Explore – Academic Orientation Program for Refugees at UZH

«Explore - Academic Orientation Program for Refugees at UZH» is a semi-intensive program at the University of Zurich (UZH) and is aimed at qualified refugees who want to improve their German language skills at an academic level and get to know the content and demands of studying in Switzerland. During two semesters, participants attend German courses, academic modules and various information events on higher education opportunities at UZH.

Explore participants attend a German course at UZH with 6 lessons* per week. German courses are offered at level B1-B2 and B2-C1. In the German courses, participants improve their German language skills with a focus on academic language skills. With regular and active participation in classes and additional self-study (completing homework assignments, visiting the Self-Access Center, etc.), it is possible to advance up to one level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The placement into the German courses is carried out by the Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich and is based exclusively on a mandatory oral and written assessment during the application process. Certificates from other institutions or individual preferences are not decisive for placement in the German courses. During the first two weeks of the semester, participants may be moved to the lower-level course based on the teachers evaluations in exceptional cases. This approach ensures that all participants learn in a course that correspons to their current language level and guarantees effective teaching and learning for everyone.

*One lesson equals 45 minutes.

Deutsch im akademischen Kontext; B1-B2

Time: Tuesday, 08:30-12:00 am and Thursday, 10:15-11:45 am
Place: Will be announced in advance.

The course is designed for students at the B1-B2 language level.
This course improves students' language proficiency through:

• Expansion of communication competences (vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency)
• Improvement of reading and writing skills
• Expansion of grammatical knowledge

The course provides an intensive training program in all four language skills. Using set phrases, guided discussions, and short presentations, oral skills are trained and developed. Through texts, vocabulary lists, listening texts, and conversations on various topics, both productive and receptive vocabulary is expanded. Practice is conducted to express oneself in various situations of private and social life. Additionally, course participants engage in reading, understanding, and writing texts of various types. In oral and written expression, the focus is on argumentative strategies. Grammatical knowledge is taught at level B1-B2. The course does not specifically prepare for certification exams.

Deutsch im akademischen Kontext; B2-C1

Time: Tuesday, 08:30-11:45 am and Thursday, 10:15-11:45 am
Place: Will be announced in advance.

The course is designed for students at the B2-C1 language level.
This course improves students' language proficiency through:

• Developing communicative competence (vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency)
• Enhancing reading and writing skills
• Expanding grammatical knowledge

The course offers an intensive training program covering all four language skills. Through text reading and listening exercises, participants expand and develop their receptive and productive vocabulary. The grammar is at the B2-C1 level and develops participants’ oral and written communication skills. Discussions and authentic materials, such as texts, videos, and websites, allow participants to practice what they have learned in various situations. 

The vocabulary and grammar topics, as well as the exercises, are geared toward B2 and C1 exams. The course uses a variety of materials for exam preparation, but it does not specifically prepare students for certification exams.

Participants in Explore attend 1-2 regular academic modules at UZH as auditors*. This corresponds to a weekly workload of approximately 2-4 lessons.** In doing so, they become familiar with the content and requirements of regular study programs and can expand their subject-specific knowledge. Selected academic modules from the Faculty of Theology and the Studies of Religion, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, Faculty of Philosophy, and Faculty of Science are available. Academic modules from the Faculty of Medicine and the Vetsuisse Faculty cannot be attended.

More information on the academic modules will follow.

*Auditors can attend individual courses at UZH without enrollment. However, auditors cannot take exams and do not receive ECTS credits or an UZH card (ID).

**One lesson equals 45 minutes.

Each semester, Explore participants attend various information sessions or workshops on the following topics relevant to their studies and training:

• Information on educational system in Switzerland
• Information on financing studies in Switzerland
• Networking evening with former participants of the program
• Information on admission to higher education in Switzerland
• Information on the recognition of degrees and entering the Swiss job market 

These events serve as orientation for participants in their future and can be adapted yearly. Participation in the information events is mandatory for all participants of Explore. 

The following requirements must be met in order to participate:

• Residence permit N, F, S, or B (refugee)
• At least a foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificate (Matura)
• Good knowledge of German (at least completed level A2)
• Agreement of the case management office (download (DOCX, 76 KB))
• Residence in Switzerland

The fulfillment of the following criteria are an advantage for a successful participation:

• Good level of English
• Strong abstraction and argumentation skills
• High motivation and initiative, independence, and resilience

The number of places is limited, and a place cannot be guaranteed. Participation is determined by the Coordination Office Explore, which in particular considers realistic study and/or training goals at tertiary level.

Program Fees

• The program fees amount to CHF 3'000.- per semester. The program fees are settled via the case managers.
• In the canton of Zurich, the participation fees can be settled via the cost ceiling available to the municipalities as part of the support system for refugees (IAZH) for people with status F or B. Explore is listed in the cantonal catalog of integration programs IAZH (No. B-01-012).
• Applicants from other cantons can inquire with their case manager about possible financing in the frame of the cantonal integration program.  

We answer the most common questions about Explore in our FAQ.

"Explore - Academic Orientation Program for Refugees at UZH" is a program of UZH. Learn more about the general provisions of Explore here (PDF, 71 KB).

Please contact us with any questions about Explore via e-mail (welcome@globalaffairs.uzh.ch), phone (+41 44 634 65 12), or visit our information desk (PDF, 1 MB) in the main building of UZH.

Location and opening hours of the information desk:

• Tuesday, 09:00–11:00
• Wednesday, 09:00–11:00

University of Zurich (main building), Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zurich, Room KO2-F-156 (KO2, Floor F, Room 156)

Explore at UZH is supported by: