# Bilateral Programmes

**Funder:** SNSF
**Consortium:** Required — bilateral with specific partner countries
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** CH
**Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/3QbAMu814J05tGSC/funding/programmes/bilateral-programmes
**Last verified:** 24 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

SNSF launches bilateral calls on behalf of the Swiss federal government with countries showing high or promising research potential. Swiss applicant must be based at a Swiss institution; joint applications with foreign partners required.

## Summary

SNSF Bilateral Programmes fund Swiss-led research collaborations with international partners in countries designated for each call. Swiss researchers based at Swiss institutions partner with researchers in eligible countries on joint projects, with calls launched annually on behalf of the Swiss federal government. Each bilateral call targets specific partner countries identified as having high or promising research potential.

## Who should apply

- Swiss researchers employed at a recognised Swiss research institution
- Researchers with an established or developing partnership in an eligible target country
- Projects requiring genuine bilateral scientific collaboration, not one-way consulting
- Teams willing to coordinate joint application timelines across borders

## Key dates

- Deadlines vary by bilateral call; check the SNSF Bilateral Programmes page for current open calls and submission dates
- Annual call launches on behalf of the Swiss federal government
- Eligible partner countries specified per call

## Tips for applicants

- Partner selection and pre-agreement are critical, SNSF requires evidence of a genuine, pre-existing research relationship; cold-contact collaborations typically do not succeed.
- Consortium partners must submit simultaneously or according to the coordinated timeline set by each bilateral call; asynchronous applications delay or jeopardise funding.
- Each bilateral call targets specific countries; confirm your partner's country is listed as eligible before investing application time.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a partner country researcher to apply for an SNSF Bilateral Programme?

Yes, bilateral partnership is required. A Swiss applicant must partner with a researcher in an eligible target country, and both must contribute to project design and implementation.

### Which countries are eligible for SNSF Bilateral Programmes?

Eligible partner countries vary by call and are announced when each bilateral programme opens. Check the SNSF Bilateral Programmes page to see which countries are included in the current or upcoming calls.

### Can I apply to an SNSF Bilateral Programme if I'm not based in Switzerland?

No, the Swiss applicant must be based at a Swiss research institution. International partners apply through their home country's funding system or as co-investigators on the Swiss application.

### When are the deadlines for SNSF Bilateral Programmes?

Deadlines vary by bilateral call. Visit the SNSF Bilateral Programmes page to find the current open calls and their specific submission dates.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/snsf-bilateral-programmes-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.