UZH Celebrates Completion of ‘Explore – Academic Orientation Program for Refugees’
On 25 June 2026, the University of Zurich celebrated the successful conclusion of Explore, an academic orientation program designed to support refugees in navigating the Swiss higher education system.
Explore 2025/26 supported 25 participants in improving their skills in German, gaining a better understanding of the Swiss higher education system, and exploring their future academic and professional options. The graduation ceremony for the 2025/26 cohort took place on 26 June 2026. Together with their families, friends, student mentors, and staff members, participants celebrated the successful completion of their year in the program.
The reception following the ceremony provided an opportunity for participants, guests, and staff to look back on the experiences they shared throughout the year and to exchange ideas about the graduates’ future plans. While the programme has come to an end, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for its participants, who are now pursuing studies, entering the job market, gaining experience through internships, and continuing to develop their German language skills towards the C1 level. The next edition of the program, Explore 2026/27, is set to begin in September 2026.
Explore reflects the University of Zurich’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusive access to education. By providing targeted language and orientation support, the program offers refugees a valuable introduction to academic life in Switzerland. Explore is part of UZH’s broader efforts to promote diversity and global engagement, as outlined in its Global Strategy 2030.
