CH · Bachelor's
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
BSc Computer Science
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Course Overview
ZHAW's BSc Computer Science, taught in English at the Winterthur campus near Zurich, is one of Switzerland's most industry-connected undergraduate IT degrees. As a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), ZHAW pairs strong fundamentals — algorithms, software engineering, databases, distributed systems, and machine learning — with a project-heavy, hands-on pedagogy and close ties to Swiss tech employers. Students choose specialisation tracks in Software Engineering, Data Science, or IT Security in the later years, and many complete an industry project or internship embedded in the curriculum.
Sri Lankan applicants pick ZHAW because it offers a globally respected Swiss degree, English-medium delivery, and tuition of roughly CHF 720 per semester — a fraction of UK, US, or Australian fees — while sitting inside one of Europe's strongest tech economies (Google Zurich, IBM Research, Meta, and a deep fintech/insurtech cluster). Students from Sri Lankan Physical Science / ICT A/L streams, or with SLIIT/NSBM diplomas, are well matched. Switzerland's high graduate salaries make the total investment exceptionally efficient.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L or Cambridge/Edexcel A Levels including Mathematics; a strong Physical Science / ICT profile is ideal.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 30+ points with HL Mathematics.
- check_circle Applicants may be asked to complete a preparatory year or aptitude assessment depending on prior maths depth.
- check_circle Direct credit possible for holders of a relevant SLIIT / NSBM / IIT diploma in Computing.
- check_circle Online application with certified, translated transcripts and CV.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan Edexcel/Cambridge International applicants qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CHF) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | CHF 1,440 | Rs. 532,800 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Winterthur/Zurich) | CHF 21,000 | Rs. 7,770,000 |
| Health Insurance (per year) | CHF 3,600 | Rs. 1,332,000 |
| Residence Permit & Setup | CHF 400 | Rs. 148,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | CHF 26,440 | Rs. 9,782,800 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Switzerland allows non-EU graduates 6 months to seek work, with software and data roles among the most in-demand skilled occupations. ZHAW computer-science graduates place at Google Zurich, IBM Research Rüschlikon, Swisscom, UBS Tech, Zühlke, and a dense start-up scene. Junior software-engineer salaries in the Zurich region run CHF 85,000-100,000 — among the highest in the world. The applied, internship-embedded curriculum means many graduates convert their placement into a full-time offer.
Related Programs
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in CH. We handle everything from applications to visa processing — and it starts with a free, in-person visit to one of our three offices.
ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.
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- location_on Rajagiriya (head office) 8th Floor, Jana Jaya City Mall, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
- location_on Jaffna 158 Hospital Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- location_on Matara No. 474 New Tangalle Road, Matara, Sri Lanka
schedule Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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