Start-Up Scholarships of the Graduate School of Social Sciences G3S at the University of Basel Switzerland

For early-career researchers planning a PhD in the social sciences, securing funding during the first stage of doctoral research can make a major difference. The Start-Up Scholarships of the Graduate School of Social Sciences (G3S) at the University of Basel Switzerland are designed for this crucial period. The current call offers three scholarships worth CHF 32,000 each for 12 months, beginning in April 2027. 

Importantly, the funding is not intended to cover the entire doctorate. Instead, it gives researchers time to develop a strong doctoral project and prepare applications for longer-term funding. This article explains the eligibility requirements, funding structure, research areas, documents, deadline, and practical application strategy for the G3S PhD scholarship in Switzerland.

What Are the G3S Start-Up Scholarships at the University of Basel?

The Graduate School of Social Sciences provides the academic framework for graduate programmes within the University of Basel’s Department of Social Sciences. The school operates in English and German and supports doctoral research across several social science and interdisciplinary areas. 

For the April 2027 intake, G3S is offering three one-year start-up scholarships. Each scholarship provides CHF 32,000 over 12 months. The university will pay the amount in two instalments of CHF 16,000. The first instalment is planned for April 2027, while the second follows an evaluation after the first six months. 

Therefore, applicants should view this opportunity as both financial support and a bridge toward longer-term doctoral funding.

Why This University of Basel Social Sciences PhD Scholarship Matters

The distinctive feature of this opportunity is its focus on the early phase of doctoral research. Successful candidates use the scholarship period to develop their PhD research and prepare funding applications for the remaining period of their doctoral project. 

Moreover, G3S specifically expects candidates to demonstrate motivation for independent research within an interdisciplinary environment. A strong application should therefore do more than describe an interesting research topic.

Instead, it should show three things clearly:

• • Why the research question matters.

  • Why the proposed approach fits the G3S environment.

  • How the project can develop into a fundable doctoral research programme.

The University of Basel also notes that doctoral financing can involve scholarships, assistant positions, research assistance, and other funding routes. 

Eligibility for the G3S Start-Up Scholarship in Switzerland

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in one of the fields represented by G3S, with a final grade of at least 5.0 under the Swiss grading system. The call focuses on doctoral researchers with backgrounds in areas such as anthropology, cultural anthropology, Middle Eastern studies, political science, sociology, and gender studies. 

In addition, G3S welcomes applicants from interdisciplinary programmes represented within its academic network. These include:

• • Gender Studies

  • African Studies

  • Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

  • Science of Religion

  • International Graduate School North-South

  • Sustainability Research

  • Cultural Anthropology 

The proposed dissertation must examine current dynamics of social change. The university indicates a particular interest in projects connected with conflicts, migration, or resources. 

The current call does not state a separate nationality restriction. However, applicants should carefully review all doctoral and university requirements that may apply to their circumstances.

Funding, Duration and Research Focus

The scholarship runs for 12 months, starting in April 2027, and provides CHF 32,000 in total. The current call does not describe the award as a tuition-fee waiver or separate travel grant. Therefore, applicants should not assume that additional costs are automatically covered. 

The funding also has an important continuation condition. The second CHF 16,000 payment depends on submission of a suitable funding proposal for the next stage of the doctoral project. 

For example, an applicant researching migration policy could use the first six months to refine the research design, strengthen the literature review, develop a funding strategy, and prepare a competitive external grant application.

How to Apply for the G3S PhD Scholarship

Step 1: Identify a Suitable Supervisor

Applicants should begin discussions with potential supervisors before submitting the application. The university states that confirmation from a supervisor must be available when the application is submitted. 

Therefore, this should not be treated as a last-minute administrative step.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

The current call asks applicants to submit:

• • A motivation letter and CV, including publications where relevant

  • An approximately five-page PhD project draft

  • One or two writing samples

  • Academic diplomas or transcripts showing the Master’s degree date and grade

  • A list of foundations and other possible funding sources for continuing the PhD project 

The Master’s diploma must be submitted no later than 9 February 2027, even though the main application deadline comes earlier. 

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications may be submitted in English or German. The deadline for the current call is 9 November 2026. 

Applications can be submitted by email or in paper form to the Graduate School of Social Sciences at the University of Basel. The official call lists Dr. Julia Büchele as the contact person. 

Expert Tips for a Stronger Application

A common mistake is to treat the five-page proposal as a shortened dissertation. Instead, use the space strategically.

First, define one precise research problem. Then explain the academic gap and show how your research will address it. Next, demonstrate why the University of Basel and G3S provide an appropriate research environment.

Your funding strategy also deserves careful attention. Since the second instalment depends on submitting a funding proposal, applicants should demonstrate that they already understand the next financing stage.

Writing samples matter as well. Select work that reflects your strongest analytical and academic writing. Ideally, the samples should demonstrate skills that are relevant to the proposed research.

Finally, contact potential supervisors early. A thoughtful academic discussion can help sharpen the research question before the final application is submitted.

Important Timeline for Applicants

The current G3S scholarship call follows a clear sequence:

9 November 2026: Main application deadline.
April 2027: Expected start of the scholarship.
April 2027: First CHF 16,000 instalment.
October 2027: Second CHF 16,000 instalment following evaluation and submission of the required funding proposal.
9 February 2027: Latest date specified for submission of the Master’s diploma. 

Applicants should also remember that the scholarship is intended as start-up financing. University of Basel guidance explains that G3S start-up grants help doctoral researchers prepare applications for longer-term funding or other doctoral positions. 

Summary Table

Conclusion

The Start-Up Scholarships of the Graduate School of Social Sciences G3S at the University of Basel Switzerland provide structured support for researchers at the beginning of a PhD. The current opportunity offers three 12-month awards of CHF 32,000 each, with the second instalment linked to progress toward further funding. The strongest applicants should combine a focused research question with a clear funding strategy and confirmed academic supervision. Moreover, careful preparation is important because the application requires several substantial documents. Interested researchers should review the official program guidelines and University of Basel application information before the 9 November 2026 deadline.

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