International qualifications for regular study programmes

Proof of your international qualifications must meet the requirements applied by Swissuniversities for admission to the University of Zurich.

For candidates from Germany, a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur according to the requirements set out by Swissuniversities) with an average grade of at least 2.5 or proof of their place on a degree programme in Teacher Education, Pedagogy or Psychology serves as proof of their qualifications as far as PH Zurich is concerned.

Application deadline

Candidates with international qualifications have a different application deadline to other applicants. Applications are accepted between 8 January and 28 February.

You should bear in mind that you need to already have proof of your qualifications when you submit your application.

International qualifications for alternative teacher certification

You need a degree to be eligible for alternative teacher certification programmes. Your degree needs to be from a university that is officially recognised in the country you studied in and needs to have involved at least three years of study (amounting to 180 ECTS points).

Proof of German skills

The language of instruction in all the study programmes of the Zurich University of Teacher Education (PH Zurich) is German. As proof of satisfactory language skills in German, an internationally recognized language diploma at Level C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required (Goethe Certificate C2 or the ZHAW’s Language Test for Educational Professions).

Semester fees

On top of the standard semester fees that apply to all students, you will also be charged costs for your studies that may be covered for you by the canton you will be living in during your studies.

The following conditions generally apply:

• International students living in the canton of Zurich are treated the same as students from the canton of Zurich (see the Intercantonal Agreement on Cooperation in Higher Education).
• International students living in other Swiss cantons: No canton is obliged to cover tuition fees. We recommend that you submit a request to the canton you will be living in during your studies.
• International students living abroad are required to pay an additional semester fee of CHF 500 for  the duration of their study programme in line with the tuition fee regulations at Zurich University  of Applied Sciences and will be invoiced throughout their studies. Staying for educational and/or study purposes does not give you the right to reside in Switzerland under civil law (Art. 25(1) of the Swiss Civil Code, ZGB) (see remark on residence permit).
• The provisions that apply to Swiss cantons also apply to students from the Principality of Liechtenstein because Liechtenstein is a signatory to the Intercantonal Agreement on Cooperation in Higher Education.

Entry and residence regulations

You are responsible for applying for your own residence permit. You can find out more by referring to the relevant government web page since the information presented there also applies to PH Zurich.

Students from non-EU countries must be able to present their entry visa and mandate issued by the Migration Office four weeks before they are due to start their studies at the latest.

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