With Switzerland being one of the countries with the largest number of international students, Swiss universities have had to adapt their curriculums to include English courses and degrees. Currently, most of the universities in Switzerland offer their Master and Doctorate programs in English. As for Bachelor programs, most courses are given in German, but English is present, too, even though in lower numbers than for post-graduate studies.

Life in Switzerland

While you might think of Switzerland as an unknown country, adapting to its culture might be easier than you think. The fact that ⅓ of the population comes from outside of Switzerland makes this country very diverse. Considering that there are 4 national languages, English is taught from childhood, and people from foreign countries bring their own language and culture. Switzerland is a really diverse and welcoming country. This is why it makes such a great home for international students.

Home of diversity

Nowadays, more people than ever are deciding to study abroad, to gather experiences and perspectives. Switzerland is, without a doubt, the choice for many of these students. That’s because it has a long history in many fields, allowing students to learn from the best. Students can find a wide range of Swiss university programs, from international politics to hospitality, banking to the culinary arts.

The living costs in this country are slightly higher than in most countries due to the higher living standard, but education in Swiss universities is an investment, not an expense.

No matter the cost, life in Switzerland as a young person, is an unforgettable experience. This is a country of four different national languages, 25% of the population is foreign, and there is quite a mix of cultures.

English universities in Switzerland

Swiss universities are very welcoming to international students. With their adapted programs in English and language learning courses they offer, they make the right choice for your studies. But the fact is that not all universities in Switzerland have adapted to English courses. The biggest number of English programs is on the maters and doctoral level. Only some universities offer all of their bachelor, masters, and doctoral programs in English.

Disclaim: The following lists of higher education institutions do not represent a ranking.

EU Business School

Source: eruni.edu

Established in 1973, the EU Business School is an institution that offers foundation, bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and doctoral programs in subjects that cultivate entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. 

With its global network, the school encourages students to partake in exchange programs, both within Europe and with partner institutions worldwide. EU Business School also offers two English preparatory programs that may only be taken as a precursor to their degrees.

Language: All the courses are taught in English.

Tuition: Bachelor – CHF 13,800 (per semester); Master – CHF 9,600 (per term)

American University in Switzerland

Source: American University in Switzerland

Established in 1963 (originally under the name American College of Switzerland), the school changed its name to the American University in Switzerland to display its growing international education status. This international university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate business degrees and a summer program.

AUS is a Higher Education institution that prepares students for 21st-century business challenges while thriving within an ever-changing environment. Its programs provide students with transferable skills in a multicultural and progressive environment, where cutting-edge theory interlinks with practical experience.

Language: All the courses are taught in English.

Tuition: CHF 18,000/year for undergraduate, CHF 15,000/year for graduate, and CHF 20,000/year for postgraduate.

International University in Geneva

Source: International University in Geneva

The international university of Geneva is a non-profit Swiss Foundation of Higher Education founded in 1997. It is one of the top ten business schools in Switzerland, and with its graduate and undergraduate programs, it is an ideal institution for international students.

The programs are specially designed with theoretical and practical instruction to prepare students for international business practices. Their exchange program enables students to study at universities worldwide. All undergraduate programs lead to a double degree: students graduate with a specialized degree from the International University in Geneva and a BSc (Hons) in Business Management from the University of Plymouth (UK).

Language: They are one of the few schools whose courses are taught in English.

Tuition: Total tuition per program is 36,400 CHF (in total)

Business and Hotel Management School of Switzerland

Source: Business and Hotel Management School of Switzerland on Facebook

BHMS is one of the worlds leading hospitality schools. Its distinctive quality is that it has designed the fastest BA degrees without compromising the education quality. What they have done is that they’ve combined 18 months of studying with an 18 month paid internship.

The institution also has a Preparatory English Program to ensure students maximize their development before starting a full academic program. The students at the Luzern campus have the opportunity to prepare for their future management roles in the hotel and hospitality industry. BHMS has students from 65 countries.

Language: All the courses are taught in English.

Tuition: 23’100 CHF (in total)

Montreux Business University

Source: Montreux Business University on Facebook

This university offers programs designed for students to learn the fundamentals of business and have the opportunity to use the knowledge for further personal development. These programs enable students to enter the workforce armed with both hard and soft skills of business.

The professors are real-life business professionals, bringing their own experience into the classroom, allowing them to learn from their experience and mistakes. The classes are small-sized for a more effective learning environment.

Language: All the courses are taught in English.

Tuition: Undergraduate – CHF 24’000 (international students); CHF 18’000 (EU & Swiss students)
Graduate – CHF 35’500 (international students); CHF 30’000 (EU & Swiss students)

Universities offering English courses

While not all universities offer their courses in English, some of them have a number of them in English and offer support in German, French, or Italian for the rest of the courses. While some might look at this as a disadvantage, it is actually a blessing in disguise. At these universities, you get to study at a world-class institution and perfect your foreign language knowledge.

Although the bachelor programs in these universities are not completely in English, most of their masters and doctoral degrees are. This is why these universities are so well known internationally for their masters and doctorates.

University of Geneva

Source: the University of Geneva on Facebook

This research university, located in Geneva, was founded in 1559. Its long history and legacy make it one of the best places to be studying in the world. University rankings have ranked this university in the top 100 universities.

The university’s main missions are research, teaching, and services to the community. Today, it is the third-largest university in Switzerland by the number of students, 40% of which are international.

Language: The courses are taught in French and English.

Tuition: 500 CHF (per semester)

University of Bern

Source: University of Bern

Being located in Switzerland’s capital, the University of Bern benefits from the city’s diversity, cultural heritage, and development. With Bern being located in a German-speaking canton, this language is required for a full-degree program.

The World University Rankings ranks this university in 113th place. The university is welcoming to international students, with their engagement in exchange programs like Erasmus, ISEP, and bilateral agreements with other international universities.

Language: The courses are taught in German and English.

Tuition: 950 CHF (per semester)

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW

Source: Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW on Facebook

FHNW is one of Switzerland’s preeminent universities of applied sciences and arts, involved in teaching, research, continuing education, and service provision in both innovative and practice-oriented approach.

The institution offers specific English modules in the fields of Computer Science, and Engineering, and Management, and two different international tracks, a special project-based program, and a master’s degree program.

Language: The courses are taught in German and English.

Tuition: depends on the degree of choice.

University of Basel

Source: the University of Basel on Facebook

Founded in 1460, the University of Basel is the oldest in Switzerland and has a history of success going back over 550 years. Thanks to its research achievements, the University of Basel is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.

The institution has seven faculties covering a wide spectrum of academic disciplines. At the same time, it is amidst the international competition of five strategic focal areas, including Life Sciences, Visual Studies, among others. While some courses are taught in English only, students must have knowledge of C1 in German.

Language: The courses are taught in German and English.

Tuition: 850 CHF (per semester)

University of Lausanne

Source: Université de Lausanne on Facebook

The University of Lausanne was founded as a theology school, turned into a university.  It is around 450 years old, and approximately ⅕ of its student body is international students. The CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019 ranks the University of Lausanne 50th in Europe. 

The institution also has a wide range of continuing education and interdisciplinary courses, among other cultural activities such as language and IT courses. The university has 190 research units that work on genomics, aesthetics of cinema, environmental law, and criminalistics.

Language: The courses are taught in French and English.

Tuition: 580 CHF (per semester)

University of Zurich

Source: The University of Zurich on Facebook

The University of Zurich is one of the best universities, not only in Switzerland but also in Europe. Its location in one of Switzerland’s largest cities allows it to be home to many Swiss and international students.

It has achieved ranking as the 90th best university in the world, and it is a member of the League of European Research Universities. As an institution, it is committed to gender equality, diversity, and sustainability.

Language: The courses are taught in German and English.

Tuition: 1,220 CHF (per semester)

Other universities in Switzerland offer a few English programs, such as the University of Fribourg, with two English study programs. Other universities offer a few English courses, such as the University of St. Gallen or programs in several different languages-University of the Arts Bern.

41 Comments
  1. dear sir/madam, I have a son who is 17 years old. He wants to study business and management starting in sept. 2021. The courses have to be in English.
    we also interesting 10 a scholarship as we have another child studying in UK medical eng.

    it will be nice to help us out
    thank in advance
    Eleni Mavromichali

    1. Dear Eleni,

      We have compiled a list of the schools that offer business programs in Switzerland. Take a look at our article Top 10 Business Schools in Switzerland. As for the scholarship, you can look if the university your son chooses offers them and then see if he’s eligible to apply for them.
      We hope we have been of help.

      Good luck!

  2. I find the universities very interesting, I studied economics as my first degree, I like to do my master’s degree in related studies, I also like to research,render community services as well, am wondering which of the universities I can fit into, all of the universities offer brilliant courses but I like University of Zurich and University of Geneva particularly

  3. Hello there.. My Name is Luthando Velleman I’m the age of 17years old and I’m looking to study law or Marketing in Switzerland preferably Zurich and must be taught in English please as i am from Cape Town South Africa. I am looking to move to Switzerland in 2021 wherever the Course starts

  4. I am a first degree holder(Bar. Education)
    Hoping to secure admission to further my education in any reputable university in Switzerland.
    I like Switzerland because of its cultural diversity and conducive environment for learning.

  5. Dear sir/madam
    Thank you for this informative piece.
    Please I would love to know if the ECUS examination is compulsory for me to gain admission into a Swiss University?

  6. Hello,
    Our son is interested in achieving an Environmental or Chemical Engineering Bachelor degree starting from September 2021.
    He speaks French but would prefer a course in English. Which Universities should he take in consideration?
    Ursula

  7. Hello there, this is maha
    I was looking for bachelor in cinema, television in Switzerland in English i hope you could help me find the universities.

  8. Hey there ! I hope this finds you well

    My name is Ashleigh and I am a 20 year old from Zimbabwe. I’m interested in studying an English taught undergrad Psychology program at one of the universities in Switzerland and would really appreciate any information you might have on which unis I can start looking into.

    Thanks in advance !

  9. Hello I have a son who has arts background and would like study in Switzerland for his bachelor’s degree . What course would you suggest he take ?

  10. Hi, My name is Mina Rizvani from Istanbul, Turkey. I like to study in Switzerland starting from the autumn 2021. Can I apply to any state university (preferably University of Geneva or Zurich) for undergraduate in business without having any knowledge in French or German. The foreign languages I do speak English (my IELTS score is 6,5) and a little bit Spanish. Your reply will be appreciated with thanks.

  11. Hello, I have a 17 year old son who wants to study in Switzerland. He wants to study, Engineering, or Architecture or Science most particularly in aerospace or astronomy. Medium of instruction must be in English. Kindly recommend us a good one. Thank you.

  12. Hello there.. My Name is Lara Freitas I’m 17 years old and I’m looking to study Architecture in Switzerland preferably Zurich and must be taught in English please as I am from Spain. I am looking to move to Switzerland in 2021 wherever the Course starts.
    Thank you

  13. Hello there.. My Name is Lara Freitas I’m 17 years old and I’m looking to study Architecture in Switzerland preferably Zurich and must be taught in English please as I am from Spain. I am looking to move to Switzerland in 2021 wherever the Course starts.
    Thank you

  14. hello, I’m a Japanese high school student ( grade 10, 16 years old) who is studying in Canada. I really want to go to a University in Switzerland. I would love to study business in English. Are there any school and course recommendations?
    thanks you

  15. Hello, my name is Lorenzo Lissandro I want to study physiotherapy in Switzerland in english. I am hoping to get a bachelor. Could any of these universities fit me?

  16. Hello, my name is Lara, I’m 17 and I’m looking to study Architecture in Switzerland, preferably in Zürich. And must be taught in English since I come from Spain.

    Thanks

  17. Hello,
    I am from Iraq, I would like to get a scholarship at Switzerland university in master of law or business management, could you please help me with doing the process!

    Thanks in advance,

    Shno Qader

  18. Dear sir/ madam

    I wish to pursue a masters of science in civil engineering preferably at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied sciences. Iam an English speaking person seeking your advice on the suitability of my choice.

  19. Hello there.. my name is Alex, am actually interested to study in Switzerland, information and cybersercurity or information and IT management… Pls which are taught in English because am Nigerian.

  20. I want to know the cost of schooling in Switzerland for a course in computing and business for my daughter. The entry requirements and she would be finishing her secondary school by July 2022. Thank you in anticipation.

  21. Good day ,
    My name is jay
    please I would like to study computer science in Switzerland (bachelor’s degree level) and course must be taught in English …
    Please can you recommend schools for me that meets the English requirement.
    Thank you

  22. Dear Sir , Madame
    My language background is English , I studied law and I would like to continue social studies but am not finding universities offer the courses with English. Can I kindly ask for you support .
    Thanks a lot

  23. Hello ,

    My daughter would like to study in Zurich or other part of Switzerland Physiotherapyat the University for Degree in English. Is it possible. ? Can you let me know where?
    Thanks,
    Iana

  24. Hi I have to move to Zurich and my daughter has to start her undergraduate program
    She has completed her high school and would like to do psychology in English
    What options do we have? Thank you for guidance

  25. Hello, My name is Celine Younes i am the age of 18 and i’m looking for an English university in Switzerland inside zurich who has a translator major and well i have the passport and Id of swiss because i was born in switzerland , i hope you can help please

  26. Hi!
    My name is Shelly, I am 17 years old and I am looking to study law or political science in Switzerland preferably in Geneva but the course must be in English. Can you help me out?
    Thanks in advance!!

  27. I want to study civil engineering in Switzerland but I can’t seem to find any university that offers a civil engineering bachelor’s course in English.

  28. Dear Sir/ Madam,
    My daughter is 17 years old and she is interested to study medicine next year. I would like to know if there are any medicine programmes offered in English, if so please can you link it in your reply?
    Are there any scholarships available?
    Thank you for your help!!!

  29. Hi I would like to study in switzerland biology, as a bachelor, but in english does anyone know if that’s possible?

  30. dear sir/madam, I have a son who is 16 years old. He wants to study computer science in Swiss, starting in sept. 2023, at one of these:
    Federal Institute of Technology Zurich or École Polytechnique Federale of Lausanne. Do you know if they have courses exclusively in English ?

    thank you!
    Daniela

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