The ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant is a highly regarded international opportunity designed to support doctoral researchers from least developed, low-income, and lower-middle-income countries. Offered through ETH Zurich’s ETH for Development initiative, the programme focuses on academic capacity building through structured mentorship rather than standalone financial support.
About the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant
The ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant supports promising doctoral candidates by pairing them with experienced professors at ETH Zurich for a one-year mentorship period. The programme aims to enhance academic skills and scholarly output while fostering international collaboration. Through regular academic exchange, mentees refine their doctoral research and gain exposure to global research standards.
A key component of the programme is a funded research stay at ETH Zurich lasting between one and three months. During this period, grantees are allowed easy access to resources. ETH4D places strong emphasis on sustainable academic development, encouraging grantees to transfer knowledge and expertise back to their home institutions.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: Up to ten thousand Swiss francs
- Maximum award: Ten thousand Swiss francs
- Project duration supported: One year
The funding supports return airfare, accommodation, and a monthly living allowance during the stay in Switzerland.
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Who Can Apply for the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant
Eligible organisation types
- Doctoral candidates enrolled at a recognised university or research institution
- Master’s students with a defined pathway toward doctoral studies, where permitted
- Early-career researchers with an academic mentor at ETH Zurich
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of enrolment in a doctoral or qualifying master’s programme
- Letter of support from an ETH Zurich host professor
- Updated academic curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts from completed degrees
Project focus requirements
- A clearly defined research topic aligned with doctoral studies
- Well-articulated mentorship objectives for the one-year period
- A feasible plan for activities during the ETH Zurich research stay
Geographic eligibility
- Citizens of the least developed countries
- Citizens of low-income countries
- Citizens of lower-middle-income countries
Sector or thematic focus
- Open to all academic disciplines represented at ETH Zurich
- Research relevant to development, innovation, or capacity building
- Projects that strengthen postgraduate research and academic output
Application Process
- Identify and secure an ETH Zurich professor willing to act as a mentor
- Develop a clear mentorship and research plan with the host professor
- Prepare all required application documents in English
- Submit the application through the official ETH4D application system via the host professor before the deadline
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Detailed budget using the required format
- Letter of support from the ETH Zurich mentor
- Project description and activity plan
- Academic Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 30 March 2026
- Review period: April to May 2026
- Mentorship start period: From mid 2026
Selection Notes
- The grant is highly competitive due to limited funding
- Selection focuses on academic merit, mentorship alignment, and clarity of research goals
- Applicants without a confirmed ETH Zurich mentor or outside the eligible country categories are excluded
Official Source Of the ETH4D Doctoral Mentorship Grant
Application Page: https://eth4d.ethz.ch/funding-opportunities/ETH4D-exchange-grants/ETH4D-doctoral-mentorship-programme/application-form–eth4d-mentorship-programme.html
