requirements for phd in switzerland

PhD In Switzerland: Everything You Need To Know

Switzerland is known for its degrees in business , is home to some of the best institutes of technology, and is a world leader in science and engineering. This fact makes it the perfect country to continue or advance your education, especially to crown it with a PhD.

Universities

A PhD is the highest degree a person can obtain from a university, and it stands for Doctorate in Philosophy. It is not related to philosophy-related studies. It is a doctorate, possible in any discipline, except medicine, and sometimes theology. Some PhD’s require a Master’s degree.

These are the best Swiss universities that offer PhD programs in many disciplines.

Best universities for international students

It is estimated that around 50% of PhD students in Switzerland are international students. This big percentage is a factor of the great universities and PhD programs in Switzerland. It is a circle; the good universities attract lots of students, and a large number of students encourage international universities.

No matter what angle you look at it from, Switzerland is an overall great country to live and study in. Swiss universities generally rank relatively high compared to other world universities.

These are the best Swiss universities that offer PhD programs, as well as their world ranking:

The University of Zurich is one of the best universities in Switzerland. They rank 58th in the world .

The University of Geneva’s PhD programs provide students with a high-quality education for an academic career in economics, econometrics, management, statistics, finance, and information systems. They rank 59th in the world .

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne offers customized PhD programs, cutting-edge laboratories directed by internationally renowned professors, a modern, fast-developing campus, satellite sites in French-speaking cantons, and close ties to industry. They rank 81st in the world.

The University of Basel has been developing around 40 PhD programs since 2010. They rank 96th in the world.

Language of instruction

Tuition in Switzerland can be generally low compared to other countries, but what about the overall costs once you r elocate for your academic program ? Here is a breakdown of the basics.

Cost of studying

The cost of studying in Switzerland depends on the university you choose to finish your doctoral studies. As you move to higher levels of education, the tuition fees get lower . A bachelor’s degree tuition is higher than a master’s one, and a master’s tuition is higher than a PhD.

Tuition fees for PhD programs in Switzerland range around CHF 1000 to CHF 2000. But sometimes Swiss universities advertise their PhD programs as paid assistant jobs. This way, you don’t have to pay your tuition fee, and you get paid for the job you’re doing.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Switzerland for a PhD student depends on a personal choice of recreational activities, but it’s somewhere around CHF 1600 – CHF 2000 for monthly expenses.

Accommodation

Average price: Studio – CHF 900 to 2000/per month, Shared flat – CHF 500 to 900/per month

Clothes, personal care, entertainment

Average price: CHF 75-100/per week for groceries

Public transport

Average price: CHF 100/per month

Health insurance

Average price: CHF 90/per month

Utilities and memberships

Average price: CHF 350/per month for utilities, gym membership, Netflix membership, and internet bills.

C lothes, personal care, entertainment

Depends on your lifestyle.

Scholarships for PhD students

As for other specific scholarships from universities , we have another guide where you can find everything out in detail.

Eligibility

These are some of the things to bear in mind when applying for a Phd program in Switzerland .

Residence permit

All students (even those coming from an EU or EFTA member country) will still have to apply for a residence permit for a stay longer than six months. Students from all other nationalities apply directly for a visa in their country of origin, usually issued within eight weeks.

Language certificates

All universities usually require a language certificate proving you know the language of instruction. In most cases, you’ll need to know the respective language at a minimum C1 level. Some of the widely recognized certificates are:

• For English – IELTS score of 7, TOELF score of 600 or 100 (paper-based or online), and Cambridge CPE or CAE.
• For German – Goethe Certificate C1 or TestDaF with TDN 4
• For French – DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) C1
• For Italian – CELI (Certificazione Italiano Generale) C1 or PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) C1

PhD Salary in Switzerland

Wondering how much do PhD students get paid in Switzerland? What about postdocs? To compensate for the high cost of living, Switzerland’s salaries are some of the highest in the world.

PhD students and postdocs tend to get employed by universities on a fixed-term contract—and they get paid well. Additional benefits may also apply, such as reduced public transportation or free access to all the university gyms.

PhD student salary in Switzerland

The  average PhD student salary  in Switzerland is around CHF 50,000 per year. However, if not fully employed, the pay will be accordingly less.

Postdoc salary in Switzerland

The median postdoctoral salary in Switzerland is around CHF 80,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at CHF 43,200 per year, while most experienced workers make up to CHF 94,000 per year.

Dear Sir, My request is to have details of P.hD. in embedded systems ,machine learning etc as my son is pursuing Ms thesis in electrical and computer engineering in Purdue school of engh.zUSA which will be completed in june2020 or earlier depending upon his defence date. He is very much eager to hv his P.hD done from one of the best colleges of Switzerland.pl help in this regard with last dt of appln,fee,required qualificationsetc. With regards Uday Kumar Sinha Calcutta India

We have written an article in which we have listed some of the best PhD programs in Switzerland and have included everything related to those programs. You can find it here: 1 2 Best PhD Programs in Switzerland . We hope this article will answer your questions.

We wish the best of luck to your son.

Satisfactory

Thank you, Uday.

Am from from Africa Kenya a member of the Commonwealth countries whose official instruction is English Language. Will be pleased to study specialize in finance for i have done Bachelor of Commerce (Finance Option) and Master of Business Administration (Finance Option) undergraduate and Masters degree programme options

I ‘m very satisfied with the informations I gained from this website and hope to see by applying for the PHD I want. Studying in such a stable Country’s University is GOd sent opportunity for those secured and recieved. Blessings, Chucha Gobena From Ethiopia

Thank you, Chucha,

Happy to help.

Thank you for the information. I am a Canadian citizen, originally from Sri Lanka. I like to do my PhD in Applied Linguistics. Switzerland, as I heard, is one of best countries in the world. No one has ever said to me anything bad about Switzerland. I would love to explore that country as well as do my research. I wonder whether this PhD is recognized around the world, whether I can survive with English and the money I would receive.

If my medium of study till master’s is english still IELTS or GRE is mandatory for pursuing P.hd in Switzerland?

Would you have information or ranking on accredited Part time PHD programs in Switzerland for professionals? Thank you.

Can you plz write an article on PhD in Astrophysics, Astronomy from University of Zurich …??

I am currently living in india I have a double Post graduation degree. One in commerce and the other in business administration. Besides the mentioed degree I have a MPhil in commerce too. I have 12 yrs of teaching experience at various MBA colleges in India. I’m interested in pursuing PhD in management/marketing in Switzerland. Can you please guide me accordingly. Thanks in advance.

hello sir, i want to persue my ohd in business or commerce from Switzerland. Will you help me to know the procedure and is there any scholarship provided for the programme. I am from india . Thankyou

Hello sir, I have done my post graduate in law, and I want to pursue my PhD in law from a good University in Switzerland, can you please let me know about the suitable universities for law and also everything related to scholarships and other ways to meet the financial aspects.

With regards, From Assam, India

Thank’s so much for info.

Thank you for all the information in your website, they are quite helpful. I am Irish and live in Ireland.

Is it possible for me to get funded law PhD in Switzerland? If that is possible, please how do I go about it.

I will appreciate if you can come back to me on this query.

Many thanks

Is GRE needed for PhD in Switzerland? How is the biotech field in Switzerland (especially in Virolgy and immunology)? And how much importance do professors give to papers published by students for selecting the PhD candidate?

Hi I want to pursue a phd in swiss. But it shall be double doctorate. I have already acquired one from Malaysia. Will swiss universities allow me to pursue my dream to acquire a doctoral degree which will be my second one.

can you help in this.

regards Zain

Dear sir, This is Eakub Ali. from Bangladesh currently living in Tokyo, Japan. I have completed an MBA in Finance from Bangladesh and joined national and multinational companies in the accounting sector for more than twelve years. Then I got admitted to another MBA and moved to Solbridge International School of Business, (AACSB accredited) South Korea. from where I came to Meiji University, Japan through the double Masters Degree program and I completed my MBA this month. Now I have an intention to do my PhD.

Would you please tell me the whole process of PhD admission in Switzerland, when admission starts and what is the requirements for admission? I would be very helpful if you please help me providing necessary information.

Thanks in advance and very best regards,

I would like to pursue my PHD studies in Public Health,please assist me with the relevant universities and the process for application.Do they allow part time studies and do they fund the studies?

Can any assistant professor of India become assistant professor in Switzerland with his indian educational qualifications.?

Please guide me about the procedure of applying for PhD in Eth Zurich in biomedical engineering. I am currently the student of M.Tech. Clinical Engineering at IIT madras .Is there any benefit given to IIT student?

Dear person in charge,

What are the costs and details of an online PhD or Doctorate in Business Administration in Switzerland?

Kindly, include all possible details, especially names of business schools and programs’ contents

Is the language proficiency certificate mandatory for postdoc applicants too?

Are there part time PHD Programs in Switzerland in business management dubjects?

Thank you Mahesh

typo – = please read it as Management Subjects

Whether PhD programs for English literature and Psychology is available Also want to know whether Scholarships for these projects are available When we have to apply for this programme When the admission is

Hello sorry for disturbing but I want to ask if there is any PhD program in HR in universities in Switzerland so please can you give me the names of universities that offer for me PhD in HR. THANKS IN ADVANCE.

SURPRISE KWESI AMENUVOR, Am from from Africa Ghana a member of the Commonwealth countries whose official instruction is English Language. I study Bachelor Of Science in Business administration specialize in Banking and Finance Option) and Master of Business Administration (Finance Option) I will like to Apply for PHD in Finance.

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Founded as a public institution in 1785, UGA boasts an illustrious history in higher education. Today, Georgia's flagship university offers online programs to make a UGA degree more accessible. The online courses limit class sizes and use the same high academic standards as on-campus classes. UGA offers an online bachelor's degree in special education and multiple online graduate programs in education. Degree-seekers can also earn master's degrees in community nutrition, international biomedical regulatory sciences, emerging media, and avian health and medicine. Other available online master's programs include business, technology, and social work.

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Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, guide: how to phd, this section provides those interested in pursuing a doctorate with an overview:.

Food for thought for beginning PhD candidates

• Collection of links to relevant topics for PhD candidates
• Preparation and procedure at UZH (following)

Table of contents

Find a supervisor, admission to doctoral studies, requirements for admission and procedures, content and requirements, individual phd and phd programs, procedures at uzh faculties, employment and funding, for international students and scholars.

First of all, get in contact with a UZH professor who is willing and able to supervise your doctoral project. If you are interested in participating in a PhD program, you should first of all carefully read through the application procedures for the program in question. Doctoral programs at UZH

The doctorate is comprised of a PhD thesis as well as coursework. It serves as a qualification for an academic career or other demanding professions.

As a general rule, a Master's degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited university is the prerequisite for admission to the doctorate. Certain criteria regarding content as well as formal conditions (e.g. grade-point average, qualification phases) are also considered when processing applications.

Admission to Doctoral Studies

The requirements for admission and the admission procedures are set out in the ordinance for obtaining a doctoral degree at the faculty in question. Some faculties also offer a  fast-track  doctoral program, a program for particularly talented students in which the Master's degree and PhD are integrated in a single program of study. The individual programs define their PhD programs' admission procedures – which, as a rule, are highly competitive.

Please note that PhD candidates must be matriculated at the University for the duration of their doctorate, i.e. until they have been conferred the final degree. 

Application and admission Application period

Writing a PhD thesis – independent and original academic work – forms the core part of the doctorate. The thesis can take the form of a monograph or consist of several publications on a single subject which have been published in scientific journals (a cumulative PhD thesis). You can find more information about the formal requirements in the doctoral program regulations for your subject area. As a general rule, however, the thesis should be of such scope and content that it can be completed within three years.

The required coursework serves to enhance subject-specific skills, but also goes toward developing transferable skills. All coursework will be recorded in your final transcript of records and Academic Record. Coursework requirements can be fulfilled by attending courses in your subject area, by visiting classes from the main pool of courses in transferable skills (transferable skills and university-level teaching), or, in some cases by attending courses at another institution. Alongside the required coursework (including transferable skills), it is highly recommended that PhD candidates develop their teaching skills. Transferable skills courses University-level teaching  

In many disciplines at UZH there are two types of doctoral programs offered: the individual doctorate and the structured doctoral programs . Moreover there are also interdisciplinary and inter-university schools or programs, partly financed by third-party funds. Doctoral Programs

Because the various faculties at UZH are thematically and structurally so diverse, each faculty is in charge of designing its own PhD program.

Be sure to read about the specific requirements at the faculty in question.

Various types of academic employment opportunities at UZH are open to junior scholars. During doctoral study, you can find employment as a «PhD candidate» or an «academic assistant»; postdocs receive positions as «postdocs» or «senior research and teaching assistants». These junior academic positions are an integral part of the procedure when pursuing an academic career. Junior academic positions are by nature temporary and are funded either by the university department in question or by a third party. Junior academic positions give young scholars the opportunity to achieve their next professional goal and to further qualify themselves for a career in academia. The main requirement for earning the necessary academic qualifications is performing individual research, but junior researchers are also given the opportunity to qualify themselves for teaching roles. In 2003 the guidelines for specifications at UZH faculties for employees holding junior academic positions were issued to define the rights and duties of UZH employees in junior academic positions. These were revised in fall 2023 and a new employment model was defined, which will come into effect on January 1, 2024. Employees with the status of a junior academic receive individual specifications which refer explicitly to their job description.

This UZH platform provides neccesary information from visits & exchange at the UZH to Visa, entry and residece permit. UZH for International Students and Scholars FAQ for International Students and Scholars

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Food for thought for beginning PhD candidates

Collection of links to relevant topics

Mobility, Continuing education and courses, Career & Networking, Scientific integrity and Counseling

Best Practice for Doctoral Education

The guideline shows ways and possibilities to strengthen the quality, attractivity and internationalization of the doctorate at UZH.

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Before you begin the application, please note the following:

1. ​​​​​​​Degree programs

An overview of the doctoral studies offered by the various faculties can be found in the  information sheet: Doctoral studies issued by the specific faculties . You can also find information by visiting  doctoral subjects  or the websites of the specific faculties.

2. Admission requirements

Admission to doctoral studies generally requires a master's degree from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel. The faculty-specific doctoral degree regulations specify additional admission requirements as well as the discipline-specific requirements with respect to equivalence and supervision. Degrees granted as part of continuing education programs do not meet the eligibility criteria for admission to doctoral studies. Applicants are admitted by the Rectorate at the request of the respective faculty. The doctoral degree regulations can be found on the websites of the individual faculties or under  doctoral subjects .

3. ​​​​​​​Compulsory matriculation

Doctoral students must matriculate on the next possible date and remain enrolled for the entire duration of their doctoral studies.

4. ​​​​​​​Setting up a user account for the application portal

Before you can submit an application, you need to set up a user account. Once you have logged in, you will receive an email from the Student Administration Office with an activation link. This allows you to access the portal. If you haven’t received an email, check your spam folder. Make sure that you provide an email address where you can be reached throughout the admission process. All information and documents from the university regarding your application will be sent to you via the application portal. Whenever this happens, a notification will be sent to your email address.

5. Starting the application

After you have set up a user account, you can use an online form on the application portal to apply to a doctoral program. There are six steps in the application process. We recommend that you complete the individual sections in order, as they follow on from one another. You can log out at any time and resume work on the application later. The online form asks you to provide details of your educational qualifications (high school, higher education etc.) and personal information, and to upload the required documents. For details of the  required documents , please consult the  information sheet , which can be found on this page under  Related Links and Downloads  or at  www.unibas.ch/documentsapplication . Submit your application even if you have not yet received your final degree certificate or other required documents by the application deadline. Transcripts and certificates that you do not yet have can be submitted later. There are deadlines for submission of these documents, which you can also find on the information sheet.

6.​​​​​​​Certified translations

If the original document is written in a language other than German, French, Italian or English, a certified translation into German or English must be uploaded with it. Please ensure that this meets the requirements set out in the  University of Basel Rectorate's conditions for certified translations .

7. ​​​​​​​Finishing the application

An application is regarded as having been submitted only when it has been sent via the application portal and the associated application fee (CHF 100) has been paid.  Please note that applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the final day of the application period. No further changes to the information supplied in the application can be made once it has been submitted. You will be sent an acknowledgement of submission.

8. ​​​​​​​Payment of the application fee (online payment)

An application fee of CHF 100 is due when you submit an application for doctoral studies. This fee can be paid online by card. The application cannot be submitted until the application fee has been paid. The application fee will not be refunded or credited to you. The following payment methods are available: Visa, Mastercard, DinersClub/Discover, UnionPay, JCB and, in Switzerland, Postfinance and TWINT. You can also use a prepaid card as well as a traditional credit card. For further details, please consult the relevant  information sheet . You will receive confirmation of payment as soon as the payment has been made. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check the status of your application and, if necessary, resubmit it.

9. Submission of missing or rejected documents at a later date

If your application is incomplete or the documents or information that you have submitted do not meet requirements, you will receive a written request on the application portal to submit further material, with deadlines.

Related Links and Downloads

• Information sheet: Doctoral studies (PDF, 512 KB)
• Certified translations (PDF, 166 KB)
• Documents for doctorate application (PDF, 321 KB)
• Doctoral subjects at the University of Basel
• Student regulations of the University of Basel (PDF, 223 KB)
• Preliminary information for international PhD candidates at the University of Basel (PDF, 683 KB)
• Information sheet cashless fee payment (PDF, 73 KB)

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Degree Programs & Courses Doctorate

Doctoral degree, doctoral study at the university of bern.

You can either take the doctorate within a graduate school or as part of a doctoral degree program, or you can even take a traditional individual doctorate. Graduate schools and doctoral degree programs are arranged on an interdisciplinary and/or interuniversity basis in many cases. In addition to research-related training and intensive support, these also offer excellent opportunities for networking within the academic community.

An A-Z of doctoral subjects

• Archaeology
• Business Administration
• Cellular and Biomedical Sciences Med./Nat./Vet.
• Central Asian Studies
• Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
• Classical Philology (special qualification in Greek or Latin)
• Old Catholic Theology
• Climate Sciences
• Cognition, Learning and Memory
• Communication and Media Studies
• Dental Medicine
• German Language
• German Language and Literature
• German Literature
• Digital Humanities
• Eastern European Studies
• Ecology and Evolution
• Economic Globalisation and Integration
• Earth Sciences
• Protestant Theology
• Gender Studies
• Geography and Sustainable Development
• Global Studies
• Health Sciences hum/med
• Human Medicine
• Computer Sciences
• Interdiciplinary Cultural Studies ICS
• Islamic Studies and Oriental Literature
• Italian Linguistics and Literature
• Social Sciences
• Art History
• Language and Society
• Languages and Literatures in English
• Linguistics
• Linguistique/Littérature françaises
• Mathematics
• Molecular Life Sciences
• Physics/Astronomy
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Religious Studies theol.
• Science of Religion Human.
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• Social Anthropology
• Spanish Linguistics and Literature
• Sport Science
• Criminal Justice
• Theater and Dance Studies
• Administrative Science
• Veterinary medicine

Further information

Transferable Skills - Key Qualifications for your academic and non-academic Career

Transferable skills program for doctoral students and postdocs of every discipline.

Funding program «UniBE Short Travel Grants for (Post)Docs»

The University of Bern, with its funding program «UniBE Short Travel Grants for (Post)Docs», supports doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers in attending short research stays abroad, to advance their own research projects and to gain more international experience. Next application deadline: March 1, 2023

Open calls for ENLIGHT initiatives

The University of Bern and ENLIGHT support bottom-up initiatives by lecturers for challenge-based education projects in the six focus areas of ENLIGHT. Especially for early career academics, this is an opportunity to build an international network and gain interdisciplinary teaching experience.

UniBE Doc.Mobility

UniBE Doc.Mobility is granted for stays abroad which usually last twelve months. Support takes place in the form of an employment as a doctoral student, but with a place of research abroad. Application deadline: March 1/ September 1

Promotion Fund

In cooperation with the Intermediate Staff Association of the University of Bern, the Vice-Rectorate Research calls for proposals to the Fund for the Promotion of Young Researchers twice a year.

MVUB - Lunchtalks

Lunchtime events concerning academic career, working conditions and intermediate staff politics.

Innovative higher education teaching

The University of Bern's Department of 'Hochschuldidaktik & Lehrentwicklung' supports you in your teaching activities with coaching and around 50 events a year.

COMET – Coaching, Mentoring und Training

The COMET Career Programme supports female researchers in successfully pursuing their academic careers.

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PhD in Switzerl...

PhD in Switzerland: Guide on Universities in Switzerland for PhD, Fees, Requirements, Scholarships, Scope

Le News revealed, ‘’Switzerland breaks record for the highest number of PhD students.’’ In 2017, the number of PhD students in Switzerland was 31,293, and in 2022, the number has grown twice more, 54,279. Pursuing PhD in Switzerland is a popular choice amongst international students for its QS-ranked PhD universities, fully funded PhD in Switzerland and a diverse choice in Swiss PhD programs. 

Did you also know that PhD graduates in Switzerland receive the highest salary? Working as a doctoral assistant in EPFL offers you 52,700 CHF/year on a general salary range. All of this clearly states your decision to pursue a Swiss PhD is a wise investment. Read along to explore your study and career options for PhD in Switzerland.  

Why Study PhD In Switzerland?

Before we can proceed further, let’s first understand why pursuing PhD in Switzerland is a great choice:

• QS-Ranked PhD Universities: Switzerland is home to multiple QS-ranked universities, especially PhD studies. A few are University of Zurich (Rank 70), University of Basel (Rank 138), etc.
• Preferred choice by international students: Academics revealed 50% of PhD students in Switzerland are international students. As you also learnt above, the number of PhD students in Switzerland has increased since 2017. 
• Different types of PhD: The Swiss PhD is of two types, general and structural. The general PhD refers to focusing n a doctoral thesis and may include training and development. The structural PhD includes more coursework, formal training and even collaboration with different institutions.
• Multiple Scholarship opportunities: Studying PhD in Switzerland is easy due to the range of scholarship opportunities provided. These scholarships help fund PhD studies and provide payment convenience in recurrent student expenses.

Suggested: How is the education system in Switzerland?

An Overview Of Swiss PhD 

To help you get a better understanding of what to expect from a Swiss PhD study, we have curated brief information on the same:

Working in Switzerland

Top 5 Universities In Switzerland For PhD 

There are multiple universities to choose from when pursuing PhD in Switzerland for international students. These are popular choices amongst international students, and the universities offer multiple PhD programs to choose from. Here are the top 5 choices:

• University of Lausanne
• University of Bern
• University of Zurich
• University of Geneva
• University of Basel

Details of each of these universities to study in Switzerland is mentioned below: 

1. University of Lausanne

University of Lausanne is a research institution that offers seven different facilities. It provides a range of PhD programs for international students to choose from. University of Lausanne is also home to multiple Nobel prize winners in PhD. 

2. University of Bern

The University of Bern offers a diverse range of PhD programs for international students to choose from. The university is well known for its teaching methods and campus environment.

3. University of Zurich

The University of Zurich is on the top list of the best PhD universities in Switzerland. Zurich is a popular student destination and the university offers a range of PhD programs based on different faculties. 

4. University of Geneva

Another widely popular PhD choice is the University of Geneva . Geneva is well known for its academic excellence and the teaching methods they offer. With every PhD program, students are encouraged to do more self work. 

5. University of Basel

The University of Basel is a great choice to pursue PhD studies as the list of PhD programs available here are multiple. The university has a great staff student ratio and offers better research based learnings. 

Suggested: View more PhD universities in Switzerland

Eligibility Criteria For Swiss PhD 

To pursue PhD in Switzerland, there are certain eligibility criterias that have to be met. These differ based on the university choice, but there are two standard processes for this field of study:

• A Bachelor and Masters Degree
• Language requirements

1. A Bachelor and Masters Degree

International students need to have a three year Bachelor's degree as well as a Master's degree or equivalent in the relevant field of study.

2. Language requirements

Based on the language of instruction of the PhD program, international students will write the language proficiency test like IELTS , TOEFL . For instance, for English, you require a C1 level to pass, etc.

Admission Process For PhD In Switzerland For Indian Students

To apply to the top PhD universities in Switzerland, here is an overview of the admission process:

• Identify which PhD program you wish to study. Choose the PhD university that offers the same.
• Search for a supervisor and confirm the supervision based on your PhD program choice
• Visit the selected PhD universities' official website to learn about the entry requirements
• Clear any tests required and attach them and other relevant documents to send before the application deadline. 
• Pay the application fee ( 100 CHF-400 CHF)
• Wait for confirmation, once accepted apply for the student visa and start arranging for funds

Suggested: How to apply for student visa in Switzerland?

Documents Required For A Swiss PhD 

When submitting your PhD application, there are certain documents that need to be attached. Ensure the below is checked:

• All educational transcripts
• Valid identity proof
• Scorecard of exams required(ELP Scores, GRE , GMAT , etc)
• Proof of payment
• Proof of application fee payment
• Signed declaration of consent
• Information of residence with regards to last educational background

Note: Ensure all documents are translated as per the language enquired on the universities official website.

Cost Of Studying PhD in Switzerland

To study PhD in Switzerland, there are two cost factors you need to consider. These factors are important as they will contribute to your fund planning when you arrive in the country. 

Let’s learn about them one by one:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees of doing a PhD in Switzerland ranges from 80 CHF- 500 CHF/semester.  

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Switzerland ranges from 1,400 CHF- 2,250 CHF/month. Most of your recurring monthly expenses will be accommodation, transport, health insurance, food, and miscellaneous expenses.  

Suggested: A detailed guide on cost of studying in Switzerland

Scholarship Opportunities To Study PhD In Switzerland

You can now study for a PhD in Switzerland with scholarship conveniently. There is a list of popular Switzerland PhD scholarships for international students. They help cover multiple expenses such as travel, etc and also offer grants. 

Here are the top 5 Switzerland PhD scholarships for international students:

Suggested: View more scholarships in Switzerland for international students

Career Opportunities After PhD In Switzerland

After completing PhD in Switzerland for Indian students, there are a range of job profiles to choose from. Based on your expertise and experience, the salary figure will fluctuate. On average a PhD graduate in Switzerland will earn 116,000 CHF/year. 

Here is an overview of the popular PhD job profiles and expected salary for each:

Suggested: What is it like to work in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers research-based PhD programs that are tutored well with the help of academic experts. Pursuing a PhD program should always be from an institute that offers a blend of theory and practical approaches whilst also offering additional knowledge about the real world. Luckily this is exactly what a PhD in Switzerland will offer you. With all the information listed above, it's time to apply to top universities in Switzerland for PhD .

Frequently Asked Questions About PhD In Switzerland

Is GRE required for PhD in Switzerland for Indian students?

Yes, GRE scores are required for PhD studies in Switzerland. GRE Analytical- 3.5 and GRE Quantitative- 165

Can you study PhD in Switzerland In English?

Yes, most PhD programs in Switzerland are taught in English.

Can PhD students work in Switzerland?

Yes, PhD students are allowed to work for 15hrs/week during semesters and unlimited in holidays. Suggested: How to do part-time jobs in Switzerland?

Is it easy to get a Swiss PhD?

To get accepted in a PhD university, you need to have a good academic score in your previous educational qualifications. Based on this, the university will measure your candidature. 

Can PhD in Switzerland for international students complete their PhD in one year?

No, to complete your PhD studies in Switzerland, international students will take up to three to five years based on the PhD programs in Switzerland chosen. 

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Phd in switzerland for international students.

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There are a few reasons why one might want to do a PhD. Mostly, it’s for a career advancement but also to conduct research and deepen your knowledge on a subject you’re passionate about. And Switzerland is one of those countries which had made a huge investment in the field of education. PhD’s candidates have access to some of the most prestigious institutions with cutting-edge research facilities. And they do so while studying in a stimulating environment with a high standard of living. You’re considering Switzerland for your PhD? Here are some crucial details to help you find the best program for you.

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Is it worth doing a PhD in Switzerland?

There are several reasons why you should study in Switzerland for your PhD. Starting by the reputation of excellence of the country, whose institutions and graduates have contributed to some of the most groundbreaking research programs in the world. Graduates from universities in Switzerland are highly skilled, innovative, creative, and the country counts the highest number of Nobel Prize per capita. 

Another reason to choose this country for a PhD’s degree is that among all the qualifications you can earn at Swiss universities , PhDs and MBA are the most popular ones. In other words, you can’t be wrong in considering this country to pursue research or further studies. And being a global hub for finance and business, career options are numerous once you’ve completed your studies in Switzerland.

Last but not least, you have the choice between 3 official languages of instruction: French, German, and Italian, depending on the canton you’re in. But there are also more and more programs in English, especially at graduate and postgraduate levels. 

How long is a PhD in Switzerland?

Switzerland being a signatory of the Bologna process, a PhD in the country is then a third-cycle qualification. It’s also the highest level of degree you can achieve in the country. And it will take between 3 and 7 years to complete it, depending on whether you pursue a traditional PhD or a structured one.

A traditional PhD tends to be shorter while a structured PhD, which involves additional training, may take longer. The other difference between the 2 types of PhD is that a general PhD takes place in one university, where the student is under the supervision of one or more academic experts. 

The structured PhD, on the other hand, takes place at more than one institution. And it can even involve a collaboration between different institution types such as cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences. 

Moreover, the academic year in Switzerland runs from September to May. It comprises 2 semesters, from September to December and from February to May/June. However, PhD research may continue beyond these periods, while training only take place during semester sessions. 

Supervision and assessment 

Like in any PhD programs, students will have at least an academic supervisor to oversee their work. But in some cases, there might be a second or more supervisors involved, especially in the case of structured PhD. 

Each supervisor will then have a specific role in the student’s project, but all of them will provide overall mentoring, guidance and support along the research process.

The PhD program always results to the writing and submission of a doctoral thesis at the end of your research. The thesis must bring up a considerable yet unique contribution to the student’s field of specialization, something that is worth a publication and that other scholars and researchers can use. 

The candidate then will be assessed through a defense, in a public setting. The assessment is made by a panel of experts that includes at least one external examiner, from outside the student’s university. 

In the case of a structured PhD, some smaller assessments will take place along the way. This may be a coursework and some exams related to training modules. They will then need to undertake these exams in order to continue in their program. However, these small-scale assessments don’t affect the final grade for the PhD degree.

How to apply for a PhD in Switzerland?

As long as you have chosen your program and university for your PhD in Switzerland, you can easily navigate the application process. 

So how does it work? First and foremost, you need to browse available PhD positions. For that you have 2 options: visiting the websites of your university of interest or visiting portals that bring together any available PhD positions.

It’s common practice also to get in touch with a professor or a research group whose work has sparked your interest. You can then ask if there is any opportunity for you to do your PhD with them.

Entry requirements 

In the case you register for an existing position, requirements include a personal statement or cover letter, an academic CV, your references and any other file your university requires.

If you plan to conduct research on a topic you’ve provided, you need to add a research proposal to the list of documents. This dissertation should give details regarding the purpose of your project, its scope and the outcome you expect to get out of it.

Furthermore, students who apply to a structured PhD might not need an initial research proposal. This is because the student’s project has to be put in place during the first year of the PhD.

Read also about the requirements to study in Switzerland .

PhD in Switzerland in English 

PhD programs in Switzerland are either in the university’s canton language or in English. However, the possibility of a PhD program to be in English also depends greatly on the type of subject.

That’s why you’re more likely to get a degree in English with highly international subjects such as business, engineering or science. In this case, you’ll have to provide the classic paperwork proving your proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL…) depending on your university.

The cost to study a PhD in Switzerland is paid either for the entirety of the program or per term as it applies at some universities. Typically, Swiss universities are free to set up their own fees. 

Some may cost as low as €182 while some will cost more than €6,000 for the entirety of the course. If you’re given a price per semester, you then have to multiply it by 6 to get the total cost of a 3-year study program. 

Moreover, you need to consider other smaller fees for registration, examination and student union fees. But these costs will remain very low thanks to generous support from the Swiss government for higher education.

Of course, you’ll need to prepare for your living cost in Switzerland as an international student. 

How much is a PhD salary in Switzerland?

In some cases, PhD opportunities are advertised as paid research positions. Students then receive a regular salary as an employee of their university. Moreover, they are exempt from paying the study cost above. 

They also have the right to additional benefits such as a holiday leave. In return, they assist with undergraduate teaching and take care of some administrative tasks. This is a quite common practice at universities but a lot less at universities of applied sciences. 

PhD candidates receive on average a salary of CHF 2,000 to CHF 6,000 per month. The amount they earn depends on their level of experience. Beginners can get roughly CHF 48,000 per year while the most experienced candidate can get around CHF 60,000 per year.

Lastly, PhD students in medicine or exact sciences are more likely to get a better payment than those studying humanities or arts for example.

Can you work while doing a PhD in Switzerland?

To fund their PhD, international students in Switzerland can work up to 15 hours per week on school days and unlimited hours during holiday periods. For that, their potential employer needs to apply for a work permit on their behalf. 

They also need to contact the Swiss Immigration Authority to check about their rights to work and study in Switzerland. It’s important to keep in mind that PhD students can work only 6 months after the beginning of their program. 

And lastly, they must inform the immigration authorities whenever they undertake any employment in Switzerland.

Find out also how to work in Switzerland after graduation.

PhD in Switzerland with a scholarship

For students who don’t perceive any salary, the other source of funding they can look for is with the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS). This commission grants every year some scholarships based on merit, as well as a research scholarship. 

The latter is available at research universities, federal institutes of technology and universities of applied sciences throughout Switzerland. Any international students can apply for this funding as long as they meet the academic qualifications and provide a convincing enough PhD work proposal 

Moreover, this scholarship covers the candidate’s PhD fees and living cost in Switzerland.

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Can enrollment be given to a student in a phD program withless than 3.0Gpa? If yes, which universities in Switzerland does that?

It depends on the university. To find out, please consult the websites of the universities you’re interested in. Here’s our article on Switzerland’s top universities , where you can visit their official websites.

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Doctoral students

You are coming to ETH Zurich as a doctoral student.

Nationals of an EU-27 or EFTA country must register once they have arrived in Switzerland, either at the Residents' Registration Office at their place of residence (if not living in the city of Zurich) or with the Person Registration Office in Zurich . They must bring with them all required documents according to their residence status. Registration must take place within 14 days of entering the country and before the beginning of your employment .

More information on registration in Switzerland (Staffnet)

Members of non-EU/EFTA countries require a permit to enter the country, reside and work here, approved by the Swiss Labour Market Authority (visa authorisation for people requiring visas or confirmation of a residence permit for those not requiring visas, see also Visas for non-EU/EFTA nationals ).

• You would like to write your doctoral thesis at ETH Zurich and will be enrolling at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich
• You hold a recognised Master's degree
• You are no more than 50 years old
• You already have an offer of a position as a doctoral student

Work and residence permit

The entire period of studies in Switzerland may not exceed 8 years. This period includes the time spent on a degree (Bachelor’s and Master’s), doctorate and post-doctorate.

Processing period

Please note: the immigration authorities require 4 - 6 weeks to process a request.

The institute or professor’s office will contact you with a request to submit the following documents:

Family members

Immediate members of your family can enter Switzerland with you. However, they have to meet certain conditions which will be checked by the immigration authority. See also Accompanying family members .

Employment for a spouse

In principle a spouse is permitted to take up employment. This requires a valid residence permit with authorisation to work.

GENEVA GRADUATE INSTITUTE

Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2A Case postale 1672 CH - 1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland +41 22 908 57 00  

[email protected] + 41 22 908 58 98  

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

[email protected] +41 22 908 57 54  

[email protected] + 41 22 908 57 55

PhD Programmes at the Graduate Institute, Geneva

PhD programmes at the Institute require a four-year commitment, with the first three semesters in residence. During the first two semesters, you will take theoretical and methodological doctoral seminars before presenting a preliminary thesis at the end of the third semester, with the defence of your thesis taking place at the end of the eighth semester. Our PhD programmes meet the established requirements for accreditation in Switzerland. The courses are taught in English, however the thesis could be written either in English or French.

We offer six disciplinary PhDs:  PhD in Anthropology and Sociology ,  PhD in International Economics ,  PhD in Development Economics ,  PhD in International History ,  PhD in International Law  and  PhD in International Relations/Political Science .  

how to apply

PHD IN ANTHROPOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY  

• Four-year programme
• Provides students with theoretical perspectives and methodological tools to explore the social and cultural systems that influence policy interventions
• Involves a year of coursework and preparation followed by extensive fieldwork and a dissertation

PHD IN DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS  

• Four-year programme centered around a research dissertation
• A crucial field at the heart of policy debates
• Fieldwork opportunities in developing countries

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS  

• Stimulating collegiate work atmosphere
• Trains students to undertake innovative research 

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL HISTORY & POLITICS  

• Combines coursework, seminars, preliminary thesis and doctoral thesis
• Equips students with the analytical, conceptual and methodological tools to successfully complete original book-length research

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL LAW  

• Designed for outstanding students with a strong commitment to international law
• Research supervision available for a wide range of topics
• Learn more ​​​​​​​

PHD IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS / POLITICAL SCIENCE  

• Stand-alone four-year PhD programme or Fast-track master’s/doctoral program allowing students to complete a master’s and PhD within five years
• Designed to prepare students for a research-focused career in international relations

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva is pleased to announce the opening of 30 fully funded 4-year PhD positions in our 5 departmental programmes in Anthropology and Sociology, International Economics or Economics of Development, International History and Politics, International Law, International Relations and Political Science.  The d eadline  for application  is 15 January 2022 . Each of the six 4-year PhD packages distributed by each department will combine 2 years of full scholarship followed by 2 years of teaching assistantship.  

more information

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Phd programme, doing a phd at the zhaw school of engineering.

The ZHAW School of Engineering offers students with a Master’s degree the opportunity to do a doctorate in cooperation with its partner universities. While studying for your PhD, you work on applied research projects at the university of applied sciences and are supervised jointly by professors from the ZHAW and its partner university.

You thus benefit from the strengths of both types of university and, with your dissertation project, also contribute towards raising the profile of research at the School of Engineering. The School of Engineering, for its part, creates favourable conditions and prerequisites for supporting high-quality research.

As a doctoral student, you are enrolled in a regular PhD programme at a partner university and are required to go through its admission process. After completing the programme, you will receive a doctorate from the partner university in question. Most PhD networks are also open to students with a Master’s degree from a university of applied sciences. They are, however, required to complete the processes (specific to each faculty) that are necessary for admission to the partner university. In addition to formalised PhD programmes, it is also possible for individual agreements to be concluded between partner universities, doctoral students and ZHAW.

https://www.zhaw.ch/en/jobs/vacant-positions/

Formal PhD programmes with partner universities

ZHAW is part of the PhD Network Data Science . We thus participate in the University of Zurich’s PhD Programme in Data Science . A broad selection of topics is available for doctoral studies in data science and these explicitly include data-intensive areas of Industry 4.0, such as predictive maintenance, data analytics and risk management, and cloud computing.

ZHAW graduates with a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) are also eligible for the joint doctoral programme run by ZHAW and the Università Ca' Foscari in Venice. They can complete their doctoral studies in data science over a period of four years. They spend one year in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics at the University of Venice and three years at the ZHAW School of Engineering. MSE graduates from ZHAW can participate directly in the programme without having to catch up on additional ECTS from the Master’s degree programme.

Important to know

• The doctorate is always awarded by the partner university. It is therefore the regulations of the partner university that are decisive.
• In most cases, doctoral students at ZHAW School of Engineering are employed as scientific assistants; the dissertation is normally embedded in a fairly large research project (Innosuisse, SNSF, Horizon Europe).
• ZHAW School of Engineering supports dissertation projects that are related to one of its main research areas.
• The dissertation topic is agreed on directly by the doctoral student and their supervising professors from the university of applied sciences and the partner university.
• Doctoral students are expected to display a high degree of independence and discipline and to actively exchange ideas with the contact persons in the institutes and centres.

How will the ZHAW School of Engineering support me with my dissertation project?

• Financial support through PhD programmes and internal calls
• Time support, including for caregivers
• Networking within the PhD community
• Access to foreign universities and networks (e.g. Horizon Europe Doctoral Network, PhD networks)

ZHAW employees and students will find further information in the Intranet .

Interested? Then venture to take the next step

A dissertation project requires careful planning and preparation in both the professional and private environment.  We will be happy to offer you a consultation.

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PhD in Health Sciences

For doctoral studies, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine offers a flexible and intensively supervised doctoral program.

Registration

Before you can register for the PhD Program, you need the approval of a supervisor from among the professors of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine . Please contact a potential supervisor first.

For students to the University of Lucerne, it is necessary to use the online registration . If you are starting a PhD in Health Sciences at the University of Lucerne directly after completing your Master's degree at the University of Lucerne, please register by e-mail to the student services team .  If you are not starting your PhD in the following semester, you must register online.

The following deadlines apply to doctoral registrations: August 31 for the coming fall semester January 31 for the coming spring semester

The admission to the PhD Program is regulated by the study and examination committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine. The admission requirements can be found in the PhD Regulations . The admission decision will be communicated by email.

Language skills: You should have a very good knowledge of English; knowledge of German is not required.

Supervision

The first supervisor is responsible for the academic supervision. This person must be chosen from among the professors of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine . Without a written supervision agreement , which is co-authored and signed by a first supervisor, the admission to the PhD Program is not possible. The second supervisor  must be a person with a doctorate degree or higher from another faculty or different university.

Study requirements

The doctoral performance to be achieved consists of the academic performance (at least 18 ECTS credits), the thesis, the defense and the publication of the thesis.

Course selection All courses (see Course program ) offer ECTS credits and contribute to the 18 ECTS credit requirement. External courses can also be attended after consultation with the supervisor.

Course program

Courses University Lucerne

External Course program Swiss Learning Health System (SLHS) Course program SGGÖ Course program Campus Luzern Course program SSPH+ Course program Graduate Academy Meet to Write (Uni Basel) ​​​​​​​

Evaluation report

The supervisor meets with the PhD student at least once a year to evaluate the progress of the dissertation. In particular, the development of the research work and the earned course credits are evaluated based on the goals set for current year. Goals for the following year are also established.

Leave of absence

A leave of absence from the doctoral study is generally possible. Applications must be submitted in written form to the Study Center ( phd_health remove-this. @ remove-this. unilu.ch ) by September 15 (for the fall semester) and February 15 (for the spring semester).

Please note the following: - A leave of absence is granted for a maximum of two semesters. - During this time there are no matriculation fees. - No academic achievements can be earned. - It is not possible to participate in courses. - No applications for financial support from the faculty can be made. - No applications for the opening of the doctoral procedure can be made.

ECTS credits For all courses with earned ECTS credits, written documentation is required to ensure that the requirements according to § 4, number 1 of the Guide to PhD Regulations are fulfilled. The minimum number of credits to be earned during the doctoral studies is 18 ECTS credits (according to § 7, number 1 of the Guide to PhD Regulations). Usually these credits consist of participation in elective modules (in the amount of at least 6 ECTS) and in elective modules, which are announced at the beginning of each semester.

Application for the opening of the doctoral procedure The doctoral procedure is opened at the candidate's request. The application must be submitted in writing to the head of the faculty and submitted to the Study Center by email to phd_health remove-this. @ remove-this. unilu.ch .

The following documents (as pdf-files) must be enclosed with the application:

• a declaration by the candidate that he or she has independently written the submitted dissertation, that he or she has only used the specified aids when writing the dissertation and that he or she has marked passages that have been adopted either literally or in content as such a statement as to whether the dissertation has already been submitted to a university in the current or another version
• proof of academic achievements of at least 18 ECTS credits
• proof of matriculation for the duration of the doctoral studies (can be requested from Study Services )

Title After the successfully contested defense, a temporary certificate is issued. After publication of the dissertation, the PhD Student is awarded as Doctor of Science (Dr. sc.). A certificate and diploma will be issued for the doctoral work.

• PhD regulations (in German)
• Guide to the PhD regulations (in German)
• Supervision Agreement
• FAQ PhD Program

Dr. med. Christian Schirlo, MME Director Study Center

Colette Lenherr Administrative Coordinator PhD in Health Sciences

phd_health remove-this. @ remove-this. unilu.ch

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• EN Switch Language to English

UBS Flags 'Serious' Concern About New Swiss Capital Requirements

UBS Flags 'Serious' Concern About New Swiss Capital Requirements

Chairman of UBS Colm Kelleher speaks at the Swiss Bank Annual General Meeting, one year after buying rival Swiss bank Credit Suisse, in Basel, Switzerland, April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

By Noele Illien

BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) - UBS executives on Wednesday told shareholders that the bank has major concerns about the Swiss government's recently announced plan to hit the country's largest lender with tougher capital requirements.

The government laid out plans two weeks ago for how to police banks deemed "too big to fail" to shield the country from a repeat of the collapse of Credit Suisse, which UBS acquired in a rescue arranged by the authorities and backed by the state. "We are seriously concerned about some of the discussions related to additional capital requirements," UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher said at the bank's annual general meeting in Basel.

"Additional capital is the wrong remedy."

UBS might need to find $15 billion to $25 billion in additional capital to comply with proposed new requirements, according to the finance ministry.

Kelleher said Credit Suisse had failed not because of insufficient capital requirements, noting that they had been on the rise for global banks since the 2007-2009 financial crisis, making them more resilient.

"Effective loss-absorbing capacity has increased around 20 times since the global financial crisis of 2008," he said. "At our firm, it now exceeds $200 billion."

UBS's takeover of its long-term rival Credit Suisse stirred fears that the enlarged bank, with a balance sheet roughly double the nation's annual economic output, could upend the Swiss economy if it ran into trouble.

Shares in Zurich-based UBS traded down by more than 2% on Wednesday afternoon, underperforming European peers.

The Credit Suisse rescue prompted the government to craft a plan aimed at making the banking system more robust and to prevent a possible UBS collapse, although a long legislative process is still pending.

Despite this prospect of tougher capital rules, Kelleher said UBS remained committed to distributing cash to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases.

"UBS is not too big to fail," he said, calling it one of the "best-capitalized" banks in Europe.

The chairman said UBS aimed for total capital returns to exceed pre-acquisition levels by 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti said the merger of the two banks' Swiss entities should occur before the end of the third quarter, and that difficult decisions still lay ahead during the Credit Suisse integration.

"Despite our efforts to lessen the impact, in the short to medium term we will need to part ways with some colleagues," Ermotti said after a weekend media report said the bank was planning five rounds of lay-offs in the coming months.

Ermotti's 14.4 million Swiss franc ($15.75 million) pay for nine months of 2023, which made him the highest-paid banker in Europe, was heavily criticized by a number of shareholders.

"As a CS investor, I do feel pretty lousy," shareholder Guido Roethlisberger told the annual gathering.

Credit Suisse's rescue, arranged under emergency legislation, bypassed the bank's shareholders, and all but wiped them out, prompting calls for compensation from some groups.

Still, the compensation awarded to Ermotti and senior management was approved by a large majority of votes cast.

Kelleher defended the CEO's pay.

"He arguably has the toughest job in the financial services industry globally, and he has delivered," Kelleher said.

(Reporting by Noele Ilien, writing by Andrey Sychev; Editing by Dave Graham and Tomasz Janowski)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: Switzerland , Europe

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Political Science in the News

Passing of faculty member alma lowell dittmer, 1942-2024.

Alma Lowell Dittmer, a professor and writer who worked at UC Berkeley for 40 years and specialized in Chinese politics, died on April 15 in Oakland. He was 82.

He was named after his father Alma, but throughout his life went by his middle name, Lowell. His parents Alma and Veda met when they themselves were both teachers at a junior high school in Utah. They would both spend much of their life teaching; Alma as a university professor of music; his wife as a K-12 teacher with specialties in Home Economics and Remedial Reading. Lowell was the eldest of their six children, and they instilled in him the sense that he ought to be an example for his younger siblings.

He went on his Mormon mission to German-speaking Switzerland, an experience that he would credit as being one of the most challenging of his life. He would later speak of being proud of having completed his mission; however, when he returned to Utah he found he had lost his faith in God, and would describe himself throughout the rest of his life as an atheist or agnostic. He sought out his next challenge in academia, where after a brief flirtation with journalism, he dove into the field of political science, earning his bachelor's degree from Utah State in 1965. 

He then moved to Chicago, where he would begin his 50-plus-year career as a China scholar. During this decade he learned to speak Chinese; went to basic training with the U.S. Army reserves; and met Helen Roth, the woman he would marry. He earned his master’s degree in 1967 and his PhD in 1971; his dissertation was published as his first book in 1974: Liu Shao-Ch’i and the Chinese Cultural Revolution . He and Helen were married on August 14 of that year. 

In 1978, he came to UC Berkeley, where he would become a leading scholar in his field. He wrote, edited, or co-edited over 16 books, as well as probably over 100 articles in scholarly journals. In addition to writing, he also took on interesting responsibilities near and far. He was the head of the UC Center for Chinese Studies from 1979-1983; and then, the editor-in-chief of the Asian Survey from 2001-2019. He was a research fellow at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. from 1986-1987, and later a director for the UC’s Education Abroad Program in Beijing from 1997-1999. 

His love of work-related travel would never leave him; in the last decade of his life he spent semesters abroad in Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, and Taiwan. He also enjoyed traveling for family trips. He often traveled to visit with his wife’s family in Chicago, or to various spots in the U.S. for semi-annual Dittmer Family reunions. 

In his spare time he enjoyed exercise, healthy eating, bargain hunting, listening to music of all kinds, collecting odds and ends (‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’) and consuming art and literature–especially foreign-language movies. 

He is survived by his sisters Ruth Ellen, Kaye, and Debbie; his brothers Kent and Phil; his son Mark, and his wife Helen.

  We invite those whose lives Professor Dittmer touched to leave a note of remembrance  HERE .