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Swiss Universities Key Facts and Unique Aspects

  • 12 Universities–taught in French, German, Italian
  • Applications are submitted directly to the university, usually between 1 May and 15 July.  Classes begin in October. 
  • Searchable database here. Not sure what you want to study? Try this tool which allows you to enter you primary courses (it is designed for A-Levels, but you can put in your three Higher Levels for IB or Advanced Placement courses). Currently,  94 bachelor programs in English.
  • Students with Advanced placement scores must submit five AP Exams with satisfactory scores in specific subjects. Check the Collegeboard AP website for specific details. 

Cool Country facts

Useful websites/guides

Entry:

Will accept AP or IB, but be cautioned to follow specific pattern:

Foreign school-leaving certificates are considered to be general education if the last three years of schooling include at least six general education subjects, independent of one another, in accordance with the following list:

  1. First language (native language)
  2. Second language
  3. Mathematics
  4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
  5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law)
  6. Elective (one subject from category 2, 4 oder 5)

German speaking universities

  • University of Basel (Universität Basel)
  • University of Bern (Universität Bern)
  • University of Lucerne (Universität Luzern),
  • University of St. Gallen (Universität St. Gallen)
  • University of Zurich (Universität Zürich)
  • the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zürich)

French Speaking Universities

  • University of Geneva (Université de Genève)
  • University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne)
  • University of Neuchatel (Université de Neuchâtel)
  • the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL Lausanne)

German and/or French

  • University of Fribourg (Universität Freiburg / Université de Fribourg)

Italian

  • University of Lugano (USI) (Università della Svizzera italiana)

Note: There are 146 bachelor degree programs offered in English at the Swiss Universities above.

Hotel Management Schools (Taught in English)

Universities taught in English

Franklin College Lugano

  • Learning across a broad spectrum of human knowledge forms the basis of the Bachelor of Arts core curriculum at Franklin. Core studies begin with an interdisciplinary Seminar designed to explore contemporary issues through the use of classic texts.
  • An integral part of the Franklin College curriculum is the Academic Travel Program. More than in any other part of the College’s curriculum, the Travel Program encourages students to learn by experience.
  • Bachelors of Arts degree programs include:  Art History, European Studies, History and Literature, International Banking and Finance, International Communications, International Economics, International Management, International Relations, Literature, Modern Languages (French and Italian), and Visual and Communication Arts.  Combined studies are available.

Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations-University Institute

  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • GSD is a private university, currently with a campus in the domaine de Penthes. The student body is comprised of more than 30 nationalities.
  • GSD offers internationally recognized Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA), Master of International Relations (MIR), Executive Master of International Relations (EMIR), and Doctor of International Relations (DIR) degrees.
  • Among the many advantages of studying at GSD are the following:
    • the university, being at the heart of the most diplomatic neighbourhood, makes GSD the perfect location for students studying international relations or seeking to build a career in diplomacy and related fields
    • GSD teaching and instruction are in English
    • classes are small and interactive
    • the academic year is divided into four 10-weeks terms with flexible entry dates
    • professors,  mostly active professionals, are highly qualified academically (Former Presidents, Ambassadors, UN Officials,…)
    • GSD is located in the heart of a beautiful and safe Swiss environment that blends intellectual and cultural stimulation
    • GSD recognizes and accepts the transfer of credits from other qualified institutions and universities

International University of Geneva

  • Accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration (BBA, MBA), International Relations (BA), and in Media and Communication  (BA, MA).
  • The International University in Geneva seeks a diverse student body and encourages applications from around the world.
  • Admission to the University is competitive and emphasizes the applicant’s previous academic performance and intellectual capacity. Applications are considered on a rolling admission basis.

Université IFM—Institute de Finance et Management

  • Private, urban, independent, coeducational; Geneva, Switzerland
  • 100 undergrads; 45% International
  • English and French undergrad programs
  • 3 year programs
  • Degrees in:  Business Administration, Business Finance, communications and Marketing, International Relations.

University of Business and International Studies, Geneva (UBIS)

  • Offers 3 undergraduate programs:  Business Administration, International Relations and Media and Communications
  • Seeking Accreditation

US High School Entry requirements

Current as Fall 2023

General Provisions

Recognition of foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates: general provisions for all countries

Recognised upper secondary school-leaving certificate

  • High School Diploma

with the following general education subjects (during the last 3 years)

Subjects are determined directly by the universities, see below: Admission requirements of each university.

Language skills and/or exams under reserve.

Not recognised are AP-subjects such as

  • Art and Design Program
  • Art History
  • Comp. Government & Politics
  • Environmental Science
  • Music Theory
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • U.S. Government & Politics

Admission requirements of each university

valid for the academic year 2023/24

EPFL
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Entrance Examination EPFL
ETHZ
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Reduced Entrance Examination if  High School Diploma is accompanied by at least three Advanced Placement Tests, each one with a minimum score of 3 in: 1. mathematics; 2. biology or physics or chemistry; 3. one language.  In addition, four of the following subjects must have been taken during the last three years of high school: physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, another language, geography, history, economics. Otherwise: Comprehensive Entrance Examination ETHZ
Basel
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
Bern
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
Fribourg
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
Genève
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
Lausanne
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
Luzern
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
Neuchâtel
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
St. Gallen
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject + HSG selection procedure
Zürich
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject
USI
  • Upper secondary school-leaving certificate + Advanced Placement Tests including 6 independent general education subjects, each with a minimum grade of 3: 1. First language (native language); 2. Second language; 3. Mathematics/calculus; 4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics); 5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law) and 6. Elective: one subject from category 2, 4 or 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject.

IB Entry Requirements

Current as of Spring 2023

International Baccalaureate

General Provisions

Recognition of foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates: general provisions for all countries

Recognised upper secondary school-leaving certificate

  • International Baccalaureate

with the following general education subjects

  1. First language (native language)
  2. Second language
  3. Mathematics (Higher Level / Standard Level)
  4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
  5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics / business and management)
  6. Elective (one subject from category 2, 4 oder 5 or computer science or philosophy. Computer science and philosophy can only be chosen as a sixth subject)

Language skills and/or exams under reserve

The following subjects are recognised

  • All languages
  • Economics
  • Business and management
  • Geography
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics: applications and interpretation standard or higher level; analysis and approaches standard or higher level
  • Computer science

 

Admission requirements of each university

valid for the academic year 2023/24

EPFL International Baccalaureate including the subjects 1) mathematics, 2) physics, and 3) first modern language at the HL level (SL in a ‘Language A’ subject is also accepted for the modern language). The total points must be 38 out of 42 or above (excluding bonus points). Three of the following additional subjects must have been completed at the SL (or HL) level: 1) applied mathematics or computer science, 2) general geography, 3) general history or general philosophy, 4) second modern language, 5) chemistry or biology (both Mathematics: Analysis and approaches’ and Mathematics: Applications and interpretation are considered as mathematics subjects, not as applied mathematics ones). Otherwise: Entrance Examination EPFL
ETHZ Admission without entrance examination if the following requirements are fulfilled:

  1. 38 out of 42 points (without bonus points);
  2. At Higher Level (HL): a) Mathematics: applications and interpretation or Mathematics: analysis
    and approaches, b) physics or chemistry or biology, c) 1 language A;
  3. At Standard Level (SL): three additional subjects of the following: physics, chemistry, biology, geography, history, economics or business management, 1 further language only, computer science.

Otherwise: Reduced Entrance Examination ETHZ
Basel Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
In the category 6. Elective also accepted: Computer Science, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Anthropology
Bern Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
Fribourg Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
Genève Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
Lausanne Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
Luzern Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
Neuchâtel Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
St. Gallen Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject) + HSG selection procedure
Zürich Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)
USI Recognised with a minimum of 32 out of 42 points (not counting bonus points) and including 6 subjects, one out of each of the 6 categories mentioned above. At least 3 of these subjects must be taken at Higher Level (one of which must be mathematics or another natural sciences subject)