Programme type

Some ETH departments have individual agreements with partner universities. Only students from the study included in the exchange agreement can participate.

You apply for only one partner university.

Many or all ETH departments have a joint contract with the partner university. In principle, all students can participate, as long as their respective discipline is offered at the partner university and there are no restrictions on specific subject areas.

• You apply for up to three partner universities (only worldwide, ETH-wide partner universities).
• You increase your chances of getting an exchange place by:
  • Three priorities
  • Flexibility regarding exchange in the Autumn or Spring Semester in the same academic year
• Your information is binding, therefore:
  • Check the requirements for all desired partner universities.
  • Clarify early on whether your study planning leaves you the necessary flexibility concerning the semester.
• The Student Exchange Office does not answer questions about individual chances of success because the number of applications, the distribution among destinations and semesters as well as average grades cannot be predicted.
  

• Successful qualification (prerequisites and conditions) allows the application. However, it says nothing about the chances of success in the selection process.
• The selection takes place centrally in the Student Exchange Office because several or all departments share the limited exchange places. As the number of places is limited, your application is binding with all stated priorities.
• The selection is competitive and based on performance. The grade of your first-​​year examinations is decisive (regardless of where you are in your studies). Experience shows that the higher this grade is in comparison to other applicants, the better your chances of getting an exchange place. Particularly in the case of tight decisions, other factors agreed with the departments may play a role:
  • Flexibility in the choice of semester
  • Balanced distribution between departments / degree programmes
    
  • Motivation (letter of motivation including preliminary study plan)
  • Further development of grades
• No information is given about individual selection decisions.
  

On 7 January 2025, a consultation for ETH-wide programmes will be offered via Zoom. The time and link will follow.