Master's in Switzerland - Costs, Degrees and Universities

Why study for a Master’s degree in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a great option for your postgraduate studies as the country’s universities are globally recognized for their high standards and student-centered teaching methods that help individuals develop at their own pace.

Pursuing a master’s degree in Switzerland can be a great advantage for your future career since studying in the country also offers the opportunity to learn and practice foreign languages such as German, French, and Italian, which may be useful for your advancement.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Switzerland

The average cost of a master’s in Switzerland is approximately CHF 2,000 (about €2,000) per year. This amount is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study. In private institutions, tuition fees may go as high as CHF50,000 (~€50,000).

Universities in Switzerland do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, but some of them offer programs with very low tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in Switzerland

Switzerland is a beautiful country, with most of its surface area being covered by the Alps. Thanks to its exceptional public transport system, you’ll have the opportunity to easily travel to many different parts of the country and get to know some of the most scenic places in Europe.

Universities in Switzerland offer students a variety of benefits, such as on-campus housing, assistance in seeking employment, and guidance for anything related to studying. So, in case you ever need it, it’s good to know there is support available.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Switzerland?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Switzerland. Some master's programs in Switzerland are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the individual universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Switzerland online?

Some universities in Switzerland also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a university in Switzerland through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Switzerland?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in Switzerland, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Switzerland?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Switzerland for Master’s degrees

• Mechanical Engineering
• Finance
• Hotel Management
• Architecture
• Business Analytics
   

Can I stay in Switzerland after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in Switzerland after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a job-seeker visa or a work permit to stay in the country to seek employment or work.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA, you have the ability to stay in Switzerland for six months, in order to seek employment. If you‘ve already found a job, you can stay for as long as you need. In both cases, a residence permit is necessary.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Switzerland?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.