Universities in Switzerland

Top 20 Universities and Colleges in Switzerland
 

Top Universities and Colleges in Bern
 

Average Tuition Fees of Universities in Switzerland
 

Public Universities

1. Swiss Students: Tuition fees for Swiss nationals at public universities typically range from CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per year.

2. EU/EEA Students: EU/EEA students usually pay the same tuition fees as Swiss students, which is about CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per year.

3. Non-EU/EEA Students: Fees for non-EU/EEA students at public universities are often slightly higher but still generally remain within the range of CHF 1,000 to CHF 4,000 per year, depending on the university and program.

Universities of Applied Sciences

• These institutions may have slightly different fee structures, but the range is generally similar to that of public universities. Fees typically fall within the CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per year for Swiss and EU/EEA students. For non-EU/EEA students, fees may be slightly higher.

Private Universities

• Private universities in Switzerland have significantly higher tuition fees. Depending on the institution and the program, fees can range from CHF 5,000 to over CHF 30,000 per year. Programs like MBAs or other specialized business degrees often have the highest fees, sometimes exceeding CHF 40,000 per year.

Acceptance Rate of Indian and International Students of Universities in Switzerland
 

General Factors Influencing Acceptance Rates:

1. Program Competitiveness: More competitive programs, particularly those in fields like finance, international relations, technology, and hospitality management, can have lower acceptance rates. Institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL are highly competitive with rigorous admission criteria, especially for programs in engineering and science.

2. Type of Institution:

   • Research Universities: Institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Zurich may have lower acceptance rates due to high global demand and strong reputations.

   • Universities of Applied Sciences: These institutions tend to be more accessible, but acceptance rates can still be competitive depending on the program.

   • Specialized Institutions: For example, hotel management schools like Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne have selective admissions due to their industry prestige.

3. Level of Study:

   • Bachelor's Programs: These might be more competitive for non-EU students due to limited seats and high demand.

   • Master's Programs: Generally, these programs are more accessible if the applicant meets specific academic and language requirements.

   • PhD Programs: Admissions are highly dependent on the match between the candidate’s research interests and the department's research areas, as well as the availability of funding.

Approximate Acceptance Rates:

• Institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL have overall acceptance rates around 10-15% for their most competitive programs, though this number could be slightly higher or lower based on the specific department.

• More general programs at large universities may have higher acceptance rates, potentially around 20-30%.

• Universities of Applied Sciences and less globally renowned institutions might have even higher acceptance rates.

Specific to Indian Students:

• Indian students, particularly those applying to graduate programs, often meet the high academic standards required by Swiss universities, especially in STEM fields. The key to acceptance is often the student’s specific qualifications and the alignment of their previous studies and research interests with the program they are applying to.

Application and Admission Process of Universities in Switzerland
 

For Bachelor’s Programs:

1. Choose Your Program and University: Research universities and specific programs of interest. Consider factors like the language of instruction, curriculum, location, and tuition costs.

2. Check Admission Requirements:

   • Each university and program will have specific requirements. These often include language proficiency (in French, German, Italian, or English depending on the university), and secondary education qualifications comparable to the Swiss Maturity Certificate.

   • Many programs, especially in fields like medicine and psychology, might require entrance exams.

3. Language Proficiency:You need to demonstrate proficiency in the language in which you will study. Commonly accepted tests include DELF/DALF for French, Goethe-Zertifikat/TestDaF for German, and the Cambridge English exams for English.

4. Application Submission:

   • Submit your application directly to the university or through a centralized platform like swissuniversities.ch, depending on the institution’s requirements.

   • The typical application includes your educational transcripts, a passport-sized photo, a copy of your passport, language proficiency certificates, and sometimes a personal essay or motivation letter.

5. Application Deadlines: These usually fall around February-April for the fall semester but check specific university websites for exact dates.

6. Wait for Admission Decision: Once admitted, you may need to pay a semester fee to confirm your enrollment.

For Master’s and PhD Programs:

1. Choose Your Program and University: As with undergraduate programs, it’s important to align your academic and research interests with those offered by the university.

2. Check Specific Requirements: These programs often require a relevant Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for PhD). Additional requirements can include a strong GPA, research proposal, reference letters, and standardized test scores like GRE or GMAT for certain fields.

3. Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction is mandatory, similar to undergraduate requirements.

4. Application Submission: This process is similar to the undergraduate application but also includes submitting a detailed CV, a research proposal (especially for PhD applications), and publications if applicable.

5. Funding and Scholarships: For PhD students, it’s crucial to secure funding, which can come from university positions, external scholarships, or grants. Master’s students should also explore financial aid options.

6. Interviews: For PhD candidates, and sometimes for Master’s applicants, an interview with potential supervisors or a departmental committee is common.

Top 20 Public Universities in Switzerland
 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

   • Location: Zurich

   • Notable for: Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences

2. EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Notable for: Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences

3. University of Zurich

   • Location: Zurich

   • Notable for: Comprehensive range of subjects including Medicine, Biology, Business, and Economics

4. University of Geneva

   • Location: Geneva

   • Notable for: International Relations, Law, Particle Physics

5. University of Basel

   • Location: Basel

   • Notable for: Life Sciences, Biomedicine, Humanities

6. University of Lausanne

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Notable for: Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Business

7. University of Bern

   • Location: Bern

   • Notable for: Astronomy, Theology, Sustainable Development

8. University of Fribourg

   • Location: Fribourg

   • Notable for: Multilingual courses, Law, Theology

9. University of Neuchâtel

   • Location: Neuchâtel

   • Notable for: Microtechnology, Hydrology

10. University of St. Gallen (HSG)

    • Location: St. Gallen

    • Notable for: Business Administration, International Affairs, Law

11. University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana)

    • Location: Lugano

    • Notable for: Architecture, Communication Sciences, Informatics

12. ETH Lausanne

    • Location: Lausanne

    • Notable for: Engineering and Technology

13. University of Lucerne

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Notable for: Humanities, Social Sciences, Law

14. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)

    • Location: Basel, Brugg-Windisch, Muttenz, Olten

    • Notable for: Applied Sciences, Business, Engineering

15. Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

    • Location: Winterthur

    • Notable for: Applied Sciences, Health Professions

16. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Notable for: Engineering, Economics, Social Work

17. Bern University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Bern

    • Notable for: Engineering, Business, Design

18. University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO)

    • Location: Delémont, Geneva, Fribourg

    • Notable for: Health Sciences, Engineering, Business

19. Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)

    • Location: St. Gallen

    • Notable for: Engineering, Architecture, Business

20. Geneva School of Health Sciences

    • Location: Geneva

    • Notable for: Health Sciences, Nursing

Top 20 Private Universities in Switzerland
 

1. University of Italian Switzerland (USI)

   • Location: Lugano

   • Notable for: Architecture, Finance, Communication Sciences

2. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

   • Location: Geneva

   • Notable for: International Relations, Development Studies

3. IMD Business School

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Notable for: MBA and Executive Education

4. Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Notable for: Hospitality Management

5. Franklin University Switzerland

   • Location: Lugano

   • Notable for: Liberal Arts, International Relations

6. Glion Institute of Higher Education

   • Location: Montreux

   • Notable for: Hospitality Management

7. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education

   • Location: Crans-Montana

   • Notable for: Hospitality Management

8. Webster University Geneva

   • Location: Geneva

   • Notable for: Business, International Relations, Psychology

9. Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM)

   • Location: Geneva

   • Notable for: MBA and Business Education

10. Business School Lausanne (BSL)

    • Location: Lausanne

    • Notable for: Business and Entrepreneurship

11. EU Business School

    • Location: Montreux

    • Notable for: Business Administration, Communication, and Public Relations

12. International Management Institute (IMI)

    • Location: Luzern

    • Notable for: Hospitality and Business Management

13. Geneva Business School

    • Location: Geneva

    • Notable for: International Business, Digital Marketing

14. César Ritz Colleges

    • Location: Le Bouveret

    • Notable for: Hospitality and Tourism Management

15. Swiss Hotel Management School

    • Location: Caux

    • Notable for: Hospitality and Events Management

16. IHTTI School of Hotel Management

    • Location: Neuchâtel

    • Notable for: Design and Management of Hospitality

17. Montreux School of Business

    • Location: Montreux

    • Notable for: Business and Management

18. B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Notable for: Hospitality Management

19. Sustainability Management School (SUMAS)

    • Location: Gland

    • Notable for: Sustainability Management

20. IFM University - Institute of Finance and Management

    • Location: Geneva

    • Notable for: Finance, Business Administration, and Management

Top 20 Universities in Switzerland for Bachelor Course Program
 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

   • Location: Zurich

   • Specialty: Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Specialty: Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences

3. University of Zurich

   • Location: Zurich

   • Specialty: Law, Economics, Natural Sciences, Medicine

4. University of Geneva

   • Location: Geneva

   • Specialty: Law, International Relations, Medicine, Natural Sciences

5. University of Basel

   • Location: Basel

   • Specialty: Humanities, Law, Natural Sciences, Medicine

6. University of Lausanne

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Specialty: Biology, Medicine, Business, Social Sciences

7. University of Bern

   • Location: Bern

   • Specialty: Theology, Humanities, Medicine, Natural Sciences

8. University of St. Gallen (HSG)

   • Location: St. Gallen

   • Specialty: Business Administration, Economics, International Affairs

9. University of Fribourg

   • Location: Fribourg

   • Specialty: Law, Humanities, Theology, Social Sciences

10. University of Neuchâtel

    • Location: Neuchâtel

    • Specialty: Law, Economics, Humanities

11. ETH Lausanne

    • Location: Lausanne

    • Specialty: Engineering, Architecture, Science, Technology

12. University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana)

    • Location: Lugano

    • Specialty: Informatics, Architecture, Economics

13. Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)

    • Location: Zurich

    • Specialty: Arts, Design, Music, Film

14. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Specialty: Engineering, Economics, Social Work, Art and Design

15. Bern University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Bern

    • Specialty: Engineering, Business, Health Professions

16. Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM)

    • Location: Geneva

    • Specialty: Economics, Management

17. Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations

    • Location: Geneva

    • Specialty: International Relations, Political Science

18. Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

    • Location: Winterthur

    • Specialty: Applied Sciences, Engineering, Business, Health

19. École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

    • Location: Lausanne

    • Specialty: Hospitality Management

20. School of Engineering and Management Vaud (HEIG-VD)

    • Location: Yverdon-les-Bains

    • Specialty: Engineering, Business Management

Top 20 Universities in Switzerland for Master Course Program
 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

   • Location: Zurich

   • Specialties: Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences, Architecture

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Specialties: Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Physics

3. University of Zurich

   • Location: Zurich

   • Specialties: Law, Economics, Medicine, Natural Sciences

4. University of Geneva

   • Location: Geneva

   • Specialties: Law, International Relations, Medicine, Social Sciences

5. University of Basel

   • Location: Basel

   • Specialties: Humanities, Medicine, Theology, Business Administration

6. University of Lausanne

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Specialties: Business, Biology, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences

7. University of Bern

   • Location: Bern

   • Specialties: Theology, Humanities, Medicine, Natural Sciences

8. University of St. Gallen (HSG)

   • Location: St. Gallen

   • Specialties: Business Administration, Economics, International Affairs, Strategy

9. University of Fribourg

   • Location: Fribourg

   • Specialties: Law, Humanities, Theology, Social Sciences

10. University of Neuchâtel

    • Location: Neuchâtel

    • Specialties: Law, Economics, Humanities

11. University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana)

    • Location: Lugano

    • Specialties: Informatics, Architecture, Economics, Communication Sciences

12. Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)

    • Location: Zurich

    • Specialties: Arts, Design, Music, Film

13. Geneva School of Economics and Management (GSEM)

    • Location: Geneva

    • Specialties: Economics, Management, Finance

14. Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

    • Location: Winterthur

    • Specialties: Engineering, Business Administration, Social Work

15. Bern University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Bern

    • Specialties: Engineering, Business, Health Sciences

16. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Specialties: Art and Design, Social Work, Engineering, Economics

17. Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations

    • Location: Geneva

    • Specialties: International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Science

18. École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

    • Location: Lausanne

    • Specialties: Hospitality Management, Tourism

19. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

    • Location: Geneva

    • Specialties: International Relations, Development Studies, Economics

20. University of Lucerne

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Specialties: Law, Theology, Social Sciences

Top 20 Universities in Switzerland for PhD Course Program
 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

   • Location: Zurich

   • Specialties: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Architecture

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Specialties: Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences

3. University of Zurich

   • Location: Zurich

   • Specialties: Medicine, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Neuroscience

4. University of Geneva

   • Location: Geneva

   • Specialties: International Relations, Physics, Bioinformatics, Environmental Sciences

5. University of Basel

   • Location: Basel

   • Specialties: Biomedical Sciences, History, Psychology, Nanosciences

6. University of Lausanne

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Specialties: Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Criminal Justice, Business

7. University of Bern

   • Location: Bern

   • Specialties: Space Research, Sustainable Development, Health Sciences, History

8. University of St. Gallen (HSG)

   • Location: St. Gallen

   • Specialties: Business Administration, Economics, International Affairs, Law

9. University of Fribourg

   • Location: Fribourg

   • Specialties: Religious Studies, Law, Economics, Psychology

10. University of Neuchâtel

    • Location: Neuchâtel

    • Specialties: Law, Economics, Biodiversity

11. University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana)

    • Location: Lugano

    • Specialties: Informatics, Finance, Communication Sciences, Health Studies

12. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

    • Location: Geneva

    • Specialties: International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science

13. Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)

    • Location: Dübendorf

    • Specialties: Water Research, Environmental Engineering

14. Paul Scherrer Institute

    • Location: Villigen

    • Specialties: Materials Science, Nuclear Research, Photon Science

15. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute

    • Location: Basel

    • Specialties: Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Research

16. Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)

    • Location: Zurich

    • Specialties: Arts, Design, Film, Music

17. Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

    • Location: Winterthur

    • Specialties: Applied Psychology, Health Professions, Social Work, Engineering

18. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

    • Location: Lucerne

    • Specialties: Social Work, Business, Engineering, Art and Design

19. Bern University of Applied Sciences

    • Location: Bern

    • Specialties: Engineering, Information Technology, Health, Arts

20. École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

    • Location: Lausanne

    • Specialties: Hospitality Management, Business Innovation

Best Universities for IT and Computer Science in Switzerland
 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

   • Location: Zurich

   • Program Highlights: ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for science and engineering. It offers strong programs in computer science, data science, and related fields, with a focus on areas like machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational biology, and software engineering.

   • Research Opportunities: The university is known for its robust research output and collaboration with industry leaders, providing students with numerous opportunities for hands-on projects and internships.

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Program Highlights: EPFL is another leading global institution known for its innovation in technology and science. The School of Computer and Communication Sciences offers a comprehensive range of IT and computer science programs covering areas such as information security, programming languages, computational science, and computer engineering.

   • Research Opportunities: EPFL is renowned for its dynamic research environment and has extensive partnerships with the industry.

3. University of Zurich

   • Location: Zurich

   • Program Highlights: The University of Zurich offers a strong computer science department with programs that focus on both theoretical and applied aspects of computer science. Areas of study include algorithms and data analysis, artificial intelligence, and computational linguistics.

   • Research Opportunities: Students have opportunities to engage in high-impact research projects and collaborate with other academic institutions and industry partners.

4. University of Basel

   • Location: Basel

   • Program Highlights: The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs with a strong emphasis on research in computer science, including bioinformatics, cryptology, and human-computer interaction.

   • Research Opportunities: Basel is a hub for life sciences, providing unique interdisciplinary research opportunities that bridge IT, biology, and medicine.

5. University of Lausanne

   • Location: Lausanne

   • Program Highlights: While primarily known for life sciences and humanities, the University of Lausanne offers relevant programs in computer science and information systems that are often interdisciplinary, integrating business, social sciences, and legal studies.

   • Research Opportunities: Students can participate in research projects that often include collaborations with international organizations and other universities.

6. University of Geneva

   • Location: Geneva

   • Program Highlights: The Computer Science department provides education and research in computer science, focusing on areas like machine learning, computer vision, and software systems. It’s particularly strong in the application of IT in interdisciplinary contexts.

   • Research Opportunities: Geneva’s global atmosphere offers students extensive networking opportunities with international organizations and NGOs.

7. University of Lugano (Università della Svizzera italiana)

   • Location: Lugano

   • Program Highlights: Known for its Faculty of Informatics, which is recognized internationally for its excellence in teaching and research. Key areas include software, systems, and services, as well as cognitive computing and computational science.

   • Research Opportunities: The university emphasizes innovative research and close collaboration with industry.

Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Switzerland for MBA (Business, Management and Economics)
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for MS (Engineering, Science and Technology)
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Health Science, Medicine and Nursing
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Art and Humanities
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Media and Mass Communication
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Hospitality, Tourism and Events
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Art and Design
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Building, Construction and Architecture
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Law and Legal Studies
 

Top 10 Universities in Switzerland and Colleges for Computer Science, AI & Data Science
 

List of Free Tuition Fees Universities and Colleges in Switzerland 
 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

   • Known for its cutting-edge research and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

   • Location: Zurich

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

   • Specializes in natural sciences and engineering.

   • Location: Lausanne

3. University of Zurich

   • Offers a wide range of programs in various fields including health sciences, economics, and more.

   • Location: Zurich

4. University of Geneva

   • Known for its programs in international relations, law, and a broad spectrum of sciences.

   • Location: Geneva

5. University of Basel

   • One of the oldest universities in Switzerland, offering studies in humanities, natural sciences, and medicine.

   • Location: Basel

6. University of Lausanne

   • Focuses on social sciences, environmental science, and business.

   • Location: Lausanne

7. University of Bern

   • Offers diverse programs including theology, humanities, sciences, and medicine.

   • Location: Bern

8. University of St. Gallen (HSG)

   • Renowned for its business education.

   • Location: St. Gallen

9. University of Fribourg

   • Known for its bilingual (French and German) education environment and strong law and theology programs.

   • Location: Fribourg

10. University of Neuchâtel

    • Specializes in French language and literature, economics, and law.

    • Location: Neuchâtel

Tuition Fees

• Domestic/EU/EEA Students: Approximate fees range from USD 500 to USD 2,000 per year.

• Non-EU/EEA Students: Fees may be slightly higher, ranging up to about USD 4,000 per year.