German courses for ZHdK students
International and exchange students of Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) have the option to attend subsidized German classes. A general knowledge of the German language is not only necessary for successfully completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Switzerland but also for a positive and unforgettable stay in Zurich and Switzerland.
In cooperation with our partner ZHdK, the Benedict Schule Zurich offers both intensive preparatory German courses as well as German semester courses for ZHdK exchange and international students.
Exchange students from ZHAW, PHZ and HFH can also sign up, but will be placed on a waitlist. ZHdK students take priority over students from the other schools.
The classes are held at our BeneCampus in Zurich Altstetten which can be reached every 5 - 6 minutes from the Toni Areal by tram (line 51, journey: 8 minutes) and is also easily accessible both by train and by car.
Upon successful completion of the course, ZHdK students can apply for a language learning grant. Contact the ZHdK Mobility Office for more information: international.office@misaificazhdk.ch.
Application deadline intensive course and semester courses: 19 January 2026
German Intensive and Semester Courses
A. Intensive Courses A1 / A2 (beginners only)
Upon successful completion of the course, ZHdK students can apply for a language learning grant. Contact the ZHdK Mobility Office for more information: international.office@misaificazhdk.ch.
Crash-courses as preparation for the upcoming semester.
Language levels
Intensive A1 and intensive A2
Course dates
Intensive A1:
02 – 12 February 2026
Intensive A2:
02 – 12 February 2026
Course times
Intensive A1:
09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00
Intensive A2:
09:00 to 12:.00 and 13:00 to 15:00
Duration and course days
9 full days
First week: Monday to Friday
Second week: Monday to Thursday
Invoice
Will be sent to you by email at the beginning of the course.
No-shows without official cancellation by the end of the registration deadline will be charged the full course fee.
Costs
- no charge for ZHdK exchange, guest or refugee students
- CHF 250 for all other ZHdK students
- CHF 350 for exchange students from PHZH, ZHAW and HfH*
- CHF 50.00 for course material for all participants
B. Semester Courses A1.2 / A2 (no beginner classes)
Upon successful completion of the course, ZHdK students can apply for a language learning grant. Contact the ZHdK Mobility Office for more information: international.office@misaificazhdk.ch.
Level-building German course during the semester. Students without any knowledge of German must first register for the intensive beginners course before attending the semester classes. A minimum level of A1.2 is required for the semester courses.
Language levels
A1.2, A2
Course dates
Semester A1.2:
17 February – 12 May 2026
Semester A2:
17 February – 12 May 2026
Course times
Semester A1.2:
Tuesday, 18:00 – 20:00
Semester A2:
Tuesday, 18:00 – 20:00
Duration
13 weeks
Invoice
Will be sent to you by email at the beginning of the course.
No-shows without official cancellation by the end of the registration deadline will be charged the full course fee.
Costs
- no charge for ZHdK exchange, guest or refugee students
- CHF 150 for all other ZHdK students
- CHF 250 for exchange students from PHZH, ZHAW and HfH*
- CHF 50.00 for course material for all participants
B. Semester Courses B1 / B2 (no beginner classes)
Upon successful completion of the course, ZHdK students can apply for a language learning grant. Contact the ZHdK Mobility Office for more information: international.office@misaificazhdk.ch.
Level-building German course during the semester. Students without any knowledge of German must first register for the intensive beginners course before attending the semester classes. A minimum level of B1 is required for the semester courses.
Language levels
B1 and B2
Course dates
Semester B1:
19 February – 21 May 2026
Semester B2:
19 February – 21 May 2026
Course times
Semester B1:
Thursday, 18:00 – 20:00
Semester B2:
Thursday, 18:00 – 20:00
Duration
13 weeks
Invoice
Will be sent to you by email at the beginning of the course.
No-shows without official cancellation by the end of the registration deadline will be charged the full course fee.
Costs
- no charge for ZHdK exchange, guest or refugee students
- CHF 150 for all other ZHdK students
- CHF 250 for exchange students from PHZH, ZHAW and HfH*
- CHF 50.00 for course material for all participants