Studying at UZH

It is possible to study for one or two semesters at the Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion (TRF) at the University of Zurich as a visiting student.

The Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion at the University of Zurich offers international students ideal conditions for a semester or a year abroad:

• not a mass university: personal support from teaching staff, intensive exchange and community among students
• Theology and religious studies in two departments at one faculty: insights into historical and social science research into religion, encounters with Islamic theology and Jewish studies
• innovative topics: Digital Religion(s), Spiritual Care, Medical Ethics, Philosophy of Religion / Religion and Science
• the city of Zurich: a lake, two rivers and many mountains within sight, a diverse cultural environment, cinema, concerts, theater and a lively nightlife

The study of theology in Zurich is characterized by:

• denominational and pious width: lecturers and students from Reformed to Catholic, from liberal to free-church
• Reformed tradition at a historical site: world-leading research on Swiss Reformation history, on Reformed church and theological history and on Karl Barth right next to Ulrich Zwingli’s center of activity
• Theology at its highest level and close to professional practice: insights into ongoing research projects, interdisciplinary seminars, practical exercises in homiletics and liturgy

Further information on studying theology in Zurich can be found here (in German).

Every year, the TRF grants four scholarships for visiting students from abroad in the amount of CHF 1000 per semester for a period of up to two semesters. Information on the requirements and the award procedure can be found here.

The Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion at the University of Zurich has exchange agreements with around a dozen partner universities. All information on the exchange programs can be found here.

Every year, the TRF awards four scholarships for visiting students from abroad in the amount of CHF 1000 per semester for a period of up to two semesters.

• You study as a regular visiting student in a single major study program or major study program at TRF at Bachelor’s or Master’s level.
• You will not receive any other mobility scholarship or scholarship from a mobility program. Other scholarships (e.g. from foundations or religious communities) are not an obstacle.

• You submit a letter of motivation by post or e-mail to the Vice Dean’s Office of Studies with details of your previous studies and the reasons for your planned stay at the TRF of UZH. This letter of motivation must contain the assurance that you meet the requirements for the application, in particular that you are not receiving a mobility scholarship elsewhere.
• The application deadline for the Fall Semester is March 31 of the respective year, for the Spring Semester September 30 of the previous year.
• You will receive the decision (subject to your actual enrollment at UZH) in good time before the application deadline for regular visiting students (April 30 or October 30).
• The scholarship will be paid to you at the beginning of the semester after you have enrolled at the UZH.