Application Process 2026

Are you interested in the Excellence Program and would like to apply? We are happy to hear this. Here you will find all the relevant information you need to prepare your application.

The DSI Excellence Program is aimed at young researchers who are planning to pursue a doctorate at the University of Zurich or are already enrolled. Applicants for the Excellence Program must meet the following admission criteria:
 

• The applicants are future doctoral students of the UZH, or doctoral students already enrolled at the UZH (application date (March 15, 2026) no later than the 2nd doctoral year).
• Applicants must hold an MSc or MA degree with an excellent or very good performance record.
• Applicants must demonstrate continuous engagement with and relevance to academic research. This means, for example, no long-term activities outside academia.
• Applicants must have a good command of English.
• Applicants must submit all required application documents on time (see application procedure).

To apply for the Excellence Program (starting in September 2026), you must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Complete documentation of the performance records of the Bachelor's and Master's degree program
• Letter of motivation (max. 1000 words), that focuses on the topic of digitalization and demonstrates the interdisciplinary approach and interest of the applicants. This letter is divided into two parts:
  • What is the applicant's motivation to take part in the Excellence Program for doctoral students?

  • Description of either the specific PhD project that the person intends to realise within the framework of the program or the general research interest, i.e. the applicant's interests in the field of digitalization including suggestions for research questions that the applicant would like to address. Please note: The use of artificial intelligence in creating the letter of motivation must be stated transpartently. Please refer to the  Recommendations on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence at UZH)

  • Two addresses (incl. telephone number and email-address) of references who are able to assess the academic performance of the applicants (e.g. professors or supervisors of the Master's thesis).

  • Completed DSI questionnaire (Download here) (PDF, 56 KB) on your application and academic status / affiliation

From January 15 to March 15, 2026, you can apply directly here to participate in the DSI Excellence Program:

https://www.apply.dsi.uzh.ch/position/47022081

• Please prepare your application in English.
• Please submit your application via the Selectus application platform by the deadline.
• Please have all required documents ready for the application process. Submit one file per required document.
• Once you submit your application, the application process is complete and you will not have the opportunity to change any of the information submitted.

Please note, that we cannot accept applications by email or mail.

Application deadline: Please apply for admission to the Excellence Program by 23:59 on March 15,  2026.

Interview invitation: By May 15, 2026 at the latest, you will receive an invitation for an interview at the University of Zurich, Digital Society Initiative (DSI).

Interview with selection committee: In case you are invited, the interviews will take place on 28 or 29 May 2026 at the University of Zurich, Digital Society Initiative (DSI).

Final acceptance/rejection to the program: By mid June 2026, you will receive the acceptance or rejection to the program.