ETH Zurich - The bedrock of true Swiss values

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from.” ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (SwissAmerican psychiatrist and author) ~

ETH Zurich is a Science and Technology University which was founded in 1855. Ever since it was first founded, ETH Zurich has been a driving force behind Swiss industry, whose innovative products and services are in demand worldwide. The university was founded under the name “Polytechnikum” which was national educational institution of international standing, attracting talent from all over the world.

During the period of the Helvetic Republic, the Minister of Sciences and Arts Philipp Albert Stapfer drew up a concept for a Swiss national university. These ideas were given fresh impetus in 1848 with the foundation of the Swiss Federal State. Establishment of this Federal Polytechnic university could be regarded as a long-held Helvetic dream due to the consistent persuasion by its founders.

The purpose of the Federal Polytechnical School was to generate the knowledge needed to develop a national infrastructure for the future. At the same time, it set out to offer an outstanding educational programme with the aim of improving the professional and career opportunities of Switzerland’s elite. In the 1880’s and 1890’s construction of laboratory facilities was initiated to deepen the student’s knowledge of theory by scientific experimentation.

In 1911 the Federal Polytechnical School was renamed the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). This marked the end of an intensive debate on reform which had been going on since 1905. The institution’s study programme was thoroughly reorganised. The students of the polytechnical school became fully-fledged university students. 1908 was also the year in which the Federal Polytechnical School finally won the right to award doctorates. This paved the way for it to establish itself as a centre for academic research.

Bachelor’s Degree

The degree in ETH Zurich University is offered for the first and second year in German. Subjects offered are; Architecture and Civil Engineering, Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, System oriented Natural Sciences and Management and Social Sciences.

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree programme offers the opportunity for in-depth study in an area selected by students individually. After attending lectures and practical’s for two to three semesters, the first piece of independent research work in the form of the Master’s thesis is to be written. The language of instruction of many Master’s programmes is English. Some programmes offer course work in English and German. A few programmes are predominantly taught in German.

Financial

It is estimated that students spend CHF 16,000 to CHF 26,000 on study and living costs each year. The semester fee costs up to CHF 644. It is primarily the responsibility of students and their families to finance studies. If their funds are insufficient, students may file a scholarship request to the university.

Scholarships

The student’s enrolled need to show they have continuous progress in their studies to earn a scholarship. Scholarships from ETH Zurich are always intended to provide subsidiary funding. These scholarships do not completely cover the costs of studies and living. Swiss students and students who have taken up residence in Switzerland are entitled to scholarships covering up to 60% of the costs, while foreign students may receive a contribution of up to 40%.

In addition, there are merit based scholarships and excellence scholarships offered to Master’s degree students. Furthermore the Swiss Government; The Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards scholarships for postgraduate studies to foreign students with a university degree.

Career

Studying in ETH Zurich exposes a student on how to get employed or how to start one’s own company or be an academic. The University provides guidance and has a network of major corporations which offers jobs for graduates. There are job fairs and promotion programmes offered at the university. Furthermore internships are available to interested students and an alumni network which is established to get guidance from to budding scientists, engineers, innovators and business leaders!

Expect rank eight; Imperial College London in the coming week! Sir Winston Churchill used to say “If you’re going through hell, keep going!” So heads up and start walking that path to your goals. Devuni Goonewardene