Student Advice Service

Here you will find important information on general topics such as finance, insurance, working, migration/visas, housing and living in Zurich.

    1. Funding

    Financing your studies is generally the responsibility of the student. Would you like to discuss your overall financial situation with us or do you need help drawing up a budget? The ZHdK Student Advice Service will provide funding advice and guidance on funding options.

    See the document «Funding your studies» (PDF)» and the guidline for «Costs of living and studying in Zurich» (PDF).

    • Have you already submitted an application for a cantonal grant? Applications advice is available from the canton in which your parents have their legal domicile. A list of all scholarship offices can be found here. The submission deadline for first-time applications is no later than three months after the start of studies, otherwise you must reckon with a proportional reduction of the contributions.
      Students who are in Switzerland solely for the purpose of studying are not eligible for cantonal scholarships in Switzerland. Please seek funding advice and information about grants in your home country. If you are a German citizen, you may apply for an international BAföG grant.

    • Click here for information about federal grants for Master’s students.

    • Arranges free coaching for students who do not receive any support and helps with educational loans. Detailed information at  www.educaswiss.ch.

    2. Insurance

    Health insurance (basic insurance) is compulsory in Switzerland. ZHdK also advises students to take out personal liability and household insurance. To avoid law-enforced insurance, international students are advised to take out insurance in good time.
    Problems with your health insurance? The ombudsman's office provides advice and mediation in the event of uncertainties and disputes between you and your health insurance provider. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Student Advice Service immediately.

    • In Switzerland, health and accident insurance is compulsory. All important information on this, including exemption from compulsory health insurance, is listed in the information sheet Health Care Insurance for International Students.
      In addition, the Federal Office of Public Health provides the brochure «Your questions, our answers».

    • Students are strongly advised to take out personal liability insurance to cover any bodily harm or damage caused to third parties. Household insurance covers any damage to the contents of the policyholder's household caused by fire, water, and theft. Students who own valuable items (for instance, musical instruments or works of art) are strongly advised to take out household insurance.

    3. Working

    Here is some useful information for those seeking part-time work in Zurich. Please note that you are pursuing full-time studies and that any employment must be compatible with your academic commitments.

    4. Immigration / Visa

    Important information for our international students

    All important information on passport and visa requirements by nationality and on living and working in Switzerland.

    • Students from an EU/EFTA country must apply for a residence permit after entering Switzerland, directly in their municipality of residence. (check list for EU/EFTA nationals).

    • Students from non EU/EFTA countries must – as soon as they receive the confirmation of their study place – submit a consular application for a student visa type «D» in person to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate responsible for their place of residence.
      Without obtaining your visa «D» prior to departure, you will be unable to enter Switzerland. (PDF check list and Finma list).

      For an overview of identity card and visa provisions according to nationality, see the website of the Federal Office for Migration. The cantonal immigration offices also provide useful information.
      Important information on living and working in Switzerland is provided by the State Secretariat for Migration.

      Further details on living and studying in Zurich as an international student are available in our International Reader and our A–Z in the section of our Mobility Office.

      In case you have any further questions please contact the University Office: migration.admin@zhdk.ch, phone +41 43 446 44 00.

    5. Language learning

    Would you like to improve your German or learn another language? The following language courses are available to you.

    • In cooperation with Benedict Language School, the ZHdK Mobility Office offers German courses for international students in cooperation with Benedict School. For students without a previous knowledge of German, an intensive course is offered two weeks before the start of each semester. During the semester, weekly courses are offered for levels A1.2 to B.2 (September - December and February - May). Inquiries regarding the German courses can be sent to international.office@zhdk.ch

    • All students (BA, MA, PhD, continuing education) and employees of the ZHdK may attend selected language courses at the Language Center of the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich. Consult the webpage of the Language Center for information on the current course programme.

    • The German course database of the City of Zurich, encompassing a large number of selection criteria, can be very useful in finding a suitable German class.

      Swiss-German language courses are for example offered by the Klubschule Migros.

    • Students who need to provide a recognized language certificate and are already in Switzerland can register for the corresponding exam at the Spachschule Benedict and ZHAW. (German only, please refer to the FAQ for more information in English)
      Students who wish to take the language examination abroad before beginning their studies can find exam locations here.
      ZHdK does not cover the costs for the exam.

    6. Housing

    Given the notorious shortage of affordable housing in Zurich, you are advised to make your accommodation arrangements well in advance of starting your course at ZHdK. Here we have listed some accommodation offers specifically for students in Zurich and Winterthur.
    Please beware of fraudulent accommodation offers. Check offers carefully before transferring a deposit or making rent payments. In addition, many fraudulent phone calls are being made again. If you want to file a report, you do so with the Cyber Crime Police. If you have a problem with your landlord, you can contact the tenants association.

    7. Further advice and information

    Below please find links to various services our University provides.

    • The university office is responsible for student administration. In most cases, its staff will be able to answer all questions and concerns related to admissions, courses and programmes, and getting started at ZHdK. 
      Would you like to start a degree programme? Do you have questions about admission or would you like to find out more about our study programmes? Then the university office is usually your first port of call.
      The university office team will support you throughout your studies, e.g. with

      • Enrolment
      • Invoicing semester fees
      • Confirmation of enrolment and de-registration
      • Diploma etc.

    • Are you interested in an exchange semester? The Mobility Office will be happy to advise and support you.
      Would you like to spend an exchange semester at ZHdK?
      Or are you studying at ZHdK and would like to spend a semester abroad at a partner university of ZHdK?

    • Psychological advice is offered for the University's students, faculty and staff in case of issues related to the University.

    • People at ZHdK should be accepted and treated equally regardless of their sex, age, origin, religion, world view, disability or sexual orientation.
      By carrying out equal opportunities initiatives and awareness-raising actions and projects, the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Office strives to create an environment that champions equality, is free of discrimination, and also fosters a culture of acceptance and mutual appreciation of all people at ZHdK.

      Students with disabilities
      ZHdK is able to offer an environment to students and employees with disabilities that is as barrier-free as possible. For advice and support on accessibility issues please contact the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Office as soon as possible.

      Discrimination
      The anti-discrimination regulation encompasses protection against sexual harassment and discrimination of any form including mobbing.

    • ZHdK is committed to reconciling study, work and family life and offers a comprehensive portfolio of support measures.
      → Information on non-family childcare for ZHdK members

    Contact

    Your question about finance, insurance, housing, migration/visas, language, work is not answered here? Write us an e-mail and make an appointment with us.

    The Student Advice Service is located in at Toni Campus, office 5.C01,
    Pfingstweidstrasse 96, 8031 Zurich.
    → Appointments by arrangement