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 who are interested in studying at the university should contact the International Relations Office where Sara Elmer and Chantal Marquart will be happy to explain the different options.

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 (PDF, 96 KB). 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 semester 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.

You can find further information about the program at the following link: Discovery Semester.

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.