ETH Zurich - Engineering for Development (E4D) Doctoral Scholarships 2025

The Engineering for Development (E4D) doctoral scholarships promote doctoral research for the benefit of underprivileged people in low-​income countries. It awards two doctoral scholarships per year and promotes innovative projects that are directly relevant for improving the livelihoods of underprivileged people in low-​income countries.

Only candidates with the support of an ETH professor are eligible to apply. Applications submitted without the letter of support will not be considered.

The candidate

• The general entrance requirements for doctoral studies at the ETH Zurich and at the respective department must be fulfilled.
• Experience in the selected research area is required.

• Preference will be given to citizens of Least Developed Countries and other Low-i

  ncome Countries according to the OECD DAC-list classification1 (soft factor).

The supervisor

• The candidate identifies a professor of ETH Zurich who agrees to give him or her support in elaborating the full proposal, if the concept note should be selected, and to supervise the candidate, if the full proposal is selected for funding.
• The doctoral supervisor must be an ETH Professor and must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed project.
• The supervisor confirms his/her commitment to the project by a letter of support, indicating his/her contribution to the project in cash or kind.

The research project

• The research topic is within the thematic scope of ETH Zurich.
• The proposal is a new doctoral project, not complementary funding to on-going research.
• Subject of the proposed research is the development of methods, technologies, tools or products, which generate a direct impact for underprivileged people in low-income countries.
• The ecological, socio-economic and cultural context is taken into account.
• The expected impact of the research is high for the intended target group.

The partnership

• Projects involving research partners from a low-income country have to be based on the KFPE principles.
• All partners are involved in project formulation and development.
• All partners make a substantial in-kind or cash commitment.
• The project is integrated in the general activities of the involved institutions.
• Projects must include partners from countries on the OECD DAC-list3.

• The E4D doctoral scholarship is CHF 175’000 for a period of three years. The scholarship period can be extended on a no-cost extension. Out of the scholarship grant, CHF 166'800 is reserved to cover the salary of the E4D Fellow for three years (level of employment: 100%, incl. social security), CHF 8’200 for material costs and/or travels. Employment after the granted time period must be financed by other sources.
• The doctoral salary must be on the level of the ETH standard doctoral salary. Adjustments of the salary scale might be made in adherence to the general ETH Domain remuneration policy as defined by the ETH Board. Any extra costs associated with salary scale increases effected during the funding period must be borne by the host professorship.