Non-Medical Courses in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its world-class education system, top-ranked universities, and outstanding quality of life. Ideal for students looking for a blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes.

Why Study Non-Medical Courses in Switzerland

  • High-quality education recognized worldwide
  • Tuition fees are competitive for European standards
  • Wide range of programs in English
  • Excellent research and innovation hubs
  • Home to multinational companies and international organizations
  • Work opportunities available for students (up to 15 hours/week)
  • English is widely spoken, especially in academic settings
  • Gateway to the EU job market
  • Safe, clean, and stunning country with a high standard of living

Non-Medical Courses Offered

UG:
  • BSc (Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Architecture)
  • BA (International Relations, Media, Tourism, Humanities)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Design, Finance, and Management
  • Bachelor of Hospitality Management
PG:
  • MSc (Data Science, International Business, AI, Management, Finance)
  • MBA (International Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Luxury)
  • MA (Political Science, International Relations, Journalism)

Course Duration

LevelDuration
Bachelor’s
Degree
3–4
Years
Master’s Degree1–2
Years

Medium of Teaching

  • English is the primary medium for many programs, especially in postgraduate degrees
  • Knowledge of French, German, or Italian can help for part-time jobs and internships, but
    it’s not mandatory for English programs

Intake & Deadlines

  • Main Intake: September/October
  • Minor Intake: February (limited programs)
  • Apply: 5–6 months before the intake

Eligibility Criteria

  • UG: 10+2 with 60–75%
  • PG: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55–70%
  •  IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (required for English-taught programs)
  • Some programs may have specific requirements (e.g., GMAT for MBA)
  • Gap years acceptable with justification (depending on the course)

Documents Required

  • Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, and Bachelor’s degree)
  • IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scorecard
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  • CV/Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Passport copy
  • Portfolio (for design-related programs)
  • Financial proof to demonstrate ability to fund studies

Top Universities

Course Type World Rank (approx.)
ETH Zurich#6 (Engineering, Computer
Science)
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de
Lausanne)
#14 (Engineering)
University of Zurich#74
University of Geneva#95
University of St. Gallen (HSG)#55 (Business, Economics)

Admission Procedure

  • Step 1: Select the program/university
  • Step 2: Apply online through the university’s website or through Study in Switzerland
    platform
  • Step 3: Submit required documents (academic, language proficiency, CV)
  • Step 4: Attend an interview (if applicable)
  • Step 5: Receive offer letter and pay initial deposit (if required)
  • Step 6: Apply for a student visa (Visa D)

Recognition

  • Degrees accredited under the Bologna Process (EU standard)
  • Globally recognized degrees
  • Strong ties with international companies, research organizations, and NGOs

Fee Structure (Annual)

Course Type Tuition Fee/year
Public UniversitiesCHF 1,000–CHF 2,500 (~₹80K–₹2L)
Private UniversitiesCHF 8,000–CHF 25,000 (~₹6L–₹20L)

Living Cost: CHF 1,000–CHF 1,500/month (~₹80K–₹1.2L/month)

Key Considerations

  • Switzerland has a high cost of living, but tuition fees are relatively low compared to other
    European countries
  • Many programs offer internships and research opportunities with leading global firms
  • Work opportunities are available for students (up to 15 hours/week during term and
    full-time during vacations)

Visa Requirements

  • Valid passport
  • University admission letter
  • Proof of financial means (around CHF 21,000/year for living expenses)
  • Health insurance (mandatory)
  • Visa application form + visa fees (~₹6,000–₹7,000)

Scholarships

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (for international students)
  • University-specific scholarships (merit-based)
  • EADA Scholarships (for Business students)
  • Erasmus+ scholarships for exchange students

Education Loans

Major Indian banks like SBI, ICICI, HDFC provide loans up to ₹20–30L for studying in
Switzerland

Some loans may not require collateral (depending on bank policies)

Safety

  • Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world
  • Very low crime rate and well-maintained public transport
  • International student groups and strong expat community

Career Opportunities

  • Post-study work visa: Allows students to stay in Switzerland for up to 6 months after
    completing their studies (can be extended with a job offer)
  • Swiss economy has a strong demand for skilled professionals, especially in finance,
    engineering, and tech sectors
  • Opportunities in multinational companies (Nestle, UBS, Credit Suisse)
  • PR pathway: After 10 years of residence, students can apply for permanent residency

Switzerland vs India for Non-Medical Courses

FactorSwitzerlandIndia
DurationUG: 3–4 yrs, PG: 1–2 yrsUG: 3 yrs, PG: 2 yrs
Tuition FeesLow in public universities, higher in
private
Moderate to high (private
institutions)
Work While Study15 hrs/weekLimited
Post-Study Visa6 months stay-backNo
Global RecognitionHighModerate to High