FAQs

Are there any application deadlines?

Our application deadlines are April 30, September 30, and December 31. The current period is announced here. However, applications are accepted at all times. The applicant should necessarily arrange that his recommenders mentioned in the application form send their recommendations shortly after the application.

Which degrees are required?

The requirements for an admission to our Graduate School are a masters degree or a diploma. Only excellent and outstanding applicants can be affiliated by way of an exception.

I studied a math-related subject. Can I apply for a PhD-position at ZGSM nevertheless?

Candidates for the Zurich Graduate School in Mathematics should have a degree in mathematics. Degrees in math-related subjects can be accepted if the candidates`fields of studies fit into our program.

How can I transmit the application documents: as file or as hard copy?

In the first phase of the admission process the Zurich Graduate School in Mathematics only admits electronic documents. They can be uploaded in addition to the online application. In particular transcripts and, if available, a certificate of the master degree or equivalent are required. The letters of recommendation are supposed to be sent via email to recommendation@math.uzh.ch (see also in the application form). Applicants are supposed to give the recommenders email addresses in the application form.

In this phase of the application process no hard copies or additional documents that are submitted unasked will be considered.

How is the procedure of enrollment at ETH and University?

After being accepted by the graduate school you have to enroll at ETH or University of Zurich, depending to the department the supervising professor belongs to. The enrollment procedures of ETH and University differ. Specific requirements such as examinations can be necessary. For detailed information see the regulations of ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.

ETH:

www.doktorat.ethz.ch

www.rektorat.ethz.ch/ueber_uns/organisation/zulassungsstelle

www.doktorat.ethz.ch/de/studsek/anmeldeverf.html (application)

www.doktorat.ethz.ch/de/Infodok/bewerbdok.html (application)

www.rektorat.ethz.ch/dienste/dienst_dokt (enrollment)

Universität

www.mnf.unizh.ch/administration/reglemente/promoneu.html

www.mnf.unizh.ch/administration/studiendekanat/

I do not speak German. Can I apply nevertheless?

The language of the lectures is English and German, in particular many of the more advanced classes are offered in English. However, to take part in our PhD-Program as well as for daily life in Zurich it is necessary to speak a little German at least.

The Zurich Graduate School in Mathematics offers intensive German language courses for foreigners specially designed for graduate students who want to acquire sufficient german language skills.

Information about further German courses:

www.unizh.ch/studium/zulassung/aubild/dkurse.html

www.sprachenzentrum.unizh.ch/index.php

www.mobilitaet.ethz.ch/incomings/studium/sprache

www.ethbib.ethz.ch/bildarchiv/sprachkurse.html

cornelia.siteware.ch/sprachkurse/index.html

I already know who I wish to be my advisor. Where do I have to apply?

If you specify in your application names of potential or desired supervisors, your application details will be passed on to those persons. If you know the professors you want to be supervised by it makes sense to contact them, too. Nevertheless, please address your application to the secretary of the Graduate School.

Do I get any funding?

Students with an offer to the graduate program are generally awarded a teaching assistantship, which is renewed after one year for students making satisfactory progress towards their degree. The type of support may sometimes vary.

You will find here some information about the costs of living in Zurich:

www.mobilitaet.ethz.ch/incomings/leben/index_EN

www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/finance/index_EN

Are there any tuition-fees?

ETH:

Before beginning a PhD-program there is an application fee of 110,- CHF. The examination fee at the end is 380,-. The tuition fees are singular 1200,-CHF, they are payed at the end of the program.

University:

Ph.D. students have to pay a tuition-fee of Fr. 282.– CHF per semester.

I am interested in pursuing a Masters Degree in in Mathematics. Where do I get information?

www.study.ethz.ch

www.studentoffice.unizh.ch/index.html

How can I find accommodation?

For some helpful addresses see:

www.ethz.ch/prospectives/phd/housing

www.mobilitaet.ethz.ch/incomings/leben/unterkunft/index_EN

www.study.ethz.ch/faq/accomodation

www.marktplatz.ethz.ch/index.cgi

www.unizh.ch/leben/wohnen/