In SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

Fast-Track PhD Funding: Vanier, Swiss & EU Grants + Proven Application Templates

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You’re ambitious. You want a PhD—but funding can feel like a barrier. You’re not alone.

This guide walks you through three top-tier funding routes—the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, and elite EU grants like the European Research Council (ERC).

phd

You’ll get:

  • Clear, direct info on what each offers.
  • Practical action steps that you can follow today.
  • Real-world examples and application templates that work.
  • A comparison table you can scan in seconds.

Let’s get you rolling—fast.

Why These Scholarships Matter ( Keywords You Need)

  • PhD funding opportunities
  • Fully funded PhD scholarships
  • International PhD funding guides
  • How to apply for Vanier Scholarship
  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship requirements
  • ERC grant for doctoral research
  • Best PhD grants 2025

These are what people pay to search. Good news? You’re landing exactly where your future readers are looking.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: What You Must Know

What Does It Offer?

Who Can Apply?

Action Steps

  1. Connect with potential supervisors and ask if they can support your Vanier nomination.
  2. Confirm the institution has available quota.
  3. Polish your research proposal, transcripts, leadership achievements.
  4. Submit via your institution on time—deadlines vary but typically around late August (UBC Grad School).
  5. Use the selection criteria—academic excellence, research potential, leadership—as your compass.

2. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: The Essentials

What’s on Offer?

  • Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (research or PhD scholarship) (EURAXESS, www.FindAPhD.com).
  • PhD scholarships last 12 months, renewable twice (up to 36 months total) (EURAXESS).
  • Available at Swiss cantonal universities, federal institutes, and research institutes (EURAXESS).

Who Should Apply?

  • Must hold a Master’s degree before July 31, 2026 (ETH Zürich deadline June 30) (EURAXESS).
  • Must be born after December 31, 1990 (EURAXESS).
  • Need a research proposal with timeline and a letter from a Swiss host supervisor (EURAXESS).

Real-World Insight

From a recent Reddit discussion:

“It frees up CHF 1,920/month that your supervisor’s lab can reallocate—so it’s not replacing salary but supplementing funding for your project.” (Reddit)

Your Application Playbook

  • Identify a Swiss supervisor and secure their support.
  • Draft a high-impact research proposal including milestones.
  • Prepare your CV, transcripts, and host letter.
  • Submit via Swiss embassy or consulate by your local deadline (generally between September and December) (Swissnex).
  • If you also get a salaried PhD contract, weigh financials vs. prestige carefully.

3. EU-Level Grants: The European Research Council (ERC)

What Makes It Stand Out?

  • Among the most prestigious individual grants in Europe (Wikipedia).
  • Flexible and portable funding; follows you if you move institutions (Wikipedia).
  • Open to any nationality, across all fields (Wikipedia).
  • Success rate ~12%—high competition but massive payoff (Wikipedia).

Why Go for It?

  • You can fund original, bold ideas with autonomy.
  • Great for mobility, visibility, and academic prestige.

How to Start

  1. Target a host institution in the EU or associated country.
  2. Build a solid track record (publications, research experience).
  3. Craft a frontier research proposal—big idea, clear methods.
  4. Apply to starter grants (e.g., Starting or Consolidator Grants) if applicable.
  5. Consult your institution’s ERC office or advisor early.

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Scholarship / Grant Value & Duration Eligibility Highlights Strategic Advantage
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship $50,000 CAD/year × 3 years Nomination by Canadian uni, academic excellence Substantial support, leadership-focused, prestigious
Swiss Excellence Scholarship CHF 1,920/month, up to 36 months Master’s completed, age limit, supervisor support Supplementary funding, great for lab/project leverage
ERC Grants (EU) Generous, flexible and portable Outstanding proposal, host in EU, high competition Top-tier prestige, supports bold research

Templates That Work: Kickstart Your Application

Use these templates as your launchpad. Tweak them to fit your research and voice.

Vanier Scholarship Motivation Template

Dear [Supervisor's Name],

I am pursuing a PhD proposal in [Research Field] at [University], focusing on [brief description]. Your work in [Supervisor’s area] aligns perfectly.

I aim to apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship—valued at $50,000/year for three years. This award prioritizes academic excellence, leadership, and research potential—areas where I excel.

Could you support my application by providing a strong nomination and mentorship? I’d be grateful for your guidance in shaping the proposal to meet the selection criteria.

Thank you for considering this request.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Swiss Excellence Scholarship Request Example

Dear Prof. [Name],

I hold a Master’s in [Field] from [Institution], and I’m planning a doctoral project on [Research Topic]. Your expertise in [Supervisor's domain] would greatly enrich this work.

I wish to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. It offers CHF 1,920/month and up to 36 months of funding—ideal for advancing this research in Switzerland. The application requires a research proposal and a host supervisor’s letter.

Could we discuss my project and possibly do this together?

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

ERC Starting Grant Intro

Dear [Institutional ERC Contact],

I’m preparing an ERC Starting Grant application on [Your Big Research Idea]. My doctoral and postdoc work in [Your Field] has yielded [mention publications or impact].

I understand the ERC funds ambitious, frontier research and is highly flexible—making it perfect for my vision. Can we meet to leverage institutional support, proposal guidelines, and review process?

Thank you for your time.

Best,
[Your Name]

What’s Next: You’re Already Ahead

  • Choose the route that fits your profile—Canada (Vanier), Switzerland, or EU (ERC).
  • Lock down a host, build a compelling proposal, start templates early.
  • Track deadlines and confirm quotas or eligibility.
  • Use leadership and research excellence as your framework.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which scholarship is easiest to get?

No one that pays this much is “easy.” Vanier has quotas; Swiss scholarships need host support; ERC is highly competitive. But each has clear steps you can follow.

Can I apply for both Vanier and another funding simultaneously?

Yes. Vanier allows you to apply to other doctoral fellowships too—just ensure your proposals are distinct (Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships).

What if I already hold a salary from a PhD contract?

In Switzerland, the scholarship might just offset lab funding—not personal salary (Reddit). Evaluate if the extra prestige or research flexibility is worth it.

Does ERC fund PhD students?

ERC primarily supports postdoctoral-level researchers (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced Grants), not initial doctoral candidates. Check host institution pathways for PhD-level funding.

This is Part 1 of our deep, ~6,500-word guide. Next, I’ll continue with:

  • The EU landscape—Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
  • Building your research proposal step by step.
  • More detailed tables and timelines.
  • Additional templates (budget sheets, timeline planners).
  • The conclusion, with motivation and final checklists.

Let me know if you’d like to adjust tone, add sections, or focus more on one scholarship—you’re designing your own success story.

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