Financing We will support you!

Earning a doctorate means graduating to a higher level of qualification, which is why some of the work you do in the framework of your dissertation is unpaid work. However, there are financing options that provide pay for a part of your working hours. Find an overview of the remuneration options available at the Lucerne School of Business below.

Special employment contracts for research associates
In select cases, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts supports dissertation projects through a special part-time work programme. These positions are advertised and employees can apply for inclusion in the scheme. Employment under these terms is subject to a separate agreement.

The scheme encompasses one day per week of paid work on the dissertation over three years. You will be working on projects and commissions for the Institute for 2.5 days per week. The remaining—and unpaid—1.5 days per week you will be able to work on your dissertation. Your paid working hours may be increased by three quarters of a working day maximum if external funding for the project can be secured.

Requirements for the scheme:

  • The dissertation project aligns with the strategy of the Institute and Competence Centre in question (usually, the dissertation project is attached to a larger research project)
  • The candidate has been admitted to the doctoral programme at the university of their choice
  • The topic of the dissertation and the supervisor have been chosen
  • The candidate is willing to communicate the research results in course-related events, publications, etc.

Employment in the framework of a Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF project
If employed in the framework of a Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF project, the SNSF’s terms of employment apply. If the candidate’s full workload is dedicated to the SNSF project, he or she will generally be employed for at least four days per week. The SNSF funds doctoral positions, which are renumerated according to the SNSF’s usual rates, for a maximum duration of four years.

Performance bonus model
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts may promote dissertation projects outside its part-time work scheme with a performance bonus upon completion of the doctoral programme.

Learn about other benefits under “Earning a Doctorate in Business Studies”.