UNITECH International Programme

Take your MSE studies further with UNITECH. Combine an international exchange, a paid internship and leadership development while building a global network for your future STEM career.

The ZHAW School of Engineering joined the UNITECH International Programme as an academic partner in November 2026, offering outstanding MSE students the opportunity to combine international study, practical industry experience and leadership development.

The programme spans a full academic year. For full-time MSE students, participation extends the degree by one semester, bringing the total study duration to four semesters. Part-time students must switch to full-time study for one year to participate.

Why participate in the UNITECH programme?

Gain international study and work experience within one integrated programme.
Complete a paid internship with a leading European technology company.
Develop your leadership and intercultural skills.
Work on real industry challenges in multinational teams.
Expand your professional network through more than 1,700 alumni and leading corporate partners.
Enhance your career prospects in international STEM organisations.

Programme components

Academic exchange: Spend one or two semesters at one of the academic partner universities.
Business case with a corporate partner: Work in a team to address a real business challenge set by a corporate partner.
International internship: Complete a paid internship abroad with one of the corporate partners.
Three leadership modules: Take part in three modules in three different countries, supported by a team of coaches.
Master’s thesis with industry leaders: Write your master’s thesis on an industry-relevant topic, co-supervised by industry leaders.
A lifelong network: Join the UNITECH network of more than 1,700 alumni worldwide.

Find out more about the programme components on the UNITECH website.

Webinar

Programme introduction by Unitech: November 16, 4:45 pm

Eligibility

The programme is open to highly motivated students from all MSE profiles who aspire to an international STEM career and are willing to take on additional academic and professional challenges.

You are eligible to apply if you start your MSE studies:

In the spring semester as a full-time student.
In the autumn or spring semester as a part-time student.

Application

Applications open in November and close on 31 January of the following academic year. Submit your application via the UNITECH website.

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment day in February. Admission to the programme is subject to successfully passing the assessment.

Key dates for the 2027 cohort

Online information session for MSE students: 16 November 2026, 16:45–17:45. Registration required.
Inspiration session with UNITECH alumni: 19 November 2026, 18:00–19:00, via Zoom. Session details.
Application support session: 24 November 2026, 16:30–17:30, via Zoom. Session details.
Application deadline: 31 January 2027.
Assessment day: 26 February 2027.
UNITECH onboarding: March–July 2027, through online sessions.
UNITECH programme: September 2027–September 2028.

Exchange destinations for MSE students

MSE students can complete their exchange semester at the following universities:

Further information

For detailed information, visit the UNITECH website or consult the UNITECH handbook.

Contact

ZHAW UNITECH Academic Coordinator
Prof. Konrad Stadler, Study Director of the MSE Programme

ZHAW UNITECH Local Coordinator (LOC)
Patricia Heuberger, Head of International Relations