Studying and High-Performance Sports
Supporting Student-Athletes
The University of Zurich is committed to supporting students who wish to balance their studies and high-performance sports. Studying and elite sports both require a great deal of time and commitment. It therefore makes sense to explore your options and how to balance your academic and athletic commitments at an early stage.
Who Is Considered an Elite Athlete?
You are considered an elite athlete if you have a Swiss Olympic Card. For more information, please visit the Swiss Olympic website (available in German or French):
Swiss Olympic: Swiss Olympic Card
What Study Arrangements Are Available?
Study arrangements depend on your study program, the type of sport, and what stage of the program you’re in. This is why it’s important that you contact your student advisory office early on. We recommend bringing your training and competition schedule to this meeting. By comparing the requirements of your study program with your weekly training commitments, competitions and training camps, we can get a realistic understanding of how much time needs to be set aside for your studies. In some cases, it may also make sense to choose a study program that fits your sporting commitments.
* Whenever possible, your competition schedule should take into account any medium to long-term athletic goals that are already known. This way, you can identify potential conflicts with exam periods, compulsory courses or term papers.
More Information and Advisory Offices at the Faculties
You can find more information and/or the contact details for your study program’s advisory office on your faculty's website:
Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics
Faculty of Medicine (in German)
Vetsuisse Faculty (in German)
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty of Science
Short-Term Adjustments
Short-term adjustments – such as canceling a module – need to be requested at the dean’s office of your faculty, which specifies the requirements that apply. Such requests are subject to certain processes and deadlines. Student Advisory Services are happy to advise and support you with this.
Advice and Support
Student Advisory Services will be happy to answer your questions and help you get in touch with the right people. We can also support you with any necessary requests, incl. last-minute module cancellations. Please contact us by e-mail:
Contact for Studies and High-Performance Sports (E-mail)