Higher Education In Switzerland: What You Need To Know

higher education switzerland

While Switzerland is known for its stunning alpine scenery along with delicious chocolates, cheese, and some of the best watches in the world, it is also home to a world-class higher education system that most don’t seem to know about.

If you are reading this, chances are you are looking to see whether you or your child should join the higher Swiss education system – and it is certainly not a bad idea

This excellent system attracts students from all over the world and is home to some of the best higher education establishments in the world. So, what are the details, and what is so great? That is what we are here to find out.

Join me as I run through almost everything you might want to know the higher education in Switzerland from the different levels to tuition fees, admission requirements, great courses, and more.

Higher Education in Switzerland

higher education swiss
Tertiary students

There are two types of higher education systems in Switzerland and these include Tertiary Level A and Tertiary Level B.

Do not get caught up in A and B in terms of one being better than the other, it is more about the different higher education institutions which fall into each class.

Tertiary Level A

Tertiary Level A is all about research and theoretical studies and incorporates all the universities that focus on these types of studies.

At Tertiary Level A institutions you can do bachelor’s degrees, master’s, and doctoral programs too.

Some of the top universities in Switzerland including the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, University of Geneva, and University of Lausanne are all Tertiary Level A.

Tertiary Level B

Tertiary Level B includes universities that focus mainly on applied sciences and arts, which is very different from research and theory, hence the different classifications.

Tertiary Level B institutions are all about combining practical and vocational training where students learn about all the theories and get to do some real-world applications.

The universities of Applied Sciences and Arts offer cover courses such as engineering, business, hospitality, design, and social sciences.

In fact, Switzerland is home to some of the best hospitality management schools on the planet as long as engineering schools too – just look at their alpine railways.

The teaching at Tertiary Level B universities is much more hands-on and the courses come with lots of internships, practical projects, and industry collaborations.

Some of the top universities of applied sciences and arts in Switzerland are Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Bern University of Applied Sciences.

Tuition Fees for Higher Education in Switzerland

higher educ students
Tertiary students

Switzerland has relatively affordable higher education compared to other countries and this most likely contributes to why such a high percentage of Switzerland attend higher education – 52% of adults in Switzerland go from upper secondary education to higher education.

However, it’s important to note that tuition fees vary depending on the type of institution, program, and nationality.

Generally, public universities in Switzerland have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions as one would expect.

For Swiss citizens and residents, tuition fees at public universities are typically subsidized or even waived altogether which makes higher education pretty much free.

Foreign students, on the other hand, are required to pay higher fees, as usual. These fees can range from around CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000 per semester for bachelor’s and master’s programs which is pretty cheap compared to the likes of the USA and UK.

Doctoral programs often have low or even no tuition fees, as students are usually employed as research or teaching assistants during their courses.

While the fees might not be expensive, let’s not forget about living costs which should be factored into your budget. Switzerland is a very expensive county and when you include accommodation, meals, transportation, and healthcare in the budget, the price is going to go up a lot.

Requirements for Admission and Application Process

higher education switzerland application process

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The admission requirements for higher education in Switzerland can vary depending on the university, program, and level of study, however, there are some common requirements:

  • Previous Education – Students will need a high school diploma or equivalent for bachelor’s programs. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is needed for master’s programs, and a master’s degree or equivalent is usually needed for doctoral programs
  • Languages – To study in Switzerland you have to be almost fluent in the language the course is being taught in – this can be English, German, French, or Italian. Certificates proving this such as TestDaF, DELF, TOEFL, IELTS, and CELI will be required.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Depending on the program, applicants may be required to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers.
  • Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose or motivation letter is often required, outlining the applicant’s academic and career goals, reasons for choosing the program, and relevant experiences.
  • CV or Resume: A comprehensive CV or resume highlighting the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, and other relevant information can be required
  • Application Fee: Some universities charge an application fee, which varies from one institution to another.

Popular Courses in Swiss Universities

higher education switzerland popular course

Swiss universities offer a diverse range of courses for students to choose from and the most popular ones tend to be in the course Swiss universities are known for, here are some of them.

  • Engineering and Technology: Between Switzerland’s mountain railways and the hadron collider, it is no surprise that Swiss universities are excellent at engineering. Courses in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and information technology are super popular
  • Business and Management: Being one of the world’s leading economies it makes a lot of sense that Swiss universities offer excellent programs in all things business. From administration to finance, international business, and entrepreneurship – all these courses are very popular.
  • Hospitality and Tourism: With its stunning landscapes and world-class hospitality, Swiss hospitality schools are some of the best in the world. This makes Switzerland an excellent and popular choice for studying hospitality management, hotel management, and tourism.
  • Life Sciences and Medicine: Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of life sciences, biotechnology, genetics, pharmaceutical sciences, and medicine.
  • Environmental Sciences: Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation is reflected in its programs in environmental sciences, renewable energy, and climate change studies which makes it a popular place for students to study these fields.

Academic Year Structure for Higher Education Institutions

Swiss higher education institutions usually follow a two-semester academic year structure which is divided into the autumn and spring semesters, with breaks in between.

The autumn semester usually starts in mid-September and goes on to December when students are usually on holiday until February.

The spring semester then begins in February and finishes in May or June with a long summer break in July and August so students can do things like internships, research, and have some fun.

Scholarships or Financial Assistance Available for International Students

higher education switzerland scholarship

Switzerland offers various scholarships and financial assistance programs to support international students in their pursuit of higher education.

These programs aim to attract talented students from around the world and promote cultural exchange. Here are some scholarship opportunities available:

  • Swiss-European Mobility Program (SEMP) is an exchange program between Swiss universities and other similar institutions in Europe. It offers a great chance for students to study abroad with some financial support.
  • University-specific Scholarships are offered by lots of Swiss universities o international students and can be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to the program of study.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Switzerland?

Bachelor’s programs in Switzerland typically last about three years, like they do in the rest of the world. Master’s programs usually last one or two years. 

Doctoral programs can take a very long time, up to 10 years in some cases but around three to five years is the average to complete a PhD.

What are the benefits of pursuing higher education in Switzerland?

There are lots of benefits to pursuing higher education in Switzerland and it is not just about the high academic standards and research-oriented approach held up by the Swiss Education System. 

Students will learn in a multilingual environment and most likely leave with a proficiency in more languages than they arrived with. Not only that but Swiss diplomas are highly regarded worldwide, offering graduates excellent prospects in the global job market.

Living in Switzerland is an experience in itself, and compared to say studying in London, adds a lot to one’s life experience through the culture and the stunning landscapes. 

Switzerland is also at the forefront of scientific research so students attending such courses will have access to cutting-edge facilities.

Are there language requirements for admission to Swiss universities?

Yes, there are language requirements for admission to Swiss universities. Students will have to prove that they are good enough at the language of instruction which could be German, French, Italian, or English. 

Certificates such as TestDaF, DELF, or CELI may be required and students might have to do English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS to be admitted to courses taught in English.

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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