Masters in Switzerland: Top Universities, Requirements, Cost, Scholarships and Job Opportunities

Why Study Masters in Switzerland?

The best universities in Switzerland for masters are sought-after by international students across the world. Apart from the natural bliss, the education offered at Swiss universities has a bigger role to play in this regard. Let us look at some reasons for which the students opt to study 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.

Suggested: Best Universities in Switzerland for Masters

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	Average Fees Per Year
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

A masters degree in Civil Engineering in Switzerland focuses on the development of infrastructures to ensure proper food, water, energy, transportation and housing. It also aims at protecting the earth against natural disasters, under the constraints of sustainability and protection of the environment.

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

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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

An undergraduate degree from an acknowledged university is a must to pursue Switzerland masters programs. A bachelor's degree offers the eligibility to be admitted to a master's program in the same subject area. You must acquire an average of 60% in your undergraduate degree to get admission into the best universities for master degree in Switzerland. 

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:

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

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Masters in Switzerland Without IELTS

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

To pursue masters in Switzerland without IELTS you meet certain academic critera at the time of admissions. For instance if your previous studies were in English, you may get a letter of proof from your concerned institution. The proof or certificate of English language proficiency is accepted by the Swiss universities as an alternative of IELTS. 

Suggested: MBBS in Switzerland 

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 in Switzerland for international students is given below:

Particulars	Cost Per Month
Accommodation	800 CHF
Food	500 CHF
Books and Stationary	90 CHF
Transportation	50 CHF
Leisure, Outings, Clothing	160 CHF

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Top Scholarships for Masters in Switzerland 

To help international students fund their cost of MSc in Switzerland, there are multiple scholarships available in Switzerland, both governmental or non-governmental. Given below are the details of some of the top scholarships for masters in Switzerland:

Scholarship Name	Awarded to
ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship	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	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	International students pursuing a masters degree at University of Lausanne. Amount/ Benefit:  1,600 CHF per month
EPFL Excellence Fellowships	Students enrolled for Postgraduate Programs at EPFL. Amount/ Benefit: 10,000 CHF per semester
University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships	Students enrolled for Master of Science degree at University of Geneva. Amount/ Benefit: 10,000-15,000 CHF per year

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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:

Job Title	Average Salary Per Year
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

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The education system in Switzerland is diverse and up-to-date with the current developments with the world. A masters degree from the best universities in Switzerland is a wise choice to upgrade your life and career in the long run. If you have any questions or doubts about studying masters in Switzerland, do not hesitate to get in touch with our counselors at Yocket. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Switzerland 

Ques. Are universities in Switzerland for masters good?

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

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

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

Ques. What is the cost of studying MSc at Switzerland universities?

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

Ques. What are popular masters courses in Switzerland?

Ans. Some popular masters courses in Switzerland are 

• Masters in Hospitality and Tourisim
• Masters in Management
• Masters in Physiotherapy
• Masters in International Relations

Ques. What are the requirements to study MS in Switzerland?

Ans. 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.