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ZHAW for Refugees

It is a matter of great importance to the ZHAW that it supports (prospective) refugee students so that they can start, continue or extend their studies.

Admission to ZHAW degree programmes for qualified refugees

As a (prospective) refugee student you can be admitted to the ZHAW as auditor, mobility student or regular student. Which option represents the best fit depends on the goals that you would like to achieve and the prerequisites that you meet. The different options are described below.

Auditor

Target group

 Refugees with an academic background who are considering starting or continuing a degree programme and who would like to get to know university life at the ZHAW.

Admission requirements
  • Completed training or education that entitles the prospective student to be admitted to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme in their country of origin.
  • Currently residing in Switzerland and in possession of a B, F or N permit or assigned status S as a person deemed in need of protection.
  • Knowledge of the teaching language (German and/or English at level B1)

Timing of admission to the degree programme

 Possible at any time by arrangement.

Further information
  • No assessments can be completed and no ECTS credits can be obtained.
  • It is possible to study as an auditor for a maximum of two semesters.

Overview of ZHAW degree programmes

 You can find an overview of the ZHAW degree programmes here:
Bachelor’s degree programmes at the ZHAW
Master’s degree programmes at the ZHAW

Registration

 In order to be admitted to the ZHAW, an application form must be submitted. The responsible office will contact you as quickly as possible.

Mobility student

Target group

 Students who had to flee their home country and who are currently matriculated at a university in the country from which they fled.

Admission requirements
  • Currently residing in Switzerland and in possession of a B, F or N permit or assigned status S as a person deemed in need of protection.
  • Matriculation at a university in the country from which the prospective student fled.
  • Knowledge of the teaching language (German and/or English at level B2).
  • Availability of a suitable degree programme at the ZHAW.

Timing of admission to the degree programme

 The final date for enrolment depends on the degree programme in question. Commencement at the start of the semester.

Further information
  • Assessments can be completed and ECTS credits can be obtained.
  • It is possible to study as a mobility student for a maximum of two semesters.
  • ECTS credits obtained at the ZHAW are taken into account in any application to the ZHAW as a regular student.
  • Mobility students are required to pay tuition fees of approximately CHF 1,550.00 (per year and person) unless there is a partnership agreement in place between the ZHAW and the home university.

Overview of ZHAW degree programmes

 You can find an overview of the ZHAW degree programmes here:
Bachelor’s degree programmes at the ZHAW
Master’s degree programmes at the ZHAW

Registration

 In order to be admitted to the ZHAW, an application form must be submitted. The responsible office will contact you as quickly as possible.

Regular student

Target group

 Students who have had to flee their home country and who would like to be admitted to a degree programme at the ZHAW as a regular student.

Admission requirements for Bachelor’s degree programmes
  • The generally applicable admission requirements for the respective Bachelor’s degree programme must be met.
  • Knowledge of the teaching language (German at level C1 and/or English at level B2/C1).

Admission requirements for Master's degree programmes
  • The generally applicable admission requirements for the respective Master’s degree programme must be met.
  • Bachelor’s degree awarded by a nationally recognised university.
  • Fulfilment of the professional requirements profile.
  • Knowledge of the teaching language (German and/or English at level C1).

Timing of admission to the degree programme

 The final date for enrolment depends on the degree programme in question. Commencement at the start of the semester.

Further information
  • Assessments are completed and ECTS credits are obtained as part of the degree programme completed as a regular student.
  • ECTS credits obtained at the ZHAW as a mobility student are taken into account in any application to the ZHAW as a regular student.
  • Regular students are required to pay tuition fees of approximately CHF 1,550.00 (per year and person).

Overview of ZHAW degree programmes

 You can find an overview of the ZHAW degree programmes here:
Bachelor’s degree programmes at the ZHAW
Master’s degree programmes at the ZHAW

Registration

 If you have already decided for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme, you are welcome to apply directly to the relevant School. Alternatively, you can submit the application form if you require assistance in selecting a degree programme or in completing the application process. The responsible office will contact you as quickly as possible.

Application

Admission to ZHAW degree programmes for qualified refugees

Available support

Course “German in a Higher Education Environment” for refugee students
  • Students of the BA in Language and Integration (in their 6th semester) run the course (2 lessons per week).
  • Application deadline for the spring semester 2024 is 18 January 2024.

Mentoring for refugees studying at ZHAW
  • Students of the BA in Language and Integration (in their 5th semester) offer support as mentors.

If you are interested in one of these offers please contact restart.international@zhaw.ch.