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ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grants 2026 and ETH Zurich, Switzerland (March 30, 2026)
The ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grants 2026 provide a prestigious international opportunity for doctoral candidates and master’s students from developing nations to advance their research under the guidance of elite faculty. Specifically, this one-year mentorship appointment connects students from low- and lower-middle-income countries with senior scientists and professors at ETH Zurich. Furthermore, the program emphasizes structured academic capacity building, pairing virtual support with a mandatory funded research stay in Switzerland. Consequently, this initiative bridges the gap between global research standards and localized development innovation.
Program Highlights Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Program Title | ETH4D Doctoral and Pre-Doctoral Mentorship Grants |
| Organizing Institution | ETH for Development (ETH4D), ETH Zurich |
| Mentorship Duration | One Year (Appointment) |
| Research Stay | 1–3 Months at ETH Zurich, Switzerland |
| Grant Amount | Up to 10,000 CHF |
| Application Deadline | March 30, 2026 |
Program Overview
The primary objective of the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grants 2026 is to strengthen academic collaborations between ETH Zurich and research institutions in the Global South. Mentees receive continuous guidance over 12 months, ideally through monthly meetings with their ETH mentor to track project goals, such as joint publications or conference presentations. Additionally, the program supports the practical implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by allowing students to learn new methodologies and access world-class resources in Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 cohort, applicants must meet the following residency and institutional requirements:
- Eligible Mentees: Doctoral candidates and master’s students registered at a university or research institute in any country listed on the current DAC list of ODA recipients.
- Excluded Countries: Students from upper-middle-income countries are not eligible.
- Hosting Requirements: The application must be submitted by an ETH professor, who must be or become a member of ETH4D.
- Security Screening: Students from certain countries may be required to undergo a security screening before arrival, a process independent of ETH4D.
Curriculum & Mentorship Components
The mentorship is holistic and designed to refine the mentee’s doctoral research through several channels:
- Senior Mentorship: Direct guidance from one ETH professor, senior scientist, or postdoc.
- Research Integration: A 1-to-3-month research stay integrated into the mentor’s research group in Zurich.
- Doctoral Committees: While not a requirement, ETH mentors may serve on the mentee’s official doctoral committee.
- Strategic Planning: Master’s students must describe their defined pathway toward future doctoral studies.
Scholarship Benefits
The grant covers expenses up to a maximum of 10,000 CHF to support the research stay and academic growth.
| Benefit | Coverage Details |
| Roundtrip Travel | Economy ticket to and from Switzerland (max. 1,500 CHF) |
| Monthly Allowance | 850 CHF per month for food and personal costs during the stay |
| Housing | Full accommodation coverage during the research stay |
| Official Fees | Full coverage of visa fees |
| Mobility | Local transport within Zurich |
| Academic Support | Research materials and conference attendance (if applicable) |
Application Requirements
Applications must be written in English and submitted via the host professor through the official online portal.
- Electronic Application Form: Completed by the hosting ETH professorship.
- Budget Plan: A detailed financial breakdown using the provided template.
- Letters of Support: Direct email submission of support letters from both the hosting ETH professor and an academic reference.
- Motivation Letter: Maximum 3,000 characters (Arial, size 11, line pitch 1.15).
- Academic Records: Recent university transcripts and a CV (max. 2 pages).
- Project Documentation: A project description, doctoral project proposal (if available), and a Gantt Chart work plan.
Registration Details
| Detail | Information |
| Portal Link | Click here to apply |
| Submission Deadline | 30 March 2026 |
| Result Outcome | Approximately 5–6 weeks after the deadline |
| Start Period | Mentorship begins from mid-2026 |
Contact Information
- Programme Manager: Francis Baranyk.
- Email: francis.baranyk@nadel.ethz.ch.
- Address: ETH for Development (ETH4D), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Key Highlights
The ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grants 2026 are highly competitive and focus on academic merit and mentorship alignment. Mentees are expected to gain exposure to global research standards while contributing their unique perspectives to ETH Zurich research groups. Furthermore, the program is unique in its “pre-doc” provision, allowing Master’s students to facilitate their future transition into a PhD program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum amount I can receive under this grant?
The grant covers a maximum of 10,000 CHF for the duration of the mentorship and stay.
Can I apply directly as a student?
No, applications directly submitted by the candidate will not be considered; they must be submitted by the hosting ETH professorship.
How long is the research stay in Switzerland?
The research stay must last between one and three months during the one-year mentorship period.
Are health insurance costs covered?
Yes, though health insurance is self-organized, the grant can be used to cover the associated fees.
Which countries are eligible for the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grants 2026?
Students registered at institutions in least-developed, low-, and lower-middle-income countries on the current DAC list are eligible.