Best universities in Switzerland 2024
- Education information
- What you should know about Universities in Switzerland
- Best Universities in Switzerland
- Help from Smapse experts when choosing a university in Switzerland
- Cost and Fees for Universities in Switzerland
- Admission Requirements for the Best Universities in Switzerland
- Literature and references
This content was developed with active participation of Steve Smith.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.swissuniversities.ch/
- https://www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study/europe/switzerland/guide.
-
#7 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the worldSwitzerlandLucerneCurrently watching: 7from 39880.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
#8 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the worldSwitzerlandLucerneCurrently watching: 8from 850.00 CHF / monthApply with documents
-
ranked #39 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023SwitzerlandLucerneCurrently watching: 8from 27600.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
#4 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the worldSwitzerlandLausanneCurrently watching: 9from 32600.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
Top-50 best Marketing programs in the worldSwitzerlandGenevaCurrently watching: 7from 4600.00 CHF / termApply with documents
-
Top-50 best Marketing programs in the worldSwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 10from 5300.00 CHF / semesterApply with documents
-
#4 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the worldSwitzerlandCrans-MontanaCurrently watching: 6from 62780.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
#6 in the world in the Hospitality & Leisure ManagementSwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 6from 58150.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
ranked #124 in QS World University Rankings 2024SwitzerlandBaselCurrently watching: 6from 32400.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
-
#3 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the worldSwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 4from 26150.00 CHF / semesterApply with documents
Alternative destinations
Education information
Nowadays many people from all over the world choose Switzerland as a perfect place to get higher education: the country is renowned for its sustained economy, high standards of living, as well as the quality of education and other services. Universities of Switzerland annually graduate hundreds of highly sought-after specialists in various fields of activity. SMAPSE offers 30 top universities in Switzerland, schools and Swiss colleges where students from all over the world can receive advanced education that will open wide career prospects.
Actually, it's really hard to enter TOP-30 Swiss universities for foreign students. The majority of universities in Switzerland accept applicants only if they have one of the following certificates:
- International Baccalaureate
- A-level
- Maturita
- FB
- Italian secondary school certificate
Moreover, some Swiss universities require compulsory completion of a pre-university preparation programme. However, university education in Switzerland is a huge practical experience. Swiss diplomas are quoted in most countries of the world.
What you should know about Universities in Switzerland
Switzerland boasts 30 of the best universities in Europe, presenting a competitive edge over many of its European counterparts, including the UK. Universities in Switzerland offer programs that vary in fees based on the institution type and chosen major. Public universities, for example, offer programs that range from 600 to 700 CHF per semester. In contrast, private universities and colleges command higher tuition fees, starting at 8,000 CHF per semester and upwards.
Education in Switzerland is predominantly offered in the country's three official languages: German, Italian, and French. However, depending on the university's location, courses in English are also available, especially within the top-ranked institutions.
Best Universities in Switzerland
The list of best universities in Switzerland, particularly the top 30 showcased in the SMAPSE catalog, highlights the nation's prestigious and leading educational centers. Each Swiss canton offers unique specializations:
-
For law: Consider universities located in Lausanne, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg.
-
For economics: St. Gallen stands out.
-
Aspiring linguists: The University of Geneva awaits.
-
For engineering and architecture: Seek out polytechnic schools with university status.
Additionally, Swiss universities ranking for sectors like the restaurant business and tourism places them among the best globally. These institutions not only provide robust theoretical knowledge but also practical experiences, opening doors to some of the world's most reputable hotel chains and travel agencies.
Help from Smapse experts when choosing a university in Switzerland
SMAPSE aids students in selecting universities in Switzerland based on:
-
Study program type
-
Location
-
Language of instruction
SMAPSE also provides personalized consultations to help pinpoint the right programs and universities in Switzerland for you. This service can be accessed through their website or via email. And if you have pressing queries? SMAPSE's team is available online, by phone, or on Skype, ensuring you make an informed decision from their list of the top 30 universities in Switzerland.
Cost and Fees for Universities in Switzerland
Tuition costs at these top universities typically range from 500 CHF to 1,000 CHF annually. However, private universities charge more, often starting from 10,000 CHF per academic year.
Can I work while studying?
A student visa allows you to work, but not more than 20 hours a week, while the semester lasts: this can be volunteer work or an unpaid internship. Each university has a Career Development Service: it will help you find a part-time job and plan a future full-fledged career.
Admission Requirements for the Best Universities in Switzerland
Gaining entry into one of Switzerland's premier universities requires more than just the standard document set. Specific academic and language certificates are also crucial.
Here's a basic checklist:
-
Passport or ID card copy
-
Bachelor's program applicants: School certificate and/or completion of recognized programs like the Foundation, International Baccalaureate, or A-levels.
-
Master's program applicants: Bachelor's degree diploma and possibly a pre-Masters program completion.
-
Language proficiency certificates: IELTS or TOEFL (less than 2 years old), TestDaf for German courses, and DELF for French courses.
-
SSAT exam results (for specific US universities)
-
Recommendation letters (from English and Math teachers or university deans for Master's programs)
-
A well-crafted motivation letter
-
Skype interview or an in-person university visit
Remember, supplementing your application with additional certificates or accolades can significantly boost your chances with the selection committee.
How many universities are there in Switzerland?
Can I study in English at Swiss universities?
What types of degrees do Swiss universities offer?
How are Swiss universities ranked in the world?
What are the entrance requirements for Swiss universities?
What are the tuition fees at Swiss universities?
Are there scholarships for studying at Swiss universities?
Do Swiss universities offer online or distance learning?
What research facilities are available at Swiss universities?
How is student life organized in Swiss universities?
Times Higher Education’s best universities in Switzerland 2024
Rank |
Name Country/Region |
No. of FTE Students | No. of students per staff | International Students | Female:Male Ratio |
11 | ETH Zurich | 22,619 | 15.4 | 43% | 33 : 67 |
33 | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne | 12,543 | 13.5 | 64% | 30 : 70 |
80 | University of Zurich | 25,608 | 14.7 | 24% | 58 : 42 |
=116 | University of Bern | 12,399 | 18.2 | 16% | 59 : 41 |
=123 | University of Basel | 8,536 | 10.4 | 31% | 56 : 44 |
=143 | University of Lausanne | 14,478 | 10.5 | 23% | n/a |
183 | University of Geneva | 18,865 | 8.4 | 40% | 62 : 38 |
251–300 | Università della Svizzera italiana | 3,714 | 14.0 | 67% | 46 : 54 |
351–400 | University of St Gallen | 8,799 | 12.9 | 33% | 36 : 64 |
401–500 | University of Fribourg | 6,961 | 16.0 | 15% | 64 : 36 |
401–500 | University of Neuchâtel | 4,379 | 11.8 | 21% | 61 : 39 |
801–1000 | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences | 11,120 | 12.3 | 11% | 52 : 48 |
1001–1200 | University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland | 17,933 | 6.5 | 29% | 54 : 46 |
Reporter | SBS Swiss Business School | 2,200 | 13.6 | 61% | 35 : 65 |
Top 15 best universities in Switzerland 2024
1 | Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland |
2 | Les Roches International School Montana |
3 | César Ritz Colleges Switzerland |
4 | IHTTI School of Hotel Management |
5 | Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne |
6 | Geneva Business School |
7 | EU Business School Montreux |
8 | HIM Hotel Institute Montreux |
9 | Swiss Hotel Management School |
10 | Webster University Geneva |
11 | Business and Hotel Management School |
12 | Luzern IMI |
13 | Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) Caux |
14 | International University in Geneva |
15 | Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland |
Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2024
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2024
1 | University of Toronto |
2 | McGill University |
3 | University of British Columbia |
4 | University of Alberta |
5 | Simon Fraser University |
6 | Montreal University |
7 | University of Windsor |
8 | York University |
9 | University of Guelph |
10 | McMaster University |
11 | University of Manitoba |
12 | University of Waterloo |
13 | Royal Roads University |
14 | Vancouver Film School |
15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
16 | University of Calgary |
17 | Dalhousie University |
18 | Fanshawe College |
19 | University of Ottawa |
20 | Laval University |
21 | Sheridan College |
22 | University of Regina |
23 | Brock University |
24 | Thompson Rivers University |
25 | Humber College |
26 | Vancouver Island University |
27 | Mohawk College |
28 | Centennial College Toronto |
29 | Niagara College |
30 | Capilano University |
31 | Seneca College |
32 | Algoma University |
33 | Saint Clair College |
34 | Douglas College |
35 | LaSalle College |