Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Biophysics in Switzerland
No perfect match, but here’s what’s close
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International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life
Germany
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4 days ago
Max Planck School Matter to Life in Germany is offering a fully funded, integrated five-year MSc/PhD programme for students interested in chemistry and interdisciplinary molecular sciences. The two-year Master’s phase takes place at Heidelberg University or the University of Göttingen and covers chemistry, molecular systems, synthetic chemistry, biophysics, biomaterials, synthetic biology, complex systems, and the chemistry of living systems. Students then progress to a three-year PhD research p...
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
+9 more
4 days ago
RIKEN
Japan
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4 days ago
RIKEN’s Research Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research is recruiting one Researcher, Special Researcher/Postdoctoral Fellow, or Research Associate for the Physical Biology Research Team in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. The fixed-term position is available from April 1, 2027 or by consultation and will study fundamental principles governing cells and multicellular populations. The team combines mathematical science and life science to investigate order formation in living systems, including cellular pola...
Cell Biology
Biophysics
Biology
+6 more
4 days ago
University of Sydney
Top university
Australia
.
1 month ago
Top university
2 fully funded PhD positions are available at the University of Sydney in the School of Biomedical Engineering with Dr. Kaiyue Ma . The research sits at the intersection of genetics , molecular biology , and translational biomedical science, with a strong focus on turning biodiversity discoveries into real-world applications. Key themes include medical genetics (variant interpretation, neuromuscular diseases such as FSHD and Duchenne/Becker), molecular biotechnologies (gene editing and gene ther...
Immunology
Biochemistry
Computer Science
+13 more
1 month ago
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Popular positions
Knut Drescher
University of Basel
Switzerland
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2 weeks ago
PhD student – Molecular microbiology of bacterial biofilms at the Biozentrum, University of Basel (Switzerland). The research group of Prof. Knut Drescher is seeking a PhD student to study the molecular microbiology of bacterial biofilms . The project focuses on how biofilm communities develop emergent behaviors that do not occur in isolated bacterial cells, with relevance to both basic biology and human infections. Research topics include bacterial biofilms , transcriptomics , genetics , confoc...
Microbiology
Biology
Microscopy
+5 more
2 weeks ago
ETH Zurich
Switzerland
.
1 month ago
Doctoral Position for Synthetic Biology-Inspired Therapies at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland. The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group led by Prof. Dr. Martin Fussenegger invites exceptional candidates to apply for a PhD position in pioneering projects developing synthetic biology-inspired human therapies. The research sits at the intersection of synthetic biology, biology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and medical ...
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+7 more
1 month ago
Empa
Switzerland
.
1 month ago
PhD Position in Bacteria and Materials Interactions for Antimicrobial Biomaterials and Phage Therapy
Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) is advertising a PhD position in Bacteria & Materials Interactions at its Biointerfaces Laboratory in St. Gallen, Switzerland . The project sits at the intersection of biomaterials , microbiology , antimicrobial resistance , bacteriophage therapy , and tissue regeneration . The successful candidate will help develop injectable, self-healing hydrogel systems for local delivery of probiotics and bacteriophages to wound sites, w...
Chemistry
Microbiology
Biomedical Engineering
+8 more
1 month ago
Living costs in Switzerland
Estimated costs in Switzerland.
MonthlyYearly | Switzerland |
|---|---|
 Visa & Immigration Fees Student visa and residence permit fees per year | CHF132 $150/yr |
 Utilities & Connectivity Electricity, water, internet, and mobile per year | CHF845 $960/yr |
 Personal Care Toiletries, haircuts, and personal items per year | CHF845 $960/yr |
 Housing Shared flats and off-campus rentals per year | CHF9.5k $10,800/yr |
Estimates based on university averages and Numbeo
Popular professors
Associate Professor
University of Geneva
Switzerland
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Physical Chemistry
Molecular Physics
Chemistry
Optical Physics
Full Professor
ETH Zürich
Switzerland
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Condensed Matter Physics
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Electronic Structure
Molecular Physics
Full professor
ETH Zürich
Switzerland
Research Interests
Astrophysics
Astronomy
Dark Energy
Synchrotron Science
Deep Learning
Professors you could contact
Department of Physiology University of Bern Bern Switzerland
Switzerland
Research Interests
Cardiology
Cell Biology
Electrophysiology
Arrhythmia
Ion Transport
University of Zurich
Switzerland
Research Interests
Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Anemia
Biophysics
Red Blood Cell
Assistant Professor
University of Basel
Switzerland
Research Interests
Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Microscopy
Cryo-electron Microscopy
Has grant
Scholarships relevant to you
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
Partially Funded
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)SwitzerlandAnnual
SwitzerlandAnnualEPFL Excellence Fellowships are merit-based awards for outstanding students applying to selected master's programmes at EPFL in Switzerland.
Master
ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme
Fully Funded
ETH ZurichSwitzerlandCloses Usually in December
SwitzerlandCloses Usually in DecemberThe ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme supports outstanding students applying for a Master's degree at ETH Zurich with funding and mentoring.
Master
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Fully Funded
Swiss ConfederationSwitzerlandCloses Usually between autumn and early winter, depending on country
SwitzerlandCloses Usually between autumn and early winter, depending on countryFully funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and some arts students for research, PhD, postdoctoral, and selected arts master's study in Switzerland.
Master
PhD
PostDoc
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Quick
Questions
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying for a PhD position?
In many European and Asian universities yes; in some US programs applications are centralized but supervisor contact still helps.
Is GRE required for master’s or PhD applications abroad?
It depends on the country and university — many programs have made GRE optional, especially outside the US.
Do funded PhD positions usually cover tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Most funded PhD roles include tuition coverage plus a monthly stipend, but details vary by country and lab.
Are publications required to apply for PhD or postdoc positions?
Not always required for PhD, but strongly recommended. For postdoc roles, publications are usually expected.
Will I need to pay a tuition deposit for master’s admission?
In many countries yes — especially for taught master’s programs — but funded PhD positions typically do not require deposits.