Updated on Apr, 17 2026 10:45 IST
Study Fashion Designing in Switzerland
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Are you someone who like to explore new and creative designs? Do you want to turn this interest into a career? If yes, then studying fashion designing in Switzerland can be an ideal choice for you. Fashion designing is a field of study where you can explore sketching and convert them into real designs and Switzerland is a best place where you can get this practical exposure to different fashion trends and cultures. Universities of Switzerland are also highly popular for its best quality education. It gives you several internship opportunities so that you can work with experienced designers. Along with this, Switzerland also offers scholarship options to reduce your fee burden. Once you complete your course, you can explore different career options like fashion designer, stylist, merchandiser or even work on your own brand. If you are ready to build your career in this field, then our team of Anigdha is here to guide you.
Here we have listed the eligibility criteria separately for bachelor’s and separately for master’s so that you can check all the requirements before applying:
Bachelors eligibility criteria
Application requirement: You need to fill out the application form from the official website along with all your basic documents. Some universities may also ask you to submit your portfolio to see your creativity in this field.
Educational requirement: You should complete your 10+2 from a recognised board. Students from any stream can apply for this course but you must have some decent percentage.
Global admission test: There is no requirement for exams like SAT or ACT. In some cases, private universities may conduct their own internal assessment or selection process, so you should always check the official website for exact details.
Additional requirement: You can be asked to prepare a portfolio including your sketches, designs or any creative work you have done. Some universities may also ask for a statement of purpose where you can explain your interest and your future plans.
English proficiency requirement: If your course is in English, then you should be able to prove your language skills through such accepted scores:
IELTS: around 5.5 to 6.0
TOEFL iBT: around 70 to 80
Duolingo: around 90 to 105
Master’s eligibility criteria
Educational requirement: You should complete your bachelor’s degree in fashion designing or in a related field like textile, design or arts. This can build a strong base for you.
Application requirement: You need to fill out the application form from the official university portal. You should enter all your details carefully and upload your documents like degree certificate, transcripts and portfolio as per the requirement.
Additional requirement: Create a portfolio including your best design work, collections or projects. If you have done any internship or worked on any fashion related project, you can include that as well. Some universities may also ask for some recommendation letters.
English proficiency requirement: If your course is in English, then you should be able to prove this language ability through such accepted scores:
IELTS: around 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: around 80 to 90
Duolingo: around 100 to 115
Swiss universities offer one main intake in a year and that is usually around September or (Fall intake). This is the most common intake for all the fashion designing courses. Applications for this intake close between February to March. Along with this, universities may take portfolio rounds or interviews which also follow a specific timeline so you should prepare your designs and portfolio well in advance. Some private universities also offer multiple intakes in a year but this depends on the type of university. Therefore, you should always check the official website of the university to confirm the exact dates.
When you are planning to study fashion designing in Switzerland, one thing you should do in the beginning is to arrange all your documents properly. Here is a clear list of documents separately for bachelor’s and master’s so that you can check everytime:
Documents required for bachelor’s
Your Class 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates from a recognised board.
Along with this, you may also need your school leaving certificate or transfer certificate.
A valid passport for your entire study duration. If it is close to expiry, you can renew it.
Create a portfolio of your sketches, designs or any creative work.
Write a Statement of Purpose where you can explain your interest and your future plans.
Some universities may also ask for one or two recommendation letters from your school teachers.
If your course is in English, then you should submit your English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
Your recent passport size photographs as per the application requirements.
Also create your resume including your school activities, projects or any achievements.
Proof of financial documents like bank statements or receipts.
Keep a payment proof if you pay any application fee during the application process.
In some cases, universities may also ask for a basic medical fitness certificate.
Documents required for master’s
Your bachelor’s degree certificate along with semester wise transcripts.
A valid passport for the entire duration of your study.
Create a portfolio including your best design work, collections or projects
Write a Statement of Purpose explaining your interest and your future goals.
One or two recommendation letters from your college professors or employers.
If your course is in English, then you should submit your English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
Create a resume where you can include your education, internships, projects and any experience, if you have.
Proof of financial documents like bank statements or sponsorship letters.
A few recent passport size photographs as per the application format.
Payment proof of the application fee if required by the university.
In some cases, universities may also ask for a medical fitness certificate or additional documents depending on the course.
In Switzerland, the language of your course mainly depends on the university you choose. Generally, universities at bachelor’s level offer local languages like German or French so if you are planning to apply there, you may need to prepare for that specific language in advance. At the same time, some private universities offer fashion designing courses in English, which makes it easier for international students to study without facing any language issues. If your course is in English, then you should be able to prove this ability through such accepted scores:
IELTS: around 5.5 to 6.0
TOEFL iBT: around 70 to 80
Duolingo: around 90 to 105
The duration of bachelor’s in fashion designing s usually around 3 to 4 years if you are studying full time. Universities usually divide this course into six semesters where you can explore basic concepts of fashion. Along with this, it also includes internships or training, so that you can gain real world exposure.
The duration of a master's in fashion designing is usually shorter and it is around 1 to 2 years. This course specifically focuses on advanced design works. Students can also get to work on portfolios or research based projects.
Here are some of the popular universities where you can study fashion designing in Switzerland:
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva School of Design | Private | Geneva |
| Geneva University of Art and Design | Public | Geneva |
| Zurich University of the Arts | Public | Zurich |
| Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts | Public | Lucerne |
| FHNW Academy of Art and Design | Public | Basel |
The fees can be different depending on the type of university. Public universities usually have lower tuition fees, while private universities may have higher fees because they include more facilities, workshops and practical exposure. Here is a clear idea of the fee structure in some of the popular universities:
| Name of the University | Bachelor’s fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva School of Design | The bachelor’s fee is usually around CHF 20,000 to 25,000 per year. | The master’s fee is around CHF 22,000 to 27,000 per year. |
| Geneva University of Art and Design | The bachelor’s fee is quite affordable, around CHF 1,000 to 1,500 per year. | The master’s fee is also in a similar range, around CHF 1,000 to 2,000 per year. |
| Zurich University of the Arts | The bachelor’s fee is around CHF 1,200 to 1,800 per year. | The master’s fee is approximately CHF 1,500 to 2,200 per year. |
| Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts | The bachelor’s fee is around CHF 1,600 to 2,000 per year. | The master’s fee is usually around CHF 1,800 to 2,500 per year. |
| FHNW Academy of Art and Design | The bachelor’s fee is around CHF 1,000 to 1,500 per year. | The master’s fee is around CHF 1,200 to 2,000 per year. |
Note: Apart from this, you should also plan for your living expenses like accommodation, food, travel and insurance.
One thing you should keep in mind is that scholarships in Switzerland are usually limited and mostly based on your academic performance. One of the most popular options is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship is available for the master’s level in fields like art and design. It can provide financial support such as a monthly allowance and tuition fees. Apart from this, some universities also offer art and design specific scholarships in Switzerland. In many cases, students can receive partial financial support which helps reduce their tuition fees. You can also find scholarships like the Hirschmann Foundation scholarship, which is available for students applying for master’s programs. Another important option is university based scholarships. Several private universities in Switzerland offer their own scholarships for fashion designing students. These are usually based on your academic marks and portfolio. In this case, students can get around 10% to 30% reduction in tuition fees. However, it is always recommended to apply early, as it can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
The last step is to apply for the application form, so here we have explained all the steps separately for bachelor’s and separately for master’s:
Bachelor’s admission procedure
The first step is to search for the universities that offer fashion designing courses.
Once you choose a university, go through their eligibility criteria properly and check if you’re ready according to their requirements.
After this, you can start collecting all your documents like your 10th and 12th marksheets, passport, portfolio, statement of purpose and etc.
Now the next step is to fill out the application form from the official university website. Attach all the required documents along with a portfolio.
In some cases, universities may also connect with you for a online interaction to test your personality.
Once everything is done, you just need to wait for the university response. If your application gets selected, you will receive your offer letter.
After receiving the offer letter, you can complete the next formalities and confirm your seat within the given time.
At last, you can move ahead with your visa process and start planning your travel and stay in Switzerland.
Master’s admission procedure
The first step is to explore universities that offer master’s in fashion designing.
Once you choose a university, go through the eligibility criteria properly and check that you are ready for the application.
After this, you can start arranging your documents like your degree certificate, transcripts, portfolio, statement of purpose and recommendation letters etc.
Now you can fill out the application form from the official university portal and upload your documents.
If there is any application fee, make the payment and keep the proof receipt.
In many cases, universities may take a short interview where they can ask about your interest so be ready to answer them.
Now, you just need to wait for the response. If selected, you will receive your offer letter from the university.
After receiving the offer letter, you can complete the next steps to confirm your admission within the given timeline.
At last, you can move forward with your visa process and then start planning your accommodation and travel.
What is the duration of fashion designing courses in Switzerland?
Bachelor’s usually takes rround 3 to 4 years to complete while master’s is shorter and can take around 1 to 2 years to complete.
Is portfolio required for fashion designing?
Yes, portfolio is a very important for applying in fashion designing so you should prepare it properly and include your best work.
Can I study fashion designing in Switzerland in English?
Yes, many courses are available in English. You just need to show your English language score like IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo as required.
What is the fee for fashion designing in Switzerland?
The fees can be different depending on the type of institute you choose. Public ones usually have lower fees and private ones can be higher. On average, it can range between CHF 1,000 to CHF 30,000 per year.
Are scholarships available for fashion designing?
Yes, scholarships are available but mostly they are partial. Some are given based on your marks while others are dependent on your portfolio and overall profile.
Can I work while studying fashion designing in Switzerland?
Yes, you can work part time during your studies. This can help you manage your daily expenses and also give you some practical experience.
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