Switzerland : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Switzerland offers two basic kinds of higher education institutions - universities and the two federal institutes of technology.

Until recently, the traditional study structure in Switzerland was a programme lasting four to five years, leading to a first academic degree. This model is quite demanding and corresponds roughly to a Masters degree.

Many Swiss universities are now introducing a new two-cycle degree system (equivalent to a Bachelors degree and then a Masters degree) in line with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) . Bologna aims to harmonise the length of degrees in European universities in a bid to make it easier for students to study and work abroad.

What courses are available?

There is a wide variety of postgraduate courses taught in Switzerland. The institutions listed below offer courses in broad range of languages, including English. Check with each institution to find out which languages they offer their courses in. For an up-to-date list of available courses in English see Study Programmes in English (Rector's Conference of the Swiss Universities)

Many of Switzerland's business schools have a strong international outlook and offer more in-depth professional training, e.g. an international Master of Business Administration (MBA). Doctorates are awarded for original research.

Swiss universities are often international in character.

Where can I study?

You may study at any of the following Swiss learning institutions:

• Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne 
• Federal Institute of Technology Zurich 
• Institut Universitaire Kurt Bosch 
• University of Basel 
• University of Bern 
• University of Fribourg 
• University of Geneva 
• University of Italian Speaking Switzerland 
• University of Lausanne 
• University of Neuchâtel 
• University of St Gallen 
• University of Zurich 

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

For admission to a Masters programme, you will need to have successfully completed a Bachelors level programme. It is up to your prospective Swiss university to decide if your Bachelors degree is adequate and can be recognised. 

A good knowledge of the language of the university you plan to attend can also help. 

For more information visit the Rector's Conference of the Swiss Universities.

When do I apply?

Each university sets their own application deadlines. Contact the specific universities that you would like to apply to for information about your course.

See the ‘Study in Switzerland’ section on the Rector's Conference of the Swiss Universities  for a detailed list of application deadlines for each university.

How do I apply?

Everything you need to know about applying for study in Switzerland may be found on the Rector's Conference of the Swiss Universities website. Begin your process by contacting the institutions you would like to attend as soon as possible.

The site also has a downloadable PDF brochure, entitled Studying in Switzerland 2010 , which gives details of courses, recognition of qualifications, funding, etc. It also discusses the entrance exam that you may need to take as part of your application to your preferred Swiss universities.

How much will it cost?

Tuition fees vary according to university, but typically range from €1,300 to €2,800 per academic year. There are some courses that are much more expensive, up to €8,000 per academic year. Visit the Rector's Conference of the Swiss Universities  for specific details of your preferred institution.

Note that some universities charge more for foreign students, while others charge the same fees for domestic and foreign-based students.

Are any scholarships available?

The Swiss government grants university scholarships to foreign students who have graduated from university or university of applied sciences or advanced arts programmes. You can find details on how to apply for the scholarships and the relevant countries from the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)  

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Switzerland through the Erasmus programme. This programme is open to all subject areas, but check with your institution's Erasmus coordinator first (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas. There is also an Erasmus Switzerland bureau responsible for awarding mobility grants for students travelling to study in both directions.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Visit the ENIC-NARIC website or look at Studying in Switzerland for information on current issues on international academic and professional mobility and on procedures for the recognition of UK (and other European) qualifications.