Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Soft Matter Physics in Switzerland
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RIKEN
Japan
.
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
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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
University of Toronto
Canada
Research Interests
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Transporter Biology
Nuclear Biology
University of Waterloo
Canada
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Tissue Engineering
Acoustofluidics
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University of Alberta
Canada
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
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Magnetospheric Physics
Tokamak Research
Professors you could contact
Université de Genève
Switzerland
Research Interests
Cell Biology
Polymer Physics
Soft Matter Physics
Cell Motility
Cell Mechanics
Professor
University of Fribourg
Switzerland
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
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(Emeritus) Professor
ETH Zürich
Switzerland
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Materials Chemistry
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Soft Matter Physics
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.