2. Support, guidance and events

Scholarships, financial support, info events and advice for deciding on an exchange can all be found here.

Before you read on: Have you checked that you fulfil all the conditions for the exchange (step 1)?

Finances

Scholarships are a part of the exchange programmes of the Student Exchange Office. Every student who has been confirmed for an exchange automatically receives a scholarship. In addition, students can apply for further scholarships. Find more information on the scholarship website.

ETH can support study-related travels through foundation grants for the following departments: D-INFK, D-ITET, D-MATL, D-MAVT. Please consult the website of the Financial Aid Office for details.

Info events and platforms

The Student Exchange Office provides detailed information about the application process for an exchange semester and shares tips and tricks on how to increase your chances of getting a suitable place.

Date & time: Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 17.00-18.30
Location: Zoom link will be announced later

A unique opportunity to talk to former exchange students and current incoming students from various partner universities. The Student Exchange Office will also be on site to answer your questions.

Study Abroad Fair Website

Your departmental exchange coordinators will provide information about the academic requirements for an exchange semester and aspects specific to your study programme.

See the departments

In the International Knowledge Database you can read reports by former exchange students about their exchange.

Tips for a successful application

The number of exchange places at each partner university is limited. You can increase your chances of securing a place by listing many priorities (max. 10) and by listing a variety of destinations.

You should only list particularly popular partner universities (mainly non-European ones) among your first four or five priorities. Experience shows that the vast majority of places at non-European universities are already allocated by the fifth priority. For priorities 5 to 10, it is therefore advisable to list European and Swiss universities.

At the so-called ETH-wide non-European (worldwide) partner universities, you will be asked whether you are flexible in your choice of semester when you apply. By answering yes, you increase your chances and at the same time confirm that you have checked both semesters (e.g. compatibility with your ETH degree programme, courses offered at the partner university).

An overview of all non-European partner universities with ETH-wide agreements can be found at the links belowebsite or in the Mobility-Online Info Site (last column "Programme").

Inclusion and equal opportunities

If you are a person with a disability or a medical condition or impairment and need additional support for an exchange semester, please contact the Student Exchange Office at least 3 months prior to the application deadline. We are happy to consult you in collaboration with the Counselling & Coaching Centre of ETH Zurich.

Students with disabilities or health conditions can apply for additional funding to cover a part of the additional costs needed for an exchange semester. This funding includes additional costs that are in relation to people with disabilities or people with a physical, psychological or chronic illness participating in an exchange semester. The term “additional costs” refers to the costs that incur in comparison with a stay for people without a disability or condition.

Make sure to contact the Student Exchange Office early (before handing in your application) if you want to claim additional funding so we can support you during the application process.

Ask your partner university early on about support options and learn about the necessary steps to apply or get help. This is especially important in relation to special studying and exam conditions as well as housing/accommodation.

Question checklist

The following questions might help with your decision for/against a partner university or a destination. What is important to you?

What goals do I want to achieve with an exchange? What is my motivation for an exchange?
What means are there to achieve my goals?
What skills can I improve with an exchange?
Do I want to learn or improve my language skills? Should the courses primarily be in English or also in another language?
What are the key factors for my choice in destination?

Highranking? (Primarily related to research)
Innovative teaching methods?
Lots of team and project work?
Small groups, close contact to lecturers?
Wide range of courses?
Academic network for projects or research later?
Networking in the private sector (company fairs, spin-offs etc.) for research and internships?

Big city, student city or campus?
Nature, cultural activities, sports facilities ?
Active student organisations or university traditions ?
Cost of living?

CanI organise my travels in a sustainable way?
How will I get from the accommodation to campus?
Quality of public transport?
How do the countries, universities and accommodations differ in terms of sustainability awareness and activities?

Sustainability

Next step

3. Application internal