Pursuing a PhD is not just about acquiring deep expertise; it’s about transforming your potential into impact. For students passionate about cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the Google PhD Fellowship at ETH Zurich offers more than just financial support. It’s an entry into one of the world’s most innovative research environments, backed by two global leaders: ETH Zurich and Google Research.
If you’re an aspiring machine learning researcher, now is the time to act. Applications for the 2025 cohort are due by September 15, 2025. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about this elite opportunity and why it could shape the rest of your academic and professional journey.
Why ETH Zurich and Google Are the Perfect Combination for ML Research
ETH Zurich, consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally (QS Rankings), has a legacy of producing pioneers in science and technology. Its Department of Computer Science is world-renowned, particularly in fields such as robotics, data science, and AI. Combine this with Google’s relentless innovation in machine learning, and you get a fellowship program that stands at the frontier of tech research.
Through this fellowship, Google funds outstanding PhD students at ETH Zurich to advance impactful machine learning research. In return, fellows are expected to pursue novel directions that could influence both academia and industry.
Key Benefits of the Google PhD Fellowship at ETH Zurich
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | CHF 28,000 annually (tax-free) |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Host | ETH Zurich’s Computer Science Department |
| Sponsor | Google Research |
| Deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Fields of Study | Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, NLP, Robotics |
Notably, the CHF 28K stipend is non-repayable and doesn’t require any teaching obligations. This enables fellows to focus entirely on their research.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
This isn’t your average PhD grant. ETH Zurich and Google are looking for exceptional talent. Here’s what you need:
- A strong academic background in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related fields.
- Already admitted to (or applying for) the PhD program in Machine Learning or related area at ETH Zurich.
- Research interests that align with Google Research priorities (see topics here).
- A well-developed research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Note: Preference is given to students who show independence, a track record of innovative work, and potential for high research impact.
What Makes This Fellowship Different?
Unlike many conventional PhD scholarships, this is more than just a funding source. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Industry-Academia Fusion: You’ll engage with top Google researchers who are also tackling global-scale ML problems.
- Mentorship Beyond Academia: Expect direct mentorship from Google scientists, allowing you to align your research with real-world applications.
- Global Prestige: Being part of this fellowship puts you in a global cohort of elite ML researchers.
- Conference Access: Funding can extend to cover top-tier AI conference participation like NeurIPS and ICML.
How to Apply for the Google PhD Fellowship at ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich doesn’t run a separate portal for this application. Instead, it’s integrated with your PhD admission or your current PhD status. Here’s a breakdown:
- Admission to PhD at ETH Zurich: Ensure you’re applying to or enrolled in a relevant PhD program.
- Nomination by Advisor: A faculty member must nominate you for the Google Fellowship.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Research proposal (2-3 pages)
- CV with publications
- Academic transcripts
- At least two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose aligning your goals with Google’s ML research themes
- Submission Timeline: Nomination deadline is September 15, 2025.
Further details can be found on the official Google PhD Fellowship page.
Why Choose Switzerland for Your PhD?
Switzerland is more than chocolate and watches. It’s a tech powerhouse. Cities like Zurich are among the most livable globally, with excellent infrastructure, safety, and international communities. For researchers, the environment is ideal:
- Multilingual, multicultural hub
- Access to Europe’s top research facilities
- Close collaboration with industry leaders like Google, IBM, and NVIDIA
You’re not just studying in Switzerland; you’re co-creating the future of AI in Europe.
Real-World Impact: What Past Fellows Say
Graduates of this program have gone on to do incredible things:
- Publishing in top ML journals
- Collaborating on projects like TensorFlow and Google Brain
- Transitioning into roles at DeepMind, Meta AI, or leading startups
For example, past ETH Zurich fellow Johannes Brandstetter focused on graph neural networks and now contributes to high-impact interdisciplinary research in climate and physics.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Want to stand out from a competitive pool? Here are a few tips:
- Start Early: Align with a professor at ETH who can nominate you.
- Tailor Your Proposal: Link your research goals to Google’s research themes.
- Show Your Impact: Highlight not just academic excellence but also real-world problem solving.
- Include GitHub/Portfolio Links: Especially if you’ve worked on ML systems, tools, or datasets.
- Practice Interviews: Some nominees may undergo additional interviews or discussions with faculty.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the September 15 Deadline
The Google PhD Fellowship at ETH Zurich is one of the most prestigious AI research fellowships in Europe. With full financial support, global mentorship, and access to elite research ecosystems, it’s designed to catapult you into the future of machine learning.
Applications close on September 15, 2025, so begin preparing today. If you believe you belong at the cutting edge of ML, this is your chance.
Call to Action: Ready to Shape the Future?
Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Learn more about the program via the Google Research Fellowship portal, connect with ETH Zurich professors, and start building your application package.
Because when you look back in five years, you’ll either say “I’m glad I applied” or “I wish I had.”
The choice is yours. Apply before September 15, 2025.