FAQ: University preparation in Switzerland

I am in my third year at university and have a language certificate in German. Can I transfer to a Swiss university to the same course?

The admissions committee of the university you have chosen may very well consider your request. You need to provide a TestDAF certificate in German, as well as a report card with your academic results and grades. However, usually foreign students are enrolled in the first year – this is a common practice due to the differences in educational systems.

I have received a bachelor's degree. Can I apply for a master's program at the University of St. Gallen? I am interested in the Faculty of International Affairs.

You can apply for a place in the master's program if you have obtained a bachelor's degree in the same field. You must provide the admissions committee with the following documents:

Receipt of payment for the registration fee (250 CHF)
Certificate of secondary education (certified and translated copy in English/German. After passing the entrance test, you will need to provide the original)
Bachelor's degree in the relevant field (translated and certified)
Proof of registration in the program (it is sent to the student after submitting the online application)
Curriculum of completed courses with the grades received (translated into English/German). This is required so that the courses you have taken can be credited upon transfer, avoiding duplication of the curriculum
A motivation letter written by the student
2 passport-style photos (30x40 mm, without corners or ovals, colored, glossy, clear and high-quality, face fully visible unless prohibited for religious reasons)
A brief autobiography in English/German (CV)
A copy of a valid international passport
2 letters of recommendation (English/German). They must be written on your university's letterhead, stamped and signed by an official, and sent in a sealed and closed envelope
Educational and language test results: GRE (from 760 points), TOEFL (from 600 points, internet version – from 100 points, computer-based testing – from 250 points); IELTS (from 7.5)
Description of the grading system at your university (on what basis points, grades, credits are given, with explanations in English/German).

Documents must be sent by August 30, and the electronic preliminary application – from February 1 to April 30.

Which programs can I apply to at the University of Lausanne if I I have the citizenship of the other country?

You can apply to any faculty except the medical faculty.

What documents should I submit to the admissions office if I am applying for a bachelor's program at the University of Lausanne?

You must provide a secondary school diploma, a certificate of the French language proficiency, as well as proof of studying at a foreign university for 2 years.

I want to apply for a master's program at the University of Lausanne. Is this possible for foreign students? What steps do I need to take?

You must provide a bachelor's degree in the relevant field. In your application, in addition to other information, you must prove the equivalence of the degree you obtained to the one you are applying for – a special form is usually provided for this purpose. The other documents are standard, and our specialist will clarify the full list for you (the package may vary slightly depending on the university you wish to apply to).

I am planning to apply to the University of Lausanne. I know that I need to demonstrate an sufficient level of language proficiency. Which certificates do I need to provide for this?

To prove a sufficient level of your French proficiency to the admissions committee, it is enough to have DELF or DALF certificates.

Who certifies documents when applying to a foreign university?

All documents requiring certification must go through an official notary or be certified directly in the embassy of Switzerland.

I am planning to apply to the University of Lausanne, but I am afraid that I won't be able to complete the conditional enrollment before the start of the academic year. Will I be accepted into the program?

No, if you do not manage to complete all enrollment stages, including the conditional one, you will not be allowed to study.

The list of documents required for admission to the University of Lausanne includes a curriculum vitae (CV). What should its length be?

The CV must be up to 2 printed pages.

Are there bachelor's and master's programs in English, rather than French, at universities in Switzerland? I am specially interested in the University of Lausanne.

Usually, the Bachelor of Arts program is taught in English. For master's programs, there are more options: Master of Arts/Languages, Master of Science in Actuarial Science/Economics. Programs such as Master of Science in Finance/Management are also taught in English, but a good level of French is still required for these programs because some courses are taught in French.

How can I authenticate my certificate and prove that it is equivalent to a Swiss diploma? Almost all universities in Switzerland require this procedure.

You will need to translate and officially certify both your diploma and the subjects listed on it. If you want to transfer credits for certain courses to a new university, you must indicate the need for confirmation of equivalency in the Application Form. For example, the University of Lausanne sends an additional form that your university must complete.

Who can write recommendation letters for me? Are there strict rules for how they should be written?

All letters of recommendation must be printed on the letterhead of your university, with its stamp and signature of the authorized person. Usually, letters are received from teachers, employees of the dean's office and the administration.

I am planning to apply to the University of Lausanne. What housing options are available in my case? Is a dormitory provided, and if so, what do I need to do to secure a place?

Specifically, the University of Lausanne does not have dormitories. The university helps find rented accommodation (a room, apartment, or flat), which costs approximately 500 CHF per month.

What does the tuition fee at the University of Lausanne include?

The University of Lausanne, like most Swiss universities, includes in its tuition the actual education and the use of all infrastructure: libraries, laboratories, computer labs, etc. Accommodation and meals are paid separately according to the individual student's capabilities.

Does the University of Lausanne offer internship and practical training opportunities? What career prospects will I have upon graduation?

Most faculties, especially those of applied sciences, provide their students with opportunities for internships and practical experience. Many national and international companies, aware of the university's prestige and the quality of its educational programs, submit requests for specialists in specific fields, and a student who meets the stated criteria can apply for such a position.

I will soon finish school (a specialized gymnasium with an in-depth study of foreign languages). Can I continue my studies at the University of Bern (Switzerland)? Where should I start preparing?

You can find all the required information on the pages of our catalog – the website tries to provide answers to all your questions. Our specialist will give you a full consultation on admission to Switzerland for free and help you choose an educational institution and program according to your requirements and needs, possibilities, and goals.

I want to receive higher education in Switzerland. I heard that it is recommended to take a Foundation preparatory course lasting about 9 months. What should I do if I need not only to improve my language skills but also to enhance my academic skills? According to reviews, studying abroad (specifically, I am interested in the faculty of management) requires special skills. Are there similar preparatory programs in Switzerland itself, or would I first have to go to another country?

In order to successfully study at a Swiss university, you really need to know French or German well, depending on the language of instruction. The university itself will advise you on the main subjects of the program for a particular faculty, and then you can choose a preparatory course specifically in those areas. Our specialist will help you make a choice if you find it difficult to navigate the variety of options available.

We want to provide our son with higher education in Switzerland in the field of Hospitality and Tourism. He is finishing 11th grade (he will be 17.5 years old at the time of graduation). Which universities can you recommend to us, preferably prestigious and respected ones? How can he apply to them, and how much will it cost? Perhaps it would be worth enrolling in some preparatory courses beforehand?

The specialty you mentioned is extremely popular and in demand in Switzerland, so there are quite a few educational offers available. Among prestigious and highly rated options, we can suggest Les Roches, Glion, César Ritz, HIM, and IHTTI. Admission requirements may vary depending on the chosen institution. Generally, the admissions committee requires your certificate of sufficient English proficiency, a motivation letter (written by the student), and a high school diploma. As for the cost, there are also many influencing factors, but you can generally estimate it at around 35,000 CHF per academic year.

My daughter wants to pursue higher education in Switzerland in the field of biochemistry, and she is interested in EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). This summer she finishes her A-level course in the UK. Could you please recommend Swiss universities with these programs? How to apply, which language is required, and how much does the tuition cost?

Many federal universities in Switzerland highly value the A-level certificate. At the EPFL university you mentioned, there is the required program. It is mostly conducted in French, but about a third of the lectures are in English, so so proficiency in both languages will be necessary. After obtaining a Swiss Bachelor's Diploma, you can apply for a Master's degree (entirely in English). You can find exact admission requirements on the university's website (they may be slightly updated from year to year). Our specialist will help you to collect the required documents, translate them and complete the application correctly.

Is it possible to work with your company remotely? I am currently abroad and cannot visit your office to work directly. I am interested in overseas master's programs in the field of International Relations in English, ideally with a focus on the countries of the Middle East. I am 27 years old and have a higher education degree in Oriental Studies and Economics. I consider European countries (excluding the United Kingdom) and plan to start my studies in the fall.

Of course, you will be able to sign a contract with us remotely, and we will help you enroll in the chosen university in the desired program. Pay attention to the private universities Webster University and Franklin College (they are located in Switzerland). Webster University offers a major in International Relations, with electives on Eastern countries. Franklin College provides a program in Political Science – here you can take individual courses such as International Relations and Politics of the Middle East. However, these courses are usually taught in German or French, so you will need to improve your language skills to the required level.

I am applying for bachelor's program at the University of Switzerland (management). I have a higher education degree in pedagogy. I found out that I need to provide a certificate of language proficiency, a certificate of secondary education and pass the Fribourg exam. At the same time, I found out that foreign applicants need to additionally study at least 2 years in a university. Does this mean that the Fribourg exam is equivalent to two years of university study? Which option is correct?

We recommend focusing on the official websites of Swiss universities. If necessary, our manager will check information regarding a specific educational institution for you.

I have a higher education degree in History and I want to obtain a second higher education at the University of Lausanne. I am interested in the field of Tourism, and I only speak English. I found out that the university offers annual French language courses, which are specifically intended for foreign applicants. Please clarify for me, how can I enroll in these courses (deadlines, documents, requirements), and what is the cost of your services? Will I need to take mathematics as an entrance exam? Perhaps there are other good preparatory courses as well? I would like to be admitted on the first attempt and not waste time.

For your situation we can recommend studying at higher schools of hospitality management. There are a lot of them in Switzerland, as this field is in high demand, well-developed, and popular. To enroll in such a school, you need to demonstrate proficiency in English and your desire to work and develop specifically in the tourism sector; knowledge of a second foreign language is desirable but not at all mandatory.

I have a higher education degree obtained at a university in Azerbaijan (specialty - Bachelor in Biology, Master in Human and Animal Physiology). I am interested in the possibility of continuing my studies in Switzerland. I know English and German, but at an intermediate level. Can I apply for a place at the universities of Geneva and Lausanne? They seemed the most prestigious to me.

For a more accurate answer, we need to know the specialty you plan to apply for in Switzerland. Both in Lausanne and Geneva, the official language is French, so undergraduate programs are likely to be conducted in French, with only electives in English. You need to improve your French language skills and confirm them with the appropriate certificate (for example, DALF) by providing it to the admissions committee.

I am finishing 10th grade (16 years old) and I really want to study in Switzerland in the field of Hospitality and Tourism, and I am also considering International Relations. I am fluent in English, so I am choosing programs in English. I am interested in Glion University. Could you advise on the best way to organize the admission process after 11th grade? What are the costs of admission, tuition, and your services – maybe there are any special offers or ways for foreign students to study for free?

We provide enrollment and admission services completely free of charge thanks to direct cooperation with all the institutions listed on our website. In the UK and Switzerland, there is no free education for foreigners. If you are interested in free programs, we are ready to select options for you in other European countries (there are options in English).

If you choose the specialty Hospitality and Tourism, Switzerland is the best option, as these fields are highly developed and in demand there. You will need to demonstrate a good level of English by providing an IELTS or TOEFL certificate. If International Relations is a higher priority, in Switzerland this program is offered either in German or in French. Studying this specialty in English is only possible in the UK.

Graduates of foreign schools, before entering universities in England or Switzerland, must study for at least two years at a university in a similar specialty. An alternative can be an international course abroad – for example, A-level or IB, which are offered by the vast majority of private boarding schools or international colleges. There is also the option to take a Foundation course. It lasts only one year, unlike the two-year IB or A-level courses, but it limits the number of universities to which you can apply.

The cost of education varies significantly and depends on many factors. You can familiarize yourself with the pricing in the relevant section of our website. We have indicated the price of each program at each educational institution and the amount of additional fees and charges.

I want to study in Switzerland, at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) in the field of Economics. I want to get a profession related to business or management in advertising. Ideally, I would like to enroll after the 11th grade, but I already know that Swiss universities require foreign students to complete at least 2 years of study in their home school plus the Freiburg exam for foreigners. Is it mandatory to complete these two courses to enroll at ETH Zurich? In what language are the programs I have chosen taught?

Yes, ETH Zurich, like any federal public university in Switzerland, requires foreign applicants to have at least 2 years of study at a university. You will also need to demonstrate a good level of German (an international certificate with scores no lower than B2) for successful study and passing the personal interview.

I have been studying in Ireland for 4 years, finishing high school and first year of university. I realized that the chosen course does not suit me at all. Can I continue studying at a Swiss university?

Studying in Ireland, you studied in English and received English secondary education. Proceeding from this, we suggest that you pay attention to private universities, where there are many programs in English. Federal state universities usually conduct classes in German or French, and sometimes in Italian (depending on the canton where the university is located). Be ready to provide the admissions committee with an international certificate of language proficiency (minimum B2).

I finish my studies on the bachelor's degree program with double diplomas. I plan to get the diploma from the London School of Economics in September, and the diploma in my country in July next year, with average grades in both (Banking and Finance). Do I have the opportunity to continue my education at a Swiss university and later obtain citizenship of this country? Please provide advice regarding the undergraduate program (second higher education), master's, and MBA.

In addition to excellent academic preparation (which means grades above the average), you will need an excellent knowledge of a foreign language – in Switzerland, this is French, German, or Italian (depending on the canton where the university is located). You have about a year to study the language, but unfortunately, as practice shows, this is usually not enough. We recommend spending more time on preparation.

Master's studies can be conducted in English in several specialties, but only after completing higher education (a bachelor's degree) in your home country.

An MBA is a professional development program for senior and middle management, executives, and managers. You need to present actual work experience (usually at least 2 years), not just a recent graduate's diploma – the latter is not enough.

I have received a higher education in Jurisprudence in my native country. Now I am thinking of studying in Switzerland (the University of Geneva) on the philological. How can I do it?

At the University of Geneva you indicated, all undergraduate programs and most master's programs are taught in French, so you definitely need to get and present a DELF or DALF certificate with points from B2 and above. The rest of the package of documents depends on the selected year of admission and your level of academic preparation - details for you will be clarified by the manager when the direction, university and deadline will be finally chosen.

I spent an entire year studying in Switzerland (AFS German course) and have a TestDAF certificate (C1-C2). I want to pursue higher education at the University of St. Gallen. Can the Foundation program replace the required two years of study at a university?

Alas, the Foundation program is mostly not valid for Swiss universities. You will have to complete two courses at a foreign university in a similar field (equivalent to the one you are planning to enroll in St. Gallen).

I completed a Foundation course in England and have another year of study ahead in the Faculty of Design. I would like to change my course and study hotel management and tourism in Switzerland. Will I need a good level of mathematics and economics? What exams will I need to take for this field? What is the cost of tuition and living?

Your educational level is sufficient for the top hospitality schools in Switzerland. The approximate cost per term is 28,000 CHF, and accommodation costs from 3,000 to 5,000 CHF per term (depending on the chosen type – hotel, room, apartment or studio, level of comfort, meals, etc.). Additional expenses and fees are specified in each school profile available on our website. We will help you find the optimal option and select a good university based on your requirements and goals.

I will soon graduate from the Faculty of Philology in my country and want to continue my studies in the field of Psychology. I am considering Germany or Switzerland. Can I enroll directly in a master's program, or will I have to go through a bachelor's program again?

If the admissions committee considers that your studied subjects are sufficient and you have high academic grades, you can start your studies directly in the master's program.

I plan to study in Switzerland after 11th grade. I have been studying English for a long time and successfully, and I plan to start learning French. Are there programs in Swiss universities taught in English?

Yes, there are such universities and faculties. Pay attention to such universities as European University, Webster university, and Franklin College.

Is it possible to enroll at the University of St. Gallen after finishing high school in Greece, or will it be necessary to study for two years at a Greek university?

In general, if your academic results are high enough and you have a DAF language certificate (level C1 or above), you can enroll at the University of St. Gallen immediately after grade 11. However, two university courses completed in Greece are a significant advantage for the Swiss admissions committee (considering studies in a similar specialty).

I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics, majoring in Business Informatics. I am considering the possibility of continuing my education in Switzerland after completing my bachelor's degree (either bachelor's or master's, depending on the opportunities). Which programs are worth entering? Only a similar program in Business Informatics or could I choose others, such as Banking? Do I need to study for 2 years in a foreign university in the chosen field? Where can I find rankings of Swiss universities to choose the best one?

The education system in Switzerland, including higher education, is excellently developed and well-organized, so almost all universities have high national and international rankings. Specifically for economic disciplines, we recommend paying attention to the University of St. Gallen.

In general, the Swiss state universities are quite welcoming to international students. You will need to confirm your high academic and language proficiency. If the admissions committee deems it sufficient, you may be accepted into the Banking program, even directly into a master's program, but this matter is always decided individually (depending on both the student and the university). If you are looking for a master's program in English, be sure to prepare an international IELTS certificate (score of 7.0 or higher). You will also need to know French, German, or Italian at a basic conversational level (the choice of language depends on the canton where you plan to study). For a second higher education degree, you will need a very high level of the official language of your chosen canton.

Pay close attention to the university's admission requirements and meet them exactly. Keep in mind that obtaining a student visa for Switzerland can take up to 2-3 months, so make sure to address this matter in advance.

How long are the trimesters at the University of Lausanne?

The academic year is divided into trimesters: fall (from September 15 to December 19) and spring (from February 16 to May 29). Holidays are scheduled for students from April 9 to April 20, and separate assessment periods are set aside for exams (January 9–31, June 8–July 4, August 17–September 5).

Can the university (specifically considering the University of Lausanne) help with obtaining a Permit B? Maybe the university can send the initial request to the immigration office or consulate, and track the results and response?

Universities in Switzerland do not help students obtain the Permit B. This task is entirely the responsibility of the applicants.

How is assessment conducted in Swiss universities? Is the dropout rate high after the first 1-2 years? If possible, please specify this information for the University of Lausanne.

Student performance is assessed using the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credit system. A certain number of credits can be earned for each subject and program. They are awarded for attendance (both lectures and seminars), test results and practical work, and the quality of independent assignments. Up to 60 credits can be earned in one year (1 credit corresponds to approximately 25-30 hours of work).

My daughter is currently studying in the 10th grade in in our native country. We would like our daughter to enroll in the Faculty of History or the Faculty of Political Science in Switzerland in the future. How can we prepare for admission?

The best option would be to send the child to the last two years of high school to study at a school directly in Switzerland. This will allow the child to effectively improve their language skills and obtain a Swiss high school graduation certificate, which will enable direct admission to the first year of a bachelor's degree at a university. It is also important to understand in which language the education is planned. If the program of study at school was in a language other than the desired program of the university, then in addition it will be necessary to provide a certificate confirming the level of language required by the university.

My son completed 11th grade of a British school. He is studying under the A-level program. He recently made a firm decision that he wants to pursue higher education in Switzerland in the field of Economics. Would it be better if he graduated from school in Switzerland, and would Swiss schools accept him for the final year?

It is important to understand in which language the university education is planned. If the education is planned in English, it is possible to enter the first year of a Swiss university after completing the A-level program. If the education is planned in German, the best option would be to study the last two years at a Swiss school in the Swiss Matura program, in order to then directly enter the first year of a bachelor's program.

If you study at a private school in Switzerland in English, is it possible later to apply to universities in Switzerland and Germany, including German-language programs? My daughter studies in English, but has also been learning German for 5 years. Her current German level is closer to C1.

Yes, if a child additionally studies the German language and has a certified level of C1 or higher, it is possible to apply for a German-language program. However, be sure to review the complete list of documents required by the university you are interested in, as different universities may have their own additional requirements for foreign students.

Is it possible to enroll in medical school at a university in Switzerland after attending a school in my native country? If so, will the education be in German or is it also possible in English?

Medical fields are considered the most prestigious and difficult to access areas not only for international applicants but also for Swiss citizens. The influx of applicants is extremely high, and the availability of places is limited. In addition, there is an age restriction in the country: only applicants who have reached the age of 18 can enroll in a public university. If you still want to try your luck and apply to a medical program, the best preparation option would be completing the Swiss Matura program at a Swiss boarding school.