The SNSF Starting Grants 2026 are now open for applications! This prestigious funding opportunity supports talented early-career researchers aiming to establish their own independent projects in Switzerland.
To be eligible for the grants, applicants must have earned their PhD between 2 and 8 years before the call deadline and have at least 2 years of research experience. They must also have a connection to Switzerland, such as Swiss nationality, a degree earned in Switzerland, or prior research experience in the country.
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is Switzerland’s leading organization for promoting scientific research. Established in 1952, the SNSF supports outstanding researchers across all disciplines, from natural sciences to humanities. Its mission is to foster high-quality, independent research that advances knowledge and benefits society. Through competitive funding programs, including fellowships and grants, the SNSF encourages innovation, collaboration, and the development of early-career researchers in Switzerland and beyond.
Founded in 1996, Università della Svizzera Italiana (University of Italian-speaking Switzerland) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Lugano (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Ticino. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Mendrisio, Bellinzona. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, Switzerland), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 2,000-2,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This higher education institution does not have a selective admission policy. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.