Study in Switzerland | ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026

Posted 2026-05-28 13:00:12

Study in Switzerland | ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026

A new fully funded doctoral opportunity at ETH Zurich is drawing attention among international students interested in climate policy, agricultural economics, and sustainability research. The university is recruiting a doctoral student to work on climate change mitigation strategies in Swiss agriculture under a large national research initiative focused on Switzerland’s net zero transition goals.

Furthermore, the four year PhD position targets applicants with backgrounds in agricultural economics or related fields who want to work on real world climate policy challenges rather than purely theoretical research. The selected candidate will receive a full ETH Zurich doctoral salary, social benefits, funded research opportunities, and direct involvement in one of Switzerland’s major climate transition projects.

A Research Position Focused on Climate Change and Agriculture

The doctoral student will join the Agricultural Economics and Policy Group led by Professor Robert Finger. The student will contribute to the ACHIEVE project, a national Swiss initiative that brings together universities, industry experts, public institutions, and policymakers to design pathways toward net zero emissions.

Within the project, the PhD researcher will focus specifically on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Swiss agri food systems. The work combines economics, behavioural science, and policy analysis with direct interaction with farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

Unlike many conventional PhD programmes that remain heavily classroom based during the early stages, this role places you directly inside active research and policy discussions from the beginning. You will conduct surveys and choice experiments with farmers. Also, you will analyze agricultural and economic data. You will study how different climate policies influence farming decisions and emissions reduction efforts.

What the ETH Zurich PhD Funding Covers

ETH Zurich describes the position as a fully funded, full time doctoral appointment lasting four years. Here is what the selected candidate receives:

Full Time Salaried Doctoral Employment: Four years of paid work with benefits
PhD Level Coursework: 18 ECTS of structured academic training
Continuous Training: Professional development throughout the programme
Individual Mentoring: Direct supervision from faculty
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with diverse research teams
Career Development Support: Guidance for academia, industry, and government sectors

Because the doctoral candidate works as part of a funded research project, you do not need to arrange separate tuition or living expense funding. This contrasts sharply with many international PhD systems.

Language Skills Will Be Important for Applicants

One of the most important requirements for this opportunity is language proficiency. The project involves direct interaction with Swiss farmers and stakeholders. You must demonstrate C1 level proficiency in either German or French.

This requirement may significantly narrow the competition pool. International applicants who do not already speak one of Switzerland’s major working languages will face challenges. However, for multilingual candidates or students already studying in Europe, this could become a major advantage during the selection process.

You should also have strong analytical abilities. Academic writing skills are essential. You must work effectively in interdisciplinary research environments. Students currently completing a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or a related discipline may also apply.

Why ETH Zurich Attracts Global Doctoral Researchers

ETH Zurich is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading research universities. It excels particularly in science, technology, environmental studies, and sustainability related disciplines. Its research environment is highly international. Doctoral researchers often work closely with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and interdisciplinary teams.

For students interested in climate policy and sustainable agriculture, the university’s strong links with national and international research initiatives provide valuable exposure beyond academic publishing alone. The ACHIEVE project itself connects researchers with public sector and industry partners working on Switzerland’s long term climate transition plans.

That practical policy connection makes this doctoral position especially attractive for applicants hoping to build careers in several fields. Agricultural policy roles await. Sustainability consulting firms seek such expertise. Environmental economics positions value this training. International climate governance careers also benefit.

Application Requirements and Deadline

Submit your materials through ETH Zurich’s online application portal as a single PDF document. Required documents include:

Cover letter
CV
Academic transcripts
Contact details for two referees

The preferred starting period for the doctoral position is between October and December 2026.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the ETH Zurich Doctoral Student position in Agricultural Economics and Policy is 26 June 2026.

For applicants searching for funded European PhD opportunities connected to climate transition research, this position offers something increasingly valuable. You receive a salaried doctoral role linked directly to national level sustainability policy work. The language requirement will make competition more selective. However, qualified candidates with the right academic background and regional language skills may find this one of the stronger applied climate economics opportunities currently open in Europe. Visit the ETH Zurich job portal today, review the full position details, and prepare your application before the June deadline. Your funded PhD in Switzerland awaits.