Summary

The Swiss Science Council (SWR) documents in a report published on 28 April 2026 an increase in doctoral students at Swiss universities of 29% between 2010 and 2024. This increase is concentrated almost entirely in STEM fields (Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering) and Medicine. The SWR analyzed data from the Federal Statistical Office and conducted interviews with five university-level institutions. The surveyed universities confirm that they can manage the increase in terms of infrastructure and supervision without deteriorating conditions for doctoral students.

Persons

Topics

  • University Research and Doctoral Education
  • STEM Field Development
  • Labor Market and University Graduates
  • Swiss Science Policy

Clarus Lead

The report responds to a political mandate from the University Conference and provides, for the first time, systematic evidence for the sustainability of doctoral growth. The central finding: Doctoral students are indispensable for the research performance of Swiss universities – without them, neither the quality nor the volume of research could be maintained at current levels. At the same time, labor market data shows that doctoral degrees are economically profitable: five years after graduation, doctoral graduates earn on average more than bachelor's and master's graduates and have lower unemployment rates.

Detailed Summary

The increase in doctoral students exceeds the OECD average of comparable countries, but is congruent with several other member countries. Universities report improvements in working conditions: Between 2014 and 2022, the average employment rate increased, the gap between contractually agreed and actual working hours decreased, and the proportion of doctoral students with access to structured doctoral programs increased.

The labor market analysis is based on data from individuals who obtained their doctorates between 2010 and 2022. Doctoral graduates achieve an average higher income than bachelor's and master's graduates and more frequently hold management positions five years after graduation. The majority work in positions for which a doctorate is required. The report does not account for the effects of generative AI tools or geopolitical uncertainties on the labor market after 2022.

The SWR interprets doctoral education as a societal investment: While doctoral students contribute centrally to research and teaching at universities, the majority work outside academia after their doctorate and contribute as highly qualified professionals to economic value creation.

Key Messages

  • Doctoral student numbers increased 29% from 2010–2024, concentrated in STEM and Medicine
  • Universities report stable to improved supervision conditions despite growth
  • Doctoral graduates earn on average more and have lower unemployment rates than bachelor's/master's graduates
  • Doctoral students are central to research volume and quality at Swiss universities
  • Labor market data covers only graduates through 2022; more recent developments (AI, geopolitics) not captured

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: The report uses labor market data only through 2022 – how might AI tools and economic volatility since then have changed demand for doctorate holders?

  2. Selection Bias: Do doctoral graduates work in higher positions because the doctorate is causally relevant, or are these already more highly motivated individuals before obtaining their degree?

  3. Field-Specific Dependency: The report mentions that working conditions "depend strongly on the field group" – which fields report deterioration, and how are these being addressed?

  4. Representativeness of Universities: Only five universities were surveyed – to what extent do these represent smaller or specialized institutions?

  5. External Demand: How is actual demand for doctorate holders outside academia measured, and are there signs of overproduction in certain fields?

  6. Gender Aspects: Are gender-specific differences in employment, income, or career progression after obtaining a doctorate analyzed?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Report of the Swiss Science Council on the Development of Doctoral Students at Swiss Universities 2010–2024 – Swiss Federal Council, 28.04.2026

Supplementary Sources:

  1. Federal Statistical Office (BFS) – Survey "Graduate Studies Universities (EHA)"
  2. Swiss University Conference (SHK) – Mandate April 2025

Verification Status: ✓ 28.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 28.04.2026