Why there are different types of universities

All universities in Switzerland, except for one university of applied sciences, are public institutions. They offer study programmes organised according to the Bologna model and the ECTS credits system, on which 49 European countries have agreed. The study cycle is therefore divided into several successive stages: Bachelor, Master and doctorate/PhD. The basic studies, i.e. the Bachelor’s degree programme, generally lasts six semesters with 180 ECTS credits. The subsequent Master’s programme usually lasts three to four semesters with 90 to 120 ECTS. The language of instruction at Bachelor’s level is usually that of the region in which the university is located. In contrast, Master’s programmes are often bilingual or in English.

Most degree programmes start in September. The application deadline is usually 30 April, with a few exceptions such as medicine or special degree programmes at universities of applied sciences.

The prerequisite for admission is a Swiss Matura certificate or an equivalent foreign diploma. The universities set country-specific standards for foreign diplomas, which can be found at revue.link/requirements.

University – University of Applied Sciences – University of Teacher Education

The ten Universities offer degree programmes in law and economics, mathematics and natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, and conduct basic research. They are spread throughout Switzerland: in German-speaking Switzerland in St. Gallen, Zurich, Basel, Berne, Lucerne; in French-speaking Switzerland in Neuchâtel, Lausanne, Geneva; and in Italian-speaking Switzerland there is the Università della Svizzera Italiana. The University of Fribourg is German and French-speaking.