.jpeg)
Switzerland is renowned for its high educational standards and prestigious institutions that offer comprehensive Art & Design programs. Swiss universities and design schools emphasize creativity, innovation, and practical skills, preparing students for successful careers.
Many Swiss universities and art schools are recognized globally for their excellence. Institutions like Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) are known for their cutting-edge programs and influential alumni.
Switzerland's diverse cultural landscape provides a rich environment for artistic inspiration and collaboration. The country attracts students from around the world, offering a multicultural and multilingual experience that enhances creativity and global perspectives.
Swiss institutions often have strong ties with the industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, real-world projects, and networking. This connection helps students gain practical experience and enhances their employability.
Swiss universities and art schools are equipped with modern facilities, including advanced studios, workshops, and digital labs. These resources allow students to work with the latest technology and tools, fostering innovation and creativity.
Switzerland is a leader in innovation and sustainability, which are integral aspects of contemporary art and design. Students are encouraged to explore sustainable practices and innovative solutions in their work, aligning with global trends and demands.
Switzerland is known for its high standard of living, safety, and excellent public services. Students can enjoy a comfortable and secure environment, which is conducive to academic success and personal well-being.
The stunning landscapes of Switzerland, including the Alps, lakes, and picturesque towns, provide a constant source of inspiration for artists and designers. The country's natural beauty and vibrant cities offer a unique backdrop for creative exploration.
While many programs are offered in English, studying in Switzerland also provides the opportunity to learn and practice other languages such as French, German, and Italian. This multilingual ability can be an asset in the global art and design industry.
Various scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students, making education in Switzerland more accessible. These scholarships can help offset tuition fees and living expenses, making it easier for students to focus on their studies.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communication |
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Transdisciplinary Studies, Design, Art Education, Curating, Art in Public Spheres |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Photography, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Art Direction, Product Design, Photography, Type Design, Film |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Interior Architecture, Visual Communication, Fashion Design, Media Design, Product Design |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Space and Communication, Media Design, Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, Fashion & Accessory Design |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Visual Arts, Conservation, Theatre Design, Interior Design |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Master of Arts |
Visual Arts, Interaction Design, Interior Architecture |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communication |
English/German |
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Transdisciplinary Studies, Design, Art Education, Curating, Art in Public Spheres |
English/German |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Photography, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication |
English/French |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Art Direction, Product Design, Photography, Type Design, Film |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Interior Architecture, Visual Communication, Fashion Design, Media Design, Product Design |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Space and Communication, Media Design, Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, Fashion & Accessory Design |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Visual Arts, Conservation, Theatre Design, Interior Design |
English/Italian |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Master of Arts |
Visual Arts, Interaction Design, Interior Architecture |
English/Italian |
University |
Bachelor Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communication |
English/German |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Photography, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Interior Architecture, Visual Communication, Fashion Design, Media Design, Product Design |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Visual Arts, Conservation, Theatre Design, Interior Design |
English/Italian |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Animation, Art & Art Education, Camera Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Textile Design |
English/German |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
Bachelor of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Scenography |
English/German |
University |
Master Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Transdisciplinary Studies, Design, Art Education, Curating, Art in Public Spheres |
English/German |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Art Direction, Product Design, Photography, Type Design, Film |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Space and Communication, Media Design, Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, Fashion & Accessory Design |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Master of Arts |
Visual Arts, Interaction Design, Interior Architecture |
English/Italian |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Master of Arts |
Design, Fine Arts |
English/German |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Scenography |
English/German |
University |
PhD Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Artistic Research, Art Theory, Practice-Based Research |
English/German |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
PhD in Art and Design |
Design Research, Visual Communication, Art Education |
English/German |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
PhD in Fine Arts and Design |
Artistic Research, Design Innovation |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
PhD in Art and Design |
Artistic Research, Design Practices, Art Theory |
English/French |
|
University of Basel |
PhD in Art History |
Art History, Visual Studies, Cultural Studies |
English/German |
Institution |
Diploma Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Diploma in Visual Arts |
Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Fashion Design |
English/German |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Diploma in Art and Design |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Photography, Media & Interaction Design |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Diploma in Art and Design |
Fine Arts, Interior Architecture, Visual Communication, Fashion Design |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Diploma in Design and Arts |
Visual Arts, Conservation, Theatre Design, Interior Design |
English/Italian |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Diploma in Design and Fine Arts |
Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Textile Design |
English/German |
Institution |
Short-term Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Summer School in Arts |
Various topics in Fine Arts, Design, Music, Dance |
2-4 weeks |
English/German |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Summer Workshops |
Graphic Design, Photography, Interaction Design |
1-3 weeks |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Short Courses in Art and Design |
Visual Communication, Fashion Design, Media Design |
1-3 weeks |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Short Courses in Design and Arts |
Visual Arts, Interior Design, Theatre Design |
2-4 weeks |
English/Italian |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Summer Courses in Design and Fine Arts |
Animation, Graphic Design, Textile Design |
2-4 weeks |
English/German |
|
Basel School of Design (HGK FHNW) |
Intensive Workshops in Visual Communication |
Visual Communication, Graphic Design |
1-2 weeks |
English/German |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
Creative Workshops |
Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication |
1-2 weeks |
English/French |
University |
Course Programs |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Fine Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communication, Transdisciplinary Studies, Design, Art Education, Curating, Art in Public Spheres |
English/German |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Photography, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication, Art Direction, Product Design, Type Design, Film |
English/French |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Art and Design |
Fine Arts, Interior Architecture, Visual Communication, Fashion Design, Media Design, Product Design, Space and Communication, Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, Fashion & Accessory Design |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
Visual Arts, Conservation, Theatre Design, Interior Design, Interaction Design, Interior Architecture |
English/Italian |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
Animation, Art & Art Education, Camera Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Textile Design, Design, Fine Arts |
English/German |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Fine Arts and Design |
Fine Arts, Media & Interaction Design, Visual Communication, Design Innovation |
English/French |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Art and Design |
Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Scenography, Visual Communication, Art Education, Design Research |
English/German |
University |
Course Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Fine Arts |
September (Fall semester) |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
September (Fall semester) |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Art and Design |
September (Fall semester) |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
September (Fall semester) |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
September (Fall semester) |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Fine Arts and Design |
September (Fall semester) |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Art and Design |
September (Fall semester) |
University |
Course Program |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Fine Arts |
CHF 1,500 - CHF 3,000 |
|
École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
CHF 1,500 - CHF 2,500 |
|
Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Art and Design |
CHF 1,500 - CHF 2,500 |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
CHF 1,600 - CHF 2,500 |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
CHF 1,000 - CHF 1,500 |
|
University of Art and Design Lausanne (HES-SO) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Fine Arts and Design |
CHF 1,000 - CHF 2,000 |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) |
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD in Art and Design |
CHF 1,200 - CHF 2,500 |
Level of Study |
General Eligibility Criteria |
Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor |
Completed secondary education (equivalent to Swiss Matura) |
Proficiency in the language of instruction (English, German, French, or Italian) |
|
|
Portfolio of previous artwork |
Entrance examination or interview (varies by institution) |
|
|
Letters of recommendation (optional, varies by institution) |
Statement of purpose or motivation letter |
|
Master |
Completed Bachelor's degree in a related field |
Strong academic record |
|
|
Portfolio of previous artwork |
Proficiency in the language of instruction (English, German, French, or Italian) |
|
|
Letters of recommendation |
Statement of purpose or motivation letter |
|
|
Relevant work experience (optional, varies by institution) |
Entrance examination or interview (varies by institution) |
|
PhD |
Completed Master's degree in a related field |
Strong academic record |
|
|
Research proposal outlining the intended area of study |
Proficiency in the language of instruction (English, German, French, or Italian) |
|
|
Portfolio of previous artwork (if applicable) |
Letters of recommendation |
|
|
Relevant work experience (optional, varies by institution) |
Interview with potential supervisor |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount |
Application Deadline |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
Open to international students |
Varies (covers tuition and living expenses) |
Varies |
Available for research, PhD, and postdoctoral studies |
|
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) |
Outstanding international students |
Full scholarship (tuition and living expenses) |
December 15 |
Specifically for ETH Zurich |
|
EPFL Excellence Fellowships |
International students applying for Master’s programs |
CHF 16,000 per academic year |
April 15 and December 15 |
Specifically for EPFL |
|
Zurich University of the Arts Scholarships |
For students with excellent academic records |
N/A |
N/A |
Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs |
|
University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master's Grants |
International students applying for Master’s programs |
CHF 1,600 per month |
November 1 |
Specifically for University of Lausanne |
|
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts Scholarships |
International students with financial need and excellent academic performance |
N/A |
N/A |
For various Art & Design programs at Lucerne University |
|
Geneva University of Art and Design Scholarships |
International students with outstanding portfolios |
N/A |
N/A |
Focus on various Art & Design disciplines |
|
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland Scholarships |
For international students demonstrating artistic talent and financial need |
N/A |
N/A |
Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Art & Design |
|
Arts Scholarships Switzerland |
Open to international students with strong portfolios |
N/A |
N/A |
Scholarships from various private foundations and organizations |
|
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) International Scholarship |
International students with exceptional artistic achievements |
CHF 3,000-CHF 12,000 per year |
N/A |
For undergraduate and postgraduate Art & Design programs |
Job Title |
Average Salary (CHF/year) |
Key Employers |
Skills Required |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Graphic Designer |
60,000 - 80,000 |
Advertising agencies, Design studios |
Adobe Creative Suite, Creativity, Communication |
Opportunities in both freelance and full-time roles |
|
Interior Designer |
65,000 - 90,000 |
Architecture firms, Interior design firms |
CAD software, Space planning, Project management |
Growing demand in residential and commercial projects |
|
Product Designer |
70,000 - 100,000 |
Manufacturing companies, Design consultancies |
Prototyping, 3D modeling, User-centered design |
Focus on innovative product development |
|
Art Director |
80,000 - 120,000 |
Advertising agencies, Media companies |
Leadership, Creative direction, Visual communication |
Leadership roles in creative teams |
|
Fashion Designer |
55,000 - 75,000 |
Fashion houses, Retail brands |
Fashion illustration, Textile knowledge, Sewing |
Opportunities in haute couture and ready-to-wear |
|
Multimedia Artist/Animator |
65,000 - 85,000 |
Animation studios, Game design companies |
Animation software, Storyboarding, Creativity |
High demand in entertainment and gaming industries |
|
UX/UI Designer |
75,000 - 100,000 |
Tech companies, Design agencies |
User research, Wireframing, Prototyping |
Vital role in tech and software development |
|
Museum/Gallery Curator |
50,000 - 70,000 |
Museums, Art galleries |
Art history, Exhibit design, Curatorial skills |
Important for preserving and displaying art |
|
Illustrator |
55,000 - 70,000 |
Publishing houses, Media companies |
Drawing, Digital illustration, Creativity |
Opportunities in books, magazines, and online media |
|
Art Teacher |
50,000 - 65,000 |
Schools, Art institutes |
Teaching, Art techniques, Curriculum development |
Roles available in educational institutions |
