One or two Start-up Grants Doctoral Program in Literary Studies; Swiss francs

Overview

The Doctoral Program in Literary Studies of the University of Basel calls for applications for one or two one-year start-up grants of CHF 32,000 (beginning October 1, 2026). The grant supports promising junior researchers in developing a PhD project to apply for follow-up funding.

The international, interphilological Doctoral Program in Literary Studies at the University of Basel offers doctoral students excellent conditions for writing their dissertations in literary studies and closely related fields. Selected seminars, regular doctoral colloquia, as well as retreats and study days provide opportunities to exchange ideas, receive feedback on work in progress, and acquire skills for an academic career. The Program also supports members with contributions to conferences, research trips, archival travel and financial support for their own events.

The one-year start-up grant (Final date to receive applications: April 12, 2026; start date: October 1, 2026) is intended to contribute to living expenses during the elaboration phase of a dissertation project in literary studies. The aim is to prepare and submit a competitive application for follow-up funding or for project employment to appropriate institutions within six months, to continue the dissertation within third-party funding.

The grant of CHF 32,000 will be paid in two half-yearly tranches of CHF 16,000 each (with evaluation).

You have an outstanding MA degree (or equivalent) in one of the philologies represented at the Department of Languages and Literatures or in a related field. You have thought in depth about a dissertation project and want to become an active member of the Doctoral Program in Literary Studies.

• For application and admission to doctoral studies, an MA grade of at least 5.0 in the Swiss system, rounded to one tenth, is required.
• For other grading systems, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the start-up grant page of our website.
• The official degree certificate must be submitted by June 9, 2026.

We ask you to contact possible supervisors and conduct orientation interviews before applying. Eligible supervisors are the Professors (Prof. Dr.) of the Department of Languages and Literatures at the University of Basel. You must present a confirmation of supervision no later than the interview. Read our website carefully.

The following documents should be sent in electronic form (collected in one PDF) to the coordinator of the Doctoral Program in Literary Studies: dok-lit, by April 12, 2026:

The application can be submitted in English, German, French, or Italian. Applications from people who already have a doctoral degree or who are at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies will not be considered. Start-up grantees must enroll as doctoral students at the University of Basel and automatically become members of the Doctoral Program in Literary Studies.

Final date to receive applications:
April 12, 2026.

Interviews: until May 13, 2026.

Final decision:
By mid-June 2026.

For further information, please contact the coordinator of the Doctoral Program at dok-lit.