Project mobility students
Bachelor's and Master's degree students from other universities can conduct a research project or thesis at ETH Zurich as project mobility students.
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Application deadline
- 2 months before the planned start
- 3 months before the planned start is strongly recommended if you require a visa (external page find out whether you do).
- Retroactive applications will not be processed.
- Apply any time for the current academic year; for the next academic year, from 1 February.
Late applications (after the 2-month deadline)
- Your project might not start on time (if you need a visa).
- Your myStudies login and student documents might not be ready in time. Expect delays.
- Be prepared to wait up to two months for your student documents (student card, confirmations for residence permit, etc.). The Student Exchange Office cannot provide individual estimates.
Note: It is your sole responsibility to deal with any problems that might arise, such as obtaining your residence permit (which normally must be applied for within 14 days of arrival and requires documents from us) or insurances.
Your profile
- You are enrolled as a student on Bachelor’s or Master’s level (no doctoral student).
- You are enrolled at a university with the right to award doctorates (no universities of applied sciences). If you are not sure about this point, contact us.
- You have English language skills of B2 or higher.
- You have found a supervising professor at ETH.
- You are committed to organising your project and your stay independently.
- You are able to provide proof of sufficient financial means that satisfies the authorities' requirements.
Your project
- It lasts a minimum of 91 days and up to a maximum of 365 days. (The duration is specified below.)
- It is an integral part of your studies and will be recognised towards your degree. Confirmation of home university is required.
- It does not correspond to any employment (neither paid nor unpaid). If you have questions about this point, ask your supervisor and HR.
- It takes place with physical presence on-site at ETH. Remote supervision is not possible.
- It is usually full-time except temporary absences for your project, e.g. field trips or fieldwork. Absences for any other purpose must be approved and reported beforehand as stated here.
Excluded students
- Students of the University of Basel conducting a project at D-BSSE in Basel
- Students of the University of Zurich
- Architecture students who want to take design studios: These are courses and not open to project mobility students.
- Doctoral / PhD students: not eligible. Ask your supervisor if they can register you as an academic guest via HR instead.
Minimum: 91 days
Maximum: 365 days, all mobility stays combined (due to regulation of ETH Zurich and the migration authorities)
- With regard to ETH, only prior mobility stays at ETH count towards the 365 days limit. Once the maximum of days is reached, re-admission to any type of mobility studies at the same academic level, or re-admission at a higher level immediately after the first stay, is not possible. A mobility study period constitutes no claim to recognition in the case of later matriculation as a regular Bachelor's or Master's student at ETH.
- With regard to the migration authorities, any previous stays in Switzerland for the purpose of education or continuing education might count towards the set limit of 365 days (see link below). It is your responsibility to check this early on with the authorities.
- Note: When planning the duration of your project, clarify with your supervisor if you need any additional days to present or defend your project (if applicable).
Questions?
Consult the FAQ first and – if you cannot find the information – use the contact form for project mobility students.