Worldwide programmes
ETH Zurich has a wide variety of partner universities around the world.
Universities outside Europe differ greatly from ETH in many respects. Therefore, you should familiarise yourself with the requirements and restrictions (of ETH and the partner universities) at an early stage before applying to determine whether an exchange is possible. Start the necessary clarifications early on.
The worldwide exchange programmes are divided between ETH-wide and departmental programmes. You can only apply for one type and not both.
The linked information is very important for you because, for example, the programme specifies the application procedure, the grade requirements, the selection of successful applications, the steps after application and more.
This is about understanding the partner universities' decisive criteria and then checking whether you meet the requirements and whether the restrictions are acceptable to you. Now it becomes clear which partner university (or universities) you can or want to apply to. Invest enough time in this step.
In the details pages for the the partner universities, you will find criteria that are often difficult to assess. That is why they are explained here. So keep returning to these explanations to ensure you interpret the detailed information correctly. The specifications of the universities are binding; there is no room for negotiation.
By the way, not only the factors listed below are relevant. These are only the more complex criteria that strongly impact your exchange plans. You must read all the detailed information on the universities (e.g. sometimes higher grade requirements) as well as all the university websites linked there.
Course selection
- Some universities impose strict restrictions on the courses offered to exchange students (only certain courses are open, prerequisites, special requirements for individual schools / faculties, special requirements or not open for exchange students, etc.). Pay particular attention to the restrictions regarding the study level (Bachelor / Undergraduate vs. Master / Graduate/Postgraduate).
- Master / Graduate / Postgraduate differ in whether the Bachelor's degree must be proven, by when and in what form (e.g. only performance overview with 180 KP or official Bachelor's degree).
- Check whether you can compile a reasonable study plan creditable at ETH – considering all restrictions and requirements.
- If you indicate in the ETH-wide programmes that you are flexible during the exchange semester, you must fulfil the conditions for both semesters.
Academic calendar and examination planning
- There may be timing conflicts with your ETH exams. You may have to take written session exams in the following session (after returning from the exchange).
- Details on exam postponement can be found at the Examination Office under "Information for ETH students (Outgoings)".
- Consider the consequences when planning your exchange and discuss them with your departmental exchange coordinator.
Special case: Change of degree programme
You change your degree programme at ETH between the time of application and the exchange.
- Check with the Student Exchange Office at an early stage whether an exchange is contractually possible and with the departmental exchange coordinators of your previous and future degree programme whether they support the exchange.
- The change may impact the credit, the exchange date, the grade requirement, etc. (see conditions of the ETH departments of step 1).
- Clarify the change's impact on your course choice at the partner university (see criterion above).
- As soon as the change is definite, you must inform the Student Exchange Office immediately.
Go to the partner universities
chevron_right Open the overview and get to know the universitiesStudents participating in a worldwide exchange programme usually receive a mobility scholarship of CHF 2000 per semester from the Student Exchange Office. You will receive the scholarship contract by email before the start of the exchange.
ETH's "Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme" scholarships are suspended for the duration of the exchange.
Further offers of support
chevron_right Check whether you have exhausted all possible offersSmaller projects up to a maximum of 10 credits in combination with courses are permitted, provided that this option is available at the host university.
It is, however, not possible to carry out full-time research projects or theses in worldwide exchange programmes. You may want to take advantage of other programmes.
ETH reserves the right to exclude you from all future exchange programmes if you withdraw from the exchange without sufficient reasons (examination failure, illness, accident) or if you do not provide valid language confirmation accepted by the partner university by the relevant submission deadline.