Postdoc.Mobility is run by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to help researchers who hold a doctorate deepen their expertise through a research stay at a host institution abroad. The core award funds roughly 24 months of research outside Switzerland, followed by an optional return grant of 3 to 12 months to re-establish the fellow at a Swiss research institution. It is open across all academic disciplines and is aimed at broadening a researcher’s scientific profile and building an independent academic career. SNSF has announced that the scheme is being restructured: the final Postdoc.Mobility submission deadline is planned for August 2027, with a new postdoctoral funding scheme to launch in 2028.
Benefits & funding
- Living allowance for the stay abroad, calculated on the cost of living of the host country (broadly in the range of about CHF 44,000 to CHF 62,000 per year).
- Child allowance of roughly CHF 12,000 per year per dependent child (allowances paid by third parties are deducted).
- Contribution toward research and conference costs, up to about CHF 5,000 per year.
- Flat-rate travel allowance to and from the host location.
- Optional return grant (3–12 months) covering salary and social-security contributions for the re-entry phase in Switzerland.
- SNSF does not cover overhead costs charged by the host institution abroad.
Eligibility
- Hold a completed PhD, MD-PhD, or a medical doctorate with clinical specialisation.
- Timing: apply at the earliest a few months before the doctoral defence and up to 3 years after the doctoral exam (PhD / MD-PhD). Medical researchers without an MD-PhD may apply up to 8 years after the state examination, with at least 3 years of clinical activity.
- Swiss connection required: Swiss nationality, a valid Swiss residence or settlement permit (or cross-border commuter permit), OR — for other applicants — a doctorate obtained at a Swiss institution with a substantial research link to Switzerland.
- The stay must be at an institution abroad; remaining at your original education institution is not permitted.
- Open to all research disciplines.
Can you apply?
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Education required
PhD
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Application process
- 1Register a mySNF account at least five working days before the deadline.
- 2Secure a host institution abroad and agreement from a prospective host researcher.
- 3Prepare the research plan, CV, and required documents per the current guidelines.
- 4Submit the full proposal through mySNF before the deadline.
- 5Await the SNSF evaluation and funding decision.
Program timeline
Submission deadline for the current call.
4 August 2026, 17:00 CEST
Final planned Postdoc.Mobility submission deadline.
August 2027
A new postdoctoral funding scheme launches to succeed Postdoc.Mobility.
2028