Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH)

Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH)

The Zurich University of Teacher Education, in German Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich or PHZH, is the largest university of teacher education in Switzerland. Formed by the merger of 11 teacher training institutions in 2002, it was one of the four schools within the Zurich University of Applied Sciences but after gaining institutional accreditation became independent in 2023.

Academic Highlights

The University trains new teachers at all levels (preschool, primary school, secondary school and vocational training) and offers continuing education opportunities for education specialists.

Students have the option to complete the International Professional Experience (IPE) program in Zurich through PHZH.

Location

The main buildings of the University campus are located opposite the main train station in central Zurich on Europaallee, a lively promenade with many restaurants, bars, shops and cafés.

Did you know?

The city of Zurich is the largest higher education centre in Switzerland and is ranked among the top student cities according to the QS Best Student Cities among the five most popular university locations in the world.

Language of Instruction

German, English (limited in some areas)

Program Duration

1 semester, 2 semesters

Academic Level

Undergraduate, Postgraduate

Minimum Result Required60% WAM

Anticipated Places in Semester 1, 2027

3-4 places

Exchange Availability

Green

Eligible Monash Campus

Monash Australia

Agreement Scope

Education

Handbook/Catalogue

List of units (known as courses or modules at PHZH) in English, French and German can be found here.

Full-time Credit Load Equivalents

Semester

Min. 18 Monash points

Max. 24 Monash points

22.5 ECTS*

30 ECTS

ECTS - European Credit Transfer System

*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.

Year

Min. 36 Monash points

Max. 48 Monash points

45 ECTS

60 ECTS

Academic Calendar

Autumn Semester (Monash Semester 2): early September – mid-December
Spring Semester (Monash Semester 1): early February – late May

PHZH's Academic Calendar

Education - early childhood

Education - primary schooling

Education - secondary schooling

Education - vocational schooling

Note

  • The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
  • Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.

Accommodation

PHZH can provide a limited number of rooms. If needed, the International Office of at the University offers assistance in finding accommodation. Read the Tips for Accommodation Search PDF for more information.

Visas

Students from non-EU/EFTA countries require a visa to enter Switzerland. The International Office of the University will provide information about how to apply for a visa for your stay in Switzerland.  In the meantime, check the website of the Federal Government of Switzerland to find out about the current entry and residence regulations for Switzerland.

Health and insurance

When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy.  If you have private insurance, you can apply for exemption from compulsory insurance in Switzerland but this exemption is usually denied which means you must take out Swiss health insurance for international students. For more information, read the 'Compulsory health insurance' section on the Study as an exchange student at PH Zurich web page.

Orientation and extra-curricular

Before you travel to Zurich, the University will connect you with a student. With this support, you will quickly become familiar with student life at the PH Zurich and in Zurich.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Switzerland, and especially in Zurich, is relatively high by international standards and ranges between CHF 1,500 and 1,800 per month, depending on individual needs and activities. See Zurich on the Expatistan site (this is a website external to the University and intended to be indicative only).

Funding

For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.

If you want to spend time over the summer break in January experiencing Swiss school life through PHZH, go to the International Professional Experience (IPE) brochure.

To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.

Apply here

Be one of the first and tell us your story via this survey form!