Exchange Semester for Students of Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Spatial Planning
Study what society and industry need, experience innovation, and gain international perspectives – that’s what studying at Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) is all about. OST offers a unique environment where knowledge meets real-world challenges. Located in the heart of Eastern Switzerland, it’s a place to learn, connect, and grow in an inspiring international setting.
“I had a very positive experience at OST and am grateful for the opportunity. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, which made my exchange enjoyable from the start. The well-organised programs and activities helped me feel included, and the study week in Vienna and the industrial project were real highlights.”
Mia Acton, Incoming Studentin, Frühlingssemester 2026
Why An Exchange Semester With Us?
An exchange semester at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) in the fields of engineering, computer science, architecture, construction, landscape architecture, and urban planning offers you a practice-oriented program in an innovative environment with a strong focus on application and research.
At the Rapperswil-Jona campus, you’ll study right on Lake Zurich in an inspiring setting surrounded by water, nature, and modern infrastructure. The close integration of teaching, research, and practical experience, combined with small class sizes, enables a personalized and intensive learning experience at a high academic level.
Rapperswil-Jona combines a historic old town, a high quality of life, and excellent connections to Zurich and the rest of Switzerland—ideal for an enriching exchange semester that offers both academic and personal growth.
Important Information About the Exchange Semester
Application
Please check our factsheet and the course offer in the download area for courses offered in English, application procedure, deadlines, semester dates and language requirements.
To be accepted as an exchange student at OST you need to be nominated by one of our partner universities. After we have received your nomination we will send you detailed information about the application process.
Please note our nomination deadlines for partner universities:
15 May for Fall Semester
15 October for Spring Semester
Please note our application deadlines for incoming students:
1 June for Fall Semester
1 November for Spring Semester
You can find OST semester dates here.
If your home university is not a partner university of OST you can study with us as a «free mover». Contact us for more information.
We support you before, during and after your stay at OST. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Campuses
OST has three sites: Rapperswil, St. Gallen and Buchs. (Additionally, some Master classes take place in Zurich.) Exchange students only choose one campus depending on their study program. You can find information about the location of each study program in the fact sheet (see Download area).
- Campus Rapperswil: Rapperswil with its Mediterranean holiday atmosphere is a beautiful town located on Lake Zurich, 30 minutes by train from Zurich. It is close to mountains and offers great possibilities for hiking and sports.
- Campus St.Gallen: St. Gallen with its picturesque old town and a rich historical heritage offers great cultural life and is close to Lake Constance.
- Campus Buchs: Buchs is wonderful for people who love mountains and the outdoors. Buchs is located in the border region between Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria.
Accomodation
The student hall of residence in Rapperswil is conveniently located, just a five-minute bus ride from campus and a brief five-minute walk to the lake, and with wonderful views to the lake and to the mountains. You can apply for accommodation in your application if you are interested to stay at the student dorm.
For students staying in St.Gallen or Buchs the International Office can assist to find private housing.
Costs and Funding
Exchange students coming from partner universities do not pay tuition fees at OST.
As a student from a European partner university, you will additionally receive a Swiss-European-Mobility Programme (SEMP) grant from us.
The cost of living in Switzerland is high compared to its neighboring countries. You can find detailed information about living costs in Switzerland in the fact sheet.
Exchange Program for Industrial Engineering Students
Every spring semester OST offers a fully English taught program for Industrial Engineering Students at Campus St.Gallen: Become part of a small team of international students: work for one semester on an industrial product development project provided by a Swiss corporation, benefit from the support of different coaches, and gain important experience for both your professional and personal development.
Please find more detailed information in the flyer in the download area.