Top Postgraduate Colleges in Switzerland 2026 – Best Universities for General Master’s Courses

Switzerland has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for postgraduate studies due to its world-class education system, research-driven universities, multicultural environment, and strong global career outcomes. For students looking beyond engineering, Switzerland offers a wide range of general postgraduate courses including business, management, data science, natural sciences, economics, international relations, healthcare, hospitality, and social sciences.

In this 2026-focused guide, we explore the top postgraduate colleges in Switzerland, covering admission dates, eligibility, fees, campus details, entrance exams, application process, and course diversity, helping international students make informed decisions.

Why Study General Postgraduate Courses in Switzerland?

• Globally respected universities and degrees

• Strong emphasis on research, innovation, and employability

• Wide range of English-taught postgraduate programs

• Safe country with excellent quality of life

• Close ties with global industries and international organizations

• High post-study career prospects in Europe

Top Postgraduate Colleges in Switzerland (2026)

Overview Table

University	Location	Popular PG Fields	Avg. Annual Fees
ETH Zurich	Zurich	Science, Data, Economics	CHF 1,500
EPFL	Lausanne	Science, Management, Tech	CHF 1,500
University of Zurich	Zurich	Business, Law, Social Sciences	CHF 2,000
University of Geneva	Geneva	International Relations, Economics	CHF 1,500
University of Basel	Basel	Life Sciences, Humanities	CHF 1,700

1. ETH Zurich

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Campus Size: ~90 hectares

Established: 1855

Popular General Postgraduate Courses

• MSc in Management, Technology & Economics

• MSc in Data Science

• MSc in Environmental Sciences

• MSc in Mathematics & Natural Sciences

• MSc in Economics

Admission Details (2026)

• Application Start: November 2025

• Deadline: 15 December 2025

• Program Start: September 2026

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 70–75%)

• English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL equivalent)

• Academic transcripts & SOP

Fees Structure

Type	Amount
Tuition	~CHF 1,500/year
Living Cost	CHF 18,000–22,000/year

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

• Strong global research reputation

• High employability outcomes

• Excellent interdisciplinary PG programs

2. EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Location: Lausanne

Campus Size: ~55 hectares

Top PG Programs

• MSc in Management & Technology

• MSc in Life Sciences

• MSc in Data Analytics

• MSc in Physics & Chemistry

Admission Timeline

• Applications Open: December 2025

• Deadline: January 2026

Entrance Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academics

• English proficiency

• Research motivation letter

Fees

• Tuition: ~CHF 1,500/year

• Living Costs: CHF 17,000–21,000/year

  
  

Key Advantage

• Strong innovation ecosystem

• Multicultural campus

• Industry collaborations

3. University of Zurich

Location: Zurich

Students: 25,000+

General PG Courses Offered

• MSc in Business Administration

• MSc in Economics

• MSc in Psychology

• MSc in Data Science

• MA in International Relations

Admission Process

1. Online application

2. Academic verification

3. Language qualification

4. Final offer letter

Key Dates

• Application Start: October 2025

• Deadline: January 2026

Fees

Category	Cost
Tuition	CHF 2,000/year
Living	CHF 18,000/year

4. University of Geneva

Location: Geneva (Global diplomatic hub)

Best PG Programs

• Master in International Relations

• MSc in Economics

• MSc in Global Health

• MSc in Environmental Studies

Admission Timeline

• Start: November 2025

• Deadline: February 2026

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree

• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

• SOP & academic references

Why Geneva?

• Proximity to UN & global organizations

• Strong policy & economics focus

• International exposure

5. University of Basel

Location: Basel

Popular PG Fields

• MSc in Life Sciences

• MSc in Public Health

• MA in Humanities

• MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Admission Dates

• Applications: December 2025

• Deadline: January 2026

Fees

• Tuition: CHF 1,700/year

• Living Cost: CHF 16,000–20,000/year

Highlights

• Oldest university in Switzerland

• Strong research-based PG education

Admission Process for PG in Switzerland (Step-by-Step)

1. Shortlist university & program

2. Check eligibility & language requirements

3. Prepare SOP, CV, transcripts

4. Apply online

5. Receive offer letter

6. Apply for Swiss student visa

7. Enroll & begin studies

Entrance Exams & Language Requirements

Exam	Required
IELTS	6.5–7.0
TOEFL	90+
GRE/GMAT	Only for specific programs

Scholarships for PG Students

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

• University-specific merit scholarships

• External funding & research grants

Career Scope After PG in Switzerland

• Finance & Banking

• Consulting & Management

• Data Analytics

• International Organizations

• Research & Academia

Average starting salary: CHF 70,000–95,000/year

FAQs – Top Postgraduate Colleges in Switzerland

Q1. Which are the top postgraduate colleges in Switzerland for general courses?

The top postgraduate colleges in Switzerland include ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, and University of Basel.

Q2. Are postgraduate courses in Switzerland taught in English?

Yes, most general postgraduate programs in Switzerland are offered in English for international students.

Q3. What is the average cost of PG studies in Switzerland?

Tuition ranges from CHF 1,500–2,000 per year, while living expenses average CHF 18,000 annually.

Call to Action (CTA)

Ready to study in Switzerland in 2026?

👉 Explore PG programs

👉 Check eligibility now

👉 Apply with expert guidance

🔗 Visit: https://www.studyinswitzerland.com

🔗 Scholarship Info: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch