Apart from being a country rich in natural resources, aesthetic beauty, flora and fauna, Switzerland is also a significant study destination. The education system of Switzerland is ranked at 6th position according to World Population Review 2021. Such recognitions speak wonders about the type of knowledge offered at their educational institutions. To talk of higher education, 10 universities in Switzerland for masters feature in the QS World University Ranking 2022. The top-notch facilities at the universities attract students from across the world.
In this blog, we have discussed the 10 best universities in Switzerland for masters and their rankings, popular programs, fees, etc.
Table of Contents: |
How to Select the Best University for Masters in Switzerland?
The college/ university you choose has a deep impact on your upcoming career and life. So, let us begin our discussion by looking at some key aspects to keep in mind while choosing a university for masters in Switzerland:
- Rankings: There are different criteria and benchmarks based on which a university’s performance in measured. While selecting your university, it is vital to check the rankings, accreditation and overall achievements to get a better idea.
- Subjects: The second step is to check the availability of your subject of interest in the universities you shortlist. Some universities offer the same course under different names. So, do go through the university websites carefully.
- Research Opportunities: A master’s degree should be a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. The universities must have provisions to engage the students in research and training.
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Top 10 Universities in Switzerland for Masters
Switzerland is a wealthy country that offers a wide spectrum of world-class masters degrees. It is also a country leading in scientific research and hosting some of the world’s largest science laboratories. You may choose from full-time, part-time and online programs according to your convenience while pursuing a masters in Switzerland.
Let us now discuss the top universities offering a variety of courses for masters in Switzerland:
- ETH Zurich
- EPFL
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Bern
- University of Basel
- University of Lausanne
- Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)
- University of St Gallen
- University of Fribourg
Let us now go into details about each university one by one:
ETH Zurich
Established in the year 1855 as the Swiss Federal Polytechnique School, ETH Zurich is amongst the best universities in Switzerland for masters. The university comprising of 16 departments, offers various masters programs in science and technology. It is known for its research, innovation and notable alumni.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Zürich |
7 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,740 |
EPFL
The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is another university in Switzerland for masters that specializes in the natural sciences and engineering. As a research-based university, it is the only university to own a nuclear reactor, a fusion reactor, a Gene/Q Supercomputer, and P3 bio-hazard facilities.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Lausanne |
36 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,560 |
University of Zurich
University of Zurich is the largest university in Switzerland that was founded in the year 1833. It is also one of the most sought after Switzerland universities for masters for international students. The masters programs offer the best quality education and seek to develop independent research work capability.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Zürich |
91 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,440 |
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University of Geneva
Initially established as a theological seminary and law school, university of Geneva is one of the best universities in Switzerland for masters. Among the study aspirants that opt for this third-largest university in Switzerland, 40% are international students. The masters degree here is offered in nine different departments.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Geneva |
128 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,000 |
University of Bern
Masters from the University of Bern is a full-time course that consists of 90 or 120 ECTS credits and lasts for one and a half or two years. The curriculum of this university in Switzerland for masters is designed to develop further the academic expertise and research abilities of the students to prosper in their careers.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Hochschulstrasse, Bern |
126 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,420 |
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University of Basel
The University of Basel is amongst the oldest universities in Switzerland with over five hundred years of excellence. The masters programs here are adaptive to modern trends and developments to offer the best quality of education to students who come from different parts of the world to study at this prestigious university.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Petersplatz 1, Basel |
=124 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,700 |
University of Laussane
Composed of seven faculties offering 42 masters programmes, the University of Laussane is a renowned higher education institution. All MSc programs here are offered full-time except MSc in Nursing Sciences and MSc in Health Sciences. The curriculum enhances students’ capacities to specialise in the chosen field or go for interdisciplinary training.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Lausanne |
143 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,160 |
Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)
Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) is one of Switzerland’s 12 certified public universities. It comprises of five faculties that are active in research areas. The masters programs are offered in disciplines like architecture, communication sciences, data science, economics, health studies, humanities, informatics, law, medicine, etc.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Lugano |
QS World University Ranking 2024 |
240 |
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 8,000 |
Founded as a Business Academy in 1988, the University of St Gallen is a popular name for masters in Switzerland. This university in Switzerland for masters offers programs in a number of disciplines including Management, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, International Affairs and Computer Science.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
St. Gallen |
University of St. Gallen World Ranking 2024 |
436 |
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 2,830 |
University of Fribourg
The University of Fribourg is the only bilingual university in Switzerland that offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in English. With centres of scientific excellence and research programmes across various disciplines, it aims in extending scientific knowledge to help solve mankind’s current and future challenges.
University Type |
Public |
Location |
Fribourg |
563 |
|
Popular Masters Programs |
|
Average Annual Fees |
CHF 1,440 |
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Requirements for Universities in Switzerland for Masters
Admission into MSc in Switzerland Universities 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 Switzerland Universities 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 MSc in Switzerland universities. A bachelor's degree offers the eligibility to be admitted to a master's program in the same subject area.
Language Requirements
Switzerland universities for masters require English language proficiency proof for you to pursue the desired course. The tests as per their scores are:
TOEFL - 80 - 100
IELTS - 5.5. 7.0
The tests and scores 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 in Switzerland for masters. The 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.
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Switzerland universities for MS are the perfect place for you to prosper in life and career. Besides, it is also an opportunity to experience Switzerland’s beautiful culture and landscapes. To get more information about studying masters in Switzerland’s universities, do get in touch with our counsellors at Yocket.