Quick Summary
Situated in Winterthur, Switzerland, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is a public university of applied sciences established in 2007. The institution enrolls approximately 14200 students, with 12% being international. Known for strengths in Business & Management, Engineering, Life Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 50%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Combines theoretical excellence with practical application, located in one of the world's most stable and prosperous economies.
Subject Strengths
Business & ManagementEngineeringLife SciencesApplied PsychologyArchitecture
Founded2007
TypePublic University of Applied Sciences
Total Students14200
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio14.5
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMulti-campus
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationSwiss Accreditation Council, AACSB (School of Management and Law)
02
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Continuing Education (CAS, DAS, MAS)
Programs
Not Available
PhD Programs
Selected continuing education and hybrid Master's modules
Online Programs
Institute of Applied Information Technology, Center for Enterprise Sciences, Institute of Sustainable Development
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Swiss Accreditation Council, AACSB (School of Management and Law)
Accreditation
03
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate50%
IELTS7
TOEFL95
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATOptional for some Master's in Business
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on relevant professional experience or vocational training as it is highly valued alongside academic credentials.
04
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Swiss Franc
UG Tuition
CHF2,440/yr
per year · CHF
Living Cost
CHF22,500/yr
per year · CHF
PG Tuition
CHF2,440/yr
per year · CHF
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
CHF25,040/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CHF
Scholarships AvailableSwiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Cantonal Scholarships
Financial AidAvailable for Swiss residents and eligible international students via social services.
Work-StudyAvailable for EU/EFTA students; restricted for non-EU students.
05
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Continuing Education (CAS, DAS, MAS) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Applied Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Data Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Life Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
06
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$88,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrongly integrated into Bachelor's curricula via mandatory praxis semesters.
Industry Connections
ABBCredit SuisseRocheSiemensZurich Insurance Group
Notable Alumni
Jacqueline Fehr, Thomas Hurter, various Swiss industry leaders
07
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited university-managed housing; students use WOKO or private rentals.
Sports Facilities
Access to ASVZ (Academic Sports Association Zurich) facilities.
Student Clubs
VSZHAW (Student Association), Erasmus Student Network (ESN), specialized subject clubs.
Library Resources
Extensive digital libraries and physical locations in Winterthur, Zurich, and Wädenswil.
Exchange Programs
Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) and global bilateral agreements.
Summer Programs
ZHAW LSFM Summer School, International Business Summer Schools.