How to Apply to Switzerland Universities
A step-by-step walkthrough of the university application process for Switzerland. Learn how to navigate application systems, meet deadlines, and track your applications.
Switzerland University Application Systems
Switzerland has no central application portal for degree programmes. Each university runs its own online system.
Key Features
- Bachelor's and master's applications.
- Status shows as started, submitted, decided.
Perfect For
- ETH Zurich applicants
Application Fees
CHF 150 per programme
Key Features
- In French or English.
- The people who write for you upload their letters themselves.
Perfect For
- EPFL master's applicants
Application Fees
CHF 150 with a foreign bachelor's
- Use each university's own website for dates and papers.
Step-by-Step Application Process
You apply online to each Swiss university, such as ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich), EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) or the University of Zurich (UZH). These are the steps.
Pick programmes that fit your past studies.
Key Considerations
- Language of teaching.
- Grade and subject rules.
- The canton's visa money rules.
Pro Tip
Check the language of teaching. Many master's are in English; most bachelor's are in German or French.
Each programme lists what it asks for.
Key Considerations
- Minimum grades.
- Required subjects.
Pro Tip
ETH Zurich bachelor's: Indian and Pakistani school certificates usually need an entrance exam.
Transcripts, CV, motivation letter and language certificate.
Key Considerations
- Official transcripts from every university.
- Contact details of professors or others who will write you a recommendation letter, if asked.
Pro Tip
Translations are needed for papers not in German, English, French or Italian.
Your test result must still be valid on the deadline day.
Key Considerations
- IELTS or TOEFL results are valid for 2 years at ETH Zurich and UZH.
Pro Tip
ETH Zurich does not ask for an English test if your whole bachelor's was taught only in English and your university confirms it.
Fill in the online form, upload papers and pay the fee.
Key Considerations
- ETH Zurich: eApply.
- EPFL: online form only.
Pro Tip
Pay by card; ask your bank about international payments first.
Then accept your place and begin your visa application.
Key Considerations
- EPFL decisions: late March or mid-June.
Pro Tip
Apply for your visa as soon as you are admitted.
Important Note
Application Fees & Fee Waivers
Each university charges its own application fee, in Swiss francs (CHF). It is not refunded.
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich), master's
You may apply to 2 programmes a semester.
EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne), master's
One application, for one programme, a year.
University of Zurich (UZH)
Bachelor's and master's.
University of Basel
For a new application or to change your course.
Multiple Applications Add Up
Credit card
ETH Zurich takes Visa or Mastercard. EPFL also takes Maestro, UnionPay, Diners or Discover.
PostFinance card (a Swiss bank card)
Accepted at ETH Zurich.
PayPal or TWINT (a Swiss payment app)
Accepted at EPFL.
- ETH Zurich does not remove or reduce the fee.
- Apply only to programmes where you meet the language and grade rules.
Tracking Your Applications
You follow your application in the university's own system.
Application Tracking Methods
- Started: you are still filling in.
- Submitted: fee paid and application sent.
- Decided: download your decision.
Pro Tip
- Missing papers.
- Confirmations from the people who write your letters, at EPFL.
Pro Tip
Email Management Tips
- Read each university email as soon as it arrives.
- Use the same email address throughout.
Common Email Issues
ETH Zurich: decisions normally come within 2 to 3 months of the deadline.
Common Issues & Solutions
Problems students often meet, and what to do.
Card refused
Some banks refuse card payments from certain countries.
Solution:
Ask your bank before you apply whether international card payments work.
Missing papers
ETH Zurich emails you if a paper is missing.
Solution:
Upload them by the date in the email.
Papers in another language
Needed for papers not in German, English, French or Italian.
Solution:
Upload the original plus an official translation.
Missed the deadline
ETH Zurich does not accept applications after the deadline.
Solution:
Apply next year.
University admissions office
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich): Admissions Office.
- EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne): Admission office.
- UZH (University of Zurich): Student Services.
How to Ask for Help Effectively
- Read your programme's own page; papers differ by programme.
- Check your spam folder for emails from the university.
After Submission
After you apply, the university checks your file.
Complete Guide to Switzerland
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