Exchange programmes worldwide

The Student Exchange Office at ETH Zurich maintains a large number of exchange programmes with partner universities around the world. Your chances of a place on an exchange programme are thus good, although ETH Zurich cannot make any guarantees.

Preparation and conditions

Information on the required preparation and the conditions for an exchange may be found here>>.

Duration and type of study programme

1 – 2-Semester programmes (courses)
Completion of semester papers, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses at other universities is possible in exceptional cases. Please refer to the web pages of the respective study programme or the responsible contact person.

Special prerequisites

Some programmes require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for participation in an exchange programme. For further information see Details of exchange programmes>>.

Financial support for language certificates

The student exchange office of ETH Zurich grants financial support for students who have to take mandatory language tests for their application to worldwide programmes.

Further information can be found here>> (only in German).

Scholarships

Some exchange programmes offer scholarships. For further information see Details of exchange programmes>>.
Students may apply to the Scholarship Office>> for help with travel and visa expenses.

Registration

ETH Zurich’s exchange programmes worldwide fall into two categories: those subject to ETH-wide agreements, and those subject to departmental agreements.

The registration deadline for both categories is 10 January for exchanges in the year following (unless otherwise specified).
Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered.
It may also be possible to complete a Bachelor’s/Master’s thesis or a research paper abroad.


A list of free places available for the academic year 2013/2014 is published here>>.

Departmental exchange programmes are coordinated between ETH Zurich departments and institutes/departments of partner universities.
If you are interested in a departmental programme and the corresponding agreement is in place, ask your mobility advisor at an early stage whether you could be nominated for this programme.

Information on which programmes are departmental programmes may be found here>>.
Information on the application procedure and the necessary documentation may be found here>>.

ETH-wide programmes are open to all students, provided that the respective student’s discipline is available at the partner university. In your application you may enter three possible destinations/partner universities.
Important: Please note that you must fulfil the prerequisites for each of the destinations/ partner universities listed. Information on programme prerequisites may be found at the Details of exchange programmes.
Information on the application procedure and the necessary documentation may be found here>>.

Due to the often high semester fees at partner universities, ETH Zurich exchange programmes give priority to students who wish to attend courses.
In a few cases, however, it is possible to complete a Bachelor’s/Master’s thesis or a research paper abroad.
Further information may be found here>>.