Incoming students study alongside ZHAW School of Engineering students in Winterthur. The ZHAW School of Engineering offers a range of English-taught modules within our ten Bachelor's degree programmes, allowing non-German-speaking students to complete a meaningful semester. Students proficient in German can attend modules taught in German. The excellent infrastructure in our institutes and laboratories supports practically oriented teaching, employing various methods such as lectures, group teaching, practical exercises, industrial placements, blended learning, and e-learning.

An exchange semester is also available for the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) students from our partner universities (Swiss-European Mobility Programme / Erasmus+ and other bilateral agreements). The Master’s programme is entirely taught in English. Incoming students study in Zurich alongside students from across Switzerland.

Exchange students need to prepare their semester in close collaboration with the Incoming Coordinator, Livia Isufi-Nakamura. Be aware of the timeline and important deadlines.

• Timeline for the fall and spring semesters(PDF 124,6 KB)

Fall Semester:

• Nomination Deadline: March 15th
• Application Deadline: April 1st
• Obligatory Orientation Week: Calendar week 37
• Semester Start: Calendar week 38 (semester lasts 14 weeks)

Spring Semester:

• Nomination Deadline: October 15th
• Application Deadline: November 1st
• Obligatory Orientation Week: Calendar week 7
• Semester Start: Calendar week 8 (semester lasts 14 weeks)

• Good academic record (GPA 2.5 out of 4.0)
• Bachelor student as of the 4th semester
• Master student as of the 1st semester
• Bachelor students need an English or German language certificate at level B2
• Master students need an English certificate at level C1

The ZHAW School of Engineering follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). A full-time student’s workload equals 30 ECTS credits per semester, with each credit requiring 25-30 hours of study. The number of credits an incoming student must acquire is determined by their home university. ZHAW expects all incoming students to earn between 15 and 30 ECTS credits during their exchange semester. The normal full semester load is 30 ECTS.

ZHAW uses a grading scale from 1.0 to 6.0, with 4.0 as the pass grade and 6.0 as the maximum grade. To facilitate credit transfer, an additional ECTS grade from A to F is also awarded.

The International Office of the student’s home university must officially nominate the student via a provided link. Once the nomination is received, application information will be sent directly to the student. After reviewing the completed application, feedback will be provided.

Students from European partner universities participate in the exchange through the Swiss-European Mobility Program (SEMP). Students can apply for a mobility grant ranging from CHF 1,900 to CHF 2,200 per semester, depending on their country of origin.

The School of Engineering has numerous bilateral agreements with universities worldwide. All active agreements are displayed on our world map. To study at ZHAW, students must receive a formal nomination from their home university.

Bachelor students from universities without an exchange agreement with ZHAW may contact the International Office directly. These students, known as “freemovers,” will pay the ZHAW tuition fee of CHF 1,275 (as of January 2023).

To help offset the cost of living in Switzerland, the ZHAW School of Engineering offers a scholarship programme. Students from European universities can receive up to CHF 1,000, and students from non-European universities can receive up to CHF 3,000. Intra-Swiss students and those receiving ERASMUS+ stipends are not eligible. Information about applying for the scholarship will be provided upon registration.

Visa requirements vary by country. The following rules apply for stays longer than three months:

• EU Citizens: No visa required.
• Non-EU Citizens with Schengen Registration: Check visa regulations at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your current Schengen country.
• Non-EU Citizens outside Europe: A visa is required. Consult the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Citizens of Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia: No visa required, but a single-entry permit will be arranged by the host institution.

A confirmation of study from the host university is required for the visa application. The International Office will assist with obtaining a residence permit upon arrival.

Upon arriving in Switzerland, students must obtain a residence permit within the first 14 days at the Residents' Registration Office (Einwohnerkontrolle) in their place of residence.

The student accommodation cooperative WOKO offers reasonably priced housing. Further information can be found under Student accommodation.

For stays longer than three months, basic health insurance is required by law. EU students are exempt if they provide a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students must purchase Swiss insurance within three months of arrival. The International Office provides information on this during Orientation Week.

Refer to this document for travel safety information in Switzerland.

The Swiss currency is the Swiss franc (Fr., CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted. Students wishing to open a bank account must present their residence permit, passport, and student ID card. Many banks offer favorable conditions for student accounts.

One week before the semester starts, orientation week will take place. During this week, incoming students will be introduced to the ZHAW School of Engineering and its campus infrastructure, and they will meet other exchange students. Sessions will cover health insurance, library tours, city tours of Winterthur, and information on Swiss culture and cross-cultural integration. The week will conclude with an event for all Incoming Exchange Semester Students from the seven ZHAW Departments.