EPFL Doc.Mobility

• to complete a research experience, work on a publication, access to experimental equipment or other resources not available at EPFL, to complete fieldwork
• to broaden the professional network of doctoral candidates by giving them access to a highly reputable research team and research institution
• to give PhD candidates the benefit of a culturally diversifying experience in a research and development environment
• to acquire additional professional experience, with a particular focus on the acquisition of transversal or interpersonal skills

• This call is available for research stays between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.
• Minimum length: 3 months
• Maximum length: 6 months
• Cannot be awarded retroactively

• Must be conducted at a host institution abroad (outside Switzerland)
• Preference is given to projects in a country different from the applicant’s home country and previous place of study (Bachelor/Master)
• The research visit must not be part of a joint thesis or doctoral partnership or joint doctoral program
• The host institution must be a non-profit organization

The grant is available to doctoral students in all disciplines represented at EPFL provided they meet the following conditions:

• have been registered for at least 12 months as a doctoral candidate at EPFL at the time of the start of the research stay
• successfully passed the candidacy exam at the time of the start of the research stay
• Not be funded by a project of the Swiss National Research Foundation (SNSF)*
• Not be in the last six months of their PhD studies. If they are in the first 6 months of their last year of studies, they must prove that the number of ECTS required for the end of their PhD cursus will be met

* Please check with your thesis director whether your thesis is funded by an SNSF project. If so, you can apply to the SNSF for mobility grants, as described in SNSF’s “General implementation regulations for the Funding Regulations” (Annex V).

The EPFL Doc.Mobility grant provides financial support for various expenses related to the research stay abroad, while The PhD candidate’s salary must either be covered by their thesis director/current funding source or by the host institution.

Travel Expenses

• Up to CHF 2,000 for a round-trip between the applicant’s place of residence linked to their doctoral studies and the host institution
• Covers plane or train tickets (visa fees, taxis, etc., are not included)
• Must follow EPFL Travel Directives and use cost-effective economy-class options

Conference Participation

• Up to CHF 2,000 to attend scientific conferences, congresses, or workshops relevant to the research project
• Strong preference is given to events held in the host country

Personal Living Expenses

• The thesis director must either guarantee the salary (paid leave of absence) or proof of sufficient income paid by the host institution must be submitted (unpaid leave of absence).
• The grant provides a contribution of up to CHF 800 per month (maximum CHF 4,800 per stay) for additional rent or essential living costs associated with the stay.

Tuition Fees

• Covers up to 75% of tuition fees, with a maximum of CHF 15,000 per stay.
• Only granted if the host institution does not waive fees (proof required with application).

Family Allowances

• CHF 1,000 per month per child, up to CHF 6,000 per stay (adjusted for any existing EPFL child allowances).
• Expenses for spouses/partners are eligible if they accompany the applicant to support childcare during the entire mobility stay.

There will be one call for applications per year.

Applications must contain the following documents:

• a CV of two pages maximum;
• a project plan using the template provided;
• 3 support letters using template provided: 1) by thesis director, 2) by the host abroad, 3) by the host institution abroad
• the partnership and/or family certificate, if applicable.

Complete applications must be submitted by doctoral candidates via Selectus. (The link will follow shortly.)

Applications for the EPFL Doc.Mobility grant undergo a two-step evaluation process:

Formal Check: The Doctoral School verifies that applications meet the formal requirements.

Scientific Evaluation: Eligible applications are assessed by a selection committee based on three key aspects:

•   The scientific project (quality, originality, relevance, and feasibility)
•   The applicant (scientific achievements and career impact)
•   The host institution (international standing)

Selection Committee

The committee consists of:

• A professor knowledgeable in the project’s discipline
• A professor from the Research Awards Commission
• A representative from the Doctoral School

Selection & Notification

Applications are evaluated competitively, and the best are awarded grants based on EPFL criteria. The Doctoral School informs applicants in writing of the decision.

Payment of the Grant

• Funds are released upon request using the provided template.
• The grant is transferred in Swiss francs to a Swiss bank or postal account, in one lump sum, no earlier than one month before the mobility stay begins.
• Grantees must keep all receipts for verification and submit them with the final report. If actual expenses are significantly lower than requested, a refund may be required.

Insurance

• Grantees are responsible for arranging their own insurance coverage.