Study Art in Switzerland - 33 institutions

Switzerland offers more than 30 bachelor's degree programs in artistic disciplines. Students receive an individual approach and strengthen their creative skills in their chosen field. Courses combine interdisciplinary communication, teamwork, and individual work.

Studying art in Switzerland reflects current artistic practice and encompasses artistic and socially significant topics that go beyond the boundaries of art. Students receive up-to-date education, opening pathways to national and international perspectives, platforms, and resources. In addition to the main subject, 1–2 courses are offered to deepen or expand core skills and knowledge.

Swiss art schools for international students open up wide opportunities — they have partnerships with professional networks (theaters, media, film production, galleries), guarantee modern, relevant education, and prepare students for careers in a dynamic professional field, benefiting from the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Graduates are awarded the following degrees:

• Bachelor's — duration of study 3–4 years,
• Master's — 1.5–2 years,
• Doctorate — from 3 years.

By field of study:

• Theater,
• Dance,
• Design,
• Music,
• Film production,
• Fine arts,
• Art education and others.

Studying art in Switzerland encompasses a wide range of departments:

• Architecture,
• Interior design,
• Art history,
• Graphic design,
• Theater studies,
• Industrial design,
• Fine arts,
• Fashion, textiles, and luxury goods,
• Artistic production and processing,
• Exhibition and public dissemination,
• Musical compositions for film, theater, and media.

Art studies in Switzerland for international students in master's and doctoral programs combine a theoretical foundation with practical relevance, as well as the latest national and international research findings. The following are conducted:

• Seminars with invited artists and designers,
• Courses,
• Projects,
• Work with clients, which contributes to the dynamics of the learning environment.

Painting and drawing, performance, photography studies, cinema, video editing, installation, sculpture, and digital art are just some of the media included in the program! Students specialize in a main topic according to their interests, communicate, build an audience, deepen their knowledge and practical skills, and discuss and refine the direction of their artistic practice.

Art schools in Switzerland accept students from Russia and other CIS countries after 11th grade, but for a successful transition to a bachelor's program, students who need additional preparation are offered preparatory courses lasting from several months to a year. Teaching is conducted in:

• English,
• German,
• French,
• Italian.

If applicants do not have sufficient command of the language, universities offer language courses that help effectively improve skills.

Swiss art schools for international students allow them to develop their talents in many fields:

• Dance,
• Engraving,
• Sculpture,
• Game design,
• Multimedia,
• Fashion design,
• Sound design,
• Film production,
• Theater management,
• Art education,
• Music pedagogy, school music, and others.

Preparatory programs ready students for the high requirements of bachelor's entrance examinations. The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective modules applied in practice, raising awareness of current research and the professional realities of tomorrow.

Additional expenses:

• Accommodation,
• Meals,
• Consular fee.

All universities in Switzerland are autonomous and have the right to set their own admission requirements for international students.

The standard required document package typically includes:

• International passport and a copy thereof,
• Student visa,
• School certificate (for bachelor's programs),
• Transcript of grades,
• Certificate of completion of 2 years at a university in the applicant's home country (for bachelor's programs),
• Completed application form,
• CV/Resume,
• Motivation letter,
• Portfolio with original works,
• Proof of foreign language proficiency,
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (for master's programs),
• Master's degree (for doctoral programs).