From ETH Zurich and EPFL to globally-ranked hospitality schools like EHL — Switzerland combines elite academics with one of the world's highest graduate salaries. Limited seats; competitive admissions.
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Public: CHF 1,500 · Private up to CHF 25,000
CHF 21,000 – CHF 28,000 per year
92%+ with thorough financial planning
15 hrs/week during studies
September · February
6 months
Switzerland is a hub for excellent education and science, with outstanding universities, world-class public research institutions and a thriving private R&D sector. Undergraduate programmes are usually taught in the national languages (German, French, Italian), while Master's and PhD programmes are increasingly conducted in English. ETH Zurich and EPFL are both ranked among the world's top 15 institutions for higher education.
Switzerland has 12 doctoral/research universities, 8 universities of applied sciences (UAS) and 20 universities of teacher education. Most are state-funded. Swiss higher-education policy values quality over quantity — some universities specialise in particular subjects. Degree courses follow the Bologna ECTS system: Bachelor's degrees last three years (180 ECTS), Master's between 1.5–2 years (90–120 ECTS), and Doctoral degrees between three and five years.
Switzerland is regarded worldwide as a fairy-tale country — steady, safe and consistently ranked among global leaders for quality of life. With four official languages it's a true European melting pot. Many professors and students take part in research activities across a wide range of international PhD programmes. As a student you'll be mesmerised by crystal-clear lakes and peaceful Alpine mountains — alongside legendary Swiss cheese and chocolate.
There is no centralised application procedure — you apply directly to your chosen university, whose international and admissions offices assist you. Check the language requirements carefully (Switzerland has four official languages). You will need a multiple-entry long-stay visa (Visa D) from your local Swiss embassy; allow at least three months for processing, and apply for a residence permit within 14 days of arrival.
Your student residence permit allows you to work during studies, provided your university confirms it won't prolong your studies. Weekly work hours are generally limited to 15 (up to 30 in cantons such as Geneva). Employment is easier to find in large urban centres like Geneva and Zurich, and each university has a job-placement office; wages range between roughly SFR 20 and SFR 35 depending on the role.
AEC students consistently secure offers from these institutions.
ETH Zurich
EPFL
University of Zurich
University of Geneva
University of Bern
EHL Hospitality Business SchoolThe most in-demand postgraduate programmes our students choose.
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