ZHdK - Zurich University of the Arts

Programme overview

The Bachelor Major Fine Arts at ZHdK is a six-semester, practice-oriented degree delivered in German and English. It emphasises broad media exposure and the development of a distinct artistic practice supported by nationally and internationally active artists, curators and art theorists. The Major can be combined with one or two Minors to deepen or broaden competencies.

What you'll study

Students complete a Major in Fine Arts (Major / BA credits: 150 / 180) and may add one or two Minors. On offer for Fine Arts undergraduates are the Minors «Exhibiting and Making Public» and «Art Production and Handling». Other possible Minors listed for combination include Art Education and craft-focused options; examples described in the programme text are:

• Exhibiting and Making Public — developing individual and collaborative exhibition and publication competence.
• Art Production and Handling — theoretical and practical knowledge of production, conservation and handling of artworks.
• Craft-oriented minors — focusing on advanced workshop-based techniques, constructive questions and themes such as sustainability.

Study begins in the autumn semester; further structural and semester details are provided by the school.

Entry requirements

The published page names admission and the application deadline (Anmeldeschluss 29. Januar 2026) and indicates a formal admissions procedure; specific prerequisites, portfolio requirements or language proofs are not detailed on the provided text and should be checked on the official admissions pages.

Career prospects

The programme aims to create the practical and conceptual foundations needed to establish a position in the contemporary art field. Graduates leave with an individual artistic practice and exposure to curatorial and theoretical perspectives, preparing them for professional activity in art production, exhibiting, and related cultural roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The programme lists semester fees for Swiss and non-Swiss students (CH / non-CH CHF 720 / CHF 1220 per semester). The faculty references student advice and international exchange options; for targeted scholarships, tuition waivers or external funding you should consult ZHdK student services and external arts funding bodies.