Information for prospective students with a disability or chronic illness

Study programme selection

Provided the requirements for admission are met, students with disabilities or chronic illnesses are free to choose and pursue any study programme. In order to ensure equal opportunities, adjustments to performance assessments may be agreed. However, academic learning objectives must not be affected. Therefore, it is important to clarify which degree programmes are possible and whether the respective requirements can be met before starting your studies. 

Further information on our study programmes and requirements can be found on these pages: Bachelor degree programmes, Master degree programmes.

Personal counselling

Please contact us for personal counselling. We can advise you on questions about choosing a study programme and special arragements.

Specific information

Spatial Mobility

Transport to the university, parking facilities (wheelchair parking), housing situation and assistance services should be arranged in advance if possible. Prior to the start of one's studies, it is advisable to consult the external page invadility insurance or health insurance company regarding the financing of external page aids, assistance or suitable accommodation.

Special arrangement measures

Arrangements can be made to compensate for study and examination-related difficulties. These relate to adjustments in the semester, performance assessments and the deadlines to complete studies. Content-related adjustments to study programmes are excluded. Special arrangement measures are agreed individually between ETH Zurich and the applicant. 

There is no general entitlement to a specific form of special arrangement and must be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the requirements of the study programme and the needs of the applicant.

Adjustments during the semester

Measures for the courses can be, for example: technical aids, reservation of a seat.

Performance assessments

Measures in examinations can be, for example: Time extensions, use of own aids, spatial adjustments.

Extension of the deadline to complete studies

The study time available to you consists of a minimum study time - also called "normal study time" - and additional (or "tolerance") semesters. The tolerance semesters are intended to cover contingencies such as repeating performance assessments, illness, accident, parental leave, etc. If the duration of studies is not sufficient, an extension can be applied for.

Information and support services per disability or chronic illness

On the following pages you will find disability-specific information on support services and other measures for your studies at ETH.