Education in Switzerland

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Application and Entry Requirements in Switzerland

To be accepted to a university in Switzerland, candidates must possess either a state-recognized Swiss maturity certificate or another foreign certificate recognized as equivalent by the university. Depending on the course, a good knowledge of the language of instruction is a prerequisite as well. Most of the schools require a B1/B2 certification level, according to the European language passport (Europass), although some Bachelor's and Master’s programs are taught in English. You may be asked to take a language test/certificate before being admitted into a program. Applicants should contact their selected university well in time for further information.

Doctoral/Research Universities BACHELOR PROGRAMS Candidates who wish to be accepted into bachelor programs in doctoral/research universities must hold a Swiss maturity certificate or equivalent foreign upper secondary school leaving certificate that qualify candidates for university entrance (general higher education entrance qualification). Students who are excluded from this role are those who apply to medical programs (human, dental, veterinary, chiropractic and sports medicines).

MASTER PROGRAMS Candidates who wish to be admitted into master programs at doctoral/research universities must hold either a related Bachelor's degree (or equivalent). Admission to specialized master programs may be subject to other requirements as specified by the university. Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (UAS).

BACHELOR PROGRAMS Candidates who wish to study at a UAS must hold either a federal vocational baccalaureate or an equivalent upper secondary school leaving certificate. Holders of the Swiss maturity certificate or an equivalent foreign certification are eligible for UAS admission provided the necessary work experience is gained relevant to the chosen field of study. Holders of specialized qualification can gain admission into bachelor programs under predefined conditions as set by the university of choice. Gaining admission in the music, theater and arts degrees require no work experience but individual assessment of the candidate's artistic aptitude will be taken.

MASTERS PROGRAMS Candidates who wish to gain admission into a master program at a UAS must hold a Bachelor's degree. Check the validity of a foreign degree qualification with a Swiss university for further admission requirements. Universities of Teacher Education (UTE).

BACHELOR PROGRAMS The Swiss conference of Cantonal Directors of Education (EDK) regulations state that candidates must have a Swiss maturity certificate or an EDK recognized teaching diploma for admission into a UTE. Candidates with a specialized baccalaureate qualification also have a possibility of being admitted for teacher training (preschool and primary levels).

MASTERS PROGRAMS Candidates who gain their training to teach upper secondary level must hold an upper secondary qualification in one or two school subjects.Teachers for special education (early years or special needs education) should hold either a teaching diploma for standard classes or a degree in speech or psycho-motor therapy. Masters of Advanced Studies Masters of Advances studies (MAS) are further education courses that should not be confused with master programs. To gain admission into these programs, the candidate must hold a relevant academic degree and gained practical work experience in their chosen area of study.

Doctoral studies furthermore are the responsibility of doctoral/research universities. Admission decisions are taken on the basis of individual aptitude and qualification. Private schools in Switzerland have their own prerequisites. Please contact the school you are interested in for further details.