University of Basel 
Basel, Switzerland Offer Summary
The University of Basel offers a one-year PhD scholarship within the Department of Ancient Civilizations, starting April 1, 2027. The position provides an annual salary of CHF 32,000, distributed in two tranches subject to evaluation. This grant supports young graduates during the initial phase of their doctoral research, with the expectation that recipients develop funding proposals for the Swiss National Science Foundation or other institutions within six months. Candidates must hold a first-class MA degree in Ancient Civilizations and demonstrate high motivation. Projects linking to Ancient History, Latin Studies, or Roman Provincial Archaeology are particularly welcome. Applicants nearing graduation may apply if they submit official certificates by February 9, 2027. Applications, including a motivation letter, CV, diploma, sample texts, project sketch, and reference letter, are due by November 15, 2026. Enrollment at the university is mandatory.
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Project Description
The PhD program of the Department of Ancient Civilizations at the University of Basel announces a one-year scholarship à CHF 32'000 (two tranches with evaluation) starting at the 01.04.2027.
The selection will respect the guiding principles on diversity and inclusion of the University of Basel, which wants to be a family-friendly, equality-oriented, nondiscriminatory and accessible university promoting diversity in all its dimensions.
Your position
The grant is intended to support a young graduate during the starting phase of his/her PhD research project. It is expected that he/she will develop a funding proposal during the first six months for applying to the Swiss National Science Foundation or other funding institutions.
Your profile
The scholarship is addressed to students who held a 1st class MA-degree in Ancient Civilizations (all disciplines at the department). It is expected that the PhD student is highly motivated and will personally be involved in the PhD program of the Department of Ancient Civilizations at the University of Basel. Most welcomed are PhD projects that can be linked to the research fields within Ancient History, Latin Studies, or the Archaeology of the Roman Provinces.
Applicants who are about to complete their studies can apply, provided that they can submit an official graduation certificate no later than 09.02.2027.
Application / Contact
Application deadline: 15.11.2026
The following documents should be sent by email to the coordinator of the Doctoral Program of Basel Ancient Studies Mr. Hans-Hubertus Muench (hubertus.muench@unibas.ch):
1. Letter of motivation
2. CV
3. MA-Diploma
4. 1-2 sample of text (max. 20 pages each, including at least 1 academic qualification text, like BA- or MA-thesis)
5. Sketch for the dissertation project (max. 3 pages)
6. Letter of reference
Applications can be submitted in German, in French or in English. The enrolment at the University of Basel is mandatory. The first supervisor must be a member of the Department of Ancient Civilizations at the University of Basel. For further information, please contact the coordinator of the Doctoral Program of Basel Ancient Studies Mr. Hans-Hubertus Muench (hubertus.muench@unibas.ch).
