You apply to a Swiss master's with a bachelor's degree in a related field; unlike some bachelor's routes, no prior years of study at home are required. Most ETH Zürich master's programmes are taught in English, and EPFL, USI, St. Gallen and other universities offer many English-taught master's too. Deadlines are early: international applicants apply to ETH from 1 to 30 November 2026, to EPFL by 15 December 2026 or by 31 March 2027, and visa-requiring applicants to the University of Zurich by 28 February 2027.
International tuition ranges from $990 (CHF 820) per semester at UZH to $4,830 (CHF 4,000) at USI, with ETH and EPFL at $2,650 (CHF 2,190). Competitive scholarships exist, such as ETH's ESOP, which covers living costs and tuition. For applicants from countries on ETH's export-control list, including Russia, Belarus, China and Iran, programmes with dual-use content undergo an additional security screening.
| At a glance | What matters |
|---|---|
| Length | one and a half to two years, 90–120 ECTS credits; ETH programmes run three or four semesters |
| Language | mostly English; some programmes in German or French |
| Entry basis | a bachelor's in a related field, with the required subjects on your transcript |
| Deadlines for autumn 2027 | ETH 1–30 November 2026; EPFL by 15 December 2026 or 31 March 2027; UZH visa applicants by 28 February 2027 |
| International tuition per semester | $990–4,830 (CHF 820–4,000); ETH and EPFL $2,650 (CHF 2,190) |
| Scholarships | ETH ESOP, EPFL Excellence Fellowships, faculty-level awards |
How Swiss master's degrees work
The master's is the second Bologna cycle. Consecutive programmes continue a bachelor's in the same subject; specialised programmes take students from different but related backgrounds. ETH programmes last three or four semesters, which is exactly the period covered by ESOP. You finish with a master's thesis, and some programmes add an internship.
If your bachelor's took four years, you may hold 240 credits, but Swiss universities compare content, not years: which subjects you took, for how many hours and with what grades. ETH says so explicitly. Each programme publishes a requirement profile listing mandatory subjects and minimum shares of credits; if your degree falls short, you may be asked to take extra courses or be rejected.
No separate recognition procedure is needed to apply: the university decides. Swiss ENIC at swissuniversities issues only non-binding level confirmations of foreign degrees on request.
Where to study: language, profile and fees
| University | Master's language | Strengths | International tuition per semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Zürich | mostly English | engineering, computer science, natural sciences, architecture | $2,650 (CHF 2,190) + fees $90 (CHF 74) |
| EPFL | many programmes in English | engineering, computer science, life sciences | $2,650 (CHF 2,190) + fees $60 (CHF 50) |
| University of Zurich | English or German by programme | economics, finance, law, life sciences | $990 (CHF 820) + fees $70 (CHF 59) |
| University of St. Gallen | English and German | business, finance, economics, international affairs | $4,010 (CHF 3,317) + fees $290 (CHF 240.50) |
| USI | English and Italian | economics, finance, informatics, communication | $4,830 (CHF 4,000) |
| University of Geneva | French and English | international relations, law, life sciences, translation | $530 (CHF 435) + fees $80 (CHF 65) |
| University of Lausanne | French and English | business (HEC Lausanne), life sciences | $600 (CHF 500) + fees $100 (CHF 80) |
| University of Bern | German and English | medicine, law, natural sciences | $3,080 (CHF 2,550) |
| University of Basel | German and English | life sciences, medicine | $1,030 (CHF 850) |
Each programme page states the language; swissuniversities' studyprogrammes.ch database is the easiest way to search. Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule, HES) also offer master's degrees, usually for graduates of the same field, and private institutes run specialised ones: in hospitality, for example, Glion (1.5 years, academic charges $57,140, CHF 47,300) and Les Roches (sports management and events, academic charges $55,130, CHF 45,630). See our profiles of ETH Zürich, EPFL and the University of Zurich.
Application deadlines for autumn 2027
| University | Window for a foreign degree | Decision | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Zürich | 1–30 November 2026 (until 11:59 CET on 30 November) | spring 2027 | no spring intake; ESOP applications in the same window |
| EPFL | mid-November to 15 December 2026, or 16 December 2026 to 31 March 2027 | late March or mid-June | December deadline recommended for visa applicants; one programme per year |
| University of Zurich | 1 January – 28 February 2027 for visa applicants (others until 30 April) | depends on programme | some specialised master's require prior pre-registration with the department |
ETH does not process late or incomplete applications, and the language certificate must be uploaded by the deadline. Visa applicants need their admission decision about three months before entry, followed by a 6–12-week visa procedure in many countries.
Requirements and documents
| What is assessed | What it means | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | related field, subject profile | compare your transcript with the programme's requirement profile before applying |
| Grades | ETH looks for excellent graduates of comparable universities; not every programme states a threshold | follow the university's rules; do not convert grades yourself |
| University standing | ETH explicitly considers THE and QS rankings and national top universities | if your university is lesser-known, show results through projects, publications, competitions |
| Language | an English certificate from the university's list; at ETH no older than two years | take IELTS or TOEFL by autumn; exemption only if your entire bachelor's was in English, officially confirmed |
| GRE or GMAT | if the programme requires it (often in economics, finance, some engineering) | sit it the summer before applying |
| Motivation letter | why this programme and what you have already done in the field | build on courses, projects and goals |
| References | usually 2–3 from academics | ask one to two months ahead |
| CV and course descriptions | in the university's format | course hours and grades help the committee compare |
| Application fee | $80–320 (CHF 65–268); $180 (CHF 150) at ETH, EPFL and UZH for foreign degrees | non-refundable |
Export-control screening: who is affected
ETH Zürich screens master's and doctoral applications from countries under UN sanctions, countries Switzerland classifies as proliferation risks, and countries sanctioned by the EU and the US. Its July 2025 list includes Russia, Belarus, China, Iran and others.
How it works:
- What is considered: nationality, place of residence, education, the chosen programme and the research topic.
- Which programmes: those involving applied research in dual-use areas. ETH's list for autumn 2026 includes computer science, cyber security, data science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, materials science, chemistry, pharmacy, biology and biotechnology, mathematics, earth sciences, space systems and civil engineering.
- Which home universities: ETH also names universities of origin that always trigger screening, including several Russian institutions such as MIPT, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, MAI, MPEI, Skoltech, Gubkin University, Saint Petersburg Mining University and several Russian Academy of Sciences institutes.
EPFL likewise weighs export-control and embargo compliance in master's admissions. Screening is not a ban, but it can narrow your programme options and lengthen the review. If you graduated from a listed university, include at least one programme outside dual-use fields, or in another country, in your plan.
What a master's costs
| Item | ETH Zürich, 2 years | EPFL, 2 years | University of Zurich, 2 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and compulsory fees | $10,940 (CHF 9,056) | $10,820 (CHF 8,960) | $4,250 (CHF 3,516) |
| Living costs per the university | $56,960 (CHF 47,144) incl. study materials | $60,930 (CHF 50,438) | from $63,790 (CHF 52,800), the university's minimum budget |
| Total | about $67,900 (CHF 56,200) | about $71,760 (CHF 59,398) | from $68,040 (CHF 56,316) |
For the visa, the canton will ask for proof of funds every year: in Zurich, $25,370 (CHF 21,000) in an account in your name at a FINMA-listed bank; in Geneva, $24,160 (CHF 20,000). For all cost items see our guide to the cost of studying in Switzerland.
Master's scholarships
| Programme | Amount | Conditions | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) | $16,310 (CHF 13,500) per semester from autumn 2027 + full tuition waiver for the regular duration | top 10% of your bachelor's cohort, a thesis pre-proposal, two references; about 60 awards for 2027/28 | with your application, 1–30 November 2026; decision end of March |
| EPFL Master Excellence Fellowships | $12,080 (CHF 10,000) per semester + reserved place in student housing | outstanding grades and achievements beyond study; renewal requires at least 50 credits and a 5.0/6 average | tick the box in your master's application |
| Faculty scholarships at other universities | varies | grades and motivation | usually with the application |
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships do not fund master's study, except art scholarships for a limited list of countries: they target researchers who already hold a master's. UZH's financial aid office supports only prospective master's students with a Swiss bachelor's.
Working during and after the master's
You may work once six months of study have passed, up to 15 hours a week during term, with a permit requested by the employer. EPFL makes an exception to the six-month wait for student assistants employed in research in their own field. Internships that are part of the curriculum follow separate rules via the employer.
Non-EU/EFTA graduates can get a six-month permit to look for work matching their qualifications, provided they have sufficient funds, housing and proof of graduation. A work permit is then granted if the job is of overriding scientific or economic interest. There is no official 18-month "young professional" permit for Swiss graduates, so do not plan around one.
Age, gaps and second degrees
- Over 30. Zurich's migration office asks applicants over 30 to justify their studies; show why this programme and how it connects with your work experience.
- Chained courses. Zurich does not approve chains such as a language course followed by a degree, or conditional admission requiring preparatory courses, unless there is a gap of at least a year.
- A second master's. EPFL does not admit holders of a master's in the same or a similar field. At ETH, admission is always based on your bachelor's, even if you already hold a master's.
Step-by-step plan for autumn 2027
- June–August 2026: shortlist 4–6 programmes at two or three universities, plus a backup elsewhere; compare your courses with requirement profiles.
- By October 2026: take IELTS or TOEFL (and GRE or GMAT if needed); prepare translations, CV and course descriptions.
- November 2026: apply to ETH (1–30 November) and ESOP if eligible; prepare the EPFL application for 15 December.
- January–February 2027: apply to UZH by 28 February if you need a visa; open the account for proof of funds.
- March–June 2027: receive decisions, accept your place and book the visa appointment at the Swiss representation. See our Swiss student visa guide.
Common mistakes
- Applying to ETH in spring. With a foreign degree, November is the only window.
- Skipping the requirement profile check. Missing mandatory subjects is a frequent reason for rejection.
- Submitting a medium-of-instruction letter instead of a certificate when your bachelor's was not entirely in English; ETH rejects such applications on formal grounds.
- Ignoring export-control screening when choosing engineering and IT programmes, if you come from a listed country.
- Expecting a government scholarship for a master's. Only competitive university awards exist.
- Counting on a long post-study visa. The real option is a six-month job-search permit.
FAQ
Usually one and a half to two years, 90–120 ECTS credits. ETH programmes run three or four semesters. Private institutes offer shorter ones: Glion's hospitality master's lasts 1.5 years including an internship.
Yes. The bachelor's degree is the basis for admission; the university compares your subjects with the programme's profile and weighs your grades and your university's standing. For applicants from countries on ETH's export-control list, ETH and EPFL also consider sanctions and dual-use rules.
Many are. Most ETH Zürich master's programmes are in English, and EPFL, USI, HSG, UZH and Geneva offer many English-taught master's. You need a certificate from the university's list; at ETH it must be no more than two years old.
Two years of tuition and fees cost about $10,800–10,900 (CHF 8,960–9,056) at ETH or EPFL and about $4,250 (CHF 3,516) at UZH. Including living costs, a programme in Zurich comes to around $68,000 (CHF 56,000). Private master's cost more: Glion's academic charges alone are $57,140 (CHF 47,300).
Only competitive ones. ETH's ESOP pays $16,310 (CHF 13,500) per semester plus a tuition waiver and goes to the top 10% of bachelor's graduates, about 60 awards a year. EPFL Excellence Fellowships pay $12,080 (CHF 10,000) per semester plus housing. There are no government master's scholarships for international students.
Not for an English-taught programme, but the local language helps in daily life and part-time work. Some programmes, especially in law, humanities and education, are taught in German or French and require C1.
Under a service agreement we shortlist programmes against requirement profiles and export-control constraints, and help with the motivation letter, documents, submission and the visa file. Admission and scholarship decisions are made by the university; visa decisions by the cantonal migration office and the Swiss representation.
Sources
- ETH Zürich: master's admission, 2027 dates, language requirements, ESOP, tuition, budget
- ETH Zürich: export control and application screening (master's fact sheet for autumn 2026, country and university lists)
- EPFL: master's criteria and deadlines, Excellence Fellowships, fees, cost of living, working
- UZH: deadlines, fees and financial aid, student budget
- swissuniversities: fees 2026/27, Swiss ENIC
- SERI: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028
- Glion: master's fees 2027; Les Roches: fees 2027
- SEM: working during and after studies; Canton of Zurich: students from non-EU countries; Canton of Geneva: financial means
- Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rates of 24.09.2026 (€1 = $1.1367 = CHF 0.9409, so CHF 1 ≈ $1.2081), rounded to $10.
To compare universities, see universities in Switzerland; for the general procedure, applying to Swiss universities. To check which programmes fit your degree and whether any restrictions may apply to your field, send us a request.
Next steps
- Applying to Swiss Universities: Routes, Documents and Deadlines for International Students
- Cost of Studying in Switzerland in 2026/27: Tuition, Living Costs and a Full Student Budget
- Swiss Student Visa: the D Visa, Documents, Proof of Funds and Timing
- Universities in Switzerland: Types, Fees and Admission Routes for International Students
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne): Admission, Entrance Exam and Fees
- ETH Zurich: Admission, Fees and Requirements for International Students
