eth phd research plan

• Download vertical_align_bottom Fact Sheet Aptitude Colloquium  (PDF, 171 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Notification form aptitude committee  (PDF, 122 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Request for extension of the deadline  (PDF, 149 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom IAC Regulations  (PDF, 173 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom IBZ Regulations  (PDF, 292 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom ITES Regulations  (PDF, 166 KB)

Progress report

Doctoral students who have been definitively admitted write an annual progress report on the status and planned progress of their research project, as well as on any significant deviations from the research project described in the doctoral plan.

Annual status conversation

The first annual status conversation must take place no later than 12 months after passing the aptitude colloquium. The date of the most recent interview must be recorded by the doctoral student on myStudies.

The annual status conversation consists of two separate parts:

• Academic progress (basis: progress report)
• Assessment, career and personal development

The first part deals with the doctorate and the research work. The previously written progress report forms the basis for this conversation where all points recorded in the doctoral plan, the next steps and, if necessary, significant changes to the research project are discussed. It is recommended to involve the second advisor in the first part. Other persons may also participate. The second part is a development discussion that includes mutual feedback and the further development of competences. This part is conducted confidentially between the supervisor of the doctoral thesis and the doctoral candidate.

In any case both parts - the progress report and the result of the annual status converstaion - are sent to the second advisor for information.

Please note, it is the responsibility of the conversation participants to keep this document until the completion of the doctorate. The documents do not have to be submitted to the doctoral administration.

• chevron_right Template Progress Report
• chevron_right Template Annual status conversation

Doctoral students who were admitted definitively before 1 January 2022 will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the previous regulations. Doctoral students who were admitted provisionally – but not yet definitively – before 1 January 2022 can choose whether they will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the new regulations or according to the previous regulations.

Doctoral students are not only employees, but students as well. They have both the right and the duty to continue their education and attend courses in their research field, but also in related research areas and interdisciplinary areas.

At least 12 credit points are required for doctoral studies, of which at least one third has to be acquired outside the field of research. A credit point corresponds to a study performance of 25 to 30 working hours. Credit points are only awarded if your own performance can be demonstrated.

For ETH courses, the following regulations apply:

• Only credits visible on the transcript of records on myStudies are accepted
• The compliance with the performance assessment as per the course catalogue is mandatory

Courses which cannot be enrolled under myStudies will be confirmed on the form Download confirmation of course attendance for doctoral students (PDF, 25 KB) .

The confirmation by the Doctoral Administration of D-USYS, should be obtained as soon as the 12 credits are acquired. The following documents are required:

• Transcript of records from myStudies, signed by the supervisor
• Download Confirmation of course attendance (PDF, 25 KB) for credits outside of myStudies, signed by the supervisor
• Download Registration for doctoral examination (PDF, 725 KB)

Please mark the credits which have been acquired outside of your research field.

Doctoral students who were admitted after 1 January 2022 will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the new regulations. Doctoral students who were admitted provisionally – but not yet definitively – before 1 January 2022 can choose whether they will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the new regulations or according to the previous regulations.

To obtain the minimum 12 ECTS credits required in regular doctoral studies, the doctoral student must either pass a performance assessment or demonstrate an active, verifiable contribution. One ECTS credit generally corresponds to a workload of 25–30 hours. Credits must be earned in each of the following three categories:

• Consolidation of knowledge in the research area of the doctoral thesis and the extension of knowledge beyond the original discipline, e.g., through attendance of courses designed especially for doctoral students, regular Master’s degree courses or courses from the third year of Bachelor’s degree studies.
• Acquisition of transferable skills, e.g., by attending soft-skills courses or participating in ETH Zurich bodies or committees. 
• Integration into the scientific community, e.g., by attending international conferences.

Doctoral students must acquire at least 1 ECTS credit by attending a course on the topic of ethics and good scientific practice. This academic achievement falls under category b (transferable skills).

The following achievements/activities are excluded from counting towards the 12 ECTS credits for regular doctoral studies:

• Achievements before entering the doctorate;
• Achievements in the framework of multiple matriculations at another level of studies, except for credits earned in the context of teacher training / Teaching Certificate courses;
• Participation in seminars/courses of the individual professorship, such as group meetings, retreats etc.;
• Participation in teaching;
• Attendance of courses with no verification of personal performance.

As soon as you have earned the 12 credit points, you can request for completion of your doctoral studies in myStudies. Check your transcript of records and edit it if necessary using the "Assign category" function.

The composition of the entire examination committee must be submitted to the D-USYS Doctoral Administration no later than three months before the examination .

At least one co-examiner must come from outside ETH Zurich. Eligible are active professors from other universities or persons who are proven experts in the area of the doctoral thesis and are equivalent to professors in this. This does not include persons from universities of applied sciences or private industry with the corresponding expertise, they may, however, be appointed as further members of the examination committee (binding for doctoral examinations conducted on or after 1 January 2024).

It is mandatory that an independent person is part of the examination committee (for example: not part of the same professorship, no cooperation in the context of the doctoral thesis). This can be the external co-examiner. In case of a dependency relationship between the supervisor and/or the doctoral student with the external co-examiner, another independent co-examiner is necessary.

The doctoral examination must be taken no later than 6 years after the temporary admission. Doctoral examinations are usually open to the public. If doctoral students wish to have a non-public examination, they must submit a request to the D-USYS Doctoral Administration. The examination includes a presentation (duration 20 minutes), followed by a defense, including questioning by the members of the examination committee. The doctoral examination lasts at least 1 hour and 20 minutes, Questions from the audience are allowed after the questioning by examiners is completed (questions from the audience do not count towards the minimum duration of the doctoral examination).

The doctoral student organises the date and room for the doctoral examination together with the supervisor and the co-examiners.

There are still three options on how to carry out doctoral exams:

• Doctoral exams can be held with the doctoral student, the members of the examination committee and the chair physically present.
• Doctoral exams can be held as hybrid with some of the participants present.
• Doctoral exams can be held entirely via Zoom.

The doctoral exam is chaired by a professors of D-USYS.

Available dates from 01 July 2024

If one or more members of the Examination Committee are attending the Doctoral Examination via videoconference, we recommend that you book the room via the videoconference service .

As soon as the date is fixed, and/or, at the latest, 8 weeks before the doctoral examination, please send an e-mail to the Doctoral Administration of D-USYS.

• chevron_right Student portal: Doctoral thesis
• chevron_right Student portal: Doctoral examination

The examination copy of the doctoral thesis must be submitted in electronic form by the doctoral student to the examination committee and the D-USYS Doctoral Administration at least 20 working days before the examination.

The reports must be submitted in electronic form to the D-USYS Doctoral Administration at least 5 working days before the examination by the examination committee.  

Registration for the doctoral examination may only proceed with the consent of the doctoral thesis supervisor and in consultation with the co-examiners.

The doctoral examination is open to the public; it is announced on the department's website .

The following steps have to be taken before you receive your doctor’s title:

• Approval of the thesis by the Department Conference
• Submission of the deposit copies of the thesis maximum 3 months from the date of the Department Conference

The title «Doctor of Science ETH Zurich» may only be given if the copies and the electronic version have been handed over.

• chevron_right Student portal: "Final Steps"
• chevron_right Dates of the Department Conferences
• chevron_right Doctoral graduation dates
• Download vertical_align_bottom Form to submit the doctoral thesis deposit copies  (PDF, 886 KB)

If you wish to change the supervisor for your thesis project, you need the agreement of the new supervisor. Please submit the form Download Change of supervisor (PDF, 549 KB) to the Doctoral Administration Office, signed by the new and if possible the former supervisor.

If it becomes apparent that you will not be able to finish your doctorate within the maximum period of 6 years, a well-founded Download request for extension of deadline for doctoral studies (PDF, 2.6 MB) is to be handed in to the Doctoral Administration D-USYS.

If you withdraw from your doctorate prematurely, it is not enough simply not to enroll for any more semesters. Your withdrawal must be reported to the Doctoral Administration Office using the form Download Withdrawal declaration for doctoral students (PDF, 889 KB) . It is only when you have submitted the form, together with your ETH card, that you will officially be dematriculated.

• chevron_right Ombudspersons and trusted intermediaries
• chevron_right AVETH counselling
• chevron_right AVETH Survival Guide
• chevron_right VMUSYS counselling
• chevron_right Respect campaign
• chevron_right Consulting, help and support
• chevron_right Services and Counselling
• chevron_right Employment
• chevron_right myPath

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Participation in the Earth and Planetary Sciences doctoral programme provides a stimulating introduction to independent research on a scientific frontier.

An ETH doctorate provides an excellent educational preparation for a career in academic or industry research. A doctoral degree generally takes three to four years with support through a research assistantship.

All degrees, but particularly the Master's and doctoral programmes allow people to study at other universities, either independently or through collaborations and joint programmes such as those at the University of Zurich or the IDEA League of RWTH Aachen and TU Delft. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences also has extensive research and teaching connections with leading universities in North America and Asia, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the National University of Singapore.

The formal prerequisite for initiating a doctorate is a Diploma, Master's or equivalent College degree, which includes an independent project equal to the Master's Thesis. To enter the doctorate the thematic basis of the Master is of secondary importance. Doctoral students in Earth and Planetary Sciences are frequently, chemists, physicists or even mathematicians. The candidate's eligibility for one or more departmental research groups is the crucial factor, which determines admittance to the doctorate. In order to determine the eligibility of the candidate for the doctorate a qualifying examination may be required, depending on the professional qualifications of the candidate. Usually the doctoral students are hired as assistants, funded from research grants from government, industry or the ETH Zurich. Prospective doctoral students may participate in the writing of a research proposal during their Master's degree by collaboration with a potential doctorate advisor, thereby participating in the project definition. More frequently, however, project positions are advertised internationally and candidates selected from the international talent pool. All doctoral students contribute to teaching or to the administration of the departmental laboratory infrastructures.

Formal ordinances concerning the doctorate are given in the ETH rules of procedure and the D-EAPS regulations. Further information or documents on doctoral studies are given by the doctoral administration .

Frequently asked questions

The central Doctoral Administration has put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about the new ordinance on doctoral studies .

D-EAPS related information

Your question wasn't answered in the FAQs about the doctorate or in the new documents ? View the FAQ of the D-EAPS Doctoral Administration.

Open doctoral positions

At the department of earth and planetary sciences and associated organisations.

• Phone phone +41 44 632 86 44

ETH Zurich Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences Sonneggstrasse 5 NO D 51.3 8092 Zurich

Appointment

Quick access.

• chevron_right Open positions on the ETH job portal
• chevron_right Registration and admission for an ETH doctorate
• chevron_right ETH Library
• chevron_right AVETH Survival Guide

All doctoral students are automatically members of the Mittelbau association of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VAME) .

The Mittelbau meets regularly to discuss department related matters of interest.

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Department of Mathematics

Thanks to its international focus, the Department of Mathematics offers doctoral students the best possible start to a career in academic or industrial research. A doctorate usually takes between three and five years.

The Department of Mathematics offers a broad spectrum of research areas for doctoral students ranging from pure mathematics, such as algebra, analysis, geometry, number theory or probability, to more applied mathematics, such as insurance mathematics, finance, mathematical physics, numerical analysis, operations research and statistics.

About twenty to thirty doctoral students complete their doctoral thesis at the Department every year: overview of upcoming and successfully passed doctoral examinations.

Research environment

Doctoral students work as scientific assistants and are employed for up to six years. They attend the external page Zurich Graduate School in Mathematics.

The benefits are:

• internationally highly respected professors
• research funded by the external page Swiss National Science Foundation
• offices in the ETH Zurich Main Building
• access to the Mathematics Library and the ETH Library , access to online publications
• conferences organised by the Forschungsinstitut für Mathematik to support the scientific exchange of ideas

Teaching activities

Passing on knowledge to future mathematicians, other scientists and engineers is a key part of doing doctoral studies at ETH Zurich. The teaching workload depends on the doctoral student's salary level. Teaching generally comprises:

• teaching exercise classes
• organising exercises for a lecture
• assisting in student seminars
• interacting with the lecturer and/or teaching assistants (undergraduate students)
• providing assistance for lectures ranging from basic mathematics for biologists to advanced lectures for mathematicians
• coordinating and correcting exams

Additional courses

Research lives from acquiring knowledge about current theory and discussing it with experts. During the regular doctoral studies, at least 12 ECTS credits must be acquired to cover the following objectives:

• Deepening of knowledge in the research field of the doctoral thesis and expansion of knowledge beyond the original discipline
• Acquisition of transferable skills
• Integration into the scientific community  

Courses and seminars:

• wide variety of high-level lectures, minicourses and student seminars: see ETH Zurich Course Catalogue or external page graduate courses offered by the Zurich Graduate School in Mathematics
• Reseach seminars organised by professors and research groups where experts from different mathematical fields give talks and exchange their knowledge
• The FIM - Institute for Mathematical Research and the Institute for Theoretical Studies invite academic guests for scientific exchange

Life in Zurich

• largest city in Switzerland with a top ranking for quality of life
• charming medieval old town very close to the ETH Main Building and the Department
• fantastic water activities, winter sports or hiking because of the lake and the Alps within close proximity
• variety of cultural events and night life, very cosmopolitan  

Further activities

• The external page Zurich Graduate School of Mathematics (ZGSM) organises language courses and social events such as barbecues and fondue dinners.
• The Association of Scientific Staff at ETH (AVETH) and the Association of Academic Staff at the D-MATH (VMM) represent the interests of doctoral students and organise events.
• The external page Academic Sports Association Zurich (ASVZ) offers a wide range of sports that fulfil every wish.

More Information

• chevron_right ETH Zurich – Doctorate
• chevron_right Student portal – Doctorate
• chevron_right Welcome Center
• chevron_right Continuing education in university teaching
• external page call_made German courses (ZGSM)
• external page call_made Language center

Legal matters

• chevron_right Ordinance on Doctoral Studies at ETH Zurich
• chevron_right Rector’s Implementation Provisions for the Ordinance on Doctoral Studies 2021

Associations

• protected page lock VMM – Association of the academic mid-level faculty at D-MATH
• chevron_right AVETH – Association of Scientific Staff at ETH
• chevron_right AVETH – Survival Guide

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Department of Computer Science

Direct doctorate in computer science.

Our goal is to educate students to become researchers and future leaders in computer science. The Direct Doctorate in Computer Science comprises course and research work. It allows exceptionally well-qualified students holding a Bachelor's degree to join the doctorate programme at the Department of Computer Science.

The programme is tailored to the needs of students aiming at a career in research and interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at ETH Zurich. The Direct Doctorate enables students to explore a wide range of areas in computer science and to become acquainted with the different groups at the department prior to the selection of a topic and a supervisor for the doctoral dissertation.

Students in this programme are entitled to financial support and tuition waivers in the form of a full scholarship during the first two study years and, thereafter, to a competitive salary that covers living expenses in Switzerland. Typically, the completion of the Direct Doctorate takes 5 to 6 years.

The first two years of the programme provide students with advanced methodological and conceptual knowledge in computer science that goes beyond today's state of the art and prepares students for scientific forerunner roles. The studies are structured similarly to a Master's degree, which students obtain upon completion of the credit requirements. Students can choose from a variety of fundamental and elective courses. During the second part of the Direct Doctorate in Computer Science, students focus on their doctoral research and the completion of the dissertation. 

Important Information about the Application Process: Direct Doctorate applicants use the same application tool as master's applicants. Application information can be found here , and the specific requirements for the Direct Doctorate here (see Computer Science MSc). During the application process, you indicate that your application is for the Direct Doctorate Programme. It is, therefore, possible not to be admitted to the Direct Doctorate Programme, but for the Master’s Programme in Computer Science. However, the application cannot be considered for ESOP simultaneously. Note that applications not submitted as outlined above will not be considered.

Download Study Guide "Direct Doctorate in Computer Science" (PDF, 154 KB)

Studies at ETH Zurich

• chevron_right Doctorate at ETH Zurich
• chevron_right New international students
• chevron_right Information about entering Switzerland
• chevron_right Doctoral student and visa situation

Practical information

• chevron_right Forms and documents
• chevron_right Course catalogue
• Download vertical_align_bottom Study Guide, Regulations 2009  (PDF, 2.4 MB)
• Phone phone +41 44 633 42 23

ETH Zurich Department of Computer Science Universitätstrasse 6 CAB H 37.1 8092 Zurich

The Direct Doctorate: A unique opportunity for top international undergraduates

The Direct Doctorate in Computer Science was developed to draw talented undergraduates from all over the world. Six years after welcoming its first two enrolees, the programme now receives more than 100 applications every year. Students and professors testify that direct access to doctoral studies and the great atmosphere at ETH Zurich are large parts of its success.  

Read article

Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies

The LUS Doctoral Programme

The doctoral programme at the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), ETH Zurich D-ARCH, is dedicated to exploring contemporary challenges in urban and environmental transformation within broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and theoretical frameworks. This programme is designed to foster critical discourse and nurture independent, innovative, and proactive research that addresses pressing social and environmental issues.

The LUS Institute engages with the production of landscape, territory, and human settlements across various scales and diverse global geographies. Key research areas include landscape and designed ecologies, energy transition, agroecology, hydrology, regenerative agriculture, adaptive infrastructures, housing, and socio-economic development with a focus on urban inequality. Geographically, the LUS Institute’s research spans Switzerland, Europe, and the broader global South.

By bringing together disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design, and planning, as well as the social sciences, the doctoral programme at the LUS Institute adopts an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. This approach encompasses a diverse range of methodological approaches, from qualitative and quantitative research to ethnography, critical cartography, design-based action research, systems research, and urban theory.

About the Programme

The doctoral programme is conducted in English. With a current enrollment of over 25 participants, the LUS doctoral programme encourages both individual research and collaborative engagement within the doctoral community. The programme offers multiple platforms for interaction, such as the LUS methods seminar, institute-wide colloquia, workshops, and doctoral reviews. Embedded in the vibrant doctoral education environment of the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, the LUS doctoral programme actively collaborates with the doctoral programme at the Institute of History and Theory of Architecture (gta) , ETH Zurich. This collaboration enhances interdisciplinary perspectives and provides enriched research opportunities.

Participating Chairs at the LUS

While the proposed research should align with the individual and collective research agendas of the participating chairs at the LUS Institute, candidates are welcome to apply with an independent research topic, provided it aligns with the collective competencies of the Institute. The LUS Institute currently comprises seven chairs, each contributing to its diverse research landscape:

• Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design, Prof. Dr. Tom Avermaete
• Chair of Architecture and Housing, Prof. Maria Conen
• Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Dr. Teresa Galí-Izard
• Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, Prof. Hubert Klumpner
• Chair of Architecture and Urban Transformation, Prof. Freek Persyn
• Chair of Architecture and Territorial Planning, Prof. Milica Topalovic
• Chair of Landscape Architecture, Prof. Martina Voser

Job description

Conduct original doctoral research on an individually determined topic within the disciplines of landscape and urban studies. The fellowship places no restriction on the geography or time period of the proposed research project. You are expected to devote a small part of your time to community building activities at the LUS doctoral school and co-curate LUS Talks during the second year of your studies. See past LUS Talks here.

100% doctoral employment at the ETH standard rate, with an expected term of three-and-a-half years to completion, pending successful approval of the doctoral plan at the end of year one.

Your Profile

We are seeking individuals with a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and territorial design and planning, and social sciences, with strong research or design experience that can benefit from the inter- and transdisciplinary engagements offered by the institute.

You must hold a university diploma or master’s degree obtained at university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and social science, or related fields.

You must additionally demonstrate excellent research and writing skills.

The programme provides funding for up to three-and-a-half years, with a potential extension. You will be employed at full employment (100% pensum), based on the ETH Zurich doctoral student contract, with monthly salaries according to the ‘standard rate’. For a detailed calculation of salaries, please refer to this link .

You are required to take up residency in Zurich during the period of the scholarship. Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

Applications must be addressed to the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies rather than to individual professors. Applicants must note that the application will be solely evaluated for their content and the applicants are thus requested to not contact individual professors before applying.

As soon as we announce our new call for applications (DTBD), we will publish an application timeline and look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents

• Letter of motivation (1 page).
• Outline for the Proposed Research Project (4 pages + addendums). The document should include the research title, a review of the current state-of-the-art related to the proposed topic, clearly defined research questions, articulated aims and objectives, anticipated formats for publication, and a demonstration of why the LUS Institute is an ideal host for the proposed research. The main content must adhere to a 4-page limit, utilizing 11pt. font and single-spacing. Supplementary pages may be used for up to three illustrations (maps, drawings, images), bibliography, and a project timeline.
• Curriculum vitae (including publications, portfolio, and work samples, max. 10 pages).
• Published piece of writing if available (1 text, max. 15 pages).
• Name, affiliation, and email addresses of 2 referees.

Please note that applications missing any of the documents listed above and/or exceeding specified page limits will not be considered for evaluation.

The programme exclusively accepts application documents submitted through the ETH online application portal. Applications submitted via email or postal services will not be considered.

Application Timeline

As soon as we announce our new call for applications (DTBD), we will publish an application timeline.

Further information about the programme, the participating faculty and the application process.

Applicants are requested to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) before approaching the programme coordinator. Only for questions that cannot be addressed through the FAQs contact the doctoral programme coordinator Nazlı Tümerdem . Requests sent to any other email will not be considered.

Navigation auf uzh.ch

Ph.D. Program Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism

Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, research proposal guidelines.

BSM Program, Life Science Zurich Graduate School Research proposal guidelines The format of the research proposal for the BSM PhD Program generally follows the proposal format required by the Department of Biology, ETH Zurich. Research proposals in the BSM PhD program should meet certain criteria regarding form and content. Excluding title page they should have a maximum length of five pages (about 2000 words) and be built up as follows: Title page • working title of the proposed dissertation • name and contact information of the doctoral student • Institute, at which the dissertation should be carried out • names of the members of the doctoral thesis committee • proposed dates for the beginning and planned end of the dissertation Content (approx. 2000 words, max. 5 pages) •  Introduction  (suitable for ‘general biologists’) – approximately  2 pages • descriptions of the  Questions/Hypotheses/Goals  that the dissertation should address:  ½ page •  Experimental approach/strategy: ½ page •  Results obtained  in the period until submission of the proposal:  max. 2 pages • a schematic  Timeline  (schedule of what should be achieved when and by which means) • a list of relevant  References  (cited in the text) At the end of the proposal (outside the 5-page limit), please also outline briefly: • teaching responsibilities • courses taken or intended to be taken for credit

Opportunities in the lab

We have open PhD positions. At ETH Zürich, PhD students can start anytime and only require a completed master's degree . Suitable backgrounds for candidates include Computer Science , Software Engineering , Electrical Engineering , Robotics , Statistics , Bioengineering . -->

Application materials

• research plan (≤ 0.5 pages on your desired area of work, goals, and ambitions),
• alignment (≤ 0.5 pages on how your plan relates to our projects during the past 3 years max),
• names and contacts of two references,
• transcripts of records (both undergrad and master's).

Make your application complete and specific to our research!

Direct Doctorate: PhD program for bachelor graduates

The Direct Doctorate is open to exceptional undergrad applicants at the Department of Computer Science. Included are tuition waivers and a stipend for a 2-year research master's program. Candidates automatically enroll into the regular PhD program afterwards.

Applications for the Direct Doctorate ( link ) are open November 15 – December 15, 2024.

PhD positions (for master graduates)

If you have a strong background in one of the areas listed up top, your application for a PhD should include a couple of sentences on your projects so far, your interests, and how they relate to our research. Check out some of our recent projects before getting in touch!

Make sure to include the four items listed above in your application! We won't be able to respond to incomplete applications unfortunately.

Postdoc positions

We support strong candidates for their application to the ETH Fellowship program (deadlines March 1 and September 1). This opportunity fully funds a two-year postdoc stay including salary, equipment, travel, conference attendance, etc. If you have a strong track record in one of the areas listed above, please read through the program description and contact us.

External master's theses

If your interests and skills are an exceptionally good fit with our research projects, ETH can admit external students for a master's thesis. In this case, please contact Christian with a short motivation statement and include the documents listed above.

Research internships

We have hosted strong candidates for research internships or visits in the past , which often resulted in publications at top-tier venues. Research internships are available for exceptional students with a strong track record who are enrolled in master's or PhD programs outside ETH Zürich.

Student Summer Research Fellowship (next deadline: December 2024)

Bachelor's and master's students can apply for the Student Summer Research Fellowship at the Department of Computer Science. The program covers two-month internship including a VISA, travel, a stipend, and housing in Zurich .

Apply by December 15, 2024 on the department's summer fellowship application portal .

ETH Zurich is a great place to work on exciting research! Check out the teaser:

Facts about ETH Zürich

• ETH has one of the top computer science departments in the world (e.g., 3rd in a recent CS ranking ).
• ETH has world-class researchers, plenty of collaborations, and excellent facilities and funding.
• Full scholarships are available for outstanding B.Sc./M.Sc. students interested in a PhD.
• PhD and postdoc positions are fully funded including social benefits.
• Zürich is consistently ranked among the top destinations in the world for quality of life.

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

ETH for Development  

E4d doctoral scholarships.

Engineering for Development (E4D) Doctoral Scholarship Programme

The goal of the Engineering for Development (E4D) Programme is to promote research and education for people in low-income countries.

The E4D Programme is generously funded through the external page Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and the  external page Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The grant sum is 200'000 CHF to cover the salary costs of the doctoral students for three years. ETH professors cover the 4th year of the doctoral studies as well as costs related to the research itself.

Please refer to the Download Eligibility and Criteria document (PDF, 236 KB) before applying. 

For more information about finding a supervisor, see this page . 

The 2024 call for E4D Doctoral Scholarship applications has now closed. The next call will open in early 2025. 

• The Download general entrance requirements (PDF, 1.2 MB) for doctoral studies at the ETH Zurich and the respective department must be fulfilled.
• Experience in the selected research area is required.
• Applicants should be citizens of low- middle-income countries according to the external page OECD DAC-2024-2025 list . Applications from least-developed, lower-income, and lower-middle income countries will take priority. 
• The doctoral supervisor must be an ETH professor and must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed project. Candidates may be co-supervised by advisors at at a Federal Research Instittue (Eawag, Empa, PSI, & WSL), but they must also have an advisorship from a professor at ETH Zurich. 
• It is expected that the ETH Zurich professor supports the candidate in elaborating the full proposal, if the concept note should be selected, and to supervise the candidate, if the full proposal is selected for funding.
• The supervisor confirms their commitment to the project by a letter of support, indicating their financial contribution to the project.
• The research topic is within the thematic scope of ETH Zurich.
• The proposal is a new doctoral project, not complementary funding to an on-going research.
• Subject of the proposed research is the development of methods, technologies, tools or products, which generate a direct impact for underprivileged people in low-income countries.
• The ecological, socio-economic and cultural context is taken into account.
• Projects involving research partners from a low-income country must be based in the external page KFPE Principles for Transboundary Research Partnerships .
• All partners are involved in project formulation and development.
• All partners make a substantial in-kind or cash commitment.
• The project is integrated in the general activities of the involved institutions.
• Projects must include partners from countries on the external page OECD DAC-2024-25list .

Application Documents 

The concept note application must include:

• Completed Download Concept Note Application Form 2024 (PDF, 127 KB)
• CV of the candidate
• Excellent MSc degree from a recognised university and grade transcripts
• Support letter of the supervising professor at ETH Zurich
• 2 reference letters from your field of research
• Relevant own publications or documentation of relevant activities relating to the project
• List of 5 independent reviewers (same field of research, but unknown to candidate and professor)
• Bibliography

Please refer to the Download Eligibility and Criteria Document (PDF, 236 KB) before applying. 

New ETH4D Doctoral Fellowship for Global Impact

After 10 years of successful operation, the E4D Doctoral Scholarship Programme will begin a new phase in 2024.

The programme supports doctoral students from low- and middle-income countries to work on innovations at ETH that have the potential to improve the lives of people in poor and fragile regions. 

Fellows have excellent prospects of becoming leaders in sustainable development by taking up important positions in industry, policy or academia, or by putting research into practice through entrepreneurship. 

The E4D Fellows 2023

We are happy to introduce you to E4D´s Doctoral Fellows 2023: Karma Sherub from Bhutan and Tamirat Haile from Ethiopia. Karma strives to find solutions for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in Bhutan to protect agricultural sites and wildlife alike. Tamirat is set on developing a drought-prediction forecast model for the Horn of Africa.

• Fatemeh Adelisardou:  Improving the Sustainability of Food Production under Climate Change: Reinventing Agroecological Rice Farming in Iran
• Sergio Reyes Arriagada : Low-​cost seismic isolation system in in Peru & Cuba
• Tamirat Haile Dessalegn: Drought characterization and forecast in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya und Somalia)
• Andrés Javier Hernández Bello : Development and Implementation of a Multiplexed Point-​of-care Diagnostic Test for Dengue Virus Infections
• Prabhat Joshi : Exploring pluvial flood risks and mitigation options in low-​income, data-​scarce regions
• Jean Modeste Mushimiyimana:  Development of an early warning modelling tool for a large lake affected by methane harvesting, volcanism, and climate change
• Frank Odhiambo : Technology use for educational attainment, health and mental wellbeing for persons with disabilities in Kenya
• Jonathan Olal Ogwang:   Enhancing Anaerobic Digestion Systems for Sustainable Waste Management and Sanitation
• Bigyan Babu Regmi : The impact of energy and financial education programmes on students’ energy-​related financial literacy and energy consumption behaviour in Nepal
• Karma Sherub :  Environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses for monitoring of wildlife species in the mountains of Bhutan
• Helena Ström : Sustainable yam systems in West Africa
• Mosisa Wakjira : Sustainable Food Production in Ethiopia
• Churchill Agutu: Off-grid electricity-based energy services in Rwanda
• BJ Ward: Settling and dewatering of faecal sludge in Tanzania 
• Rebecca Enesi: Sustainable cassava starch in Nigeria
• Kanika Dheman:  Paediatric dehydration in South Africa

2020: 

• Dorothee Spuhler:  Sustainable sanitation planning in Nepal & Ethiopia
• Moritz Gold:  Insect production from biowastes for animal feeds
• Michelle Nay:  Improved bean breeding in Colombia and East Africa
• Andrea Hagn, Urban poor communities in India
• Christian Andres, Cocoa swollen shoot virus disease in Ghana
• Gemma Pham, Point-of-care test for malaria in Vietnam
• Daniela Paganini, Iron-containing micronutrient powder for Kenya
• Alireza Javadian, Bamboo as reinforcement in structural concrete
• Samuel Ndungu, Cowpea inoculation for improved yields in Kenya
• Lindsay Howe, Cooperative development strategies in South Africa
• Ima Zainuddin:  Abiotic stress resistance in cassava in Indonesia

2013: 

• Shanker Barsila, Grazing systems with yak crossbreds in Nepal

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Quantum Center

Quantum center research fellowship.

The Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme funds PhD students and postdocs hosted by research groups of the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich.

The objective of the Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme is to fund PhD students and postdocs hosted by member groups of the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich. It supports innovative and original scientific research that fits well into the context of the host group while fostering the independence of the fellow. In addition, the fellows will be responsible for helping to bring together the PhD and postdoc community in the Quantum Center, for example by organizing technical exchange events or social activities.

The Quantum Center is committed to increasing diversity in quantum science, and candidates from under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Furthermore, applications in groups of young PIs and PIs with small group sizes are equally encouraged. The Quantum Center Research Fellowship is endowed by the “Dr. Alfred and Flora Spälti Fonds“ and the "Heidi-Ras-Foundation".

Application and Timeline

The next call for applications will be announced.

PhD and postdoc candidates who are supported by a member of the Quantum Center are eligible to apply. Applications have to be made jointly by the candidate and the potential host. Each PI can support only one application in a given call. PIs hosting successful candidates are not eligible to support candidates in the following call. PhD candidates are expected to have completed or be close to completion of a Master’s degree. They have to meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zurich. Relevant information can be found on the website of the Doctoral Administration of ETH Zurich . Postdoc candidates must not have been employed at ETH Zurich for more than one year at the time of the application deadline. Applicants with a PhD from ETH Zurich will not be considered.

PhD fellowships

PhD students funded by the Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme are employed according to the regulations of ETH Zurich. The fellowship covers the full salary of a PhD student for three years according to the usual rates at ETH Zurich. In addition, a grant of up to 5'000 CHF per year for consumables may be awarded. To be accepted as a PhD fellow, the requirements of the Doctoral Administration of ETH Zurich must be met. The fellow will have to register as a graduate student at ETH Zurich and will be awarded a doctoral degree from ETH Zurich upon successful completion of the doctoral thesis. Details regarding the doctorate are according to ETH regulations and committees.

Postdoctoral fellowships

The fellowship covers the salary for one postdoc for up to two years. Postdoctoral fellows will be employed in accordance with the regulations of ETH Zurich, and salaries will be paid according to the ETH standard (100%). In addition, a grant of up to 5'000 CHF per year for consumables may be awarded.

Employment at ETH Zurich

Information on the employment at ETH Zurich and salaries for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers can be found here .

The following documents have to be submitted in a single file in PDF format:

• Motivation letter (to be written by the candidate and not to exceed 1 page)
• Letter of support from the host PI
• Part 1: Research plan. Please use the template "Part 1: Research Plan"
• Part 2: Additional Documents. Please use the template "Part 2: Additional Documents"
• CV of candidate (not to exceed 2 pages)

For postdoc applications, in addition:

• Reference letter(s) from PhD supervisor(s). Please request these letter(s) well in advance. The supervisor will receive a link to submit the reference letter only after you have submitted your application. Reference letters are accepted up to 10 days after the application deadline.
• If applicable: a certification of the planned date of the defence signed by the advisor or department chair if the doctorate has not yet been completed.

For PhD applications, in addition:

• Copies of University degree(s) / transcripts with all grades
• Download Part 1: Research Plan (DOCX, 36 KB)
• Download Part 2: Additional Documents (DOCX, 36 KB)

Application

Please submit the documents through the ETH online application portal .

If there are many competitive applications, the selection committee may choose to interview the candidates.  

The applications are submitted as files in PDF format via the ETH application portal by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Log in to the authentication system
• Step 2: Start a new application -> New application
• Step 3: Choose a program -> Quantum Center Research Fellowships (Postdocs) or Quantum Center Research Fellowships (PhD)
• Step 4: Upload the required documents
• Step 5: Applicants for a postdoctoral position: please provide the contact information of your PhD supervisor(s) for reference letter(s). Once you have submitted your application, the supervisor will automatically receive a link to upload the reference letter. Reference letters can be submitted until 10 days after the submission deadline.
• Step 6: Submit the application

All applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee consisting of members of the Quantum Center.

Program Chair and Scientific Lead

Prof. Dr. Yiwen Chu, contact details Prof. Dr. Tilman Esslinger, contact details

Program Coordination and Administration

Dr. Francesca Bay

Further information

• chevron_right Doctoral studies at D-INFK
• chevron_right Doctoral studies at D-ITET
• chevron_right Doctoral studies at D-MAVT
• chevron_right Doctoral studies at D-PHYS

• Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Dept. of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering

Doctoral studies.

As a doctoral student of D-ITET, you must meet certain requirements in to be admitted to the doctoral examination. You will find the relevant rules on this website and on that of the ETH .

More information on the Doctoral Program:  the doctorate at ETH Zurich .

Doctoral Administration

• Phone phone +41 44 632 33 36
• contacts vCard Download

D-ITET ETZ H 87 Gloriastrasse 35 8092 Zürich Schweiz

Links & Downloads

• chevron_right Upcoming meetings of the doctoral committee
• Download vertical_align_bottom Annual Status Conversation for Doctoral Studies  (PDF, 463 KB)
• chevron_right Code of Conduct
• chevron_right Respect campaign
• chevron_right Academic Calendar ETH
• external page call_made Career Center
• chevron_right Course catalogue
• chevron_right Doctoral administration office
• chevron_right Doctoral studies at ETH
• chevron_right myStudies
• chevron_right Welcome Center

Legal basis

• chevron_right Legal collection
• chevron_right Directives collection
• chevron_right Ordinance on Doctoral Studies at ETH Zurich
• chevron_right Rector's Implementation Provisions
• Download vertical_align_bottom Detail Regulations for Doctoral Studies at D-​ITET (2021)  (PDF, 171 KB)