Engineering for Development Doctoral Scholarships 2024

The Engineering for Development Doctoral Scholarships are provided through a collaboration between the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The aim of the Engineering for Development (E4D) Programme is to advance research and education for individuals in low-income countries.

The grant amount of 200,000 CHF is allocated to support the salary expenses of doctoral students over three years. Additionally, ETH professors bear the expenses for the fourth year of the doctoral studies and cover costs associated with the research. Read on to apply for this PhD scholarship!

Scholarship Summary:

Scholarship Sponsor(s): Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich

Host Institution(s): Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Scholarship Worth: 200’000 CHF

Number of Awards: Several

Study Level: PhD

Nationality: Low-income Countries

Eligibility for the Engineering for Development Doctoral Scholarships 2024:

For the applicants:

The general entrance requirements for doctoral studies at the ETH Zurich1 and the respective department must be fulfilled.
Experience in the selected research area is required.
Must be citizens of low- and lower-middle-income countries according to the OECD DAC-2024-25 list classification.

For the supervisor:

The doctoral supervisor must be an ETH professor and must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed project.
It is expected that the ETH Zurich professor supports the candidate in elaborating the full proposal if the concept note should be selected, and to supervise the applicant, if the full proposal is selected for funding.
The supervisor confirms their commitment to the project by a letter of support, indicating their contribution to the project in cash or kind.

For 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 ongoing research.
The 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.

Method of Application for the Engineering for Development Doctoral Scholarships 2024:

The process for applying to the Engineering for Development Doctoral Scholarships involves two distinct steps.

First Step:

The candidate submits the Concept Note Application Form 2024 to the E4D program office by e-mail.

The concept note application must include:

Completed Concept Note Application Form 2024 (DOCX, 37 KB)
CV of the applicant
Excellent MSc degree from a recognized university and grade transcripts
Support letter of the supervising professor at ETH Zurich
2 reference letters from your field of research
Relevant publications or documentation of relevant activities relating to the project
List of 5 independent reviewers (same field of research, but unknown to candidate and professor)
Bibliography

Second Step:

Applicants whose concept notes are approved by the E4D committee collaborate with the professor who has agreed to supervise the project to develop a comprehensive proposal. In cases where the candidate and the professor are not acquainted, they are required to arrange a meeting to discuss the detailed proposal. This meeting may take place in person or through an online platform.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024.

For more information about this opportunity, Visit the Official Website.

Engineering for Development Doctoral Scholarships 2024