Master's degree in Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its reputed universities for master programs that are Internationally recognized. Nearly each applicant craving to have a better future wishes to start a master's degree at a Swiss university. It's a dream come true for them. So, if you do not want to remain behind, let's get begun with Scoutabroad where you'll get appropriate supervision and direction for your favorable master's course in Switzerland. We assist you in taking each step professionally that takes you closer to your dream.
How much it costs to study Master's in Switzerland
Studying for a master's degree in Switzerland is affordable compared to other popular destinations like US, UK or Canada for master studies.
Tuition Fees in Switzerland
- Public University fees: Ranges from CHF 1,500 – 4,000 per year.
- Private University fees: Ranges from CHF 10,000 – 40,000 per year.
Average Monthly Living Costs in Switzerland
- Accommodation: Ranges from CHF 700 – 1,500
- Food: CHF 400 – 800
- Transport: Ranges from CHF 50 – 100 with student discounts
- Miscellaneous (Insurance, Leisure, Books): CHF 200 – 500
Scholarships in Switzerland
Some of the Top Scholarships in Switzerland is listed below:
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
- Offered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
- Available for researchers (PhD, post-doc) and artists from over 180 countries.
- Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
- For master’s students at ETH Zurich, one of Switzerland’s top technical universities.
- Covers full study and living costs.
- Requires excellent academic records.
EPFL Excellence Fellowships
- Offered by Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL).
- For outstanding students enrolling in master’s programs.
- Includes financial support and mentoring.
University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
- For students applying to master’s programs in science.
- Covers partial to full tuition fees, depending on merit.
- Funded by the Faculty of Science.
University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master's Grants
- Aimed at international students pursuing master’s degrees.
- Offers a fixed monthly amount for the duration of the program.
- Competitive and based on academic excellence.
IMD MBA Scholarships
- Offered by IMD Business School in Lausanne.
- Multiple scholarships are available for MBA candidates.
Admission Requirements to Study in Switzerland
Below are the admission requirements to study in Switzerland as an international student. You can also create a checklist from the list given below, to be followed during your application process in the future. You will be required to keep the following documents ready when applying to a Swiss university.
- Two passport-size photographs
- An updated CV
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport Copy
- Language proficiency certificate (or marks)
- Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- University Application Form
- Proof of Application Fee Payment
- Proof of Financial Means
- Health Insurance Proof
Step to apply for Masters in Switzerland
The process of starting your higher education in Switzerland is simple. The step-by-step procedure for studying in Switzerland is given below.
Step 1: Start by looking for a degree programme
Look for the possible prospects, return on investment (ROI), and estimated budget for the course. Your chosen program should be one that you would want to pursue as a profession for a lifetime.
Step 2: Shortlist universities/colleges in Switzerland
Look for the top universities in Switzerland for your chosen specialisation.
Step 3: Explore Scholarships
You can explore scholarship options directly on your university’s website. Many scholarships are also offered by the Swiss government, private organizations, and companies. Be sure to check all available sources. Learn more: https://scoutabroad.com/blogs/switzerland-student-visa-guide-for-indian-students
Step 4: Check your eligibility for the course
Before proceeding to apply, make sure to check your eligibility to study in Switzerland. Coordinate your qualifications with the requirements of the course, including language, grades, or work experience, as per the university website.
Step 5: Fill out the online application form
After confirming your eligibility for the chosen course, complete the online application form of your selected university. Upload scanned copies of the required documents (usually JPEG or PDF) and pay the application fee online.
Step 6: Look for acceptance from the university
After filling out the application, look for the university’s acceptance email in your registered email ID.
Step 7: Apply for a Swiss Study Visa
On receiving the acceptance from your university, apply for a Switzerland student visa and start managing your finances.
Application Deadlines for master's degree in Switzerland
Types of Swiss Student Visa
General Timeline
Most Swiss universities follow two intakes for master's programs:
- Fall Intake (September):
Application Deadline: Typically, between December and April (varies by university and program)
- Spring Intake (February):
Application Deadline: Usually between September and November (less common than fall)
University-Specific Deadlines (Examples)
- ETH Zurich
Application Period: November – December (for the following academic year)
- University of Geneva
Application Deadline: February 28 for most master's programs (Fall intake)
- University of Lausanne
Application Deadline: April 30 for international students (Fall intake)
- EPFL Lausanne
Application Deadline: December 15 (for most master's programs with scholarships)
Types of universities in Switzerland
Know about the types of Universities in Switzerland and know the focal points of each Universities.
1. Traditional Universities (Research Universities)
- Also called Cantonal Universities and Federal Institutes of Technology
- Focus on theoretical knowledge, academic research, and doctoral programs
- Offer Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees
- Often affiliated with strong research centers and international collaborations
List of Research Universities in Switzerland
| Institution | Abbreviation | Location | Founded | Languages | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Basel | UNIBAS | Basel | 1460 | German / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Bern | UNIBE | Bern | 1834 | German / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Fribourg | UNIFR | Fribourg | 1889 | French / German | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Geneva | UNIGE | Geneva | 1559 | French / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Neuchâtel | UNINE | Neuchâtel | 1838 | French / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Lausanne | UNIL | Lausanne | 1537 | French / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Lucerne | UNILU | Lucerne | 2000 | German / English | Public (cantonal) |
| Università della Svizzera Italiana | USI | Lugano | 1995 | Italian / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of St. Gallen | HSG | St. Gallen | 1898 | German / English | Public (cantonal) |
| University of Zurich | UZH | Zürich | 1833 | German / English | Public (cantonal) |
| Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne | EPFL | Lausanne | 1853 | French / English | Public (federal) |
2. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
- Practice-oriented education and training
- Strong links to industry and the professional world
- Emphasize applied research and hands-on skills
- Offer bachelor's and master's degrees (rarely PhDs)
List of Universities of Applied Sciences
| Institution | Abbreviation | Location | Founded | Languages | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bern University of Applied Sciences | BFH | Bern | 1997 | German | Public |
| University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons | FHGR | Chur | 1963 | German | Public |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland | FHNW | Northwestern Switzerland | 2006 | German / English | Public |
| University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland | OST | Eastern Switzerland | 2020 | German | Public |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland | HES-SO | Western Switzerland | 1998 | French / German | Public |
| Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts | HSLU | Lucerne | 1997 | German | Public |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland | SUPSI | Southern Switzerland | 1997 | Italian | Public |
| Zurich University of Applied Sciences | ZHAW | Zurich | 2007 | German | Public |
| Zurich University of the Arts | ZHdK | Zurich | 2007 | German | Public |
| Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences | Kalaidos FH | Various | 2005 | German | Private |
3. Universities of Teacher Education
- Specialize in teacher training for primary and secondary education
- Offer bachelor's and master's degrees in education
- Some also engage in pedagogical research
4. Private Universities and Institutions
- Often specialize in specific fields such as Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Arts and International Relations
- Tuition fees are generally higher compared to public institutions
- Offer programs at Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral levels
Top Universities for master's degree in Switzerland
Switzerland offers world's best prestigious universities, offering a wide array of programs over different fields.
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- Specializes in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Architecture.
- Ranked one of the best universities globally.
- ETH Zurich has two campuses, namely Zentrum and Hönggerberg.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- EPFL offers 8 schools and colleges, listed below:
- School of Basic Sciences
- School of Engineering
- School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering
- School of Computer and Communication Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- College of Management of Technology
- College of Humanities
University of Geneva
- Known for International Relations, Law, Business, Social Sciences, and Life Sciences.
- Offers various master's programs in English and French.
University of Zurich
- The largest university in Switzerland, offering diverse programs in Business, Law, Medicine, Arts, and Economics.
University of St. Gallen
- Popular for Business Administration, Master, Doctorate, Economics, and Law programs.
- Recognized globally for its management studies and high employability rates.
Top master's degree subjects to study in Switzerland
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Applied Sciences & Professions
- Arts, Design & Architecture
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Education & Training
- Engineering & Technology
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Finance
- Hospitality, Leisure & Sports
- Humanities
- Journalism & Media
- Law
- Medicine & Health
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
How Can Scoutabroad Assist You in Studying in Switzerland?
Looking to study abroad for Masters in Switzerland? Scoutabroad is the top consultancy for student visas and abroad study for Switzerland. We specialize in helping students navigate their path to success. Scoutabroad is leading Overseas Consultant for a master's degree in Switzerland
We provide following services:
- Course Recommendations
- We help you choose the right course based on your academic background, career goals and interests.
- University Selection
- Choose from top universities for your MS in Switzerland.
- Document Preparation
- Complete assistance with preparing and submitting admission documents.
- Scholarship Guidance
- Apply for scholarships to make your education more affordable.
With Scoutabroad, you'll receive expert guidance from our Visa consultants from selecting master's degree program in Switzerland to ensuring a smooth application process. Get counseling and advice from Top experts. Start your journey today with the best overseas consultancy for studying abroad in Switzerland!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What are the application deadlines for master's programs in Switzerland?
- The deadlines for applying to Master's in Switzerland are usually during November or April.
- What language proficiency certificates are required for studying in Switzerland?
- You'll need one of the following certificates for language skills:
- English: IELTS or TOEFL language certificate
- German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, Telc
- French: DELF or DALF
- How to Apply for a Master's in Switzerland?
- To apply for a master's program in Switzerland, you need to gather documents like your academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, CV, motivation letter and passport copy. Fill out the online application form on your chosen university's website, upload the required documents and pay the application fee.
- How to Work after graduation in Switzerland?
- If you want to work in Switzerland after graduation, then you will need a work permit to get a full-time job in Switzerland after finishing your studies. You can choose a work permit like the Job Seeking Residence Permit or B Residence Permit to remain in the country and work full-time.
- Do I need Student visas for Switzerland?
- Yes If you're from India, you'll need to apply for a visa to study in Switzerland. The student visa is needed to enroll in a complete degree programme in Switzerland.
- What are the Average living costs in Switzerland for Students?
- Breakdown of the average living costs in Switzerland:
- Rent: 500–800 EUR per month
- Utilities: 220–250 EUR per month
- Monthly transport pass: 80 EUR
- Where to study in Switzerland?
- The largest city in the country is Zurich and you can apply in various Universities in cities like Zürich, Bern, Lausanne, Genève, Montreux and Neuchâtel.
- What do I need to study in Switzerland?
- You will need following documents to Study in Switzerland. Filled application form, valid passport, passport-size photos, academic transcripts, High school diploma, diploma certificates, language proficiency certificates (English/French/German/Italian), CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, residence permit, Copy of your ID, proof of finances and receipt of application fee.
Ready to Kickstart Your Journey to Success?
Take the first step today by scheduling an appointment with our consultants. Simply call, email, or leave your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible