BFA and MFA programs

Zurich is an international hub for the arts and sciences, where tradition meets diversity and future oriented forward thinking. Its cultural facilities are unrivalled in Switzerland for their richness and variety. Historically a hub with global impact, the city remains home to much of Switzerland’s contemporary art and music. Its techno scene was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

With around 2,800 Bachelor and Master students and 650 teaching staff, Zurich University of the Arts is one of the major universities of the arts in Europe. Its diverse range of degree and research programs include Fine Arts, Design, Film, Music, Dance, Theatre and Art Education. ZHdK is also a partner of the Shared Campus with active international exchange programs and residencies, in particular with various partners from art universities in East, South East Asia and the UK. The university offers a contemporary environment with “state-of-the-art” facilities and beautiful studio spaces for all Fine Arts students. DFA x Toni Campus: Video.

Bachelor Fine Arts
The BFA program trains and educates young artists with an international perspective. Artistic practice is a central element of the course. The aim is to teach students the basic principles of individual and/or collaborative artistic practice and to prepare them to work in the art world. The program is a forum for debate and critical reflection on art, culture, and society. It makes it possible to promote the specific artistic interests of the individual students through a clearly tailored course of study. 

Personal responsibility and self-organization are key elements of the course. The program is complemented by trips in Switzerland and abroad, on which students visit and reflect on exhibitions, collections, biennales, etc. Around half of the modules are taught in English.

Head of the BFA program: Raphael Gygax

Faculty members and guest lecturers include, among others: Marc Bauer, Pauline Boudry, Monster Chetwynd, Maria Eichhorn, Franziska Koch, Bea Schlingelhoff, Edward Thomasson and Wu Tsang.

Master Fine Arts
The ZHdK Master’s program in Fine Arts is taught in English and stands out with its comprehensive approach to the study of art. The program deepens students’ understanding of artistic practice, and refines their professional skills. It provides them with the necessary contextual foundation for new work in the field of art, and combines know-how with theory across disciplines and methodologies. In this environment, students can thrive as artists and establish a national an international network to develop their careers.

The program comprises not only individual projects, seminars, group tutorials, and art talk series but study trips to international venues as well. In 2021 for example, MFA students have the opportunity to visit the Venice Biennale, documenta15 and Berlin Biennale 12.

Head of the MFA program: Judith Welter

Faculty members and guest lecturers in 2021/2022 include, among others: knowbotics, Jonas Lund, Uriel Orlow, Marie-France Rafael, Paulina Olowska, Julia Scher, Shirana Shahbazi and Annika Ström.

Head of Department of Fine Arts: Swetlana Heger

Tuition fees
Swiss and EU: 720 CHF per semester. Outside Europe: 1,220 CHF per semester

Duration
BFA, six semesters full time study. MFA, four semesters full time study.