Starting your PhD
Starting your doctoral journey
The beginning of a PhD marks a decisive stage in the academic path.
This section brings together essential practical information to help you start your doctoral journey, better understand the institutional and administrative framework of the PhD, and lay solid foundations for a successful academic experience.
Successful integration and achievement for doctoral candidates also depend on a solid understanding of the institutional environment, the available services, and the resources provided to them.
This section refers to the official university pages and practical resources dedicated to welcoming new students.
Are you considering a PhD at the University of Neuchâtel? Here are the essential steps to follow:
Check Admission Requirements
Before starting the process, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Admission to a PhD at the University of Neuchâtel is subject to general conditions common to all faculties, as well as specific procedures unique to each faculty. It is therefore essential to consult both the general admission requirements and the specific regulations of your host faculty.
Faculty-specific requirements
Each faculty applies its own rules and procedures regarding admission, enrollment, and completion of the PhD. Please consult the dedicated pages to learn more about the regulations by faculty.
Cotutelle
Doctoral candidates have the possibility of undertaking a joint PhD (cotutelle) with a foreign university.
Find a thesis supervisor
A PhD can only begin with the prior agreement of a professor authorized to supervise doctoral research projects. It is therefore essential to contact a professor in your field of interest to define together the framework, feasibility, and supervision of your doctoral project.
Register at the University
Once you have obtained the agreement of your thesis supervisor, you must complete the registration form with the University’s Admissions Office.
Validate your thesis project
Validate your thesis projectEach faculty has its own procedures for the registration of the thesis project. This step is distinct from administrative enrollment and may include submitting a project or validation by the professors’ council. These procedures are specified in the doctoral regulations of each faculty.
Securing funding is a central element in the success of a doctoral project. Different possibilities exist, ranging from research or assistantship contracts funded by the university or third-party funds, to scholarships awarded by national or international organizations.
Three main types of PhD exist:
PhD funded through an employment contract
Doctoral assistants
- Funded by the State and part of the University’s junior academic staff.
- At least 50% of paid working time must be devoted to thesis project.
- The remaining time is dedicated to teaching assistance, student supervision, non-thesis research, administrative tasks, or organizational support.
- Complementary activities must not exceed 20% of paid working time.
- Initial contract duration: 1 year, renewable up to 3 times. A 5th year may exceptionally be granted for valid reasons.
- Contracts are governed by public law.
Doctoral candidates funded by external grants(SNF or other funding agencies)
- Funded by external sources and part of the University’s junior academic staff
- PhD conducted within the framework of a third-party research project.
- Duration depends on the conditions of the funding obtained.
- Contracts are governed by private law.
PhD Funded Through Scholarships
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Allow doctoral candidates to pursue their PhD at a Swiss university or recognized research institute.
- Exclusively for full-time research in Switzerland.
- Initial duration: 12 months, renewable twice, for a maximum of 36 months depending on project progress.
- Beneficiaries are not subject to contractual obligations with the university.
- Funding generally takes the form of a monthly allowance.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Other Financial Support
- European University Institute and other international programs may provide additional funding opportunities.
PhD without specific funding
Doctoral candidates without assistantship positions or external funding pursue their PhD without a contract tied to this activity.
- Are part of the student body.
- PhD work is not governed by contractual conditions (unless they hold another salaried position within the University).
In this case, it is important to remember that a minimum budget of CHF 2,500 per month is necessary to cover living costs in Switzerland (housing, food, leisure, health and accident insurance, bills, transportation) as well as academic fees (registration and enrollment fees). Undertaking a PhD without funding therefore requires sufficient personal resources or additional employment to ensure financial autonomy throughout the doctoral journey.
Building skills and preparing for the future
Participation in a doctoral program/school is highly beneficial for developing and strengthening both transferable and scientific/methodological skills directly related to your field of research.
Doctoral programs provide targeted courses and training, interdisciplinary exchanges, and privileged access to activities that foster reflection, skill and career development. They serve as an important lever to effectively prepare for life after the PhD—whether in academic research or other professional sectors.
In addition to the training opportunities offered by the Graduate Campus, it is strongly recommended to enroll in a doctoral program relevant to your research topic.
Explore the different doctoral programs available according to your discipline and faculty.
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Economic Sciences
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- PhD in social work –Transdisciplinary Institute of Social Work
Other external doctoral programs
- CUSO doctoral programs
- REGARD |The transversal skills workshop program for women researchers
Joining an association is an excellent way to ease integration, build connections, and share experiences with others. Becoming a member also helps expand your network and allows you to actively contribute to the university community.
Below is a selection of the main associations for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, as well as for the wider student community:
- ACINE-Association of the Junior Academic Staff of the University of Neuchâtel
- ADFLESH-Association of Doctoral Candidates in the Faculty of Art and Humanities
- ANAAD-Association of Neuchâtel Assistants and Doctoral Candidates in Law
- Other student associations
For further information on doctoral conditions and regulations by Faculty
