Who can participate in a student exchange?

We welcome students, who are enrolled at their home universities for the whole duration of the intended stay, and who have been nominated by their International Office.

When can I complete a student exchange during my studies?

From the third semester on.

What is the minimal duration for a student exchange?

The minimal duration for student mobilities for studies (SMS) as well as student mobilities for traineeships (SMT) is two months.

How long can a student exchange last for?

Student mobilities can be completed during each study cycle (Bachelor’s/Master’s) for a maximum duration of twelve months.

What are the language requirements for a student exchange?

Each student is required to hold at least a B2 language level (either Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or equivalent language certificate) in the respective course language (English or German).

What exchange options does the ZHAW LSFM offer?

You can find an overview of our exchange options here.

What is the difference between Student Mobilities for Studies (SMS) and Student Mobilities for Traineeships (SMT)?

During an SMS, students complete a mobility abroad for study purposes and attends courses and/or modules. An SMT is a student mobility, during which the theoretical knowledge from the studies is put into practice, for example by writing a bachelor’s or master’s thesis.

What is the procedure if I am interested in a student exchange?

Please have a look at our website for incoming students to read more about the application procedure.

How does a nomination work?

If you want to complete a student exchange, your home university has to officially nominate you. Nominations are to be sent to: international.lsfm@zhaw.ch

When is the nomination deadline at the ZHAW LSFM?

• Autumn semester: 30^th April
• Spring semester: 31^st October

How can I register for a student exchange?

After you have been nominated by your home university, the International Office (IO) of the ZHAW LSFM will send you the registration link for your application.

Who can I contact, if I have any questions?

If you have any administrative questions regarding your exchange, please contact the International Office (IO): international.lsfm@zhaw.ch. For specialist advice such as module choice and content please contact our mobility officers.

What is Mobility Online?

This is the online tool the whole ZHAW uses for the registration and administration of student mobilities.

What is the Mobility Online workflow?

When we talk about the workflow, we mean the mandatory steps in your Mobility Online that have to be completed during your exchange.

How many ECTS (credit points) will I be awarded?

If students fulfil the academic or other requirements that have been agreed on, they will receive the ECTS stated in the Learning Agreement.

What is the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)?

SEMP is the Swiss interim solution for Erasmus+ and enables student (and staff) exchanges between Swiss universities and their partners within the EU. Switzerland supports SEMP exchange activities financially in the form of grants.

What are SEMP grants?

They are a financial contribution towards covering additional costs that are caused due to the student exchange.

What is the (Digital) Learning Agreement and what do I need it for?

The (Digital) Learning Agreement is the performance agreement between the student, the home university and the ZHAW LSFM. The format of the learning agreement may vary depending on the exchange program: 

Student Mobility for Studies (SMS) SEMP partners: The selected modules and the corresponding ECTS are listed. The Learning Agreement is recorded in digitalized form as a so-called Digital Learning Agreement (DLA) in the mobility tool of the home university and must be checked and digitally signed by the student, the home university and the ZHAW LSFM. 

Student Mobility for Studies (SMS) Bilateral partners / free movers: For incoming students of our bilateral/global partners and Free Movers, the Learning Agreement can be downloaded from Mobility Online, filled out as a PDF and uploaded again (no digitalized version available). 

Student Mobility for Traineeships (SMT) SEMP / bilateral partners / free movers: The Learning Agreement for SMT students sets out the specific content and objectives of the exchange. Students will receive the corresponding template from the LSFM International Office in due course (digitalized version not yet available). 

What are (Digital) Learning Agreement Changes?

Within the first three weeks after the start of the semester, incoming students within the student mobility for studies program have the opportunity to change their original choice of modules and add new alternative modules. These changes must be approved by those responsible for the degree program, registered with the LSFM International Office and approved by the home university: 

SMS SEMP: The changes are entered via the mobility tool of the home university and forwarded digitally to the ZHAW LSFM for review and approval. 

SMS Bilateral: The template for the Learning Agreement Changes can be downloaded in the Mobility Online Workflow (no digitalized version). 

What are SEMP required documents?

In order for a SEMP student exchange to qualify for recognition as such, students have to fill in and submit various required documents, such as the Learning Agreement, the Grant Agreement, the Final Report and the Experience Report.

What is a Transcript of Records (ToR) and when will I receive it?

Six weeks after completing the exams, students receive their Transcript of Records (ToR), which indicates their grades and acquired credits (ECTS). The ToR will be sent by e-mail.

What is the "course duration"?

The scheduled teaching weeks without exams.