Your A-Z Guide to Masters in Switzerland

Switzerland’s repute as a hub for quality education, profound cultural diversity, and knowledge-driven economy is unmatched. The presence of path-breaking universities, research facilities, and creation of a vast pool of employment & job opportunities establishes it as one of the foremost choices for international students seeking Masters in Switzerland. Undoubtedly, Switzerland offers a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience.

Why Study in Switzerland?

Switzerland is not only a picturesque holiday spot but is also known for its excellent higher education system, along with an ebullient cultural experience, and a prolific gateway to global career opportunities.

• High-quality education:

Three of Switzerland’s universities ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Geneva are ranked among the world’s best, according to the QS World University Rankings (2024 edition). Apart from these three, Switzerland is home to a sizeable number of globally-renowned universities and colleges. 

• Multicultural environment:

As a multilingual nation with four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), most Swiss universities view a strong command on these languages as an important factor for admissions. Multilingual students may gain an upper hand in securing lucrative jobs and career launchpads in Switzerland, due to their linguistic adeptness.

• Strong Focus on Research and Innovation:

Swiss universities have a penchant for innovation and research. Strong connections between Swiss universities, businesses and research centers allow students to work on actual projects and make significant contributions to cutting-edge research. Switzerland’s emphasis on research and development is evident in both its high student roll-ins and its position as a global leader in innovation.

• Affordable Education:

Masters in Switzerland Fees at public universities are far more reasonable than in other leading countries such as the US and the UK. Higher education is heavily supported by the government, and both domestic and foreign students have access to higher education. In addition, numerous scholarships are available to help students pay for their studies.

• Experienced Teachers:

Swiss teachers are highly trained and experienced, dedicated to providing top-quality education to their students. Their expertise, coupled with small class sizes and personalized attention, ensures that each student receives the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Top Universities

Several top-ranked universities provide MS in Switzerland and consistently perform well in global rankings.

• ETH Zurich:

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, founded in 1854, is a prestigious public research university specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Located in Zurich, it is recognized worldwide for its erudite academic programs and research achievements.

It offers a wide range of master’s degree programs in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, data science, and biomedical engineering. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through projects and has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports spin-offs and innovation.

• Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL):

EPFL,  located in Lausanne, is a premier institution known for its seasoned research and teaching faculty in engineering and technology. founded in 1969, it has rapidly developed a reputation for innovation and excellence.

It offers a variety of master’s degree programs spanning disciplines such as computer science, electrical engineering, and environmental science. The curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for real-world challenges.

• University of Zurich:

Founded in 1833, the University of Zurich is Switzerland’s largest university, offering a wide range of academic disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, Known for its research output and interdisciplinary collaborations, the University of Zurich is home to numerous research institutes and centers of excellence.

• University of Geneva:

Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva is one of the oldest universities in Switzerland, focusing on international studies, humanities, and social sciences.  It offers a variety of master’s degree programs that reflect its commitment to global issues and diplomacy, particularly in international relations, law, and human rights.

• University of Bern:

Founded in 1834, the University of Bern is known for its research-oriented approach and offers a wide range of academic disciplines and Strengths in environmental science, political science, and health science. The report shows that Switzerland is one of the EU countries with the highest reliance on foreign-trained doctors and foreign-trained nurses.

Masters in Switzerland Cost 

Pursuing a master’s degree in Switzerland is an attractive option for many international students due to the country’s stellar academic standards and scenic environment. However, it’s important to consider the master’s in Switzerland cost, which can be divided into tuition fees and living expenses.

Tuition fees

Masters in Switzerland Fees range from CHF 700 (Rs 69,000 approximately) to CHF 3,500 (Rs 3,45,000 approximately) per semester.

Masters in Switzerland Fees  at private universities are higher, ranging from CHF 10,000 (Rs 9,85,000 approximately)to CHF 20,000 (Rs 19,71,000 approximately) per year.

Specific Masters in Switzerland Fees  depend on the university and the program you choose.

Living expenses

The average monthly cost of living in Switzerland is about CHF 2,250(Rs 221,860 approximately).

The cost of living varies depending on the city and lifestyle.

On average, international students spend between CHF 12,000(Rs 1,183,257 approximately) and CHF 16,000 per year on accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.

Average monthly living expenses in Switzerland:

• Accommodation CHF 800
• Food CHF 500
• Books and stationery CHF 90
• Transportation CHF 50
• Leisure and outings CHF 160

The total cost of MS in Switzerland, including tuition and living expenses, ranges from CHF 18,000 to CHF 40,000 per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree:

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission to a master’s program in Switzerland with an average score of at least 60%.

• Language requirements:

Proof of English language proficiency is mandatory for international students applying to master’s programs in Switzerland.

Commonly accepted English language exams and their required scores

TOEFL: 80-100

IELTS: 5.5-7.0

Specific tests and required scores vary as per the university and programs  chosen by you. 

• GMAT/GRE Score:

MBA and related management courses require excellent GMAT or GRE scores for admission to top universities.

The average GMAT score is 640 to 690.

Although not required, higher GMAT or GRE scores will increase your chances of admission.

• Other Documents:

1. Transcripts of all educational qualifications
2. CV or Resume
3. Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
5. Scorecards of English proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL
6. Work experience certificate (if applicable)

Scholarships

Switzerland offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing a Master’s degree.

• ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship:

Eligibility: Meritorious international students pursuing a Master’s in any discipline at ETH Zurich.

Amount: Up to CHF 60,000 (approximately INR 5,520,840) covering tuition and living expenses.

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships:

Eligibility: International students pursuing an LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights or a Master’s of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

Amount: Full scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses for 10 months; partial scholarships are also available.

• University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships:

Eligibility: Students enrolled in a Master of Science degree at the University of Geneva.

Amount: CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 (approximately INR 920,140 to INR 1,380,210) per year.

• EPFL Excellence Fellowships:

Eligibility: Students enrolled in postgraduate programs at EPFL.

Amount: CHF 10,000 (approximately INR 920,140) per semester.

• Excellence Scholarship of the University of St. Gallen:

Eligibility: Highly talented foreign-language students with a recognized foreign Bachelor’s degree.

Amount: CHF 20,000 per program.

Masters in Switzerland For Indian Students

Switzerland is a prime destination for Masters in Switzerland For Indian Students, offering excellent academic opportunities and strong industry connections. However, one of the main concerns for international students is the availability of job opportunities post-graduation.

Job Opportunities

Switzerland has a flourishing economy and hence, unemployment is typically low, ranging from 2-5%. The job market is highly competitive but favorable, especially for foreign recent graduates. However, there is a high demand for skilled professionals in certain fields, which offers opportunities for foreign graduates.

Finance and Banking: Cities like Zurich and Geneva are recognized financial hubs. Major companies such as UBS and Credit Suisse, along with various investment firms, regularly seek skilled graduates. Indian students with degrees in finance or related fields can find job opportunities in these cities, making masters in Switzerland for Indian students is an excellent choice for those pursuing a career in finance.

Engineering and IT: There is a significant demand for engineers, particularly in fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as IT professionals specializing in cybersecurity and software development. This sector provides great opportunities for Masters in Switzerland for Indian Students.

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: Switzerland is home to leading pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and Roche, which often seek graduates with relevant qualifications.

Hospitality and Tourism: With its idyllic landscapes and tourist attractions, the hospitality sector offers numerous opportunities, especially in roles related to management and services.

Healthcare: The healthcare sector is also expanding, offering roles for those with backgrounds in nursing, healthcare management, and pharmaceuticals. Doctors make around Rs. 9,670,000 a year if they are specialists, and about 8,624,000 annually if they are general practitioner.

Conclusion

Switzerland provides a special blend of career opportunities, multicultural experience, and academic excellence for those pursuing master’s degrees. Switzerland is a desirable destination for students looking to improve their educational and career prospects because it offers a variety of top universities, reasonable tuition costs, and numerous scholarship opportunities. Students can get the most out of their master’s program in Switzerland by fulfilling the prerequisites, applying for available scholarships, and utilizing the nation’s solid industry connections.

FAQs

Ques 1 – Is Switzerland good for Masters?

Switzerland is an excellent choice for pursuing a Master’s degree due to its high-quality education system, renowned universities, and strong emphasis on research and innovation. The country offers a multicultural environment, with many programs available in English, making it accessible for international students, including those from India.

Ques 2 – Can Indian students study Masters in Switzerland?

Indian students can certainly study for a Master’s in Switzerland. They need to meet specific admission requirements, such as holding a recognized Bachelor’s degree, demonstrating English language proficiency, and providing necessary documentation.