The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has officially opened applications for the prestigious Postdoc.Mobility Fellowships 2026, a major international funding opportunity designed to support postdoctoral researchers seeking to strengthen their academic profile through research stays abroad.
This fellowship programme is aimed at researchers who have completed their doctorate and want to deepen their expertise, expand international collaborations, strengthen scientific independence, and accelerate their academic careers through global research experiences.
The SNSF Postdoc.Mobility programme is one of Switzerland’s leading initiatives for promoting international academic mobility and supporting outstanding early-career researchers across disciplines.
What is the SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship?
The Postdoc.Mobility fellowship is a funding scheme established by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to help postdoctoral researchers conduct research at institutions outside Switzerland.
The programme focuses on empowering researchers to:
- Gain international research experience
- Build strong academic networks abroad
- Enhance scientific independence
- Access world-class laboratories, archives, or research environments
- Strengthen long-term academic and professional opportunities
- Develop advanced expertise within their discipline
The fellowship encourages global scientific collaboration while helping Swiss-linked researchers become competitive leaders in research and innovation.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship is generally awarded for:
- Up to 24 months of funded research abroad
- A minimum duration of 12 months
Researchers currently holding an ongoing Postdoc.Mobility fellowship may also apply for an additional return grant lasting between:
- 3 to 12 months
The return grant supports researchers transitioning back after their international research stay.
Who Can Apply?
The SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowships are open to:
Eligible Applicants
- Researchers who already hold a doctorate degree
- Researchers expected to complete their doctorate within six months after the submission deadline
- Researchers with a medical degree that includes a doctorate
Additional Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate a connection or link with Switzerland.
The programme is designed specifically for postdoctoral-level researchers seeking advanced international research opportunities.
Main Objective of the Programme
The core objective of the Postdoc.Mobility programme is to strengthen the next generation of researchers by providing them with opportunities to conduct high-quality research in international academic environments.
The fellowship aims to help participants:
- Build international scientific collaborations
- Improve academic visibility
- Expand interdisciplinary research experience
- Develop independent research leadership
- Access new research methods and infrastructure
- Increase competitiveness for future academic positions and grants
Benefits of the SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship
Successful applicants may benefit from:
- Funding support for international research stays
- Long-term academic development opportunities
- Enhanced scientific independence
- Access to global research institutions and networks
- International collaboration opportunities
- Career advancement within academia and research sectors
- Support for return grants after the fellowship period
The programme provides an important platform for researchers seeking to establish themselves internationally within the academic and scientific community.
Research Focus
The programme supports postdoctoral research stays abroad across academic and scientific disciplines.
Researchers can use the fellowship to:
- Conduct independent research projects
- Collaborate with international research groups
- Access specialised facilities or expertise unavailable locally
- Develop innovative research methodologies
- Expand publication and academic partnership opportunities
About the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is Switzerland’s leading institution for the promotion of scientific research.
The organisation supports excellent research across multiple disciplines and provides funding opportunities for researchers at different career stages.
Through programmes like Postdoc.Mobility, SNSF continues to strengthen international scientific cooperation and support the development of emerging research leaders worldwide.
Why This Fellowship Matters
International research exposure has become increasingly important for academic career development. The SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to gain valuable international experience while developing independent research capabilities.
For postdoctoral researchers aiming to build strong academic careers, this fellowship can serve as a major stepping stone toward future research leadership, institutional collaborations, and long-term scientific impact.
Researchers connected to Switzerland who are looking to expand their global research experience should strongly consider applying for this competitive and prestigious fellowship opportunity before the deadline.
Submission Deadline
Application Deadline:
4 August 2026 — 17:00 CEST
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early and carefully review all eligibility requirements and fellowship regulations before submission.
Learn more and apply
Click HERE to learn more and apply for the SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowships 2026.
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