The PhD in Drug Discovery at the Life Science Graduate School Zurich (University of Zurich) supports independent, hypothesis-driven research leading to a written doctoral dissertation. The programme includes a structured curriculum with a lecture series, retreats, and selected graduate-level courses.
Programme type: Doctoral (PhD) programme
Credits: Coursework requirements (if applicable) are defined by the doctoral committee; coursework to meet conditions/restrictions may total up to 60 ECTS.
Curriculum: Lecture series “Topics in Drug Discovery”, programme retreats, and selected Master/PhD courses (ETH Zurich/UZH) as required.
Language of instruction: Typically English (programme language may be English; confirm with your doctoral committee).
Start dates: Check the programme’s current call for doctoral admissions and the Faculty of Science doctoral regulations.
Tuition fees: Follow the University of Zurich/Faculty of Science doctoral fee policy for your admission track.
Application: Submit through the relevant doctoral admission process; final approval is granted by the doctoral committee and the Vice Dean of Studies.
Programme Structure
Core curricular components
- Lecture series: “Topics in Drug Discovery” (compulsory attendance).
- Retreats: participation in the regular programme retreats.
- Additional coursework: selected Master/PhD courses offered by ETH Zurich and/or the University of Zurich, chosen to match the candidate’s research topic and doctoral committee requirements.
Doctoral dissertation
- The PhD is completed through an independent scientific research project and a written dissertation.
- The scope and any additional conditions (including coursework) are defined individually by the student together with the doctoral committee.
Academic governance
- Doctoral regulations of the respective university must be followed.
- As a rule, admission and any conditions/additional requirements are decided by the Vice Dean of Studies.
Admission requirements
Admission to doctoral study generally requires a Master’s degree (or an equivalent degree) from a university. Each PhD project must be approved by an academic supervisor/professor at the Faculty of Science (or a person with the right to confer a PhD at the Faculty of Science).
Coursework required to meet conditions and/or restrictions may be specified by the doctoral committee and must not exceed 60 ECTS in total.
Final admission decisions and recognition of similar degrees are made by the Vice Dean of Studies, including any conditions and/or additional requirements.
English requirements
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Other requirements
General requirements
- Doctoral study is typically based on a Master’s degree (or equivalent).
- Each PhD project must be approved by an authorised academic supervisor/professor at the Faculty of Science.
- Coursework to meet conditions/restrictions may be required (up to 60 ECTS total).
- If your native language is not English, or if your prior studies were not conducted in English, you must provide proof of sufficient English knowledge.
- The language of instruction in PhD programmes is generally English (confirm for your specific project and committee requirements).
Post-study work rights for PhD graduates depend on your citizenship and the Swiss immigration framework in place at the time you graduate. In general, graduates may be eligible to apply for a residence permit for employment after completing their doctoral degree, subject to meeting the relevant conditions.
- Eligibility: You must hold a valid Swiss residence status during your studies and apply for the appropriate permit after graduation. Eligibility is assessed based on your personal situation, the job offer (if required), and compliance with Swiss immigration rules.
- Duration: If approved, the permit duration is typically linked to the employment contract and the applicable immigration policy for your category.
- Job requirements: In many cases, you will need a qualifying employment position in Switzerland that matches your education and experience.
- Timing: Apply within the required time window after graduation and ensure your documents (degree confirmation, transcripts, and employment documents) are up to date.
- Important: Rules can change and may differ by canton and nationality. Always check the latest guidance from the Swiss Federal Office for Migration (SEM) and your cantonal migration office.
Note: This programme record provides general information only. For advice tailored to your nationality and employment plans, consult the University of Zurich’s international office and the relevant Swiss migration authority.
