PhD Programs of the University of Bern 2025–2028 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the PhD Programs of the University of Bern 2025–2028.The University of Bern (UniBE), through its multi-year internal funding program, supports a range of high-quality, structured PhD programs designed to provide excellent research training, interdisciplinary skills development, and strong preparation for careers in academia and industry. These programs are ideal for motivated graduates seeking a research-focused doctoral education in Switzerland.

Most positions are fully funded (salaried doctoral assistantships or scholarships according to Swiss university standards), with no application fee required for program admission. International applicants are welcome, and many programs have English-taught components. Deadlines vary by program and are often rolling or supervisor-dependent—apply soon as spots are competitive.You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD
• Host Country: Switzerland
• Host Institution: University of Bern
• Application Deadline: Varies by program
• Open for: All nationalities
• Application Fee: None
• Funding: Fully funded

What This Program Offers:

• Participants receive a competitive salary or stipend that covers living expenses in Bern, Switzerland.
• Full access to excellent research infrastructure, libraries, laboratories, and state-of-the-art equipment.
• Specialized disciplinary and interdisciplinary training through lectures, workshops, summer schools, retreats, and hands-on courses.
• Opportunities to attend and present at international conferences, plus potential research stays abroad.
• Networking opportunities with leading researchers and dedicated mentorship.
• Teaching experience along with development of key transferable skills such as scientific writing, research methodology, data analysis, and more.
• Strong career support for both academic and non-academic paths.
• Equips participants with outstanding qualifications and skills for a successful research-centered career.

Also Check: University of Bayreuth Funded Professor and Doctoral Opportunities 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Strong academic record and research potential
• Interest in the specific program’s thematic focus
• Proficiency in English (and often German for some programs)
• Ability to secure a supervisor (where required)
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the program (e.g., background in life sciences, humanities, etc.)

Also Check: PhD & Postdoc Positions at Chalmers University of Technology Sweden (Fully Funded)

Open Positions at University of Bern:

• Interdisciplinary PhD Program Classical Studies
  Department/Faculties: Faculty of Humanities (History, Archaeological Sciences, etc.), plus Medicine, Law, Theology;
  Partner: University of Münster. Interdisciplinary skills in classical studies.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• BENEFRI Neuroscience PhD Program
  Department/Faculties: Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Science
  Partner: University of Fribourg. Specialized neuroscience training with lectures, workshops, and exams.
  No fixed deadline listed (integrated into GHS/GCB PhD admissions).
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• Doctoral Program for Brain and Behavioral Sciences
  Department/Faculties: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences. Research-centered curriculum on brain and behavioral science, methodology, and statistics.
  No fixed deadline .
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• Cardiovascular Research PhD Program
  Department/Faculties: Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Partners: Università della Svizzera italiana,
  University of Lausanne, LMU Munich. In-depth training in cardiovascular research with international opportunities.
  No fixed deadline listed.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• PhD Program Cell Migration
  Department/Faculties: Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty,
  No fixed deadline .
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• PhD Program in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
  Department/Faculties: Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science
  Partner: University of Zurich. Seminars, symposiums, and conferences.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• Cutting Edge Microscopy PhD Program
  Department/Faculties: Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Microscopy Imaging Center, etc.
  Partners: University of Fribourg, USI, etc. Advanced microscopy and image analysis training.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• PhD Program in Digital Humanities
  Department/Faculties: Walter Benjamin Kolleg/Digital Humanities, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science
  Multiple Swiss and international partners. Workshops and networking for humanities/social sciences/CS.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• PhD Program in Macro-Finance
  Department/Faculties: Department of Economics, Institute of Financial Management, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences.
  Workshops with international researchers on macroeconomics and finance.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• Swiss Doctoral Program Network in Accounting Research
  Department/Faculties: Institute for Accounting and Controlling
  Multiple Swiss and international partners. Focus on accounting research topics and methods.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE
  
  
• PhD Program in Problem-Oriented Sports Science
  Department/Faculties: Institute of Sport Science, Faculty of Human Sciences
  International partners. Interdisciplinary problem-oriented approach with networking.
  No fixed deadline.
  APPLY HERE

Also Check: PhD & Postdoc Positions at Chalmers University of Technology Sweden (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

1. Visit the main program page and explore individual program links
2. Contact the program coordinator or potential supervisor with your CV, motivation, and research ideas.
3. Submit required documents (transcripts, research proposal, references, etc.) as specified by the program.
4. For general doctoral admission at UniBE, follow the university guidelines.

Also Check: University of Bayreuth Funded Professor and Doctoral Opportunities 2026