Admission to Swiss Universities
How students from India and Pakistan apply to Swiss universities for autumn 2027: who can apply, which papers, which tests and when.
Switzerland University Applications
- Language Proficiency
- English: for example IELTS 7 or TOEFL (internet-based test) 100 at UZH (University of Zurich). German or French for most bachelor's.
- Documents
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) bachelor's, India and Pakistan: school certificate, a university place in the same subject at home and the reduced entrance exam; otherwise the comprehensive entrance exam
Your steps from choosing a programme to your admission letter.
Your path to a Swiss university
Each university decides on its own applicants.
Choose programmes
Pick programmes at universities such as ETH Zurich, EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) or UZH (University of Zurich). Check the language of teaching.
Choose programmes
Pick programmes at universities such as ETH Zurich, EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) or UZH (University of Zurich). Check the language of teaching.
Check eligibility
Your degree must fit the programme. Bachelor's: school certificates from India and Pakistan often need an exam.
Check eligibility
Your degree must fit the programme. Bachelor's: school certificates from India and Pakistan often need an exam.
Prepare papers
Transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references and a language certificate.
Prepare papers
Transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references and a language certificate.
Apply online
Use each university's own system. The application fee is Swiss francs (CHF) 150 at ETH Zurich, EPFL and UZH, paid by card.
Apply online
Use each university's own system. The application fee is Swiss francs (CHF) 150 at ETH Zurich, EPFL and UZH, paid by card.
Wait for the decision
ETH Zurich: usually 2 to 3 months after the deadline. EPFL: late March or mid-June.
Wait for the decision
ETH Zurich: usually 2 to 3 months after the deadline. EPFL: late March or mid-June.
Accept and apply for the visa
Apply for your study visa (called a type D visa) at least 3 months before you travel.
Accept and apply for the visa
Apply for your study visa (called a type D visa) at least 3 months before you travel.
Key Application Deadlines
- ETH Zurich master's: 1 to 30 November 2026.
- EPFL master's: 15 December 2026 or 31 March 2027.
- UZH, students who need a visa: 1 January to 28 February 2027.
- UZH, students who need a visa: 1 to 31 July 2026 (already closed).
- ETH Zurich master's: no spring start.
Plan about a year from choosing programmes to arrival.
Comprehensive Admissions Guide
Explore every aspect of the Switzerland university application process through our detailed guides on eligibility, documents, and submission procedures.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even qualified applicants can face rejection due to application errors. Be aware of these common mistakes to increase your chances.
Applying too late
Late applications are not processed at ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich).
Wrong or missing language proof
ETH Zurich rejects applications with an invalid or missing language certificate.
Missing papers
Incomplete applications are not processed.
Missing the final papers date
EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) cancels admission otherwise.
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