Study in Switzerland- ETH Zurich
Since its inception in 1855, ETH Zurich has stood for world-class academic excellence for research which benefits of industry and society, and for the education of highly qualified subject specialists. The fact that 21 Nobel laureates have studied, taught or carried out research at ETH Zurich confirms its outstanding reputation, the most famous of them being Albert Einstein, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in circa 1921 for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially, for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect. Few know about the brilliance and erudition with which Einstein illuminated the halls of his proud alma mater, ETH Zurich
The past decade has seen the evolution of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs, which has become a boon to students wishing to gain the requisite professional experience abroad. If you are a STEM aspirant, then, Switzerland’s highest-ranked university, ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is currently placed 10th in the world and is the only non-UK European university to rank within the global top 10. ETH Zurich – Chair for Research on Learning and Instruction deals with the modalities of STEM learning and in the cultivation and enhancement of the Swiss version of STEM, which is MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural sciences, and Technics), where The MINT-Learning Center is part of EducETH, the ETH competence center for learning and instruction. The goal of the MINT Learning Center at ETH Zurich is the sustainable optimization of school-based learning opportunities in the STEM subjects. In order to optimize teaching of science through learning and instruction research, the Institute of Behavioural Sciences, together with the MINT Learning Center, is conducting a longitudinal study with selected schools in Switzerland.
Due to its continued emphasis on improving and cultivating MINT inclination, ETH Zurich has an award winning program with core disciplines in MINT subjects. Laudably, in the Times Higher Education 2018 ratings, ETH Zurich bagged 9th place in the world rankings for its Engineering discipline. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, ETH Zurich is currently ranked fifth in the world for the engineering and technology broad subject area, and sixth for natural sciences. Currently, the medium of instruction at ETH Zurich at undergraduate level is mainly in German, while most master’s courses are instructed in English. To enrol for the courses, one must fulfil the requirements as per the program’s eligibility criteria. , Unlike the U.S, ETH Zurich does not mandate any GRE test score submission and prospective students are evaluated on the basis of their academic accomplishments, including the publishing of white papers etc. For more detailed information for each program, you can visit https://www.ethz.ch/en/studies/registration-application/master/application/admission-prerequisites.html
Like any form of education, studying at ETH Zurich costs money. In addition to tuition fees and semester fees amounting to CHF 649, most importantly there are living costs to consider too. It is estimated that students spend CHF 16,000 to CHF 26,000 on study and living costs, each year. The Housing Office of University/ETH Zurich arranges accommodation between private individuals and ETH/UZH members. Further, the office provides useful information about living in Zurich. Also, there are food expenses, travel expenses and other costs which must be factored in. However, the good part is that the Swiss government is rather lenient compared to the North Americas when it comes to working hours for international students and most likely find jobs on campus after the first semester. As you can see, there is an ease to studying at ETH Zurich with a well-structured administration and its superior student facilities.
International students must apply for a national “D” visa in person at the Swiss diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) at their place of residence. It is important to note that a Schengen visa will not render you eligible to take up residence in the country. Irrespective of whether you require an entry visa, you must have a residence permit for your period of study in Switzerland. After six months, you can work for up to 15 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. You must apply for this in person within 14 days of your arrival at the Citizen’s Registry Office at your new place of residence or at the respective “Kreisbüro” if you live in the city of Zurich. Students pursuing the Bachelor’s program from non-EU countries must have lived in Switzerland for at least 6 months to obtain a work permit. During their first 6 months in Switzerland, Master students from non-EU countries can only obtain a work permit for a job at their ETH department. Also, after graduation, a non-resident can stay in the country for upto six months only on the student visa, where they may search for jobs in their field of study.
Pursuing your higher studies at ETH Zurich would indeed be a dream-come-true that would provide the perfect launch pad to your career ambitions! For more information, consult our study abroad counsellors, who will provide you with the right options and information and help you embark on your career path for an illustrious future.
