Finances
How much does it cost to study at UZH?
Living expenses depend very much on the individual student. The figures below should therefore be regarded as a guideline only. The expected minimum cost of living for students at the University of Zurich therefore comes to a total of CHF 2'200 per month.
General estimates (minimal costs per month):
| Study (tuition fees, learning materials) | CHF 250 |
| Food (eating out and eating at home) | CHF 450 |
| Travel (public transportation, bike, car) | CHF 95 |
| Insurance (health insurance, AHV/IV (social insurances)) | CHF 200 |
| Housing (rent, heating and energy costs) | CHF 910 |
| Money in reserve (taxes) | CHF 25 |
| Personal (clothing, hygiene, leisure, mobile phone) | CHF 270 |
International students will probably have to deal with additional costs. Please consult the website for international students:
International Students UZH - Cost of Living
What insurances do I need?
We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the exact terms and conditions of insurance and the benefits in order to be well covered in the event of a claim. You will find a summary of the most important information below.
Health insurance is compulsory for anyone staying in Switzerland longer than three months. Students from an EU state who are legally insured in their home country can apply for exemption from this obligation in Switzerland by using the European Health Card or a provisional certificate, both of which issued by the health insurance company in the home country.
Travel insurance taken out in your home country will not be accepted.
All Swiss and foreign students with legal residence in Switzerland must pay contributions.
The Canton of Zurich's office for social insurance, SVA, determines the rates for social insurance. You also pay the sum directly to the SVA office. To determine whether students are obliged to contribute, the UZH transfers the following data to SVA Zürich: Name, birth date, address, insurance number, civil status, nationality.
In the first half of the year, students are informed by the SVA by e-mail about their obligation to pay contributions and are asked to complete a questionnaire online. If you are not sure please contact the SVA. UZH only provides the addresses for the mailing and is not responsible for the mailing.
Please read the information about AHV contributions from SVA Zürich:
SVA Zurich: Students' contributions to the AHV/IV (in German)
SVA Zurich: Prevent Contribution Gaps (in German)
Important: Each missing contribution year can result in a significant reduction in the subsequent pension entitlement, which can have serious consequences, particularly in the event of disability! If you do not take up employment or transfer to another Swiss higher education institution in the year you leave the University, we recommend that you contact the SVA Zurich.
Students who have an accident on the premises of the University of Zurich are not insured through UZH. You should therefore take out accident insurance as part of your compulsory health insurance. This is especially important for students who work in labs.
Students who are employed at UZH for more than 8 hours per week are insured by UZH in the case of both work-related and non-work-related accidents. Students in employment relationships of under 8 hours per week are granted only work-related accident insurance.
This insurance covers damage inflicted by you on other persons or their properties. It also covers any loss incurred in the room or flat you are living in. A private liability insurance costs from CHF 100.- to CHF 150.- per year with a limit of indemnity of up to CHF 5 million. Although private liability insurance is not compulsory, we suggest that all international students close an insurance contract.
In the case of damage, the University institute, department, or clinic is liable if no gross negligence is present and if the damage was caused in the context of a task performed on behalf of the student's supervisor.
Is it possible to work alongside my studies?
- In many study programs, it is common for students to work during the semester or during the semester break. However, part-time employment may extend your studies. Important: Students who receive scholarships should clarify the maximum possible period of study for which they can receive support. For students with cantonal scholarships, this period is six semesters for a Bachelor's degree plus four semesters for a Master's degree plus one year.
- Programs with highly structured schedules, assessment levels and a high number of courses/lectures are less suitable when it comes to pursuing a part-time job and require a high degree of discipline.
- If you would like (or need) to work more than just part-time, we recommend getting in touch with academic advisory services to find out how this might affect your studies.
- In general, combining part-time work and your studies gets easier the further along you are in your program. Schedules are often fairly tight in the beginning.
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Students from countries that belong to neither the EU nor the EFTA may only work to a very limited extent and if they do, their studies may not be extended because of it. In particular, it can be difficult to find a part-time job without a good knowledge of German. The framework conditions may change. It is therefore best to get your information directly from the source: Swiss Confederation - Working in Switzerland as a foreign national
Can I apply for a grant?
- In principle, your parents are required to help fund your studies (Bachelor’s and Master’s). If neither your parents nor you are able to do so, you can apply for a grant in your parents’s canton of residence. For more information, visit the websites of the relevant cantonal offices.
- The university also awards scholarships, usually as a supplement to what parents are obliged to provide or to other contributions. Under certain circumstances, Swiss nationals living abroad can apply to their home canton. You can obtain valuable information from educationsuisse.
- You yourself are required to contribute to the financing of your studies, depending on your individual means and if the study programme allows for it in terms of time.
- Swiss nationals living abroad can apply for a grant in their home canton. Useful information is available from educationsuisse.
- International students pursuing a Bachelor's degree can apply for financial support from the Student Financial Aid Office once they have earned 55 ECTS credits.
- International students with a Master's degree can apply for financial support from the Student Financial Aid Office if they have a Swiss Bachelor's degree. Master's students with a Bachelor's degree from abroad must finance their studies themselves. This does not apply to Swiss citizens living abroad.
Contact
The Student Financial Aid Office is the first point of contact for questions about financing your studies at the University of Zurich. They provide information about accessing scholarships, loans and emergency credits in case of hardship. They also inform you about your rights and obligations and can help you plan a realistic budget for your studies. You can find information on the following website:
Student Financial Aid Office
For International Students
Due to the high number of requests, the Student Financial Aid Office unfortunately cannot respond to e-mail queries from international students who do not meet the basic conditions for financial assistance set out above. Thank you for your understanding.