School of Social Work

Exchange programmes at the ZHAW

Exchange students have access to the entire range of modules offered by the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. Students completing a work placement in Switzerland can attend the accompanying supervision sessions.

Module options

Exchange students can choose from the entire range of modules offered by the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. Information on course content and credits can be found in the module descriptions. Internationality and interculturality are important components of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Social Work. Elective seminars on current international topics are offered each semester, including some in English.

Work placement supervision (Bachelor’s programme only)

Students have the opportunity to complete a work placement abroad in Switzerland and attend the accompanying supervision sessions at the ZHAW School of Social Work. Students are responsible for finding their own work placements.

Semester dates

The academic year is divided into two semesters that start each half-year, in calendar week 8 (spring semester) and calendar week 38 (autumn semester).

German language proficiency

Most courses are taught in German. Exchange students must have sufficient language skills to follow the lectures and actively participate in group discussions. German language skills at level B2 are therefore required. Students can attend a German course at the ZHAW alongside their studies.

Preparation and applications

Exchange semesters at the ZHAW School of Social Work are open to students from partner universities and other universities. Exchange students from partner universities benefit from simplified admission requirements and receive financial support under the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP).

At a glance

Preparing for your exchange

It is advisable to plan your study visit to Zurich well ahead of time (one year in advance). The module descriptions for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes provide information about the range of topics and courses offered by the ZHAW School of Social Work. Conditions for a stay abroad and recognition of academic achievements (credits) are specified by your home university.

Nomination

Nominations for an exchange semester or work placement supervision at the ZHAW are made by the home university. Those interested in a study exchange at the ZHAW School of Social Work should contact the international office of their home university to find out about the application process. 

Applying and deadlines

Nominated students will receive an application link by email. Documents must be received by the ZHAW by 31 March for the autumn semester and by 30 September for the spring semester. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by email.

Living and accommodation in Zurich

With its unique location on Lake Zurich, the Alps on the horizon and its urban and cultural diversity, Zurich is one of the most popular cities in the world.

Around 400,000 people from over 160 countries live in Switzerland’s largest city. The premises of the ZHAW School of Social Work are located on the Toni site, a modern university campus in Zurich-West. The former Toni dairy building is now a centre for education, academia, art and culture – an attractive location with international appeal.

Living in Zurich

Zurich is a popular city, so it can be difficult to find affordable flats or rooms. Most students in Zurich live in shared flats or in one of the student residences. Exchange students are responsible for organising suitable accommodation in good time. Student housing cooperative WOKO has a wide range of affordable rooms in the city of Zurich.

Entry and registration in Switzerland

Citizens of EU/EFTA countries only require a valid passport or identity card to enter Switzerland. People from other countries must submit an application for entry for third-country nationals to the Migration Office of the Canton of Zurich. Further important information about entry and registration in the municipality of residence:

Migration Office of the Canton of Zurich

Versicherungen und Haftung

Health and accident insurance is compulsory in Switzerland for stays of 90 days or more. Before departure, exchange students should check whether their insurance cover is sufficient for their stay in Switzerland and whether they can be exempted from compulsory health insurance. Students are responsible for all insurance themselves. The ZHAW accepts no liability.

Compulsory health insurance: who is exempt? (svazurich.ch) (German)

Two students from Oulu, Finland, and Berlin, Germany, talk about their experiences during their semester and internship abroad at the ZHAW School of Social Work.