Language Tests for Switzerland University Admissions
A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Switzerland.
Swiss universities ask for proof of the language your programme is taught in: English for most master's, German or French for most bachelor's. The usual level is C1 on the CEFR (the European language scale, where C1 means advanced).
- Students whose programme is taught in a language they did not study in.
- Bachelor's at ETH Zurich: send your German certificate by 31 March each year.
- Master's in English: an English certificate unless you are exempt.
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich): no English test if your whole bachelor's was taught only in English. The main office of your university that keeps student records (for example the Registrar's Office) must confirm it.
- ETH Zurich: you finished a bachelor's at ETH Zurich or EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne).
Important Considerations
University of Zurich (UZH): TOEFL results must come directly from ETS, the TOEFL test maker (use code 0348). ETH Zurich: use TOEFL code 9038. For IELTS, give the test date and report number.
ETH Zurich and UZH accept IELTS and TOEFL results up to 2 years old.
UZH does not accept IELTS Academic Online or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
From 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT uses a 1 to 6 scale instead of 0 to 120.
Test Acceptance by University Type
Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT scores use a 1 to 6 scale. Allow about 2 hours for the test.
Total Score
1 to 6 for tests from 21 January 2026 (0 to 120 before)
Score Requirements for Switzerland Universities
| University Tier | Graduate |
|---|---|
| University of Zurich (UZH) | 100 (before 21 January 2026) or 5 (from 21 January 2026) |
These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.
Preparation Resources
The test sections and timing, from ETS (the TOEFL test maker).
Official Website & Registration
The IELTS Academic test. UZH asks for 7 overall, with at least 6.5 in Speaking and Writing.
Score Validity
Results up to 2 years old count.
Typical Minimum Requirements
e.g., Master's taught in English
Special Considerations
- • Graduate programs may require higher scores
- • Some schools require minimum scores in each section
- • English-focused majors often have higher requirements
Official Website & Registration
Not on the University of Zurich's list of accepted English certificates. Check each university before you take it.
Official Website & Registration
Cambridge English exams and German tests are also accepted at some universities.
Other Alternative English Proficiency Tests
UZH asks for C1 Advanced at grade B. At ETH Zurich, C1 Advanced counts for 2 years, or 5 years with grade A.
UZH accepts Goethe-Zertifikat C1, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule and ÖSD Zertifikat C1.
Important Considerations
Check before you book: ETH Zurich accepts only the certificates on its list.
An example of exact scores. Each university sets its own.
| University Category | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
Master's taught in English e.g., University of Zurich (UZH) | 5 on the new scale (100 on the old scale) | 7 |
Score Requirements Variations
UZH also sets minimum Speaking and Writing scores.
| Test | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 25 (or 5 on the new scale) | 26 (or 5 on the new scale) |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 |
ETH Zurich's exemptions. Other universities differ.
Common Exemption Categories
English-taught bachelor's
Your university's records office (for example the Registrar's Office) confirms it in writing, with a stamp and signature.
Swiss federal institutes
You finished a bachelor's at ETH Zurich or EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne).
Important Notes on Exemptions
- If in doubt, take a test.
How to Request an Exemption
- Ask your university's Registrar's Office for the confirmation.
- A letter from a teacher or professor is not accepted at ETH Zurich.
Take the test early so the result is ready by your first deadline.
General Preparation Timeline
Before your first deadline
Your certificate must be valid when you apply. ETH Zurich master's: by 30 November 2026.
Professional Preparation Services
University pages
ETH Zurich language requirements
officialLanguage rules and accepted certificates at ETH Zurich.
Visit ResourceUZH language requirements
officialAccepted certificates and scores at the University of Zurich.
Visit ResourceAsk us which test fits your programmes.
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