The University of Zurich wants to help refugees gain access to university education. The International Relations Office is responsible for coordinating the various services available.

Refugees with questions about studying at the university or about the Discovery Program should contact the International Relations Office. Please fill in our contact form. It might however be worthwile to consult our FAQ-page first. Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions as well as useful links.

Please have also a look at our subpage Other Education Options to find out more about various internal and external education options and counselling services

Refugees who would like to complete a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD at the University of Zurich must follow the regular admission requirements. A summary of all the key information and helpful links can be found on our info sheet. Please contact us if you have any other questions.

You will find general information on the Swiss education and university system at www.perspektiven-studium.ch, a website run by the Swiss Student Union, VSS. Moreover, Swissuniversities issues recommendations of recognition for holders of foreign higher education qualifications and keeps a list showing the admission requirements of the Swiss universities for people with foreign education but without a Bachelors degree. 

The Discovery Program is a joint project of the International Relations Office and the VSUZH. It enables refugees to attend lectures as guest auditors and to experience student life at the University of Zurich.

The Discovery Program lasts two semesters from mid-September to the end of May. It is designed for refugees holding a Bachelor's degree from a foreign unversity. Please find more information using this link.

The University of Zurich is a member of the Scholars at Risk organization. Scholars at Risk is an international network of universities working to safeguard academic freedom and protect researchers who are under threat.

The University of Zurich is also a member of the Scholars at Risk Switzerland Section, founded in 2017.