ETH AI Center Fellowships 2027 in Switzerland: Fully Funded PhD and Postdoctoral Research Opportunities at ETH Zurich

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The ETH AI Center Fellowships 2027 in Switzerland offer outstanding opportunities for aspiring doctoral researchers and experienced researchers who want to advance their careers in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computer science, engineering, and interdisciplinary research. Hosted by ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s leading institutions for science, technology, and innovation, these fellowship programs are designed to support talented researchers in developing innovative research projects, collaborating with leading academics, and contributing to the future of artificial intelligence.

The ETH AI Center is inviting applications for its 2027 Doctoral Fellowship and Postdoctoral Fellowship programs. Both opportunities emphasize interdisciplinary research, academic excellence, collaboration between different research fields, and the development of AI technologies with meaningful scientific and societal impact.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with two principal investigators (PIs) from different academic disciplines, receive competitive salaries, and become part of a dynamic research community at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. The doctoral program normally runs for three years, while the postdoctoral program typically lasts two years.

In addition to these flagship fellowship opportunities, the ETH AI Center is connected with two other major European research initiatives: the Max Planck ETH Center for Learning Systems (CLS) PhD Fellowship and the ELLIS PhD and Postdoctoral Program. These programs provide additional opportunities for researchers interested in machine learning, learning systems, and fundamental AI research across European institutions.

The application deadline for both ETH AI Center fellowships is 27 October 2026 at 16:00 Central European Time (CET). Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, program requirements, and application guidelines before submitting their applications.

Overview of ETH AI Center Fellowships 2027

The ETH AI Center offers two principal fellowship opportunities for researchers planning to begin their next academic stage in 2027.

Host institution: ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Research center: ETH AI Center
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Available opportunities: Doctoral Fellowship and Postdoctoral Fellowship
Expected starting date: Typically September 2027, although the starting date is flexible
Research areas: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, and interdisciplinary applications
Doctoral fellowship duration: Normally three years, with a possible one-year extension for eligible fellows
Postdoctoral fellowship duration: Normally two years
Doctoral fellowship salary: CHF 73,100 in the first year, CHF 78,300 in the second year, and CHF 83,500 in the third year
Postdoctoral fellowship salary: CHF 92,500 in the first year and CHF 97,200 in the second year
Application deadline: 27 October 2026, at 16:00 CET
Application method: Online application through the official ETH AI Center recruitment portals

The ETH AI Center expects to offer approximately 8–12 doctoral positions and 8–12 postdoctoral positions. These are competitive research opportunities intended for candidates with strong academic backgrounds, research potential, and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants must submit their applications through the relevant online portal. Applications submitted through email or postal services will not be considered.

About the ETH AI Center

The ETH AI Center promotes the development of trustworthy, accessible, and inclusive artificial intelligence systems. Its mission is to bring together researchers from different academic disciplines to investigate the foundations, applications, and broader implications of AI.

Artificial intelligence increasingly influences areas such as healthcare, scientific discovery, engineering, robotics, architecture, social sciences, and the future of work. Addressing the challenges in these areas requires researchers who can combine technical expertise with knowledge from other disciplines.

The ETH AI Center provides an environment where researchers can work across these boundaries. Its faculty includes more than 140 professorships representing all 16 departments of ETH Zurich, together with external research groups from the University of Zurich and the University of St. Gallen.

This extensive academic network allows fellows to connect with specialists working on different aspects of artificial intelligence and its real-world applications.

The center supports high-quality research, industrial innovation, and AI entrepreneurship. Its fellowship programs are designed to help researchers develop independent research projects while benefiting from the guidance of experienced academics and collaboration with other research teams.

1. ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship 2027

The ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship is designed for outstanding graduates who want to pursue doctoral research in artificial intelligence and related disciplines. It offers an opportunity to develop an original research project, receive joint supervision from two principal investigators, and become part of an interdisciplinary research community at ETH Zurich.

The program focuses on research that advances the foundations of AI or connects AI methodologies with application areas. Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, strong research potential, and the ability to contribute to collaborative scientific work.

Research objectives and academic environment

Doctoral fellows will conduct research addressing important questions in artificial intelligence and its future development. Rather than limiting research to a single academic discipline, the program encourages collaboration between different fields.

Depending on their research interests and proposed projects, fellows may investigate areas such as:

Machine learning and statistical learning methods
Artificial intelligence foundations and theory
Applied mathematics and computational methods
Computer vision and related AI technologies
Robotics and intelligent systems
AI applications in engineering and scientific research
AI for healthcare and medicine
Interdisciplinary applications involving architecture and other scientific fields
Trustworthy, accessible, and inclusive AI
The social implications of artificial intelligence and its effects on the future of work

These examples illustrate the interdisciplinary scope of the center; applicants should consult the official faculty information and fellowship guidelines to identify suitable supervisors and confirm the relevance of their proposed projects.

Doctoral fellows will work on research projects they propose and will have opportunities to exchange ideas with other research groups, attend faculty retreats, participate in symposia and summits, and develop professional relationships across ETH Zurich.

Duration and expected starting date

The doctoral fellowship normally lasts three years. Fellows who demonstrate good research progress may be considered for an extension of up to one additional year to complete their doctoral thesis.

Any extension is subject to a decision by the ETH AI Center Doctoral Selection Committee. According to the program description, this decision does not require additional interviews.

The starting date is flexible, although September 2027 is the typical starting period.

Doctoral fellowship salary and financial benefits

The ETH AI Center offers a transparent salary structure that increases automatically from one year to the next.

Fellowship year	Annual salary
First year	CHF 73,100
Second year	CHF 78,300
Third year	CHF 83,500

The figures represent the stated annual salaries in Swiss francs. Applicants should consult the official employment terms for further details regarding taxation, deductions, and other applicable conditions.

In addition to the salary, doctoral fellows benefit from joint academic supervision, training opportunities, continuing education activities, and access to services intended to support work and family life.

Eligibility requirements for the doctoral fellowship

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Relevant academic qualification

Candidates must have completed a master’s degree or expect to complete one sufficiently early before the fellowship begins. The degree must be completed at least three months before the start of the program, with June 2027 specified as the latest completion period for the expected September 2027 start.

Relevant fields include:

Computer science
Machine learning
Statistics
Physics
Engineering
Applied mathematics
Other relevant disciplines connected to the proposed research

2. Excellent academic record

Applicants are expected to demonstrate an excellent academic and research track record. Strong academic performance, research experience, and evidence of the ability to undertake advanced scientific work can help demonstrate suitability for this competitive program.

3. ETH Zurich doctoral admission requirements

Candidates must satisfy the general admission requirements for doctoral studies at ETH Zurich. Meeting the fellowship’s academic criteria does not automatically guarantee admission to a doctoral program.

Applicants should review the official doctoral admission information before applying:

ETH Zurich Doctoral Studies and Admission Requirements

4. English-language proficiency

Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to discuss research topics with colleagues, participate in academic discussions, and communicate research findings in writing.

5. Interdisciplinary collaboration

Candidates should be interested in working with researchers from different disciplines and contributing to collaborative solutions to scientific and technological challenges.

How to apply for the ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship

Candidates should prepare their applications according to the official requirements and submit them through the dedicated online application portal.

The application process should include the following steps:

Review the doctoral fellowship guidelines and frequently asked questions.
Identify the research areas and principal investigators relevant to your proposed project.
Develop a clear research direction that aligns with the interdisciplinary objectives of the ETH AI Center.
Prepare the required application materials according to the official instructions.
Confirm that your master’s degree completion timeline meets the program requirements.
Submit the completed application through the official online portal before the deadline.

Official application portal: Apply for the ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship 2027

Applicants should also review the ETH AI Center PhD and Postdoctoral Program Guidelines and the Fellowship FAQs.

Doctoral fellowship deadline: 27 October 2026, at 16:00 CET.

2. ETH AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

The ETH AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship is intended for researchers who have completed, or are close to completing, a doctorate and want to pursue advanced research in artificial intelligence.

This program is designed for researchers who wish to strengthen their academic profiles, develop independent research projects, collaborate with leading scientists, and explore future opportunities in academia, industrial research and development, or entrepreneurship.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for researchers who want to combine AI foundations with applications in other disciplines or pursue interdisciplinary research that addresses important scientific and societal challenges.

Purpose of the postdoctoral program

Postdoctoral fellows will develop and conduct research projects that they propose themselves. The program provides an opportunity to investigate new research questions while benefiting from the expertise of two principal investigators from different academic fields.

Fellows will also have opportunities to exchange ideas with other research teams and professors, attend faculty retreats, participate in symposia and summits, and engage with the broader ETH AI Center community.

The program encourages researchers to pursue work that advances the future of AI and has meaningful scientific, technological, industrial, or societal impact.

Duration and available positions

The ETH AI Center expects to offer 8–12 postdoctoral positions for the 2027 fellowship cycle.

The appointment normally lasts two years, and the starting date is flexible, with September 2027 being the typical starting period.

The fellowship provides a research environment in which postdoctoral researchers can refine their research direction, build collaborations, and prepare for future leadership roles in academia, industry, or AI entrepreneurship.

Postdoctoral fellowship salary and benefits

The program offers the following annual salary structure:

Fellowship year	Annual salary
First year	CHF 92,500
Second year	CHF 97,200

The increase from the first year to the second year is automatic, according to the program description.

In addition to the salary, the fellowship offers a range of employment benefits and professional development opportunities.

Key benefits include:

Joint supervision by two principal investigators from different research fields.
A primary office at the ETH AI Center in Zurich.
Access to training and continuing education activities.
Language courses available at an affordable price.
Five weeks of annual vacation.
Childcare subsidies offered by ETH Zurich.
Access to eight dedicated daycare centers near the campus.
Four months of paid maternity leave.
Ten days of paid paternity leave.
Up to five days of paid leave for caring for a sick person in the employee’s household.
Up to five days of paid leave for educators dealing with school-related matters.
Medical clarification arrangements involving children under 16, as described in the employment benefits.

The center also provides opportunities for fellows to explore an optional entrepreneurial or industry track. This pathway can help researchers gain practical experience in translating research into real-world applications.

These benefits make the postdoctoral fellowship attractive to researchers who want to combine advanced scientific work with professional development and longer-term career planning.

Eligibility requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

1. Doctoral degree

Candidates must already hold a PhD or be on track to complete their doctorate at least three months before the fellowship begins. The stated latest completion period is June 2027 for the expected September 2027 start.

Applicants who will not complete their doctorate within the required timeframe should carefully check the official guidelines before applying.

2. Relevant academic or research background

Applicants should have a background in relevant AI fields or in a related discipline, including:

Computer science
Physics
Engineering
Applied mathematics

Candidates from related research fields may also be suitable if their expertise and proposed project align with the program’s interdisciplinary AI research objectives.

3. English-language proficiency

Applicants must be able to discuss their research with colleagues in English and report their findings clearly in writing.

4. Commitment to interdisciplinary research

Candidates should be enthusiastic about collaborating with researchers from different academic fields, sharing expertise, and developing solutions to challenging scientific problems.

5. Research proposal and supervisory fit

The postdoctoral program expects fellows to work on projects they propose. Applicants should therefore consider how their research interests fit with the expertise of two potential principal investigators from different fields.

The proposed collaboration should support the interdisciplinary nature of the fellowship rather than simply duplicate a single research group’s existing work.

How to apply for the ETH AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applicants should carefully review the program guidelines and prepare the required materials before submitting their applications.

The recommended application steps are:

Read the official postdoctoral fellowship guidelines.
Review the frequently asked questions.
Identify potential principal investigators whose expertise aligns with your research proposal.
Develop a research project that demonstrates originality, scientific value, and interdisciplinary potential.
Confirm that your PhD completion date meets the program’s eligibility requirements.
Prepare the application materials specified in the official recruitment portal.
Submit the application online before the stated deadline.

Official application portal: Apply for the ETH AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

Additional information is available through the ETH AI Center PhD and Postdoctoral Program Guidelines and the Fellowship FAQs.

Postdoctoral fellowship deadline: 27 October 2026, at 16:00 CET.

Why Choose the ETH AI Center Fellowship Programs?

The ETH AI Center fellowship programs offer more than financial support. They provide an academic environment designed to help researchers build expertise, conduct original research, establish collaborations, and prepare for long-term careers in AI and related fields.

1. Joint supervision by two principal investigators

One of the most distinctive features of the programs is the requirement for fellows to work with two principal investigators from different fields. Both supervisors carry equal weight in the supervision arrangement.

This model can help researchers approach complex questions from multiple perspectives, combine different research methodologies, and develop work that connects AI foundations with practical applications.

2. Interdisciplinary research opportunities

The ETH AI Center brings together expertise from across ETH Zurich’s 16 departments, alongside external research groups.

This structure creates opportunities for collaboration across areas such as computer science, mathematics, engineering, medicine, robotics, architecture, and social sciences.

3. Competitive salaries

Both fellowship programs provide stated annual salaries in Swiss francs, with automatic increases across the specified years.

Doctoral fellows receive CHF 73,100 in the first year, CHF 78,300 in the second year, and CHF 83,500 in the third year. Postdoctoral fellows receive CHF 92,500 in the first year and CHF 97,200 in the second year.

4. Professional development

Fellows can participate in training, continuing education, academic events, faculty retreats, symposia, and summits.

These activities help researchers develop their scientific expertise, expand professional networks, and gain exposure to different approaches to AI research.

5. Career development and entrepreneurship

The center provides opportunities to explore industry and entrepreneurial pathways. Researchers interested in applying AI beyond academia may gain valuable experience in translating scientific research into practical products, services, or innovations.

For doctoral researchers, the fellowship can provide a foundation for postdoctoral research, academic careers, or roles in industrial research and development. For postdoctoral researchers, it can help strengthen their profiles for future faculty positions, research leadership, or startup opportunities.

6. Support for work and family life

The postdoctoral fellowship includes benefits such as paid vacation, childcare subsidies, daycare facilities, and family-related leave arrangements.

The doctoral program also highlights services and offerings intended to support work and family life. Applicants should consult the relevant employment terms to determine which benefits apply to their appointment.

Understanding the Three PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programs Connected With ETH AI Center

The ETH AI Center is involved in three related research pathways: the ETH AI Center PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships, the Center for Learning Systems PhD Fellowship, and the ELLIS PhD Fellowship.

Although these programs share an interest in artificial intelligence and advanced research, they have different structures, objectives, and application processes.

Important: Applicants must apply separately to the programs for which they wish to be considered. Applying to one program does not automatically constitute an application to the others. Motivational letters and other application materials should be tailored to the goals of the specific program.

A. ETH AI Center PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships

The ETH AI Center’s flagship fellowship programs focus on advancing interdisciplinary AI research. Applicants can propose projects within AI foundations or research connecting AI foundations with application areas.

The principal features include:

Joint supervision by two principal investigators from different fields.
A research community based at the ETH AI Center.
Opportunities for collaboration across ETH Zurich’s departments.
Research projects developed by fellows.
Professional development and opportunities for academic or industry engagement.

The doctoral fellowship normally lasts three years, while the postdoctoral fellowship normally lasts two years.

Official application portals:

Both applications have a deadline of 27 October 2026 at 16:00 CET.

B. Center for Learning Systems (CLS) PhD Fellowship 2027

The Max Planck ETH Center for Learning Systems is a joint research initiative involving ETH Zurich in Switzerland and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen and Stuttgart, Germany.

The center focuses on cross-disciplinary questions concerning the design and analysis of natural and artificial learning systems. It brings together expertise in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, machine learning, and modern artificial intelligence.

The CLS doctoral program offers students the opportunity to work with researchers across these institutions and benefit from complementary areas of expertise.

Key features of the CLS doctoral program

Joint academic supervision involving ETH Zurich and Max Planck researchers.
Opportunities to collaborate across institutions in Switzerland and Germany.
A mobility phase in which fellows spend one year at the institution of their co-advisor.
Access to summer schools, workshops, and internships.
An interdisciplinary research environment involving senior scientists, professors, group leaders, and doctoral researchers.
A doctoral degree awarded by ETH Zurich, subject to the program’s applicable requirements.

More than 60 faculty members are engaged in the CLS network, including ETH Zurich professors, directors and group leaders at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, principal investigators at the ELLIS Institute Tübingen, and selected faculty members from external partners.

The program is particularly relevant to students interested in machine learning, learning systems, computational science, and research that combines engineering and natural sciences.

CLS PhD Fellowship application deadline

Applications for the CLS doctoral program starting in 2027 are open. The deadline for all parts of the application is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Applicants should follow the program’s official instructions carefully to ensure that all required application components are submitted by the deadline.

Official application and information links:

Apply for the CLS Doctoral Program 2027
CLS Official Website
CLS How to Apply
CLS Doctoral Training Program
CLS Participation Information

The CLS program is separate from the ETH AI Center’s flagship doctoral fellowship. Applicants interested in both opportunities should review their individual eligibility criteria and submit separate applications as required.

C. ELLIS PhD and Postdoctoral Program

The European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems, known as ELLIS, is a pan-European network focused on fundamental machine learning research, technical innovation, and societal impact.

Its PhD and Postdoctoral Program connects talented researchers with leading scientists and research institutions across Europe. The program is designed to support high-quality research while encouraging international collaboration, academic exchange, and cross-sector engagement.

ELLIS offers a centralized application pathway for PhD positions across participating European institutions. The program connects students with researchers working in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related disciplines.

Key features of the ELLIS program

Dual supervision across European countries: Participants benefit from research guidance and collaboration involving institutions in different European countries.

Three tracks of study: The program offers three tracks. Applicants should consult the official program information for the current descriptions and requirements of each track.

Centralized application pathway: Applicants can use a single central application to be considered for relevant opportunities across approximately 50–100 participating institutions, according to the program’s published overview. Applicants should confirm current participating institutions and matching arrangements through the official portal.

Cross-sector collaboration: The program encourages connections between academic research and other sectors, including industry.

International research exchange: A mobility component is required. The program overview specifies a research exchange of at least six months at another ELLIS unit or participation in an industry track, according to the applicable program requirements.

These features make ELLIS particularly relevant to candidates who want to build international research networks and collaborate with experts across different European institutions.

ELLIS application and further information

Applicants interested in this pathway should review the official program website for current calls, eligibility criteria, application instructions, available positions, and deadlines.

The ETH AI Center’s main fellowship deadline of 27 October 2026 should not automatically be applied to ELLIS applications. Applicants must follow the deadline stated in the relevant ELLIS call.

Comparison of the Four Research Pathways

The ETH AI Center and its partner research initiatives offer different options for candidates at different stages of their academic careers.

Feature	ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship	ETH AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship	CLS PhD Fellowship	ELLIS PhD and Postdoctoral Program
Main focus	Interdisciplinary AI research	Advanced interdisciplinary AI research	Learning systems and cross-disciplinary research	Machine learning and AI research across Europe
Target stage	Master’s graduates eligible for doctoral study	PhD holders or candidates completing a doctorate in time	Doctoral candidates meeting CLS requirements	PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, according to the specific call
Research environment	ETH Zurich, Switzerland	ETH Zurich, Switzerland	ETH Zurich and Max Planck research institutions	Participating European research institutions
Supervision	Two principal investigators from different fields	Two principal investigators from different fields	Joint supervision across the partner research network	International research supervision and collaboration
Typical duration	Three years, potentially extendable by one year	Two years	Defined by the CLS doctoral program	Depends on the relevant track and appointment
Financial information	Published annual salary schedule	Published annual salary schedule	Consult the official CLS call	Consult the relevant ELLIS call
Application route	Dedicated ETH AI Center portal	Dedicated ETH AI Center portal	Dedicated CLS application process	Centralized ELLIS application pathway
Main deadline	27 October 2026, 16:00 CET	27 October 2026, 16:00 CET	2 November 2026, 23:59 CET	Check the official ELLIS call

Candidates should not assume that eligibility, salary, duration, or application deadlines are identical across these pathways. Each program has its own requirements and selection process.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

The ETH AI Center fellowships are competitive opportunities, and applicants should devote sufficient time to preparing an application that demonstrates academic ability, research potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives.

The following recommendations can help candidates organize their applications.

1. Develop a focused research proposal

Applicants should clearly explain the research problem they want to investigate, why it matters, and how their proposed work could advance AI research or its applications.

A strong proposal should identify a meaningful research question, establish its relevance to the field, and describe an approach that is feasible within the fellowship period.

For interdisciplinary projects, candidates should explain how the relevant disciplines complement one another.

2. Identify suitable principal investigators

Both ETH AI Center fellowship programs emphasize joint supervision by two principal investigators from different fields.

Applicants should investigate the research interests of potential supervisors and consider whether their expertise supports the proposed project. The goal is to establish a credible academic fit and demonstrate the value of collaboration between the two fields.

The official fellowship guidelines provide important information about the supervisory arrangements.

3. Demonstrate research experience and academic ability

Applicants should present their academic and research achievements clearly. Depending on their background, relevant evidence may include research projects, a master’s thesis, doctoral work, publications, technical contributions, or other achievements relevant to the proposed research.

Candidates should follow the official application instructions regarding which documents are required.

4. Prepare a program-specific motivational letter

The ETH AI Center, CLS, and ELLIS programs have different objectives and structures.

Applicants considering more than one program should prepare separate, appropriately tailored motivational letters rather than submitting an identical statement for every opportunity.

The letter should explain the candidate’s research interests, reasons for applying, suitability for the program, and long-term academic or professional goals.

5. Verify degree completion dates

The ETH AI Center doctoral fellowship requires the relevant master’s degree to be completed at least three months before the fellowship begins, with June 2027 specified as the latest completion period.

The postdoctoral fellowship requires the PhD to be completed at least three months before the start, with June 2027 specified as the latest completion period.

Candidates should confirm their expected graduation dates and any other admission conditions before applying.

6. Submit the complete application before the deadline

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to prepare their applications. They should review all required documents, verify that information is accurate, and ensure that the application has been submitted successfully through the correct online portal.

For the ETH AI Center Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships, the deadline is 27 October 2026 at 16:00 CET.

For the CLS doctoral program starting in 2027, the deadline for all application components is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Applicants interested in ELLIS should check its official website for the applicable deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ETH AI Center Fellowship 2027?

The ETH AI Center Fellowship 2027 refers to two research opportunities at ETH Zurich: the Doctoral Fellowship for eligible candidates seeking to pursue a PhD and the Postdoctoral Fellowship for researchers who have completed or will complete a doctorate within the required timeframe.

Both programs focus on interdisciplinary AI research and provide joint supervision by two principal investigators from different academic fields.

2. What is the deadline for the ETH AI Center Fellowships?

The application deadline for both the doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships is 27 October 2026 at 16:00 CET.

Applications must be submitted through the respective official online portals. Email and postal applications will not be considered.

3. What is the salary for ETH AI Center doctoral fellows?

The published annual salary is CHF 73,100 in the first year, CHF 78,300 in the second year, and CHF 83,500 in the third year.

The doctoral fellowship normally lasts three years, with a possible extension of up to one additional year for fellows who make good progress and receive approval from the selection committee.

4. What is the salary for ETH AI Center postdoctoral fellows?

The published annual salary is CHF 92,500 in the first year and CHF 97,200 in the second year.

The postdoctoral fellowship normally lasts two years.

5. Can master’s graduates apply for the doctoral fellowship?

Yes. Candidates with a relevant master’s degree, or those expecting to complete the degree within the required timeframe, may apply if they meet the academic, research, English-language, and ETH Zurich doctoral admission requirements.

The degree must be completed at least three months before the program begins, with June 2027 specified as the latest completion period for the expected September 2027 start.

6. Can candidates who have not yet completed their PhD apply for the postdoctoral fellowship?

Yes, provided they will complete their doctorate at least three months before the fellowship begins. The program specifies June 2027 as the latest completion period for the expected September 2027 start.

Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility before submitting an application.

7. Are international applicants eligible?

The supplied ETH AI Center fellowship descriptions do not specify a restriction to a particular nationality or continent. The stated eligibility requirements focus on academic qualifications, research background, English-language proficiency, and fit with the program.

Applicants from different countries should consult the official guidelines for any additional conditions concerning eligibility, employment, residence, or immigration.

8. Are the ETH AI Center, CLS, and ELLIS applications the same?

No. These are distinct programs with different application processes and requirements.

Candidates must apply separately to the programs they wish to join and tailor their application materials to the goals of each program.

9. Is the CLS PhD Fellowship also accepting applications for 2027?

Yes. The supplied program information states that the CLS doctoral application phase for 2027 is open, with a deadline of 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Applicants can access the CLS 2027 application portal.

10. Where can applicants find information about ELLIS opportunities?

Candidates can review the ELLIS PhD and Postdoctoral Program for information about its research tracks, participating institutions, mobility requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process.

The relevant deadline should be confirmed through the specific ELLIS call.

Conclusion

The ETH AI Center Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 provide valuable opportunities for researchers who want to contribute to the future of artificial intelligence through interdisciplinary research, academic collaboration, and practical innovation.

The doctoral fellowship is designed for qualified master’s graduates who want to pursue advanced research and earn a doctorate at ETH Zurich. The postdoctoral fellowship is intended for researchers with a PhD who want to strengthen their research profiles, collaborate with leading academics, and prepare for future careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

Both programs offer joint supervision by two principal investigators, competitive annual salaries, access to an interdisciplinary research community, and opportunities for professional development. The doctoral fellowship normally lasts three years, while the postdoctoral fellowship normally lasts two years.

Candidates interested in learning systems or broader European machine learning research can also explore the CLS PhD Fellowship and the ELLIS PhD and Postdoctoral Program. These initiatives offer additional pathways for international collaboration, joint supervision, and research exchange.

Applicants interested in the ETH AI Center Doctoral or Postdoctoral Fellowship should submit their applications by 27 October 2026 at 16:00 CET. Those interested in the CLS doctoral program should note its separate deadline of 2 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. ELLIS applicants should consult the relevant official call.

Review the eligibility criteria, prepare a research proposal aligned with the program’s goals, identify suitable supervisors, and complete the relevant application process before the deadline.

Official Application Links

ETH AI Center Doctoral Fellowship 2027: https://switzerland.recruitee.com/o/eth-ai-center-doctoral-fellowship-2027
ETH AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–2028: https://switzerland.recruitee.com/o/eth-ai-center-post-doc-fellowship-2027-2028
ETH AI Center Fellowship Guidelines: https://ai.ethz.ch/research/phd-and-postdoc-programs/guidelines.html
ETH AI Center Fellowship FAQs: https://ai.ethz.ch/research/phd-and-postdoc-programs/fellowship-faqs.html
ETH Zurich Doctoral Admission Requirements: https://www.ethz.ch/en/doctorate.html
CLS Doctoral Fellowship 2027: https://cls.tue.mpg.de/registration/CLS2027
CLS Official Website: https://learning-systems.org/
ELLIS PhD and Postdoctoral Program: https://ellis.eu/phd-postdoc
ELLIS Program Details: https://ellis.eu/research/phd-postdoc/phd-postdoc-program-details
For more fellowship opportunities, visit Opportunities for Youth (OFY).

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