Registration and Deadlines for the BSc in Nursing
Detailed administrative information for a Bachelor's degree in Nursing at a glance.
Entry requirements
To be admitted to this course of study, applicants must meet the entry requirements of Swiss federal and cantonal law.
In addition to a baccalaureate (Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB) or, Specialised Baccalaureate (FSB) or a Baccalaureate), applicants need to have at least one year of professional experience in a field related to their field of study. For the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, this means additional modules of at least 12 months to be completed before (additional module A = at least two months), during (additional module B) or after (additional module C) their regular course of studies.
|
Completed vocational training |
Evidence of professional experience Additional modules A/B/C |
|---|---|
|
FSB in Heath Care |
Additional modules A/B/C – must be completed |
|
Other FSB |
Additional modules A/B/C – evidence must be provided |
|
FVB + |
Additional module A/B/C – to the overview(PDF 87,3 KB) |
|
FVB + |
Additional modules A/B/C – evidence must be provided |
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Swiss Red Cross diploma / degree from a College |
Additional modules A/B/C – evidence must be provided to the overview(PDF 87,3 KB) |
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Degree from a College of Higher Education and Training in other professional areas |
Additional modules A/B/C – must be completed |
|
Baccalaureate |
Additional modules A/B/C – evidence must be provided |
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Registered nurse (Dipl. Pflegefachfrau/dipl. Pflegefachmann; accepted nursing qualifications: college degree / nursing diploma, Level II / acute care/ paediatric nursing care / psychiatric nursing / intensive care). |
Registered nurses are given the opportunity to complete the programme as part-time students. Additional information on studying for registered nurses |
Candidates with a professional diploma but no FVB do not meet the school's formal admission requirements. They will first have to complete a baccalaureate or a FVB (for more information, consult the vocational college in your area or a careers advisory service).
It is important to keep in mind that the additional modules A, B and C must have been completed no more than 5 years prior to the beginning of the programme. If this time is exceeded, these qualifications are considered to have expired only the head of the programme can decide on exceptions to this rule. Federal diplomas do not expire.
Knowledge of English
Applicants need to have a good knowledge of German and English. English language skills must be at level B2-C1 according to the European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which corresponds to a very good Cambridge First Certificate in English (grade A) or a Certificate in Advanced English (grade C). Applicants need to be native speakers of German or have German language skills at level C1 if they are not.
They are expected to be able to read German and English academic texts (abstracts, reports, and case studies) and follow classes in both German and English.
Students who fail to meet the above basic language requirements are strongly recommended to attend a language course prior to the start of their studies (German) or during their studies (English).
Mandatory vaccinations
In preparing for a career in the health professions, please note that healthcare professionals in Switzerland are vaccinated against certain diseases (if natural immunity does not already exist).
Certain vaccinations are mandatory for students to be admitted to the degree programme in Nursing at the ZHAW School of Health Sciences. Students who are not vaccinated cannot be guaranteed a degree since clinical placement providers only accept students with the recommended protective vaccinations.
Admission procedures
Before they can be enrolled, applicants must take a specific aptitude test in their chosen degree programme.
Aptitude test
The evaluation of the formal admission requirements by the Programme Secretariat is followed by a fee-based aptitude test that consists of the following three stages:
- a written aptitude test with cognitive testing (tasks to test problem-solving ability, capacity for abstraction and observation skills)
- a structured interview to evaluate self-competence and social skills
- an assessment of practical suitability on the basis of your employer's reference, additional module A
The Academic Office decides on the final approval of candidates based on the results obtained in the aptitude test, practical suitability, and the number of available places.
How to enrol
After passing the aptitude test, successful candidates will receive the documents for enrolment at ZHAW from the Programme Secretariat by post.
"The aptitude test was challenging but feasible. First, we had to do a series of tests – similar to intelligence tests, for which I had bought a book to prepare a bit. In the interview I was questioned about my professional motivation to study It was therefore very helpful that I had already gathered some practical experience in the nursing profession when studying for the Federal Specialised Baccalaureate."
Adina Wehrli, BSc student in Nursing
Course fees / Expenses / Compensation
| Description | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee for admission process [1] | once | CHF 100.– |
| Enrolment fee for Bachelor's and Master's programmes [2] | once | CHF 100.– |
| Tuition fees for Bachelor's and Master's programmes [3] | per semester | CHF 720.– |
| Fixed charge for students on leave of absence [4] | per semester | CHF 300.– |
| Additional tuition fees for students who are not Swiss residents [5] | per semester | CHF 500.– |
| Membership of the Academic Sports Association Zurich (ASVZ) | per semester | CHF 35.– |
| Membership of the ZHAW Students Association (Alias) | per semester | CHF 20.– |
| Fees for guest auditors (depending on the number of courses attended) | per semester | CHF 100.– to 600.– |
[1] Fee according to § 2 ordinance on tuition fees
[2] Applicants are exempt from paying the registration fee for the admissions process if they pass the admissions assessment/test and enrol for the next available programme start date.
[3] According to §4 of the regulations on tuition fees
[4] According to § 25, paragraph 5 of the general examination regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes at the ZHAW, students on leave of absence are exempt from paying tuition fees. According to the regulations on fees and contributions (in German), they pay a fixed charge per semester of CHF 300.– to cover their e-mail account, campus card, use of the University Library and general administration costs. This fixed charge also applies to students on the Bachelor’s programmes at the School of Health Sciences who attend the additional module C and to students who do delay the completion of their programme (e.g. by postponing submission of their thesis).
[5] Under Swiss law, non-Swiss nationals who come to Switzerland to study are not considered residents of Switzerland (Art. 23 Swiss Civil Code). In addition to the regular tuition fee, they pay an additional tuition fee of CHF 500.– during the entire duration of their studies (even if they move their official place of residence to Switzerland after commencing their studies). Official residency under civil law is not possible if the residence permit was issued for study/educational purposes.
Additional costs
|
Item |
Recurrence | Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
Aptitude test (part 1 CHF 300, part 2 CHF 300) |
one-off expense | CHF 600 |
|
Flat rate for lecture notes |
each semester | CHF 35.- |
|
Registration of documents with the Swiss Red Cross |
one-off expense | CHF 130.- |
Salary clinical placements
Over the period of three years: around CHF 14,000.
Notebook computer
All students are required to purchase their own laptop or notebook computer at their own expense.
Registration
To enrol in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Nursing, please submit the completed registration form (available online as of mid-September) together with all mandatory attachments to the Nursing Programme Administration Office. Once your application has been reviewed concerning the formal entry requirements, you will be notified in writing and admitted to the first part of the aptitude test (written part).
The invitation to the second part of the aptitude test will be sent out by email after successful completion of the first part.
Additional information
Studying in Switzerland
Switzerland supports students from other European countries studying at the ZHAW.
International Studies
Spending a semester or a clinical placement abroad is a priceless experience for any student and offers the opportunity to learn how professions are taught and practised in other countries.
Brochure International Relations
We offer a wide range of courses for international students. Learn more about our international activities in our brochure.
Studying in Switzerland
International Studies
Brochure International Relations
Switzerland supports students from other European countries studying at the ZHAW.
Spending a semester or a clinical placement abroad is a priceless experience for any student and offers the opportunity to learn how professions are taught and practised in other countries.
We offer a wide range of courses for international students. Learn more about our international activities in our brochure.