured supervision from a professor employed at your Swiss higher education institution.
- Demonstrating excellent academic performance is crucial.
- Applicants should showcase strong professional or research achievements.
- Any applications that contravene research integrity or good scientific practice will not be considered.
Benefits
This fellowship provides comprehensive support to help you focus on your research:
- Living Allowance: Receive CHF 2,500 per month for up to 6 months, totaling CHF 15,000 in living support.
- Research Funding: Gain access to up to CHF 1,500 for project-specific research equipment.
- Total Maximum Funding: The fellowship can provide up to CHF 16,500 in verified financial support.
- Expert Supervision: Benefit from joint supervision by a Swiss university professor and a CYD Campus researcher.
What’s for You
Beyond the financial assistance, the CYD Master Thesis Fellowship offers unique advantages:
- Access to CYD Campus: Work alongside leading experts in Switzerland's cyber-defence research community.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Engage with research topics at the forefront of cybersecurity, AI, data science, and digital trust.
- Professional Development: Enhance your research skills and build a strong network within the cyber-defence ecosystem.
- Thesis Completion: Successfully complete your Master's thesis while gaining invaluable practical experience.
Required Documents
While the specific documents for Stage 1 are detailed in the application guidelines, applicants typically need to prepare:
- A completed online application form.
- Transcripts demonstrating excellent academic performance.
- A motivation letter clearly outlining the impact of your proposed research.
- A detailed research proposal if you are not selecting an official CYD topic.
- Endorsement from your supervising professor.
- Any other documents specified in the official application guidelines, always in PDF format.
Application Process & Fees
The application process for the CYD Master Thesis Fellowship is structured and requires careful preparation:
- Application Fees: There are no stated application fees for this fellowship. The application is free to submit.
- Step 1: Thoroughly review the official application guidelines provided by the CYD Campus.
- Step 2: Select an official CYD Master Thesis topic or develop your own unique research proposal aligned with CYD priorities.
- Step 3: Submit your Stage 1 application online, including all necessary documents. The call for proposals is rolling, meaning applications are accepted continuously.
- Step 4: If your Stage 1 application is shortlisted, you will need to contact your prospective mentor within 48 hours and schedule a required interview.
Remember to prepare your application materials meticulously, as academic excellence and research relevance are key selection criteria. Check out our AI Essay Hub for tips on crafting a compelling motivation letter.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application for the CYD Master Thesis Fellowship:
- Familiarize Yourself: Begin by reading the official CYD Master Thesis Fellowship 2027 Application Guidelines.
- Choose Your Research: Decide between an official CYD Master Thesis topic or prepare a detailed proposal for your own research idea. Ensure it aligns with Swiss cyber-defence priorities.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, ensuring they are in PDF format and meet the specified criteria.
- Submit Online: Complete and submit your Stage 1 application through the designated online portal.
- Engage with Mentors: If shortlisted, promptly contact your assigned mentor within 48 hours to schedule your interview. This step is critical for progressing to Stage 2.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Delaying contact with referees.
- Overlooking the English language document requirement (all submissions must be in English).
- Submitting a generic project proposal when an official topic is chosen.
- Missing the 48-hour deadline for scheduling mentor interviews after shortlisting.
- Requesting funding for general IT equipment instead of specific research needs.
- Uploading documents in incorrect file formats.
This fellowship is a remarkable opportunity for Master's students in Switzerland. For more information on research funding and academic opportunities, you can refer to official resources like Federal Student Aid. Stay updated with the latest opportunities by following Scholarshiply!
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