The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) invites outstanding doctoral candidates worldwide to apply for the BIS PhD Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland. This fully funded research fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to work alongside leading economists at the BIS headquarters in Basel, contributing to policy-driven research in monetary and financial stability. Open to PhD students in economics, finance, or related disciplines, this fellowship blends academic rigor with real-world policy relevance—an ideal gateway to global research collaboration and professional development.

Applications are open until 24 November 2025, and selected fellows will work directly within the Monetary and Economic Department (MED) of BIS between April and December 2026.

About the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is often called the “Bank for Central Banks.” Established in 1930, BIS fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a forum for central banks to exchange expertise and insights.

Headquartered in Basel, with offices in Hong Kong SAR and Mexico City, BIS supports global financial stability through research, innovation, and policy dialogue. Hosting experts from over 60 countries, it’s one of the most prestigious institutions for economics and finance research, often collaborating with IMF, ECB, World Bank, and OECD.

Overview of BIS PhD Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

Field	Details
Host Institution	Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Location	Basel, Switzerland
Program Name	PhD Fellowship Programme 2026
Eligible Nationalities	Open to all international PhD students
Fields of Study	Economics, Finance, Monetary Policy, Financial Regulation, etc.
Duration	3 months (between April–December 2026)
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Application Deadline	24 November 2025

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will enjoy a fully funded research stay at the BIS headquarters in Basel. The program is designed to offer financial support and an enriching academic environment:

• Full funding covering all research-related expenses
• Monthly stipend and accommodation support during the stay in Basel
• Relocation assistance for international participants
• Access to BIS seminars, workshops, and policy discussions
• Networking opportunities with economists, researchers, and central bankers
• Hybrid work flexibility with a blend of in-office and home-based work
• Health insurance coverage and support services
• Certificate of completion and recognition by BIS upon successful completion

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for the BIS PhD Fellowship 2026:

• Be currently enrolled in a PhD program (preferably in the 3rd or 4th year)
• Specialize in economics, finance, or closely related disciplines
• Demonstrate strong research experience in financial or monetary economics
• Possess programming proficiency (Python, MATLAB, Stata, or EViews preferred)
• Have a good command of English for research and communication
• Be able to undertake a 3-month research placement in Basel between April and December 2026

Research Focus Areas

BIS encourages research that addresses global monetary and financial challenges, including:

• Financial intermediation and regulation
• Monetary and fiscal policy analysis
• Financial innovation and digitalization
• International finance and macroeconomic spillovers
• Central bank operations and policy impact

Application Process

Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply successfully:

1. Review the official call for applications at the BIS Fellowship Page.
2. Prepare the required documents, including:
   • Updated CV (in English)
   • Research summary or proposal
   • Answers to the online application form questions
3. Apply online through the official BIS application portal by 24 November 2025 (23:59 CET).
4. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by BIS for interviews or further discussions.

Comparison of BIS PhD Fellowship vs Similar Programs

Program Name	Host Institution	Funding Type	Duration	Focus Area
BIS PhD Fellowship 2026	Bank for International Settlements	Fully Funded	3 months	Monetary & Financial Stability
IMF Economist Program	International Monetary Fund	Fully Funded	6–12 months	Macroeconomics & Policy
ECB Research Internship	European Central Bank	Paid	6 months	European Financial Research
OECD Research Fellowship	OECD	Fully Funded	3–6 months	Economic Policy & Governance

FAQs about BIS PhD Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

1. Who can apply for the BIS PhD Fellowship 2026?
   PhD students (preferably in their 3rd or 4th year) enrolled in economics, finance, or related fields from any country are eligible.
2. How long does the fellowship last?
   The duration is approximately three months, between April and December 2026.
3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
   Yes. The BIS fellowship provides full funding, including stipend, accommodation, and relocation support.
4. What are the main research areas?
   Topics include monetary policy, financial regulation, innovation, digitization, and international finance.
5. Can I apply if my research isn’t directly related to monetary policy?
   Yes, as long as it connects broadly to economics, finance, or global financial stability.
6. Do I need to relocate to Basel?
   Yes, the fellowship requires on-site research in Basel, though hybrid work options are available.
7. What is the application deadline?
   Applications close on 24 November 2025 (23:59 CET).
8. Are there restrictions on nationality?
   No. The BIS accepts applications from all nationalities worldwide.
9. What programming skills are preferred?
   BIS encourages familiarity with Python, MATLAB, Stata, or EViews.
10. How do I apply?
    Visit the official BIS page and submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.

The BIS PhD Fellowship 2026 is your opportunity to merge research with impact. Working at the epicenter of global monetary cooperation, fellows gain hands-on experience that few academic institutions can offer. If you are a dedicated PhD scholar passionate about global finance and policy, apply before 24 November 2025 to become part of this transformative journey. APPLY NOW.  Visit the official BIS PhD Fellowship Page for more details.

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