OpenFieldZurich University of the Arts (Zürcher Hochschule der Künste / ZHdK), based at the iconic Toni-Areal in Zurich West, is one of Europe's largest, most prestigious, and technologically avant-garde arts and design universities. Renowned for its Department of Design, Immersive Arts Space, Centre for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST), and cutting-edge research in human-machine interaction, virtual reality, and sonic spatialization.
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Fully funded practice-based doctoral research position at the Toni-Areal campus, investigating enactive interaction design, algorithmic aesthetics, immersive spatial media, and sound art.
Two-year Master of Arts taught in English, educating design leaders in tangibility, speculative design futures, AI-driven conversational interfaces, and human-machine collaboration.
Two-year research appointment at the Immersive Arts Space, utilizing 3D motion-tracking systems, 360-degree projection domes, and high-density ambisonic sound systems for live performance.
Prestigious federal scholarships awarded by the Swiss Confederation to foreign artists and designers to pursue postgraduate master's studies or research at Swiss arts universities.
Two-year master's degree at the Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST), training electronic composers in 3D ambisonics, wave field synthesis, and acoustic spatialization.
Two-year postdoctoral research appointment at the Institute for the Performing Arts and Film, examining artistic documentary filmmaking, digital archiving, and bodily performance in virtual spaces.
Six-month research internship at the ZHdK GameLab, building experimental game mechanics, narrative puzzles, and embodied physical controllers.
Tuition at Zurich University of the Arts is CHF 720 per semester for Swiss and EU/EFTA citizens, and CHF 1,220 per semester (approx. USD $1,400) for international students. Doctoral candidates (enrolled in joint PhD programs in Arts and Design with partner universities like University of Zurich, Kunstuniversität Linz, or TU Vienna) receive salaried Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) or ZHdK research contracts earning CHF 47,000 to CHF 52,000 per year with zero tuition.
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Zurich University of the Arts:
Professor of Interaction Design & Head of Enactive Environments · Interaction Design, Enactive Sound, Physical Computing, Embodied Interfaces
Professor of Film and Media Arts & Head of Immersive Arts Space · Immersive Arts, Virtual Reality, Cinematography, Spatial Storytelling
Professor of Cultural Production and Music Management · Cultural Production, Audience Research, Music Sociology, Museum Studies
Facts reflect official Zurich University of the Arts documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue