Masters In Switzerland: Universities, Requirements, Cost, And More

In this article, we discuss master degrees in Switzerland for international students, including the finest universities, top courses, requirements, admission process, and more to help you choose.

Switzerland’s rich culture is a mix of German, French, and Italian. Students seeking knowledge, experience, and a global perspective study abroad in this beautiful country. Swiss universities offer world-class masters degrees, making them the most popular.

Why Study Masters in Switzerland?

International students from all over the world seek out the best master’s universities in Switzerland. Aside from natural joy, education at Swiss universities plays a larger influence in this regard. Let us look at some of the reasons why students choose to pursue MSc in Switzerland:

• Switzerland has one of the best education systems in the world with a high Switzerland education ranking. According to World Population Review, Switzerland’s education system ranking is at 6th position for 2021.
• 10 universities in Switzerland ranks in QS World University Ranking list 2022. There are altogether 12 universities in Switzerland that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
• Currently, most of the universities in Switzerland offer their masters and doctorate programs in English. As for Bachelor programs, most courses are given in German, but English is present, too, even though in lower numbers than for post-graduate studies.

Top 10 Universities for Masters in Switzerland

Now that we know the benefits of pursuing a Swiss masters degree, let us look at the list of top universities for masters in Switzerland for international students:

University Name, QS World University Ranking 2022 and Average Fees Per Year respectively:

• ETH Zurich, 8, 1,740 CHF
• EPFL, 14, 1,560 CHF
• University of Zurich, 70, 1,440 CHF
• University of Geneva, 105, 10,400 CHF
• University of Bern, 119, 1,420 CHF
• University of Basel, 138, 1,700 CHF
• University of Laussane, 176, 1,160 CHF
• Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), 240, 8,000 CHF
• University of St Gallen (HSG), 459, 2,830 CHF
• University of Fribourg, 561-570, 1,440 CHF

Popular Courses and Specialisations for MSc in Switzerland

The best universities in Switzerland for masters offer a wide range of courses in different disciplines. Let us have a look at some popular courses for masters in Switzerland:

Masters in Hotel Management

Switzerland is a global leader of hotel management education. Masters in hotel management in Switzerland is offered at top institutions like EHLHospitiality and Leisure Management School, Glion Institute of Higher Education, etc.

Popular specializations for masters in hotel management are:

• Hospitality Management
• Design Management
• Digital Value Creation
• Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurship
• Hospitality Marketing

Masters in Computer Science

Masters in Computer Science in Switzerland covers all aspects of the discipline, ranging from advanced digital technologies to distributed information systems and security. It is offered at universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, etc.

• Cyber Security
• Data Analytics
• Foundations of Software
• Internet Information Systems
• Networking and Mobility

Masters in Civil Engineering

In Switzerland, a master’s degree in civil engineering focuses on the creation of infrastructures to ensure adequate food, water, electricity, transportation, and housing. It also tries to preserve the Earth from natural calamities while adhering to the limits of sustainability and environmental protection:

• Construction and Maintenance Management
• Materials and Mechanics
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management

Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Switzerland for Masters

Admission into masters in Switzerland for Indian students is based on specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Although they vary across universities, the general ones are the same. Some key requirements to study at Universities in Switzerland for masters for international students are:

• Bachelors Degree
• Language Requirements
• GMAT/ GRE Score
• Work Experience
• Passport and Visa

Let us now discuss each requirement one by one:

Bachelors Degree

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required to pursue Switzerland master’s programs. A bachelor’s degree qualifies you for admission to a master’s program in the same field. To be admitted to the best universities in Switzerland for master’s degrees, you must have a 60% average in your undergraduate degree.

Language Requirements

An English language proficiency proof is a must for masters in Switzerland for Indian students. The tests as per their scores are:

• TOEFL – 80 – 100
• IELTS – 5.5. 7.0

The tests and scores required to study masters degree in Switzerland depend upon the choice of course and university. Hence refer to the official university website for the same.

GMAT/ GRE Score

For MBA and related management courses, you must have a decent GMAT or GRE score for admission into the best universities for MSc in Switzerland. The average GMAT score ranges from 640 to 690.

Work Experience

Some universities in Switzerland for masters also require certain years of work experience in the relevant field. Again, it varies across courses and universities.

Passport and Visa

A valid passport and student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any public university in France. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.

Documents Required for Masters in Switzerland

Admission to universities in Switzerland for masters requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:

• Transcripts of all educational qualification
• CV or Resume
• LOR or Letter of Recommendation
• SOP or Statement of Purpose
• Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT
• Work experience certificate (if applicable)

Admission Process for Masters in Switzerland

A step by step guide to study masters in Switzerland at top universities is given below:

• Finalize the masters course that you want to pursue and check for the best university offering that course.
• Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
• Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT/GRE scorecards)
• Fill the desired application form and pay the fee.
• Go through an interview with the respective university directors. This is a great opportunity to display your soft skills and presence of mind.
• Once you receive the conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
• Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university. The deposit here is non-refundable.

Masters in Switzerland Without IELTS

Although English language proficiency is required to study in Switzerland, most universities offer IELTS / English test alternatives for selected programs like Engineering, Business Management, Hotel management, Science & Technology, Arts & Design, Films & Media, Computer & IT, and Animation.

Switzerland requires academic criteria for masters without IELTS. If you studied in English, your school may issue a letter of verification. Swiss universities accept English competence certificates instead of IELTS.

Masters in Switzerland Cost

The masters in Switzerland cost is quite nominal when compared to popular study abroad destinations such as the US and the UK. The overall Switzerland masters cost can be divided into two categories – Tuition Fees and Cost of Living.

Tuition Fees

The masters in France tuition fees range from 1,440 CHF to 10,000 CHF per year. In some cases, the state covers two-thirds of your tuition fees. In that scenario, the universities charge quite lesser fees.

Cost of Living

It is your lifestyle that determines the cost of living in France as an international student. On average, the inclusive (accommodation, food, stationery, entertainment, miscellaneous) Switzerland masters cost is around 12,000 CHF to 16,000

CHF per month.

A detailed view of living expenses (Cost Per Month)in Switzerland for international students is given below:

• Accommodation – 800 CHF
• Food – 500 CHF
• Books and Stationary – 90 CHF
• Transportation – 50 CHF
• Leisure, Outings, Clothing- 160 CHF

Top Scholarships for Masters in Switzerland

There are numerous scholarships available in Switzerland to help international students fund their MSc in Switzerland, both governmental and non-governmental. The following are some of the best master’s scholarships in Switzerland and whom they are awarded to:

ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship

• For Meritious international students pursuing masters in any discipline at ETH Zurich.
• Amount/ Benefit: A grant of up to 60.000 CHF

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

• For International students pursuing LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law
• Amount/ Benefit: Full scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses in Geneva for 10 months. Partial scholarships cover tuition fees.

UNIL Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students

• For International students pursuing a masters degree at University of Lausanne.
• Amount/ Benefit: 1,600 CHF per month

EPFL Excellence Fellowships

• For Students enrolled for Postgraduate Programs at EPFL.
• Amount/ Benefit: 10,000 CHF per semester

University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships

• For Students enrolled for Master of Science degree at University of Geneva.
• Amount/ Benefit: 10,000-15,000 CHF per year

Jobs After Masters in Switzerland

After graduating from the universities in Switzerland for masters, students are eligible to apply for different job roles in their respective sectors. The graduate jobs in Switzerland are secure and highly competitive.

Some popular job roles along with their salaries are mentioned below:

• Surgeons – 240,000 CHF to 705,000 CHF
• Marketing Directors – 86,300 CHF to 254,000 CHF
• Business Adminstrator – 90,000 CHF – 1,10,000 CHF
• Product Engineer – 65,000 CHF – 94,000 CHF
• Web Designer – 35,000 CHF – 65,000 CHF
• Certified Nurse – 45,000 CHF – 70,000 CHF

The education system in Switzerland is broad and up to date with global advancements. A master’s degree from one of Switzerland’s top universities is an excellent long-term investment in your life and career.

FAQs

Are universities in Switzerland for masters good?

• Yes. Switzerland universities for MS have a worldwide reputation of offering the best programs through top-notch teachers and other facilities.

What is the medium of instruction for masters programs in Switzerland?

• Keeping in mind the high percentage of international students, universities in Switzerland for masters offer programs mostly in English.

What is the cost of studying MSc at Switzerland universities?

• The cost of studying at Switzerland universities for MS ranges from CHF 1,440 to CHF 10,000.

What are popular masters courses in Switzerland?

Some popular masters courses in Switzerland are

1. Masters in Hospitality and Tourisim
2. Masters in Management
3. Masters in Physiotherapy
4. Masters in International Relations

What are the requirements to study MS in Switzerland?

• The required documents to pursue masters in Switzerland are bachelor’s degree, CV or resume, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT and a work experience certificate if applicable.