Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application due?
The application deadline is January 15th for courses beginning in August of the same year.
Where do I send the application?
You have to apply by using the online application tool. Application documents submitted by regular mail will not be considered!
To prepare your application, please create an online account and follow the instructions listed on your application dashboard:
Should I contact a potential supervisor before I apply?
No, we have a centralized application process. For this reason it is not possible to find a supervisor in advance; you have to go through the regular admission procedure. All students select a primary supervisor in their second year of study.
Do I have to pay an application fee when applying for admission for the program?
There is no general application fee to pay when applying for admission. When admitted to the program, the Dean's office of the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Informatics will have to verify all of a student's official documents, for which the student will be charged an administration fee of 100 Swiss francs. For more information about the matriculation process at UZH, please click on this link: Doctoral studies
What is the address for the GRE test result submission at UZH?
For the application to the Zurich Graduate School of Economics a copy of your GRE score will be sufficient. If admission is granted, you have to provide original documents and further details will be provided about how to do so.
Do I need to learn German?
No, all courses are taught in English.
Is it possible to apply for the program without having passed a TOEFL test?
Proficiency in English is required. In cases where no formal evidence is available, applicants should ask at least one referee to elaborate on the applicant’s ability to understand, communicate and write in English.
When does the fall term begin?
Please see the attached link for the dates the University of Zurich is in session:Semester dates. Note, however, that for new PhD students, there is a compulsory pre-sessional Introductory Maths course which begins in mid-August.
What is the expected time to completion of the program?
We expect students to complete the program in 4-5 years.