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BIS PhD Fellowship Program Fully Funded | PhD Fellowships in Switzerland

PhDFully funded
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Next deadline expected around Nov 24, 2026, based on the last confirmed round (closed November 24, 2025). Most scholarships open again at a similar time each year, but dates can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
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The BIS PhD Fellowship Program in Switzerland is now open for applications from highly qualified international doctoral students. This fully funded research fellowship, hosted by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, offers an exceptional three-month academic and policy-oriented experience. Fellows may start their placement anytime between April and December. Participants will join the Monetary and Economic Department, gaining exposure to advanced economic research, policy initiatives, and BIS seminars—creating an unmatched opportunity to bridge academic theory with real-world central banking applications.

Summary of the Fellowship Program

  • Host Organization: Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
  • Location: Basel, Switzerland
  • Eligible Applicants: Students of all nationalities
  • Fellowship Level: PhD candidates
  • Funding Type: Fully funded / financial support
  • Fellowship Duration: 3 months (April–December )
  • Application Deadline: 24 November

The BIS PhD Fellowship is one of the most prestigious PhD research opportunities in Europe. It targets outstanding doctoral researchers in economics, finance, monetary policy, and related fields who wish to advance their academic work while contributing to global financial policy research. With staff from over 60 countries, BIS provides an inclusive and diverse environment that values global perspectives and encourages international collaboration.

Financial Benefits

The BIS PhD Fellowship provides significant financial and professional support to help fellows focus on high-quality research:

  • Direct supervision and collaboration with world-renowned economists and senior researchers
  • Participation in workshops, academic seminars, and policy discussions with leading scholars
  • Hybrid working model (combining remote work with on-site research in Basel)
  • Comprehensive relocation assistance and housing support for international fellows
  • Competitive salary package and health insurance
  • Access to BIS research networks, policy teams, and academic partnerships

This fellowship combines academic independence with hands-on policy exposure, making it ideal for PhD scholars aiming to contribute to global economic governance and financial stability research.

Fellowship Objectives

During the fellowship, selected PhD students will:

  • Contribute to BIS research projects covering major global economic and financial issues such as:
    • International finance
    • Cross-border spillovers
    • Monetary policy
    • Fiscal policy
    • Financial innovation and digitalization
    • Financial regulation and intermediation
  • Work within a dynamic and internationally diverse team
  • Engage daily with researchers in the Monetary and Economic Department
  • Participate in seminar series and collaborate with visiting fellows from top global universities
  • Benefit from a flexible, hybrid work environment based at the BIS headquarters in Basel

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the BIS PhD Fellowship Program (Funded), applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in economics, finance, or a closely related discipline
  • Ideally in the third or fourth year of their doctoral studies
  • Demonstrated strong research background in macroeconomics, monetary economics, or financial economics
  • Proficiency in relevant research tools such as Python, MATLAB, Stata, EViews, or other econometric software
  • Familiarity with major financial and economic databases is an added advantage

Application Deadline

The final date to apply for the BIS PhD Fellowship is 24 November.

How to Apply for the BIS PhD Fellowship Program

  • All applications must be submitted online through the official BIS portal.
  • Required documents include:
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
    • Completed application form with detailed responses
  • Successful applicants will join a globally recognized institution connecting financial authorities and central banks from over 60 countries.
  • The BIS headquarters in Basel provides a world-class environment for research, networking, and cultural enrichment.

Official Link: Visit the BIS website to submit your application.

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How to apply

  1. Read the eligibility, benefits and required documents above.
  2. Prepare your documents — transcripts, CV, motivation letter and any tests required.
  3. Apply through the official website before the deadline.
  4. Track your progress on GrabScholarships so you never miss a step.
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