Frequently asked questions
In which semesters is an exchange possible?
During the Bachelor’s, a mobility stay is possible from the 3rd year and in the Data Science Master from the 2nd semester (in the Computer Science Master also recommended from the 2nd semester). Individual partner universities have restrictions and, for example, do not accept any incoming students during their last Bachelor semester. Please study the information on the partner universities.
What is the best time for an exchange?
The third year of the Bachelor's programme. Thanks to the possibility to transfer credits to BSc Core Courses at ETH (up to 16 ECTS), you can study a full semester abroad (depending on the local course offer) and get all credits transferred so that your study duration does not necessarily increase due to the exchange. An exchange during the Master's programme will in most cases lead to a longer study duration which is, however, balanced by the gain in experience through the exchange.
When and for which destinations do I need a language certificate?
For many partner universities, a letter from the ETH Student Exchange Office is enough to prove that you have sufficient English skills. Other partners still require official certificates. You need to read the information about the programmes and partner universities.
The semester at my host university starts while I still have exams at ETH Zurich. What can I do?
Depending on the academic calendar of the host university, there may be time conflicts with your ETH examinations. You may have to take written session examinations in the following session after returning from your exchange. Details on shifting examinations can be found at the Examinations Office under information for ETH students (outgoings).
The host university asks for an agreement. Who signs this document for ETH Zurich?
The agreement would have to be signed by the supervising professor. Please reach out to them.
I do not have a Bachelor’s degree from ETH Zurich. Can I still study abroad in the Master’s programme?
You cannot participate in an official exchange programme of ETH Zurich (exception: Swiss Mobility for an external Master's thesis). An individual, self-organised stay at another university is possible, but no credits from the stay can be recognised towards the Master’s degree (exception: Free Elective Courses in the Computer Science MSc, see the study guide). However, you can organize an external Master's thesis at another university, provided that your main supervisor at D-INFK agrees, and apply for a scholarship for such a research project. Further options are summer schools and ENHANCE learning opportunities.
Please also refer to the Student Exchange Office's extensive FAQ for outgoings, from which some of these questions and answers have been taken.