Updated on Apr, 16 2026 11:53 IST
Study Economics in Switzerland
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Have you thought about studying economics abroad? If yes, then Switzerland is an ideal choice for you. It has one of the most stable and strongest economies in the world. Switzerland is highly known for its global business environment. The universities here are popular for providing high quality education along with practical learning. The fee structure is very reasonable compared to other study abroad destinations. The country is also known for its safe and high standard of living. When it comes to career opportunities, a degree in economics from Switzerland can open multiple paths for you. Also, being a part of the European region gives you the benefit of exposure to different markets and business environments so if you are planning to take this step forward, then Anigdha will be there to support you.
Every university has its own requirements so it is always advised to check the official university website before applying. Here is the detailed eligibility criteria for both bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Bachelor’s eligibility criteria
Application requirement: The first thing is to fill out the application form on the university website. You will be asked to submit your personal details, academic marksheets along with basic documents.
Educational requirement: You must have completed your 10+2 from a recognised board to apply for bachelor’s. Swiss universities usually expect a decent academic score, generally above 60% to 70%, but top universities may expect even higher.
Global admission test: In Switzerland, universities do not ask for SAT at all. It is completely optional but if you already have a SAT score, it can support your application.
Additional requirement: Some universities may ask for a statement of purpose. This is a small write-up where you can explain your interest and career plans. Other than this, universities can also conduct an interview to test your personality.
English proficiency requirement: Since many programs are taught in English, you need to prove your language proficiency through such minimum scores:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: between 80 to 90
Duolingo: around 100 to 110
Master’s eligibility criteria
Educational requirement: You must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Universities usually prefer those who already have a background in related subjects like finance, business or mathematics.
Application requirement: At this stage, you will need to submit your academic transcripts, degree certificate, proper CV, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
Additional requirement: Some universities may ask for work experience, but it is not always compulsory. Along with this, some universities can also ask for a small interview to test your knowledge.
English proficiency requirement: Most of the master’s programs are mainly offered in English for international students. Those who want to study in English need to submit the following test scores:
IELTS: between 6.5 to 7.0.
TOEFL iBT: between 85 to 100
Duolingo: between 110 to 120
In Switzerland, most universities follow a structured academic calendar. Unlike some countries where multiple intakes are available, Switzerland mainly offers one major intake. This is a Fall intake that usually begins around September every year. Almost all universities open their major programs during this time. The deadlines usually close between March to April. However, some universities may extend it till May or even June, especially for private institutions. Swiss Universities review applications on a rolling basis. It means students who apply early have better chances of getting selected so it becomes important to apply as early as you can.
Switzerland is a multilingual country. The main languages spoken here are German, French and Italian. Most of the public universities in Switzerland offer bachelor’s programs in German or French so if you are applying to these universities, you will need to show proficiency in that specific language. At the master’s level, things become much easier for international students. Universities also offer English language courses to support international students so if you are planning to study in english, you will need to prove your proficiency through accepted tests:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5.
TOEFL iBT: between 80 to 90
Duolingo: around 100 to 110
If you are planning to study economics at the bachelor’s level, the course usually takes around 3 years to complete. This is divided into 6 semesters. During this course, you can get to explore subjects like microeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics and basic statistics.
If you are planning for a master’s in economics, the duration is usually 1.5 to 2 years. This means around 3 to 4 semesters. At this level, the course is more focused and specialised. You will get to study advanced subjects like applied economics, economic modelling and policy analysis.
Before you apply to any university, you should always check the list of documents required during application. Here we have break down all the documents separately for bachelor's and master's:
Documents required for bachelor’s in economics:
You will need your 10th and 12th mark sheets from a recognised board.
Some universities may also ask for a school leaving certificate or passing certificate as proof of completion.
A valid passport is also required for identification. Make sure it is not expired and has enough validity for your study duration.
A statement of purpose where you have to explain your academic interest and future plans.
Create a proper CV with all your education, achievements and any additional activity you have done.
At least one or two recommendation letters from your school teachers.
English language proficiency proof such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
Your 4 to 6 recent photographs are also required for your application and visa purposes.
Some universities may charge an application fee, so keep a proof of the payment receipt.
Documents required for master’s in economics:
You will need your bachelor’s degree certificate along with all semester-wise mark sheets.
Some universities will ask for official transcripts issued by your college or university.
A valid passport is mandatory for identity verification.
Create your proper CV including your education, internships, skills and any work experience if you have.
A statement of purpose or (SOP) where you have to explain your interest and career plans.
At least 1 to 2 recommendation letters are required from your professors or employers.
English language proficiency proof such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT or Duolingo.
If you have any work experience, you should provide experience letters or internship certificates.
Recent passport size photographs are required for both application and visa purposes.
A receipt of the application fee payment if applicable.
In some cases, universities may ask for additional documents based on the program structure.
Switzerland is highly known for its high quality education. Public universities are usually more research focused and affordable, while private institutions may offer more flexible programs. To make things easier for you, here are some of the top universities in Switzerland where you can study economics.
| Name of the University | Category | City |
| University of Zurich | Public | Zurich |
| University of Geneva | Public | Geneva |
| University of Lausanne | Public | Lausanne |
| University of St. Gallen | Public | St. Gallen |
| ETH Zurich | Public | Zurich |
Public universities in Switzerland offer high quality education at a relatively affordable tuition fee compared to other countries while private universities are slightly expensive. Let’s go through the fee structure of some of the top universities so you get a clear idea.
| Name of the University | Bachelor's fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Zurich | The bachelor’s tuition fee is quite affordable and generally ranges between CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,600 per year. | The master’s fee is also in a similar range, usually between CHF 1,300 to CHF 2,000 per year. |
| University of Geneva | The fee is approximately CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,200 per year. It is quite reasonable for the quality of education offered. | The master’s programs usually cost around CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,500 per year. It is affordable for most students. |
| University of Lausanne | The bachelor’s fee is generally around CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,200 per year. It is one of the more economical choices among Swiss universities. | The master’s fee is also in a similar range, usually between CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,600 per year. It depends on the course structure. |
| University of St. Gallen | The bachelor’s tuition fee is slightly higher compared to other public universities. It is between CHF 3,000 to CHF 4,000 per year. | The master’s fee can range from CHF 3,000 to CHF 5,000 per year. It depends on the specialization and course. |
| ETH Zurich | The bachelor’s fee is approximately CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,500 per year. It us quite affordable considering its global ranking. | The master’s fee is also around CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,500 per year. It is a strong option for quality education at a low cost. |
Switzerland may look expensive but there are multiple scholarship options that can actually reduce your financial burden to a great extent. One of the most popular scholarships is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are offered by the Swiss government for international students who want to pursue higher studies. It usually covers tuition fee support along with monthly allowances. Many universities in Switzerland offer their own scholarships for international students. For example, universities like the University of Lausanne, University of Geneva, and ETH Zurich provide financial support based on merit. Another best option is Merit-Based Scholarships so if you have good marks and a consistent performance, this type of scholarship is the best choice for you. Along with this, some universities also offer financial aid for those who need financial support. In this case, you may need to submit a few documents such as income proof or sponsorship details.
Once you are clear with eligibility, the next important step is to understand the admission process properly. Here we have break it down clearly for both bachelor’s and master’s:
Admission steps for bachelor’s in economics:
The first step is to search the universities that offer economics programs matching your interest.
You should check the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure it matches with your academic background.
Now start collecting your documents like 10th and 12th mark sheets, passport, SOP and English test scores.
Go to the official website of the university and fill out the application form. Upload all required documents in the correct format.
If the university charges an application fee, make the payment and keep the receipt safely.
Some universities may also invite you for an interview so be ready to appear.
Wait for the university approval. This process can take a few weeks.
Once you receive the offer letter, immediately pay the admission fee and confirm your admission.
After this, you can start your visa process with documents like admission letter, financial proof, passport and accommodation details.
At last, you can arrange your stay and book your flight.
Admission steps for master’s in economics
The first step is to choose a course based on your career goals and academic background.
Check the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you have a relevant bachelor’s degree and marksheet.
Collect all your documents such as academic transcripts, CV, SOP and letters of recommendation.
Fill the application form carefully and apply through the University portal.
Upload all required documents like degree certificates, transcripts, SOP and English test scores.
Pay the application fee if required and keep proof of payment.
Some universities also conduct interviews for master’s programs so you should be ready to appear.
Wait till the university approves your application. This process may take a few weeks.
If received, accept the offer within the given time and pay the required fees.
At last, you can start your visa process with all your basic documents.
Finally, you can arrange your accommodation and travel before you go.
Do I need mathematics for studying economics in Switzerland?
Yes, mathematics is important as Economics includes data analysis, statistics and numerical concepts, so a basic understanding of maths will really help you in this course.
Is a degree from Switzerland valid in other countries?
Yes, degrees from Switzerland are recognised worldwide. After completing your course, you can apply for jobs in different countries based on your skills and experience.
Is studying economics in Switzerland expensive?
No, tuition fees in public universities are quite affordable compared to other countries. However, you should also plan for living expenses like accommodation, food and travel.
Can I work part-time while studying in Switzerland?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time for limited hours during their course. This can help you manage your daily expenses and also give you some practical experience.
What career options do I have after studying economics?
After completing your degree, you can explore careers in banking, finance, consulting, research and international organisations. The degree gives you flexibility to work in different industries.
Is it necessary to learn a local language while studying?
No, it is not compulsory but if you plan to stay in Switzerland for work or internships, then it is always advised to learn some basic German or French to make your life easier.
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