Education System In Switzerland

Switzerland is an attractive study destination for students from all over the world. In 2013/14, more than 229,000 students graduated from Swiss universities and about 25% of these were international students. Università
della Svizzera italiana (USI) is the ‘most international’ university with 65%of its students population coming from 100 different countries. Now about a third of undergraduate and around half of post-graduate students in Swiss universities are International Students.
Bachelor programmes are usually taught in the national language of the region (German, French or Italian and some bilingual courses). Some universities offer English-language programmes, for example, at ETH Zurich, some degree
courses are taught in German for the first year and then in English in the second and third years. Master’s programmes are being gradually taught in English.

The academic year consists of two semesters of 14 weeks each: the autumn semester runs from calendar week 38 to week 51; spring semester runs from calendar week 8 to 22.

In Switzerland, there are 12 research universities, 8 universities of applied sciences (UAS) and 20 universities of teacher education (UTE). Most universities are public universities; except one of the UAS is private/state-recognised and 14 UTEs are independent.

Degrees like humanities and some science degrees are only available at academic universities; whereas degrees like health sciences can only be studied at universities of applied science. Swiss higher educational policy emphasizes on a lot on quality and hence it is very common practise for some universities to specialise in certain subjects, and smaller universities may only offer a small selection of disciplines.

The research and academic universities, which include the 10 regional (cantonal) and two federal institutes of technology, offer a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) degrees programmes at a high scientific and theory-based level and carry out research.

International students are not allowed to study medicine in Switzerland as there are limited seats and are almost always reserved for Swiss students.

Other university level institutions include Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) in Geneva, the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) in Lausanne, the Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch (IUKB) in Sion and the Distance Learning University Switzerland.

 Duration of Degrees

Bachelor’s degree – Comprises of 3 years of full-time study

Master’s Degree – Comprises of 1.5-2 years of full-time study beyond the Bachelor’s degree.

Master of Advanced Studies – The universities also offer an additional post-graduate degree called Master of Advanced Studies.

Students who want to enrol for a bachelor degree in doctoral/research universities must hold a Swiss maturity certificate or equivalent foreign higher secondary school leaving certificate which qualifies them for university entrance (general higher education entrance qualification). The mode of instruction for a bachelor degree depends on the location of the University. It can be any among the three official languages (German, French and Italian).
Students may have to demonstrate the proficiency for these languages. In addition, most universities also offer a variety of programmes taught in English. Most international students apply for English, French or German taught degrees.

Accepted evidence of proficiency for each language is:

• German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc and others
• French: DELF or DALF
• English: IELTS, TOEFL

• Choose the right degree subject in Switzerland
  There are plenty of disciplines students can pick from to study in English in Switzerland. The most popular options to consider:
  • Masters in Human Medicine in Switzerland
  • Masters in Civil Engineering in Switzerland
  • Masters in Computer Science in Switzerland
  • Masters in Physics in Switzerland
  • Masters in International Business in Switzerland
• Choose the right Swiss university
  Here are some top German universities students should consider for study abroad adventure:
  • Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
  • University of Zurich
  • University of St. Gallen (HSG)
  • Adolphe Merkle Institute
  • Geneva Business School
• Qualifications not recognised by most Swiss universities
  Below are the qualifications NOT recognised by Swiss Universities:
  • Distance education certificates, night school certificates
  • Certificates from vocational or part-time high schools and schools offering vocational training as well as general education
  • If a credential or qualification is not recognised, students will have to pass the full Swiss (or cantonal) maturity examination. This is mainly the Swiss equivalent for international baccalaureate, based on a specific curriculum (seven key subject areas studied by all students), depending on each Swiss canton.
• Academic Requirements
  • At undergraduate level:
    • Successful completion of Senior Secondary Certificate (10+2) with an
      Aggregate of at least 65% in best 4 subjects (excluding any local
      languages)
    • IELTS (6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (70-90)
  • At postgraduate level:
    • A good Bachelor degree from a relevant background.
    • 1st class throughout. 2 – 3 years’ work experience will be preferable.
    • IELTS (6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (70-90)
• Language requirements for Swiss university application
  Switzerland has three official languages (German, French and Italian) and the language of instruction depends on the university. In addition, most universities also offer a wide range of programmes taught in English. Most international students apply for English, French or German taught degrees.
  If you don’t hold a language certificate, you can take a language test at the university and they can decide if your level is sufficient for you to complete your studies. This option is not available within all universities, so first check with the institution.
  
• Required application documents
  • A signed printout of your application form
  • Two passport photos
  • Copy of identity document-Passport
  • Official academic transcript(s) from each university you attended
  • High school diploma or Bachelor’s diploma
  • Language proficiency certificates (German/French/English)
  • CV
  • Evidence of payment of the application fee (100 – 150 CHF or 400 CHF for late applications)
  • Personal essay/Motivation letter
• University application deadlines for Switzerland
  Deadline for application at Swiss universities is variable, depending on each university and sometimes it also depends on your qualifications or if you need to apply for a student visa. Students are usually advised to submit their application in the spring semester for studies beginning the following academic year.

Regular application

Fall semester: 1 December – 30 April
Spring semester: 1 May – 30 November

If a visa for Switzerland is required, following deadlines are recommended:

Fall semester: 1 December – 28 February
Spring semester: 1 May – 30 September

Universities that will receive your application too late will sign you up for the next semester.