Updated on Apr, 14 2026 09:48 IST
Study Finance and Banking in Switzerland
Test Preparations
About Us
Knowledge Hub
Are you interested in studying banking and finance abroad? Switzerland is one of the safest economies in the world. Every year it attracts a large number of students in the financial and banking sectors. The country has a strong location in the centre of Europe and connects with other major financial hubs like Germany, France and Italy. This allows students to get global exposure along with valuable degrees. The courses here are available in flexible language so that students can study without any barrier. Apart from studies Switzerland also offers a safe environment for international students with high living standards and good public services. If you are really looking to build your career in this field, our team of Anigdha is here to support you.
The first step in this journey is to understand basic requirements by the Universities. Every university has its own criteria so you must go through this carefully to avoid any confusion:
Bachelor’s eligibility criteria
Educational requirement: You need to complete your Class 12 education from a recognised school. You must get minimum marks between 55 to 70 percent in the final marksheet. If you have a commerce stream, it will be a good option.
Application requirements: You are required to fill the application form through the official website only. Submit your necessary documents such as marksheets, certificates, passport, or a resume.
Global admission test: Generally, there is no such test required for the bachelor level but some private universities can take their own entrance test.
Additional requirement: In this course, the university can check your basic knowledge in Mathematics. They can also conduct interviews to analyse your ability. You may need to submit a motivational letter.
English proficiency requirement: If you want to study your course in the English language, then you are required to appear for a proficiency test. Here are some minimum accepted scores:
IELTS: between 5.5 to 6.0
TOEFL: between 70 to 90
Duolingo: between 90 to 110
Masters eligibility criteria
Educational requirements: Students must have a bachelor's degree in finance, banking, economics, business or a related field. You need to get minimum marks between 60% to 70% or an equivalent GPA.
Application requirements: You need to attach some necessary documents while filling the form. It includes school marksheets, certificates, resume, passport copy and recommendation letters.
Additional requirements: Some universities may ask for work experience in this field, but it is not compulsory. You can also submit GMAT or GRE to get into the top universities of Switzerland.
English proficiency requirement: If you want to choose the English language, then it is mandatory to appear for the proficiency test. Here are some commonly accepted scores:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL: between 80 to 100 Duolingo: between 100 to 120
Switzerland mainly offers two major intakes for banking and finance courses. The primary intake is September intake. Almost all bachelor’s and master’s programs are available during this time. The second intake is February intake. This intake is available in limited universities and for selected courses only. Not all universities offer this intake, so you need to check carefully before planning.
The applications usually start around October or November of the previous year and can continue till March or sometimes May. The application of February intake generally starts around June to August and occurs till September to November. Since seats are limited in this intake, you should not delay your application. If you are an international student, you should always try to apply early as visa processing can also take a few weeks. This can make your process much easier and smoother.
The language of instruction in Switzerland is clearly defined by the university and your specific program. Every university may have different requirements so you must always check the course details before applying. At the bachelor’s level, universities mostly offer German or French for the courses. The English language is limited and mostly available in private institutions. However, at the master’s level, a large number of banking and finance programs are offered in English. This is common in universities like University of Zurich, University of Geneva and others. Some universities may offer bilingual programs offering both English and native language. If you want to choose the English language, universities will ask for proof of English language ability. Here are some accepted tests scores mentioned below:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: between 80 to 100
Duolingo: between 100 to 120.
If you apply for German, you are required to submit German language certificates such as:
TestDaF: level 4
DSH: level 2
DALF: C1 or C2
Another important step while applying for banking and finance in Switzerland is document collection. Your selection is widely based on documents as University will deeply evaluate your performance. Make sure to keep every document ready in advance. Here we have listed all the required documents for both bachelor’s and master’s level clearly:
Bachelor’s level documents
Class 10th and 12th marksheets and certificates from a recognised board.
A valid and updated passport copy is required for identity proof.
Your school leaving certificate or transfer certificate.
A well prepared CV or a resume including your personal details, work experience and other achievements.
English language test scores like IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo if you want to study in the English language.
German language certificates like TestDaF, DSH, DELF or DALF. It is for those who want to study in German.
At least two reference letters from your school teachers or college professors.
3 to 4 recent passport size photographs as per the application format.
Also keep a proof of application fee payment as a confirmation.
Master’s level documents
Bachelor’s degree certificate to check your graduation performance.
A well prepared CV or resume including
your education, skills and work experience if you have any.
A statement of purpose that describes your career plans, interest in the finance field and your reason for choosing this course.
At least 2 to 3 recommendation letters from your college professors or employer.
English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
If your course is in German or French, submit the German language certificate based on the program.
GMAT or GRE score, especially for finance related or competitive programs.
Any experience proof or work letters from your company if you have.
A recent passport size photograph as per the application guidelines.
Keep a proof of your application fee payment as a confirmation.
A bachelor’s degree in banking and finance in Switzerland generally takes around 3 years to complete if you study full time. It is divided into 6 semesters which includes internship or practical training.
A master’s degree in banking and finance in Switzerland usually takes around 1.5 to 2 years to complete. It is mainly divided into 3 to 4 semesters. It mainly focuses on internship, research work or thesis projects.
Switzerland has some well-known universities for studying banking and finance. It allows you to get good country exposure while providing practical learning. Here are the top universities you can consider:
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| University of Zurich | Public | Zurich |
| University of St. Gallen | Public | St. Gallen |
| University of Geneva | Public | Geneva |
| University of Lausanne | Public | Lausanne |
| Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM) | Private | Geneva |
The fee structure in Switzerland depends on two main things, the type of university and the course level you choose. Public universities have lower fees as compared to private universities so you must check the fee structure carefully before applying. Here is a detailed overview of fees for both bachelor’s and master’s programs in top universities:
| Name of the University | Bachelors fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Zurich | Bachelor’s fees are quite affordable with around CHF 1,200 to 1,500 per year. It covers tuition and basic academic charges while excluding living expenses. | Master’s fees are also in a similar range, around CHF 1,200 to 1,600 per year excluding additional expenses. The fees are reasonable compared to other countries. |
| University of St. Gallen | Bachelor’s fees are around CHF 3,000 to 3,500 per year for international students. It may change slightly based on the course. It excludes additional expenses like accommodation. | Master’s fees are slightly higher and can go up to CHF 3,500 to 4,000 per year. The fees depend on the course and student category. It excludes additional expenses like books and accommodation. |
| University of Geneva | Bachelor’s fees are generally around CHF 1,000 to 1,200 per year. It is one of the more affordable options among public universities. However, living costs in Geneva can be higher than others. | Master’s fees are also low, around CHF 1,000 to 1,500 per year. It is similar for most finance related programs. It excludes additional expenses like personal costs and accommodation. |
| University of Lausanne | Bachelor’s fees are around CHF 1,000 to 1,200 per year. It remains almost the same for most programs. It excludes additional costs for accommodation and other daily needs. | Master’s fees are also in the range of CHF 1,000 to 1,300 per year. It is considered affordable for international students. It excludes academic and personal expenses. |
| Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM) | Bachelor’s fees are higher as it is a private institution. Students may need to pay around CHF 6,000 to 10,000 per year depending on the course. It can vary based on the program structure. | Master’s fees are higher compared to public universities and can range between CHF 7,000 to 12,000 per year. It depends upon the specialization and course format chosen by you. |
Switzerland offers different types of scholarships for international students. One of the most popular scholarships is the Swiss government. It gives a fixed monthly allowance to the students. ETH Excellence is another scholarship offered by ETH Zurich for master’s students. It covers full tuition fees along with living cost support, however it is only given to students who have good academic scores. There is high competition in this and the number of seats is very low. Along with this, there are multiple scholarships available based on merit, leadership and background. Some scholarships cover partial tuition fees while others can give you full tuition support. Many universities in Switzerland offer their own scholarships for banking and finance students. It majorly depends upon the university you choose. You should always check the official university website for exact details. Therefore, scholarships in Switzerland are limited, so students are always advised to apply early. Good academic scores can further improve your chances.
Your journey to study banking and finance in Switzerland begins with the admission procedure. Every University has its own requirements and criteria but the overall process is the same. Here we have explained each and every step you need to complete while applying for bachelor's or master's:
Bachelor’s admission procedure
Start by searching for Switzerland universities offering bachelor’s courses in banking and finance.
Open their official website and compare the courses and fees to decide one final choice.
Also check the eligibility criteria such as
academic or language requirement. Look for any minimum percentage if asked by the university.
Collect all your documents like 12th marksheet, passport copy and basic academic records.
Now fill the application form though the official university website. Make sure to enter all the details carefully to avoid any unnecessary mistakes.
Check for any entrance test or internal assessment. You may need to prepare accordingly.
Submit the application and wait for the response. If selected, you will receive an offer letter.
Accept the offer and pay the initial fees to confirm your seat.
Immediately apply for a student visa. You will need your admission letter, financial proof and other required documents for visa approval.
Once completed, you are ready to book your travel and accommodation in Switzerland.
Master’s admission procedure
First you have to choose a university in which you are willing to complete master’s courses in banking and finance.
Compare their course structure, fees and requirements before shortlisting one.
Then check the eligibility criteria carefully. You must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field like finance, business or even economics.
Collect all the required documents such as graduation marksheets, CV, ID proof and some recommendation letters.
Also submit English language test scores like IELTS or TOEFL, if you want to study in english.
Now, fill the application form on the official website and enter all details correctly. Make sure to avoid any mistakes.
Upload all the required documents in the given format and submit your form.
Now, wait for the university response. Some universities may also take an interview before final selection.
If selected, you will receive an offer letter. Accept it and pay the required fees within the deadline.
Immediately apply for a student visa using your admission letter, financial documents and other required papers.
Once approved, you can book your tickets and plan your stay before starting your course.
What is the duration of studying banking and finance in Switzerland?
The duration for bachelor's is usually around 3 years but it may extend it to 3.5 years for some courses. The duration of master's is generally between 1 to 2 years.
What are the eligibility requirements for banking and finance in Switzerland?
Every university follows its own eligibility criteria so you should check the official website before applying. Students mainly need to complete their high school education in any stream from a recognised board.
Can I study banking and finance in English?
Yes, you can but you need to clear English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo. Every university has set an exact minimum accepted score so you must check the official website.
What is the fee structure for studying banking and finance courses in Switzerland?
The fees structure mainly depends on the type of university. Public universities have lower fees, usually around CHF 1,000 to 4,000 per year while private universities have higher fees and can range between CHF 6,000 to 20,000 per year. It excludes all other additional expenses.
Are scholarships available for banking and finance students in Switzerland?
Yes, there are different scholarships available in Switzerland. Some of them can cover full tuition fees, while others can provide monthly financial support. Competition is huge so you must apply early for better chances.
Can international students work while studying in Switzerland?
Yes, International students are allowed to work part time during their studies but they can only work upto limited hours per week as per visa rules. It will also help you manage daily expenses easily.
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts
