Types of Higher Education Institutions 

1 : Universität/ Université/ Università : University

Description:Universities carry out basic research and teaching.


2 : Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH)/ École Polytechnique Fédérale (EPF) : Federal Institute of Technology (FIT)

Description:The Federal Institutes of Technologies fall in the same category as Universities.


3 : Fachhochschule/ Haute École spécialisée : University of Applied Sciences

Description:Universities of applied sciences carry out practically-oriented studies and applied research and development.


4 : Pädagogische Hochschule/ Haute École pédagogique : School for Teacher Education


5 : Other university-level institutions

top Pre-Higher Education System

Age of 

entry:4

exit:15

Structure of School System 

Pre-Primary :

Length of program:2

Age level from:4

Age level to:6


Primary :

Length of program:6

Age level from:6

Age level to:12


Lower Secondary :

Length of program:3

Age level from:12

Age level to:15


Upper Secondary :

Length of program:4

Age level from:15

Age level to:18

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Gymnasiale Maturität/ Maturité gymnasiale/ Maturità liceale


Vocational Secondary :

Length of program:1

Age level from:18

Age level to:19

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Berufsmaturität/ Maturité professionnelle/ Maturità professionale

Description of School System 

Compulsory education lasts 11 years and is made up of 2 years of kindergarden, 6 years of primary education and 3 years of lower-secondary; pupils usually start at age 4 or 5. In some German-speaking cantons, 2 years kindergarden is not compulsory, or is only compulsory for one year but the majority do attend for these 2 years. The cantons are responsible for compulsory education and public compulsory education is free of charge for all children. There is no national leaving school certificate at the end of the compulsory cycle.
After compulsory education, students move into upper-secondary education, which can be divided into general education programmes and vocational education and training (VET) programmes. The general education programmes include Baccalaureate schools and upper-secondary specialised schools that do not lead to professional qualifications, but prepare for tertiary level education programmes. Vocational education and training (VET), where students learn a profession, is mostly completed at training companies (apprenticeship) combined with teaching at a VET school. It can also be completed at a full-time vocational school.

top Higher Education System

Structure 

Higher education institutions can be separated into two types having the same status but with different educational goals: the traditional universities and the universities of applied sciences (UAS). The main task of the universities is to carry out basic research and teaching while the universities of applied sciences place a greater emphasis on practically oriented studies and on applied research and development.

Laws/Decrees 

National Law on Universities (Loi fédérale sur les Hautes Ecoles) (2011)

Languages of Instruction 

French, German, Italian, English

Stages of Higher Education 

Non-university level : Professional education and training (PET) - Tertiary B level


University level first stage : Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science - Tertiary A level

Description:The Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS credits/ three years' study) at universities provides fundamental academic education and teaches methodical academic thinking. At the universities of applied sciences, the Bachelor degree also focuses on profession and practice. The universities of teacher education follow an approach which is both scientific and practical.


University level second stage : Master of Arts/ Master of Science/ Master of Advanced Studies/ Executive Master of Business Administration - Tertiary A level

Description:The second grade is the Master's degree (90-120 ECTS credits or 1 1/2 to 2 years' study). Master's studies deepen and/or broaden knowledge of a subject and should include some research. A Bachelor's degree is the pre-requisite for admittance to studies at Master's level. The Master of Advanced Studies does not give access to doctoral studies.


University level third stage : Doctorate - Tertiary A level

Description:The doctorate is awarded by the ten cantonal universities and the two federal institutes of technology. Professional doctorates are awarded in professional disciplines such as Medicine. The duration of study varies from three to five years. The doctoral candidate must perform original research for the thesis and defend a thesis before a committee of professors. Admission to the doctorate is the autonomous responsibility of the universities and is decided case-by-case on the basis of individual qualifications.

Distance Higher Education 

There are distance education study centres of the Fern Universität Hagen in Brig, Berne and Pfäffikon, the Centre Romand d'Enseignement à distance (CRED) in Sierre and the Open University in Geneva. The creation of a virtual campus is being organized.

top Bodies

Governing bodies and other organizations / associations 

Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation - SBFI

Role:The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation within the Federal Department of Home Affairs is the federal government's specialised agency for national and international matters concerning general and university education, research and space.

Street:Einsteinstrasse 2

City:Bern

PostCode:3003

www:https://www.sbfi.admin.ch

Contacts:- Martina Hirayama (Head), Job title : State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation
- Silvia Studinger (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Vice-Director, Higher Education
- Jacques Ducrest (International Relations Officer), Job title : Head, International Relations


Schweizerische Konferenz der kantonalen Erziehungsdirektoren - EDK

Role:The main responsibility for education and culture lies with the cantons. They coordinate their work at the national level through the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education.

Street:Haus der Kantone Speichergasse 6, Postfach

City:Bern

PostCode:3000

www:https://www.edk.ch

Contacts:- Silvia Steiner (Head), Job title : President
- Susanne Hardmeier (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Secretary-General


Schweizerischen Hochschulkonferenz - SHK

Role:Joint organization of the cantons and the Confederation for university politics; was known as Schweizerische Universitätskonferenz until 2015

Street:Einsteinstrasse 2

City:Bern

PostCode:3003

www:https://www.shk.ch

Contacts:Guy Parmelin (Head), Job title : President


Rat der Eidgenössisschen Technischen Hochschulen - ETH-RAT

Role:The ETH Board represents the ETH Domain vis-à-vis the federal authorities and is responsible for the implementation of the performance mandate defined by the Federal Council and the Federal Parliament, as well as for the four-year strategy for the ETH Domain and the allocation of federal funds to the institutions.

Street:Häldeliweg 15

City:Zürich

PostCode:8092

www:http://www.ethrat.ch

Contacts:- Michael O. Hengartner (Head), Job title : President
- Michael Käppeli (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Executive Director


Schweizerische Agentur für Akkreditierung und Qualitätssicherung - AAQ

Role:Created in 2015 to safeguard and promote the quality of teaching and research at universities in Switzerland.

Street:Effingerstrasse 15 Case postale

City:Bern

PostCode:3001

www:https://aaq.ch

Contacts:Christoph Grolimund (Head), Job title : Director


Schweizerischer Nationalfonds - SNF

Role:Acting on a mandate issued by the Swiss Federal Government, the SNF supports research undertaken inside and outside universities and fosters young scientific talents.

Street:Wildhainweg 3 Postfach

City:Bern

PostCode:3001

www:https://www.snf.ch

Contacts:Jürg Stahl (Head), Job title : President


Suissuniversities

Role:Swissuniversities replaced the three rectors' conferences: The Rector's Conference of the Swiss universities, the Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, and the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Universities of Teacher Education on 1/1/2015.

Street:Effingerstrasse 15 Postfach

City:Bern

PostCode:3001

Tel:+41(31) 335 0740

www:https://www.swissuniversities.ch

Contacts:- Luciana Vaccaro (Head), Job title : President
- Martina Weiss (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Secretary-General


CH Stiftung für eidgenössische Zusammenarbeit

Role:A foundation created in 1967 under private law. The Foundation is sponsored by all 26 Swiss cantons, each of which is represented on its Board of Trustees by a member of the respective cantonal government. The Foundation promotes bridge-building between Switzerland's different language communities, the preservation of its linguistic and cultural diversity, and the concept of federalism.

Street:Haus der Kantone Speichergasse 6 Postfach

City:Bern

PostCode:3001

www:https://www.chstiftung.ch

Contacts:- Florence Nater (Head), Job title : President
- Roland Mayer (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Director


Graduate Women International - GWI

Role:GWI advocates for women’s rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality secondary and tertiary education, and training up to the highest levels. Our vision is 100% of girls and women in the world achieving education beyond primary school. Was known as International Federation of University Women (IFUW) until 2015.

Street:Chemin de Balexert, 7-9 Châtelaine

City:Geneva

PostCode:1291

www:https://www.graduatewomen.org

Contacts:- Patrice Wellesley-Cole (Head), Job title : President
- Stacy Dry Lara (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Executive Director

Bodies Responsible for Recognition 

Schweizerische Agentur für Akkreditierung und Qualitätssicherung - AAQ

Recognition for institution:no

Recognition for profession:no

Street:Effingerstrasse 15 Case postale

City:Bern

PostCode:3001

www:https://aaq.ch

Student Associations 

Verband der Schweizer Studierendenschaften - VSS

Street:Monbijoustrasse 30

City:Bern

PostCode:3011

www:https://www.vss-unes.ch

Contacts:- Seraina Campell (Head), Job title : Co-President
- Maxime Barthassat (Head), Job title : Co-President

Bodies Responsible for International Cooperation 

Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation - SBFI

Street:Einsteinstrasse 2

City:Bern

PostCode:3003

www:https://www.sbfi.admin.ch

Other Requirements 

Several years of work experience

Secondary School Credentials Required for University Level Admission 

Berufsmaturität/ Maturité professionnelle/ Maturità profesionale

Requirement for:Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and doctoral/research universities after having successfully passed the university aptitude test


Gymnasiale Maturität/ Maturité gymnasiale/ Maturità liceale

Requirement for:Doctoral/research universities and universities of teacher education

Alternatives 

Zulassung aufgrund von Vorbildung und Berufserfahrung/Accès sur dossier is a way of being admitted to higher education on grounds of previous life and work experience. It is intended for those who do not fulfil the normal entrance requirements.

Numerus Clausus 

There is no numerus clausus either nationally or locally for subjects to be studied at university except for Medicine in the German-speaking universities.

Foreign Students Admission 

Definition:A foreign student is a person enrolled at a higher education institution in Switzerland, country of which he/she is not a permanent resident.

Admission Requirements:The basic requirements for admission to a Swiss university are: a State-recognized Swiss School Leaving Certificate, or a foreign equivalent. Each university makes its own decision concerning admission.

Quotas:Foreign applicants are unlikely to obtain a place in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine if they do not hold a Swiss School-Leaving Certificate and a residence permit.

Health:All universities require their registered students to join a recognized health insurance scheme.

Language Proficiency:Adequate knowledge of the language of instruction (German, French or Italian).

Entry Regulations:A valid passport is sufficient for students from other West European countries. Citizens of countries which require a visa should apply to the relevant Swiss diplomatic representation abroad. Students wishing to spend more than three months in Switzerland must apply for a residence permit, which must be accompanied by a valid passport, a certificate of admission issued by the University, and a certificate stating that the applicant has the necessary financial resources to complete his/her studies.

Application to Individual Institution:Yes

Application to Central Body:No

Special Provisions for Recognition 

For Access to University Level Studies:The recognition of foreign entrance qualifications and School Leaving Certificates is the responsibility of individual institutions and their Faculties. They alone are in a position to provide precise information on recognition of foreign certificates and degrees.

For Access to Advanced Studies/Research:Is the responsibility of the university, the higher education institution or the Faculty.

For the Exercise of a Profession:For the exercise of a non-regulated profession in Switzerland, the assessment of the Diploma is the responsibility of the employer.

Multilateral Agreements 

Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region. Paris, 21 December 1979 (1991)

Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region. Lisbon, 11 April 1997 (1998)

top Student Life

Social Security/Health Insurance for Home Students 

Is there social security:Yes

Social Security/Health Insurance for Foreign Students 

Is there social security:Yes

Details:Foreign students contribute to old-age and disability insurance schemes, if they intend to stay in Switzerland after finishing their studies, if they are stateless or have the status of refugees. Medical insurance is compulsory. Exempt from this compulsory insurance are students who come to Switzerland on a mobility programme or who come from a country where medical insurance is compulsory. In the latter case, the coverage must be equivalent to that in Switzerland.

Special Travel Concessions 

By Road:No

By Rail:No

By Air:Yes

top Credentials

 

Berufsmaturität/ Maturité professionnelle/ Maturità profesionale

Description:Certificate that provides training for work and for direct admission to Universities of Applied Sciences.


Gymnasiale Maturität/ Maturité gymnasiale/ Maturità liceale

Description:The baccalaureate gives access to university.

Entrance exam test at National level:yes


Bachelor

Description:First terminal degree awarded after 3 years' study (180 ECTS).

Credential required for entry:Gymnasiale Maturität/ Maturité gymnasiale/ Maturità liceale
Berufsmaturität/ Maturité professionnelle/ Maturità profesionale

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universität/ Université/ Università (University)


Master

Description:Postgraduate qualification awarded after 1 1/2 to 2 years' study (90 to 120 ECTS).

Credential required for entry:Bachelor

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universität/ Université/ Università (University)


Master of Advanced Studies

Description:Academic degree awarded in continuing education The programme offers comprehensive training in a specific field and can either give access to higher qualification in one's profession or lead to a new profession. The programme comprises courses, independent study, and a master's thesis. The programme awards a minimum of 60 ECTS credits and is accessible either directly after the Bachelor degree or following a Master degree. The Master of Advanced Studies does not give access to doctoral studies.

Acronym:MAS

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universität/ Université/ Università (University)


Doktorat/ Doctorat/ Dottorato

Description:A doctorate requires a comprehensive personal research project, provides preparation for research-oriented activity inside or outside the university domain and engenders the ability to assume demanding professional tasks and roles. Doctoral students write a dissertation. The title of doctor can only be awarded by a university. Upon achieving a doctorate, the title Dr. (…) is acquired; this corresponds to the abbreviation PhD.

Credential required for entry:Master

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universität/ Université/ Università (University)
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH)/ École Polytechnique Fédérale (EPF) (Federal Institute of Technology (FIT))

top Data Provided by

AcademicYear 

From:2019

To:2020

Source 

IAU from the Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS), 2011, updated from Swissuniversity.ch and the website of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, February 2020. Bodies updated January 2023.

Updated on 02-03-2020