Federal Statistical Office revealed, ‘’12,300 students were enrolled at the academic start of 2020, a 4% increase as of 2019.’’ This number was achieved despite the pandemic, which clearly states how international students value Switzerland for their education. Switzerland offers multiple subjects that are in demand, but amongst them, engineering takes the biggest lead.
Switzerland is home to 5 QS-ranked universities that offer a range of engineering programs at all study levels. The experts are well versed in this field which means that you benefit from studying from the most prestigious engineering university in Switzerland. Thus if you’re looking to invest in the best engineering university in Switzerland, read along till the end.
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Table Of Contents:
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Top Reasons To Study Engineering In Switzerland
Before we can proceed towards the list of top engineering university in Switzerland, let’s first understand why Switzerland is the ideal choice:
- Better Training: Switzerland is focused on educating international students via practice and hands-on training. Most engineering universities are research-based here, making it an excellent choice for students studying this subject. To name a few research-based engineering universities are ETH Zurich, etc.
- High Job Vacancies: Engineering is a popular program chosen in Switzerland, so the country has multiple job vacancies to fill in this field. Students can choose from a range of job profiles such as Software developer, test engineer, etc. The salary is also excellent, especially for engineer graduates. For instance, a Masters graduate engineer in Switzerland will be paid 102 000/year on average.
- Diverse Programs: Engineering university Switzerland offers a range of specialization programs for engineer students to choose from, such as Computer science, Civil Engineer, Robotics, Data Science, etc.
- English Program: Lastly, most engineering programs in Switzerland are taught in English. While the country speaks multiple languages, numerous programs train students in English. To name a few universities that teach engineering in English are University of Geneva, University of Bern, etc.
Suggested: Comprehensive guide to study in Switzerland!
5 Best Engineering University In Switzerland
There are many engineering university in Switzerland that offers a range of engineering programs. We have covered the top ones from the list:
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL
- University of Geneva
- University of Basel
- University of Bern
1. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich has been a popular choice for multiple international students that wish to pursue engineering programs in Switzerland. They offer a diverse range of programs that caters to all students' interest.
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QS World University Rankings 2024- Engineering & Technology |
11 |
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7 |
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Type |
Public |
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Course Duration |
Bachelor’s- 6 semesters, Masters 3-4 semesters, P.h.D- 8 semesters |
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Programs Offered |
Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Masters in Biotechnology, Data Science, P.h.D in Computational Science, etc. |
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Average Tuition Fees |
730 CHF/semester |
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Location |
Zurich |
2. EPFL
EPFL is another popular choice for pursuing engineering studies in Switzerland. The experts here are well versed in the subjects they choose, and the university offers multiple scholarship opportunities for increasing student enrollment.
|
QS World University Rankings 2021- Engineering & Technology |
12 |
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QS World University Rankings 2024 |
36 |
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Type |
Public |
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Course Duration |
Bachelor’s- 6 semesters, Masters 3-4 semesters, P.h.D- 8 semesters |
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Programs Offered |
BSc in Electrical engineering, Microengineering, MSc in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, P.h.D in Mechanics, etc. |
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Average Tuition Fees |
730 CHF/semester |
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Location |
Lausanne |
Suggested: Best Universities in Switzerland for Masters
3. University of Geneva
University of Geneva has a Geneva college that offers a range of engineering programs. Each program is designed to cater to career opportunities later. While Geneva was famous for its business school, now engineering is becoming the second popular choice.
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QS World University Rankings 2023- Engineering & Technology |
451-500 |
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128 |
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Type |
Public |
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Course Duration |
Bachelor’s- 6 semesters, Masters 3-4 semesters, P.h.D- 8 semesters |
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Programs Offered |
BS in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, BSE in Civil Engineering, etc. |
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Average Tuition Fees |
27,976.19 CHF/year |
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Location |
Geneva |
4. University of Basel
University of Basel is another great choice to choose for engineering studies. They offer one Bachelor's program for engineering as most of the engineering programs here are for graduate studies.
|
QS World University Rankings 2023- Engineering & Technology |
NA |
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124 |
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Type |
Public |
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Course Duration |
Bachelor’s- 6 semesters, Masters 3-4 semesters, P.h.D- 8 semesters |
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Programs Offered |
Bachelor in Computer Science, Master in Biomedical Engineering, P.h.D in Biomedical Engineering |
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Average Tuition Fees |
350 CHF- 850 CHF/semester |
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Location |
Basel |
5. University of Bern
University of Bern is also a highly recommended choice to study engineering due to the affordable fees its offers. The university offers great facilities and a diverse range of engineering programs no matter which study level you choose.
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126 |
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Type |
Public |
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Course Duration |
Bachelor’s- 6 semesters, Masters 3-4 semesters, P.h.D- 8 semesters |
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Programs Offered |
Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Masters of Science in Civil Engineering, Engineering, etc. |
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Average Tuition Fees |
750 CHF+ 200 CHF/semester |
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Location |
Bern |
Note: While Switzerland offers multiple engineering programs, most international students pursue highly Masters in Engineering here due to the high demand, better job opportunities after, and the range of the programs provided.
Suggested: Find best cheap universities in Switzerland for international students!
Eligibility Criteria For Engineering In Switzerland
To apply to the best engineering universities in Switzerland, there are eligibility criterias that have to be followed. While these criterias differ based on the university choice, a standard process is followed:
1. Official Transcripts
No matter which study level you pursue, whether it Bachelor's, Masters, or P.h.D, all official educational transcripts have to be submitted. For instance, with Bachelor’s, a high school certificate needs to be submitted, for Masters, A Bachelor's degree is required, and for P.h.D both Bachelor’s and Masters degrees are needed.
2. English language proficiency test
When you apply to study for an English program in engineering, you need to show your English skills. Thus international students need to undertake and pass an English proficiency test. (Visit the universities website for score information). For ELP, students require to score a level B2 or C1. In the case of the German language, students need to have a C1 level.
3. SAT Test
Engineering requires students who have good knowledge and skills in Maths. Thus writing an SAT exam will determine your Mathematics skills.
4. Knowledge Skills
When you apply for any study level to pursue engineering, universities check whether you know the related subject or equivalent. Ensure you score well on these related subjects. For engineering, these are mathematics, science, etc.
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Admission Process For Engineering In Switzerland
Here is an overview of the admission process for engineering university Switzerland:
- Choose the study level you wish to pursue engineering. Identify which Swiss university offers the program.
- Select the type of engineering program you wish to study,
- Check the entry requirements of the program on the universities official website,
- Pay the application fee if asked
- Prepare for any tests required (ELP, SAT, etc.)
- Submit all documents before the application deadline
- Attend any interview if scheduled by the university
- Once confirmed, apply for student visa and arrange for funds.
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Documents Required For Engineering University In Switzerland
To complete your application process, you must attach certain supporting documents. Ensure the below is checked:
- All official transcripts based on the study level chosen
- Three letters of recommendation
- Proof of tests undertaken (SAT, etc.)
- Proof of English language proficiency test
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
Note: Make sure all the documents sent are translated into English or as per the stated language on the universities official website
Cost Of Studying Engineering In Switzerland
The cost of studying in Switzerland depends on two factors, tuition fees and cost of living.
Let’s learn about them one by one:
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Tuition Fees
The tuition fee to study engineering in Switzerland ranges between 350 CHF- 850 CHF/per semester. This tuition fee is an overall fee no matter which study level you choose.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Switzerland ranges from 1,400 CHF- 2,250 CHF/month. Most of the expenses are derived from accommodation, transport, health insurance, food, and miscellaneous expenses.
Suggested: Detailed guide on the cost of studying in Switzerland
Scholarship Opportunities To Study Engineering In Switzerland
To study engineering in Switzerland, you don’t have to use all your savings to study engineering in Switzerland. Multiple scholarship opportunities help you pursue any study level of engineering as you wish.
Here is an overview of the popular scholarship programs to pursue engineering:
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Scholarship Name |
Amount/Covers/Grant/Benefits |
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Government Excellence Scholarship |
Pursue P.h.D in any discipline Covers monthly living stipend, exempts tuition fees, health insurance, etc |
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ETH Zurich Excellence Master Scholarship |
Pursue Masters in ETH Zurich Covers complete studying and living costs, provides a partial stipend and offers assistantship |
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EPFL Excellence Fellowship |
Pursue Masters in EPFL 8000 CHF/semester grant and covers accommodation, fees, etc |
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University of Basel Scholarship |
Pursue education in UofB but have limited resources Provide partial scholarship award or Soliford scholarship from student body (500- 1000/pe sem) |
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Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund |
Pursue Master degree in any English language program Provides 15,000/per program for a year |
Suggested: Scholarships available for international students in Switzerland!
Career Opportunities After Studying Engineering In Switzerland
After pursuing engineering in Switzerland, there are multiple job profiles available for you to choose from. Based on your experience and study level, the salary will differ.
Thus to give you better clarity, here is an overview of the job profiles you can choose from:
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Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
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Mechanical Engineer |
89,010 CHF |
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Test Engineer |
95, 861 CHF |
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Software Engineer |
94,267 CHF |
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Civil Engineer |
77, 541 CHF |
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Software Architect |
116,883 CHF |
When it comes to studying Engineering in Switzerland, the country has always offered the finest academics and diversity in choice with the programs. Studying engineering from the best minds will help you develop the right skills that the present market demands. Since you now have this list, it’s time to make a decision. In case you wish to seek assistance, meet our Yocket counsellors that are experts in helping students like you choose the best.
