Switzerland is world-famous for its top-ranked universities, gorgeous landscapes, and general high quality of life. However, if you don’t speak the language (or at least one of them) you may wonder if you can still study there. Fortunately, the good news is that you can. In this article, we’ll explore how you can complete your education in this beautiful country, even if you only speak one language.
Switzerland’s Multilingual Education System
Coming from somewhere like the US or the UK, where there is no official language, and English is de facto, it may shock you to learn that Switzerland has four official languages. However, none of them are English. German, French, and Italian are widely spoken, while Romansh is spoken by a tiny fraction of the population. While most degree programs are taught in the local language of the region, English is becoming more common in higher education, particularly for master’s and PhD programs.
How Switzerland Compares to Other Global Study Destinations
Switzerland certainly isn’t alone when it comes to offering English-based education in a non-English-speaking country. Other notable destinations include:
-
- The Netherlands: Nearly all universities here offer English-taught courses.
- Cyprus: International English-speaking schools (though not universities) are common.
- The Middle East: Institutions like American colleges in Kuwait provide English education.
While Asia represents a significant 57% of the international school market, Switzerland is on the map if not for the number of English-speaking schools, then the quality of education and student life.
Can You Study in Switzerland With Only English?
There are many Swiss universities where you can study entirely in English. Business schools, hospitality programs, and STEM fields are most likely to have English-taught courses. However, it’s worth noting that while some bachelor’s degrees are available in English, they’re less common than postgraduate programs.
Top Swiss Universities With English Programs
The best university for you depends on the course you’re interested in. Here are some top institutions that offer English-speaking programs:
- Franklin University Switzerland
- University of Geneva
- The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- University of St. Gallen
- University of Zurich
This list is not exhaustive, so it’s best to research according to your desired subjects.
What About Student Life?
Studying isn’t only about what you learn in the classroom; it’s about the whole experience of being at university, meeting new people, and exploring a new place. You’ll find it much easier to do things like navigate public transport or do grocery shopping if you pick up a bit of the local language. You don’t need to be fluent, and English is widely spoken, especially in major cities like Zurich. However, knowing the basics is helpful and will add to your overall university experience.
Summary
For our friends in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and other English-speaking countries, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s possible to study in Switzerland in your native tongue. However, learning some basic French, German, or Italian will open up more opportunities and make student life easier. Either way, you can absolutely thrive in Switzerland as an English-speaking student!
