Applications for Graduate Studies
Master's Programme

Welcome to the web site of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Zurich. We seek to attract the most promising students in theoretical physics and astrophysics from all over the world to come and pursue Master's study in Zurich. The graduate studies are fully conducted in English and students can attend graduate courses both at the University of Zurich and at ETH Zurich. Students accepted to our program will benefit from a comprehensive and challenging training program, a productive and stimulating working atmosphere, and the opportunity to pursue a challening research project in one of the world's leading research groups.

To apply for the Master's program, the basic requirement is a 3 year Bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy or related field. At this level, funding is usually external and the potential applicants are encouraged to apply to their national or Swiss agencies (e.g. Erasmus at www.crus.ch). In exceptional cases funding for applicants may be considered. Approximate costs of living in Zürich can be found here.

Applications for the Master's program must be received by 15th March for studies beginning in the fall semester, or 15th October for studies beginning in the spring semester. Once accepted by the ITP, students need to enroll with the University: http://www.uzh.ch/studies/application/master_en.html. More information for applicants with foreign qualifications can be found on the English application form: http://www.uzh.ch/studies/application/master/apply/bewerbung_master_ausland.pdf. The Master's program lasts 1.5 years.

In addition to the ITP application form (below), applications for Master's studies should include a CV, statement of research interests and previous research experience, course grade transcripts and 3 letters of reference and should be sent to Suzanne Wilde, msc@physik.unizh.ch, or to

Institute for Theoretical Physics
Graduate and Postgraduate Studies
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstr. 190
CH-8057 Zurich Switzerland

Application forms can be downloaded here:

Application Form:
Word Document / PDF

Recommendation Form:
Word Document / PDF

GRE and TOEFL scores are useful if available, but not required. A photocopy of official score notification is acceptable. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview (with expenses covered) before the final decision is made.

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact the faculty for further information.
The particle physics faculty are Thomas Gehrmann and Daniel Wyler. Research interests include collider physics, heavy flavours, physics beyond the standard model, astroparticle physics, effective field theories, precision calculations and computer algebra.
The astrophysics faculty at the University of Zurich are George Lake, Ben Moore, and Uros Seljak. Research interests include galaxy formation and dynamics, planet formation, gravitational lensing, gravitational waves, dark matter, early universe, cosmic microwave background and large scale structure of the universe. Theoretical research at the University of Zurich is complemented by the experimental groups at ETH. Scientific computing infrastructure is very strong with dedicated high performance supercomputers with 700 state-of-art CPUs.