Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Winterthur, Switzerland
"A large Swiss university of applied sciences in Winterthur, Zurich and Waedenswil"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#801 (QS)
PSW VISA
6 months
About Zurich University of Applied Sciences
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. It was formed in 2007 by merging several previously independent schools, and has campuses in Winterthur, Zurich and Waedenswil. It has eight schools covering engineering, management and law, life sciences, health, linguistics, psychology, social work, and architecture. Its teaching is practice-oriented, and several master's programmes, such as International Business and Banking and Finance, are taught in English.
Rankings & Recognition
#801
Ranked #801-850 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#851-900 in QS 2027).
Accreditations & Memberships
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Zurich University of Applied Sciences's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
7.2#
Employer Reputation
12.5#
Faculty / Student
81.1#
Citations / Faculty
5.0#
Intl. Faculty
73.9#
Intl. Students
25.1#
Intl. Research Network
43.1#
Employment Outcomes
7.4#
Sustainability
55.1#
#
Key Facts
2007
Founded
11,381
Total Students
1,351
International Students
1,557
Faculty
8
Schools
Popular Programs
International Business
Banking and Finance
Circular Economy Management
Engineering (MSE)
Business Information Technology
Life Sciences
Application Details
Application Route
ZHAW enrolment portal
Registration Fee
CHF 100
Int. Business Deadline
15 May 2027
Banking/Finance Deadline
30 May 2027
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic (English MSc)
|
7.0 |
|
TOEFL (English MSc)
|
95 |
|
TOEIC Listening + Reading
|
945 |
|
Cambridge Advanced / Proficiency
|
C1 |
|
Circular Economy Management
|
English B2+ |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
85%
I-20 Processing
D visa + B permit (study)
Post-Study Work
6 months (job-seeking)
Green Card Pathway
Work permit (quota)
Financials
Application Fee
CHF 100
Avg Scholarship
N/A
Career Outcomes
7%
Placement Ratio
6 months
Post-Study Work
15 hrs/week
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff — 1,557
International Staff — 26%
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
ZHAW is spread over three locations: Winterthur (engineering, management and law, linguistics and others), Zurich (applied psychology, social work and health-related teaching) and Waedenswil (life sciences and facility management).
Campus Details
Winterthur
Zurich
and Waedenswil
11381
students
Campus Forecast
Warmest (Jul): 14 to 24 C
Coldest (Jan): -1 to 4 C
Climate: Temperate oceanic
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Housing: Student residences and private rental
Dining
Dining: Campus mensas and cafeterias
Health & Wellness
Health: Swiss basic health insurance (compulsory unless exempt)
Activities & Clubs
ASVZ sports
Student association
Study trips
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students
11,381
International Students
1,351
Undergraduate
84%
Postgraduate
16%
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition (all students)
CHF 720 / semester
Non-Swiss surcharge
CHF 500 / semester
Total (non-Swiss)
CHF 1,220 / semester
Registration + enrolment
CHF 100 + 100
Books and materials (SML)
approx. CHF 750 / semester
Intakes & Deadlines
Most master's programmes start in late August or mid-September. For 2027 entry, the MSc in International Business has a registration deadline of 15 May 2027, and the MSc in Banking and Finance and MSc in Circular Economy Management close on 30 May 2027. Visa-required students should apply well before these dates to leave time for the D visa.
Scholarships at Zurich University of Applied Sciences
0 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Matura or equivalent (often work experience); German
Postgraduate
Bachelor's (180 ECTS); IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 95 / Cambridge C1
English Proficiency
IELTS Academic (English MSc)
TOEFL (English MSc)
TOEIC Listening + Reading
Cambridge Advanced / Proficiency
Circular Economy Management
Required Documents
Passport copy
Upper secondary school certificate (bachelor)
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript (master)
Academic transcripts
Language certificate (English, French or German as required)
CV and motivation letter (many programmes)
Admission letter (visa)
Proof of sufficient funds (visa)
Health insurance
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme page for admission rules, language of instruction and the deadline for visa-required applicants.
2
Apply online
Submit the online application with transcripts, degree certificates, CV and language certificate, and pay the application fee.
3
Receive admission
Wait for the formal and academic review and the admission letter from the institution.
4
National D visa
Non-EU/EFTA students apply for a national D visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate with the admission letter and proof of funds.
5
Arrive and register
Register with the local residents office (commune) within 14 days of arrival to obtain a B residence permit for study.
6
Enrol and insure
Complete enrolment, pay the semester fee and take out Swiss basic health insurance unless exempted.
Campus & Location
ZHAW is spread over three locations: Winterthur (engineering, management and law, linguistics and others), Zurich (applied psychology, social work and health-related teaching) and Waedenswil (life sciences and facility management).
Master's
4
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
📍 Winterthur
Master's
International Business
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
📍 Winterthur
Master's
Banking and Finance
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
📍 Winterthur
Master's
Circular Economy Management
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
📍 Winterthur
Master's
Master of Science in Engineering
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