University of Zurich Master's Admission Requirements

The University of Zurich is the strongest and largest comprehensive university in Switzerland, and it is highly regarded in many fields. Its medicine, immunology, neuroscience, genetics, structural biology, and economics programs are among the best in the world.

Below, let's look at what you need to qualify for a master's degree at the university.

The University of Zurich offers a wide range of master's programs. Depending on the faculty and department, students may study a single program within a degree track or combine two programs, one major and one minor.

2. Admission requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a nationally recognized university, or an equivalent qualification. Academic achievements earned at university and credited toward the degree are also considered, if applicable. The bachelor's program must have lasted at least three years of full-time study, based on the standard workload for a full-time curriculum: 180 ECTS credits or an equivalent amount of work.

Master's programs are divided into consecutive master's programs and professional master's programs. Consecutive master's programs build on a previous undergraduate degree, while professional master's programs focus on interdisciplinary methods or cooperation with universities in Switzerland or abroad. The vast majority of master's programs are consecutive master's programs.

A bachelor's degree does not have to be submitted when you apply. It may be submitted later, but no later than September 30 for autumn admission and March 15 for spring admission.

3. Language requirements

The main languages of instruction for master's programs are German, English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Applicants must have a language level of C1. The minimum TOEFL score is 100, and the minimum IELTS score is 7.0.

4. Application period

Spring: July 1 to July 31 (medical programs do not accept spring applications)

Autumn: January 1 to February 28

5. Application fee: CHF 100

The University of Zurich also follows a policy of broad admission and strict graduation requirements, but master's study is much more manageable than undergraduate study. The workload is still heavy, but assessment is not limited to exams as it is at the bachelor's level. There are other forms of evaluation as well. For example, you may need to complete a lot of group assignments, presentations, papers, internships, and other types of coursework, all of which count toward your final grade.

That said, there is no need to feel that it is impossible. In general, as long as you approach it seriously and put real effort into your work, you can pass. Exams are still very important, however, and you only get one chance to retake them. If you fail again on the second attempt, you can basically say goodbye to the master's degree.