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

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Pursuing a Master's degree in Switzerland offers a unique opportunity to combine world-class education with breathtaking landscapes. An exotic experience, isn’t it?

Renowned for its academic excellence and cultural diversity, Switzerland provides an enriching environment for students. Swiss universities are known for their cutting-edge research and innovative programs, making them an attractive destination for higher education. Additionally, students can benefit from a high quality of life and access to a multitude of languages. With a strong focus on practical learning and international exposure, a Master's in Switzerland can open doors to a successful future.

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In this blog, we will discuss everything about a  master's degree in Switzerland for international students along with the best universities, top courses, requirements, admission process, and everything to help you make the perfect choice. 

Table of Contents: 

Why Study Masters in Switzerland?

The best universities in Switzerland for Master's 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:

  • 10 of the best universities in Switzerland ranked in the QS World University Ranking list 2024. There are altogether 12 universities in Switzerland that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Currently, most of the universities in Switzerland offer their master's 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 master's degree, let us look at the list of top universities for master's in Switzerland for international students:

University Name 

QS World University Ranking 2024

Average Fees Per Year

ETH Zurich

7

CHF 1,740 or INR 160,100

EPFL

24

CHF 1,560 or INR 143,540

University of Zurich

57

CHF 1,440 or INR 132,500

University of Geneva 

95 

CHF 10,400 or INR 956,940

University of Bern 

121

CHF 1,420 or INR 130,660

University of Basel

133

CHF 1,700 or INR 156,420

University of Laussane 

179

CHF 1,160 or INR 106,740

Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)

228

CHF 8,000 or INR 736,110

University of St Gallen (HSG)

459

CHF 2,830 or INR 260,400 

University of Fribourg

564

CHF 1,440 or INR 132,500

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

Master's in Hotel Management

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

Popular specializations for Master's in hotel management are:

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

Master's in Computer Science

A Master’s 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

Master's in Civil Engineering

A Master’s 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

Student Visa Application Process for Switzerland

Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Switzerland for Masters

Admission to Master's 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 Master's for international students are:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Language Requirements
  • GMAT/ GRE Score
  • Work Experience
  • Passport and Visa

Let us now discuss each requirement one by one:

Bachelor's Degree

An undergraduate degree from an acknowledged university is a must to pursue a Master’s program in Switzerland. 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 a Master's degree in Switzerland. 

Language Requirements

An English language proficiency proof is a must for a Master's 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 for a Master's 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.

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Work Experience 

Some universities in Switzerland for Master's 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 before the expected date of travel. 

Documents Required for Masters in Switzerland

Admission to universities in Switzerland for a Master's 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 studying for a Master's in Switzerland at top universities is given below:

  • Finalize the Master's 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 out 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.

Education System in Switzerland

Masters in Switzerland Without IELTS

Although having 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 and Technology, Arts and Design, Films and media, Computer & IT, and Animation.

To pursue a Master's in Switzerland without IELTS you meet certain academic criteria at the time of admission. 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 Swiss universities as an alternative to the IELTS. 

MBBS in Switzerland 

Masters in Switzerland Cost

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

Tuition Fees

The Master's in France tuition fees range from CHF 1,440 (INR 132,500) to CHF 10,000 (INR 920,140) 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 Master's cost is around CHF 12,000 (INR1,104,170) to CHF 16,000 (INR 1,472,220) per month.

A detailed view of living expenses in Switzerland for international students is given below:

Particulars 

Cost Per Month

Accommodation 

CHF 800 or INR 73,610 

Food 

CHF 500 or INR 46,010 

Books and Stationary

CHF 90 or INR 8,280 

Transportation 

CHF 50 or INR 4,600

Leisure, Outings, Clothing 

CHF 160 or INR 14,720 

Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland

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 and non-governmental. Given below are the details of some of the top scholarships for Master's in Switzerland:

Scholarship Name 

Awarded to

ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship

Meritorious international students pursuing a Master's in any discipline at ETH Zurich. 

Amount/ Benefit: A grant of up to CHF 60,000 or INR 5,520,840 

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

International students pursuing an LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and a Master’s 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 Master's degree at the University of Lausanne.

Amount/ Benefit:  CHF 1,600 or INR 147,220 per month

EPFL Excellence Fellowships

Students enrolled for Postgraduate Programs at EPFL.

Amount/ Benefit: CHF 10,000 or INR 920,140 per semester

University of Geneva Excellence Master's Fellowships

Students enrolled for a Master of Science degree at the University of Geneva.

Amount/ Benefit: CHF 10,000 (INR 920,140) - CHF 15,000 (INR 1,380,210) per year

Jobs After Master's in Switzerland 

After graduating from the universities in Switzerland for Master's, 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 

CHF 240,000 (INR 22,083,360) to CHF 705,000 (INR 64,869,870)

Marketing Directors 

CHF 86,300 (INR 7,940,800) to CHF 254,000 (INR 23,371,550)

Business Administrator 

CHF 90,000 (INR 8,281,260) - CHF 1,10,000 (INR 10,121,540)

Product Engineer 

CHF 65,000 (INR 5,980,910) - CHF 94,000 (INR 8,649,320) 

Web Designer 

CHF 35,000 (INR 3,220,490) - CHF 65,000  (INR 5,980,910)

Certified Nurse 

CHF 45,000 (INR 4,140,630)  - CHF 70,000 (INR 6,440,980)

PhD in Switzerland

From the Desk of Yocket

Pursuing a Master's degree in Switzerland is an appealing choice due to its renowned academic excellence, cultural diversity, and stunning natural landscapes. Swiss universities offer cutting-edge research and innovative programs, providing students with a world-class education. The high quality of life, access to multiple languages, and a global network are significant merits. However, the country's cost of living and tuition fees can be quite high, and securing admission can be competitive. Despite the challenges, a Master's in Switzerland offers a well-rounded educational experience with the potential for a successful international career.

At Yocket we help students find their way to their dream university. With excellent tools and personalized insights, you need to discover the perfect university in Switzerland, Yocket walks you through every part of the process.

Explore Yocket Premium to realize your academic dreams and forge a path to success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Switzerland

Are universities in Switzerland for Master's good?

What is the medium of instruction for Master's programs in Switzerland?

What are popular Master's courses in Switzerland?

What are the requirements to study MS in Switzerland?

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