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    • Application and preparation
    • Course content and everyday student life
    • Qualifications and future prospects
    • Full-time Preparatory Courses
    • Part-time Preparatory Courses
    • Portfolio course
    • Admissions procedure and enrolment
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Shortened Preparatory Courses

    • Next registration deadline

      17.12.26–7.3.2027

    • Next intake

      23 August 2027

    • Duration

      1 semester

    • Class days

      Monday to Friday

    If you already have prior education or experience in art and design and a clear idea of your future study goals, you can apply for the Accelerated Preparatory Courses. In this programme, you skip the foundation component of the first semester and join the curriculum of the second semester directly. Through specialist projects, skill weeks, and a supervised project, you will prepare specifically for your intended degree programme. In order to be admitted to the Accelerated Preparatory Courses, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

    • Academic high school diploma (Matura) with a specialization in Visual Arts
    • Specialized Matura in the field of Art (four-year programme)
    • Completed vocational training combined with a professional baccalaureate in a design-related field

    If you do not meet one of these requirements, the two-semester Full-Time Preparatory Courses are the appropriate option.

    • Programme

      During the 18-week semester, you will deepen your expertise in your chosen field of study, further developing your ability to work independently, take the initiative and think critically. The programme is largely based on elective modules, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your individual interests and goals. This is followed by a four-week portfolio course.

      Specialist Projects

      You will choose two projects from areas such as drawing and painting, object and spatial design, visual communication, film and photography, or digital media. Working on these projects simultaneously, you will take responsibility for the entire creative process, from initial concept to final outcome. Throughout the projects, you will receive subject-specific guidance and support. Introductory exercises will help you develop effective working methods, and topic-based input will expand your specialist knowledge.

      Skills Weeks

      During five dedicated Skills Weeks, you can choose from a variety of one- or two-week elective modules running concurrently. These modules enable you to enhance your creative abilities, refine new techniques and delve into practical design areas that transcend the scope of project-based learning.

      Mentored Project

      You will complete the preparatory year with an independent, mentored project that reflects your individual interests and area of specialisation. You decide on the medium, format and final outcome, giving you the freedom to develop your own creative vision. Supported by a team of two lecturers who are experts in your chosen area, you will refine and realise your project through a guided process. Regular colloquia encourage reflection and discussion, while a public exhibition provides an opportunity to present your work to a wider audience.

      Portfolio Course

      Following the third semester, you will take part in a four-week Portfolio Course. During this course, you will review, curate and refine your work to create a portfolio that effectively represents your skills, interests and creative development, and prepares you for future study or professional opportunities.

      [Translate to English:] Semesterübersicht
    • Costs

      For participants from the Canton of Zurich

      • Term fee: CHF 4,500
      • ASVZ (Academic Sports Association of Zurich): compulsory term contribution CHF 35
      • Portfolio course, additional programme: CHF 750

      For participants from outside the canton and from abroad

      • Term fee: CHF 5,500
      • ASVZ (Zurich Academic Sports Association): compulsory semester contribution CHF 35.–
      • Portfolio course, additional programme: CHF 750.–

      Scholarships must be applied for at the relevant scholarship office in the canton of residence or in the country of origin.

    • Admissions procedure

      The admissions process is free of charge. Details of the admissions process for the Introductory Course in Design can be found under Admissions procedere and enrolment.

    • Portfolio course

      Nowadays, a personalised and compelling portfolio is a key component of most admissions processes at universities of art and design. For this reason, a portfolio course is offered following the preparatory year. In this course, you will receive guidance on selecting your work, as well as on the design, format and production of your portfolio. Seminars on presentation skills and text composition complement the course. In addition, you can take advantage of support services for writing, reproduction, layout and printing to help you put together your personal portfolio.

      The portfolio course can only be attended after the preparatory course and costs 750 CHF.

    • Terms and Conditions

      General Terms and Conditions for the Accelerated Full-time Preparatory Courses (PDF)

    • [Translate to English:] Unterrichtssituation im Atelier[Translate to English:] Unterrichtssituation im Atelier