Incoming Students: Mobility Opportunities at PHSZ

he PHSZ offers two bachelor's degree programmes (German): Pre-Primary/Primary Education (BA) and Primary Education (BA). The instruction language is primarily German, with a few modules taught in French and English. The programme for visiting students is supplemented by modules at neighbouring teacher education universities, easily accessible by a short train ride. School internships take place at public or international schools and are organized by the PH Schwyz.

German speaking students can choose from the variety of our regular courses publiched on the PH Schwyz Webportal.

English taught courses are available in the course catalogue, including an explanation on the Swiss grading system, and are published on the PHSZ website. They are adapted yearly. 

Our doors are open to international students in either the autumn or the spring semester.

• The autumn semester starts in September in week 37, (introductury days week 36) and ends after week 50.
• The spring semester starts in March in week 9 and ends after week 22.

Assignments usually need to be submitted during the semester, whereas exams take place in the last two weeks before the semester ends.

Before you start your studies, you'll have to fill out a learning agreement which will be signed by your International Office and the one of the PH Schwyz.

You are given credit points (as set up in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)) for your academic achievements and receive a Transcript or Record (TOR) at the end of your stay.

You can earn a maximum of 30 credit points per semester at the PH Schwyz. Check with your home institution how many credit points you're required to obtain.

We require a minimal English level B2 for non-German speaking students, in order for you to follow the courses and to be able to communicate with local students. You will also have the opportunity to take a German language course for beginners. Make your first steps with Online Linguistic Support (OLS) , offered by Erasmus+.

In principle, incoming students have to organise their own accommodation, as there is no student housing on the PHSZ university campus.

The PHSZ International Office is willing to help you find suitable accommodation. Let us know if you need any assistance.

You need to make sure to have sufficient insurance coverage. Individuals staying in Switzerland for more than three months must comply with the compulsory health regulations.

Incoming students who already have sufficient insurance coverage in their own country, which also covers health and accident insurance in Switzerland, are exempt.

Check your insurance coverage with your medical insurance provider and ask them to issue an insurance card eg. a European Health Insurance Card. We also recommend that you conclude a third party liability insurance valid abroad.

Students are responsible for your visa and entry formalities.

If a visa is needed, please apply to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your own country sufficiently early enough. EU citizens only need a residence permit. In order to obtain this, you will need to register at the town you are staying in within 14 days after entry into Switzerland and inform them when you leave again. The permit costs between CHF 50 to CHF 100.

Detailed information, fact sheets and forms can be found at the local authorities in canton Schwyz www.sz.ch or canton Uri www.uri.ch.

Within the framework of the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) you will receive a grant from the PH Schwyz which is in line with the Erasmus+ regulations. Depending on your individual needs, living costs in Switzerland are approx. CHF 1500 per month. More information can be found on the website of Movetia, the National Agency for Exchange and Mobility.

*The grant will be deducted of CHF 100 if you are not travelling environmental friendly as for example by train.

Public transport in Switzerland is excellent, very reliable but also expensive. For longer stays it is worth buying a Swiss Half Fare Card. The PH Schwyz will support the purchase. For more information see www.sbb.ch/en.

Travel to Switzerland and explore the environment in a ecological way by train. You can use the Interrail Pass for Erasmus+.

For a mobility, please contact the International Office at your home institution who will then nominate your application and send it to the PHSZ International Office.

For further information contact the PHSZ International Office under international@STOP-SPAM.phsz.ch.