The PhD in Computational Science at the University of Zurich combines independent research with a structured doctoral curriculum. Students complete at least 12 ECTS of coursework tailored to their research area, alongside research seminars and academic development activities.
Duration: Typically 3–5 years (doctoral duration depends on the individual project and progress).
Credits: Curricular part of at least 12 ECTS (individualised with the doctoral committee).
Delivery format: On-campus doctoral studies at the University of Zurich, with research-led learning and seminar participation.
Language of instruction: As a rule, English.
Teaching requirement: At least one teaching load in each semester.
Research community engagement: Attendance of at least one relevant scientific congress or summer school per year is compulsory.
Start dates: Please check the University of Zurich doctoral admission calendar for the current intake periods.
Tuition fees: Fees may apply depending on your status and funding; confirm the latest information with the university.
Programme Structure
The PhD in Computational Science combines independent research with a personalised doctoral curriculum. The curricular component is agreed with your doctoral committee and is designed to match your research focus while strengthening your general computational science foundation.
Curricular component (minimum 12 ECTS)
- Computational Thinking
- High Performance Computing
- Academia–Industry Modeling Week
- Retrieving Geographic Information (Zurich Colloquium in Applied …)
- Computational Mathematics
Doctoral training and academic development
- Research seminars (weekly participation is strongly encouraged; typically without ECTS credits)
- Scientific congress or summer school attendance: at least one relevant event per year is compulsory
- Teaching experience: at least one teaching load in each semester
Dissertation
The program culminates in a written doctoral dissertation based on your independent research project. The research topic and supervision are defined within the doctoral framework and approved by the responsible faculty.
Academic requirements
Admission to doctoral study is governed by the University of Zurich admission ordinance for doctoral studies (Verordnung über die Zulassung an der Universität Zürich, VZS).
- The main requirement is a Master’s degree from a university or an equivalent degree.
- Each PhD project must be approved by a professor at the Faculty of Science (or another person with the right to confer a PhD at the Faculty of Science).
GRE/GMAT and GPA grading score requirements are not specified for this programme.
English requirements
As a rule, the language of instruction in the PhD programs is English. Applicants whose native language is not English, or whose prior studies were not conducted in English, must provide proof of sufficient English knowledge.
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 100
- IELTS: minimum 7.0
Other requirements
- Proof of eligibility for doctoral study under the University of Zurich doctoral admission regulations.
- Application materials typically include academic transcripts and degree certificates, and documentation supporting your research fit (exact list may vary by applicant profile and supervisor/faculty requirements).
Note: Specific application deadlines and intake dates depend on the doctoral admission process and the faculty’s current schedule—please verify the latest dates on the University of Zurich website.
Post-study work options for PhD graduates (Switzerland):
After completing your PhD at the University of Zurich, you may be eligible to apply for a residence permit for employment in Switzerland. In practice, eligibility depends on factors such as your job offer, qualifications, and compliance with Swiss immigration rules.
Typical requirements (general guidance):
- You must have completed your degree and be able to provide proof of graduation.
- You generally need a concrete employment offer or a clearly defined employment plan in Switzerland.
- Your employer may need to follow Swiss hiring and work-permit procedures.
- Permit duration and conditions are determined by Swiss authorities based on the employment contract and your situation.
Important:
- Swiss rules can change and may differ depending on your nationality and the type of employment.
- For the most accurate information, consult the Swiss Federal Office for Migration (SEM) and the University of Zurich international office.
