# Starting Grants

**Funder:** SNSF
**Budget:** Project funds up to CHF 1 Mio. plus own salary if needed
**Deadline:** 4 May 2027 (17:00 CET)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant must lead own research team hosted at a Swiss higher education or research institution
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** CH
**Official call:** https://www.snf.ch/en/w728UqT1Yw256Mz2/funding/careers/snsf-starting-grants
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers with a doctorate who fall within an eligibility window (typically 2-8 years post-PhD) and have a demonstrated link with Switzerland (Swiss-link), requiring at least 2 years of research experience at 0.8 FTE. Applicant must lead an independent research project and team at a Swiss institution; host institution must offer an assistant professor or group leader position for the grant duration.

## Summary

SNSF Starting Grants enable early-career researchers to lead independent research teams and projects at Swiss institutions across all disciplines. Applicants must have established links to Switzerland and conduct their research at a Swiss host institution. The call is open to submissions multiple times per year.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers ready to establish independent research groups
- Applicants with institutional links to Switzerland
- Researchers planning to conduct projects at a Swiss academic or research institution
- All research disciplines eligible

## Key dates

- Applications accepted multiple times per year (check SNSF site for submission windows)
- Project conducted at a Swiss institution

## Tips for applicants

- Clarify your links to Switzerland explicitly in the application; the panel needs to see why your host institution and research fit the Swiss research landscape.
- Emphasize team-building and independence from your previous postdoctoral or training supervisor; SNSF evaluates leadership readiness carefully.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for SNSF Starting Grants?

Early-career researchers with institutional links to Switzerland who will conduct their project at a Swiss institution.

### Can researchers from outside Switzerland apply for SNSF Starting Grants?

Yes, if they have established links to Switzerland and host their project at a Swiss institution.

### How often can I submit an application to SNSF Starting Grants?

Applications are accepted multiple times per year; check the SNSF website for exact submission windows and deadlines.

### Are all research disciplines eligible for SNSF Starting Grants?

Yes, SNSF Starting Grants are open across all research disciplines.

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

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