SNSF Postdoc.Mobility & Ambizione eligibility changes in Switzerland; New postdoctoral funding scheme replaces both in 2028

SNSF Postdoc.Mobility & Ambizione: Adaptation of Eligibility Criteria - EPFL

SNSF Postdoc.Mobility & Ambizione: Adaptation of Eligibility Criteria

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Postdoc.Mobility and Ambizione will be phased out and replaced by a new SNSF postdoctoral funding scheme launching in 2028; the final submission deadline is August 2027 for Postdoc.Mobility and November 2026 for Ambizione.As part of a broader reform of its career funding, the SNSF aims to better support outstanding research by improving framework conditions and acknowledging diverse career paths. To ensure a smooth transition, it is also adjusting the eligibility criteria for the final calls of both programs in line with recent developments and the future direction of its funding strategy.

SNSF career funding proposals have increased sharply—by 35% for Postdoc.Mobility and 70% for Ambizione since 2021—reducing success rates to about 10% and likely rising further. This trend limits opportunities for target groups, increases the time spent on low-success applications, and adds pressure to the peer review system.

To address these developments, the SNSF will implement the following measures for the final calls of Postdoc.Mobility and Ambizione (see the regulations for details).

Applicants must have Swiss citizenship or a Swiss permanent settlement permit, or be married to or in a registered partnership with a Swiss citizen. Otherwise, they must holda degree from a Swiss institution(doctorate [PhD, MD] or state examination) and not have already had a postdoctoral position abroad.

Proposals can be submittedno earlier than 6 months before the thesis defence(instead of 9 months at present).

Candidates must have alink with Switzerland: they must be of Swiss nationality, or hold a degree from a Swiss higher education institution (master's degree, doctorate, medical diploma, FMH specialist title or equivalent), or have carried out research or clinical work in a Swiss research institution for at least 12 months between the completion of their doctorate or medical diploma and the submission deadline.

Each contact person(e.g. a professor at the selected research institution)can only support one applicant.

From the beginning of 2028,a new funding scheme at postdoctoral level will replace both Postdoc.Mobility and Ambizione.More information about the eligibility criteria, evaluation process, grant duration, funding amounts and the transitional phase between the existing funding schemes and the new onewill be communicated by the end of this year.

More diversity, greater autonomy: the SNSF is reforming its career funding (news published on 17.03.2026)

Postdoc.Mobility and Ambizione: adaptation of eligibility criteria (news published on 14.04.2026)

SNSF career funding proposals have increased sharply—by 35% for Postdoc.Mobility and 70% for Ambizione since 2021—reducing success rates to about 10% and likely rising further. This trend limits opportunities for target groups, increases the time spent on low-success applications, and adds pressure to the peer review system.To address these developments, the SNSF will implement the following measures for the final calls of Postdoc.Mobility and Ambizione (see the regulations for details).New criteria forPostdoc.Mobility:Applicants must have Swiss citizenship or a Swiss permanent settlement permit, or be married to or in a registered partnership with a Swiss citizen. Otherwise, they must holda degree from a Swiss institution(doctorate [PhD, MD] or state examination) and not have already had a postdoctoral position abroad.Proposals can be submittedno earlier than 6 months before the thesis defence(instead of 9 months at present).New criteria forAmbizione:Candidates must have alink with Switzerland: they must be of Swiss nationality, or hold a degree from a Swiss higher education institution (master's degree, doctorate, medical diploma, FMH specialist title or equivalent), or have carried out research or clinical work in a Swiss research institution for at least 12 months between the completion of their doctorate or medical diploma and the submission deadline.Each contact person(e.g. a professor at the selected research institution)can only support one applicant.From the beginning of 2028,a new funding scheme at postdoctoral level will replace both Postdoc.Mobility and Ambizione.More information about the eligibility criteria, evaluation process, grant duration, funding amounts and the transitional phase between the existing funding schemes and the new onewill be communicated by the end of this year.

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Source: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/snsf-postdocmobility-ambizione-adaptation-of-eligi/
sdDatePublished: 2026-04-28T10:11:00Z
Topics: education policy, science and technology, students, university
Locations: Switzerland, Lausanne