Switzerland known for its utmost beauty is much more. Every year this place becomes a bucket list for many travellers and explorers all around the world. But have you heard about education in Switzerland? Well, if you haven’t then you are at the right place as Switzerland is known for its quality education worldwide with its top courses.
With its groundbreaking research facilities and top Swiss universities it creates a right mix of education for international students. From Swiss MBAs to PhD programmes all are in demand and offer a great choice of career opportunities.
Tuition fees at public universities
A significant amount of funding is provided by the Swiss government to public universities. In comparison to university fees charged by institutions from the US and UK, tuition fees at Canadian universities are more affordable. During an exchange program, international students do not pay tuition fees.
Average tuition fees at Swiss public universities:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes: 400 – 3,700 EUR/year
- PhD degrees: 100 – 900 EUR/year
Tuition fees at private universities
The average tuition fee at Swiss private universities can reach 43,000 EUR per year. When students pay the full amount at the beginning of their study program, some universities offer a discount. Depending on the degree, tuition may be calculated by how many credits or courses are required.
Basic requirements to study in Switzerland
- First you have to check if the school you’ve graduated from is recognised by the International Baccalaureate or not.
- A valid passport which is valid for 3 months and more for your stay.
- Medical insurance which covers additional cover for accidents.
- Proof of fees payment
- CV/Resume
- Bank statement of 1 year.
- Enough funds to support your stay in the country
- Signed letter for proof that once your program ends, you will leave the country immediately.
- Proof of English language proficiency test such as TOEFL, IELTS, DET, etc. (if applying for visa without IELTS or TOEFL, then language certificates in either French, Italian or German are compulsory)
- If under 18, birth certificate and copies of parents’ passports and if f traveling alone, authorization to travel from guardians
The following subjects are recognised by the International Baccalaureate.
- All languages
- Economics
- Business and management
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics: applications and interpretation standard or higher level; analysis and approaches standard or higher level
- Computer science
Languages that are generally required to get admitted into most universities.
- First language (native language)
- Second language
- Mathematics (Higher Level / Standard Level)
- Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
- Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics / business and management)
- Elective (one subject from category 2, 4 oder 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject)
Taking up one university at a time, there are 14 public and generic universities in Switzerland, 10 of which are maintained at cantonal level and usually offer a range of non-technical subjects. Of the remaining 4 institutions, 2 are run by the Swiss Confederation and are known as “Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology”.
Switzerland is obviously most popular for its modern business education system. A number of world-class universities and MBA programmes, such as the International Institute for Management Development, HEC Lausanne, St. Gallen, Kalaidos FH and University of Zurich belong to that category.
Top Universities:
The top university, providing a wide array of non-technical and technical subjects. Costing around CHF 710 (~US$740) per semester.
One has to pass the EFPL entrance exam if the following requirements are not fulfilled ;
International Baccalaureate including the subjects
- Mathematics
- Physics, and
- first modern language at the HL level (SL in a ‘Language A’ subject is also accepted for the modern language). The total points must be 38 out of 42 or above (excluding bonus points).
Three of the following additional subjects must have been completed at the SL (or HL) level:
- Applied mathematics or computer science,
- General geography,
- General history or general philosophy,
- Second modern language,
- Chemistry or biology (both Mathematics: Analysis and approaches’ and Mathematics: Applications and interpretation are considered as mathematics subjects, not as applied mathematics ones).
Offering short & academically potent courses for educated professionals and managers. Costing around CHF 730 per semester (~US$760).
One has to pass the ETHZ entrance exam if the following requirements are not fulfilled ;
- 38 out of 42 points (without bonus points);
- At Higher Level (HL): a) mathematics or further mathematics, b) physics or chemistry or biology, c) 1 language A;
- At Standard Level (SL): three additional subjects of the following: physics, chemistry, biology, geography, history, economics or business management, 1 further language only, computer science.
Another great university offering a lot of amazing non-technical courses. For a bachelor’s degree it’s around 1,714 USD/year & for a master’s degree 1,714 USD/year.
The prerequisites for this University are ;
Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
In category 6 ; Elective also accepted: Computer Science, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Anthropology.
The University of Bern is in the Swiss capital of Bern and was founded in 1834. Costing around for a Bachelor’s program (foreigners) 1,513 USD/year & for a Master’s degree (foreigners) 1,513 USD/year.
To get admitted, one needs:
Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject).
Hope that’s been a helpful start if you’re aiming to land a seat in the Swiss temple of learning. Visawebs aims at providing precise information to the students directly and help their growth whenever & wherever required.
About Visawebs
Student-oriented education startup Visawebs was founded in 2018, providing a one-stop solution for students planning to study abroad. In addition to promoting sensible education choices which help students find the career abroad that is best suited to their profile, we also help them settle in the destination country in the best possible way. Over 5000 students have registered with the company and they have partnered with 50+ international universities (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland and more) which aims to provide students with services ranging from IELTS to finding the right mix of countries, degree programmes and institutions to VISA applications to a smooth landing. The program also includes assistance with education loans, forex, airport transfers, and part-time employment. International education and learning are the focus of Visawebs, a community-driven team.
For more information, contact: info@visawebs.com