...

Study international relations in Switzerland - 5 institutions

Current page last update date: 2026-04-12
Schools
5institutions
Show on map
Sort:
by ranking
by name by ranking by price (increasing) by price (decreasing)
student age
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Show by:
10 18 36 72
Similar educational institutions
Show by:
10 18 36 72

Studying international relations in Switzerland is one of the best opportunities to get a high level of education that will help you to climb the career ladder confidently and quickly. Switzerland is a multinational country, opening up many directions and options for the study of international relations and political science. Numerous international organizations work and house their headquarters here: the World Health Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations and many others. Switzerland is often considered the capital of peace and diplomacy and has been chosen as the headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union and the Reuters European Communication Centre.

A foreign student can get education in Switzerland at public and private universities, colleges and schools.

Advantages of studying international relations in Switzerland for international students

  • One of the main advantages of studying international relations in Switzerland is the abundance of internship opportunities. The country's proximity to international organizations and diplomatic missions allows students to easily gain hands-on experience in the field.
  • Switzerland is known as one of the world's largest financial centers, particularly in the area of private wealth management.
  • It is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Studying international relations in Switzerland allows students to improve their language skills and gain fluency in European languages.
  • Switzerland's political neutrality provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment that attracts students from around the world. The multicultural atmosphere fosters a global outlook and encourages open-mindedness and objectivity — essential qualities for a successful career in international relations.
  • In addition to academic benefits, studying international relations in Switzerland offers a rich cultural experience: the country's scenic landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant cultural environment provide vast opportunities for exploration and leisure.
  • Switzerland's central location makes it easy to travel to other European countries, further broadening the cultural experience.

Career prospects after studying at schools with international relations programs in Switzerland

Upon obtaining the status of a specialist in the field of international relations, foreign students have the opportunity to build a career in decision-making in the areas of global governance and diplomatic services, international organizations, corporate business, and non-profit organizations. Due to regular and rapid changes in today's global environment, international cooperation is of vital importance, as its primary goal is to facilitate the mobility of resources and people between countries. Diplomats today play a strategic role, serving as a bridge for dialogue between different cultures, fostering the development of relationships, and striving to resolve any existing disagreements through peaceful means.

After graduating from the faculty of international relations in Switzerland, foreign students can work as:

  • Diplomatic service officers,
  • Government social research specialists,
  • International aid or development specialists,
  • Policy specialists,
  • Political risk analysts,
  • Public relations consultants,
  • Radio journalists,
  • External auditors,
  • Teachers,
  • Risk managers,
  • Lawyers.

Admission requirements for international students enrolling in international relations courses at Swiss universities

To be able to study in Switzerland, foreign students need not only a reliable bank account but also strong academic recommendations, and they must possess good language skills confirmed by the relevant certificates.

Most public institutions require the following documents from applicants:

  • A certificate of completion of secondary school in the home country with an above-average grade point average sufficient to obtain a diploma (when enrolling in a bachelor's program),
  • Supporting documents confirming that the applicant has already completed one or more years of study at a university in their home country.

Each educational institution in Switzerland may ask foreign applicants to provide various official documents, such as transcripts from previous educational institutions.

It is advisable to begin the application process at least 4–10 months before the planned start date in order to ensure optimal admission conditions without unnecessary stress. Swiss schools, colleges, and universities set their own application deadlines; however, the general submission periods vary within a common range, typically with two intakes per year:

  • For the spring semester, the procedure takes place from December to January before the start of the academic year in February each year. It is advisable to submit documents no later than February 28 during the autumn semester.
  • For the autumn semester, the procedure takes place from February to August before the start of the academic year in September each year. It is advisable to submit documents no later than September 30 during the spring semester.

Top 4 Educational Courses in International Relations in Switzerland

  1. EU Business School. The school is certified with the EduQua quality mark, and its programs are accredited by ACBSP and IACBE — program accreditation bodies recognized by CHEA. In addition, the school maintains partnerships with universities such as the University of Derby and the University of Roehampton, offering accredited degrees. Through engagement with an extensive network of real businesses and business professionals, students have the opportunity to visit companies and interact with experts, allowing them to gain a real-world understanding of business.
  2. Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations. The school is an exclusive university that provides its students with networking opportunities through interactive classes, guest speaker lectures, and connections with international institutions. Programs are taught by a renowned faculty consisting of professors and ambassadors. The teaching methods applied, based on theory and practice, are aimed at equipping students with skills in international relations and analysis that they can use when faced with real-world challenges.
  3. The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. This is a research institution dedicated to the study of world affairs with a particular focus on the cross-cutting areas of international relations and development issues. The institute strives to foster international cooperation and contribute to the progress of developing societies. Through the course of study, faculty aim to cultivate creative thinking in students regarding significant real-time challenges, strengthen global responsibility, and promote respect for diversity.
  4. University of St. Gallen. The university specializes in business administration, economics, law, and international relations. The institution offers its students the opportunity to benefit from an ideal combination of research and practical experience, to plan their courses independently through contextual learning options alongside specialized elective classes. Students can participate in an exchange program with partner universities around the world and join mentorship programs.
Reviews/Comments/Questions
There are no comments here yet
Your comment / review
If you have a question, write it, we will try to answer
* - Field is mandatory
Chat with us, we are online!

Request a call

By submitting a request, you accept the conditions Privacy Policy