Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions regarding the age of applicants? Why do I have to provide my date of birth?
The date of birth may be taken into account by the advisory board when reviewing applications and selecting candidates, but it is only one of many criteria and does not affect eligibility to apply.

Can I apply even if I have not yet completed my doctorate at the time of application?
Please note: applicants from the medical, Vetsuisse, and science faculties are generally eligible to apply from their third postdoctoral research year onwards. For other faculties, the thesis defense should take place in March at the latest.

Can I apply if I have applied in previous years but my application was not successful?
Yes, you can reapply for the FAN Fellowship. The fact that you were not considered for a fellowship in previous years does not prevent you from applying again.

Can I apply if I am simultaneously employed elsewhere on a part-time basis, e.g. teaching at another university?
You can apply even if you are simultaneously employed elsewhere, provided that this employment is part-time. The total of all employment relationships, including FAN funding, must not exceed 100%. Please indicate the additional employment relationship and the degree of employment in your application. 

Do letters of recommendation have to be issued by full professors, or can they also be submitted by associate professors?
Letters of recommendation can be submitted by both full and associate professors.

This collection of frequently asked questions is constantly being updated. Can't find the answer to your question? Then please contact us at fan@alumnioffice.uzh.ch.