Updated on Apr, 16 2026 07:29 IST
Study Law in Switzerland
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Are you planning to study law abroad but confused where to go? Then you should think about Switzerland. It is a home to many international organisations and legal bodies, especially in cities like Geneva. This can let you explore practical things along with academic learning. The tuition fee in Switzerland is also very reasonable. You can work part-time or apply for scholarships which can support you financially. Once you complete your course, you can explore different legal career options such as corporate law, international law, legal consulting, compliance roles or even get a chance to work with law firms, organisations, or global companies. Apart from this, Switzerland offers a safe and comfortable environment for students. If you are seriously thinking about a career in this field, then Anigdha is here to guide you.
If you are thinking about studying law in Switzerland, the first thing you should do is to understand the university requirements. Here we have listed all the eligibility criteria separately for bachelor’s and master’s for you.
Bachelor’s Eligibility Criteria
Application requirement: When you apply, you will have to fill out an online application form on the official website only. Along with this, Swiss universities will also ask you to upload your basic documents.
Educational requirement: You must have completed your 10+2 from a recognised board. Generally, universities expect around 60% or above but if you are aiming for better universities, then it should be a high score.
Global admission test: In Switzerland, universities do not ask for SAT exams but some of them may conduct their own internal test so it is always better to check the requirements of your chosen university.
Additional requirement: Some universities may take a short online interview to test your personality. They can ask a few personal questions regarding your career so be ready to appear.
English proficiency requirement: If your course is in English, you need to prove language proficiency through such tests 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: If you want to study law at a master's level, your previous degree should be in law (LLB). Some universities can also accept related fields like political science or international relations.
Application requirement: At this stage, you will need to submit your basic documents like degree certificate, marksheets, CV, Statement of purpose (SOP) and official transcripts etc.
Additional requirement: Some universities can also ask for work experience in any legal firm or related areas. This is not always compulsory but it definitely improves your profile.
English proficiency requirement: If you want to study in English, you must need English language proficiency through a required test. Such as:
IELTS: between 6.5 to 7.0
TOEFL iBT: between 85 to 100
Duolingo: around 110 to 120
Switzerland mainly offers September intake or fall intake for law programs. This is the most widely available intake where almost all universities open their applications. If you are serious about studying law, this is the intake you should ideally target because it gives you maximum course options. Applications for this intake usually start around December or January and close between March to April. However, some universities can extend it till May, but you should never depend on the last date. Now coming to the February intake or spring intake. This intake is very limited for law programs in Switzerland so if you are aiming for law, it is always best and safe to plan for the September intake instead of waiting for February.
Bachelor’s courses in Switzerland are mostly available in local languages such as German, French or sometimes Italian so if you are applying for a bachelor’s degree, you may need to show proficiency in one of these languages. For example, universities may ask for German proficiency at B2 or C1 level or French proficiency through DELF or DALF. However, at the master’s level, you can find several English language programs, especially in areas like international law, business law or European law. This ensures flexibility for the international students to study without any barrier. Here are some commonly accepted scores:
IELTS: around 6.5 to 7.0
TOEFL iBT: 85 to 100
Duolingo: 110 to 120
If you are planning for a bachelor’s in law in Switzerland, the course usually takes 3 years or 6 semesters to complete. In these three years, you will explore core subjects like constitutional law, civil law, criminal law and legal methods.
In master’s, the duration is usually 1.5 to 2 years or 3 to 4 semesters. At this stage, things become more advanced. You will dive deeper into specific areas such as international law or human rights law along with internships and practical training.
Here we have listed all the important documents separately for bachelor’s and master’s so that you can simply check and keep everything ready in advance.
Documents Required for Bachelor’s in Law
You will need your 10th and 12th mark sheets as proof of your academic background.
A school leaving certificate is required to confirm your schooling.
A valid passport is compulsory and it should be valid throughout the journey.
Write a statement of purpose where you can explain your interest and career plans.
Create a proper resume including all your personal details, education, achievements or any work experience.
Submit your English language test scores like IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
If your program is in German or French, you will need to submit language certificates like Goethe, TestDaF or DELF.
A few universities may ask for letters of recommendation from your school teachers.
Your recent passport-size photographs as per the required format.
If you have paid any application fee, make sure you keep the payment receipt safely as proof.
Documents Required for Master’s in Law
You will need your bachelor’s degree certificate from a recognised university.
Submit your semester-wise marksheets or official transcripts of your degree.
A valid passport which should be clearly scanned and updated.
A statement of purpose where you have to clearly explain your interest and future plans.
A well proper and updated resume including your education, internships or any relevant experience.
At least one or two letters of recommendation from your professors or teachers.
English language test scores like IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
Some universities may also ask for writing samples like essays, research work or legal papers.
Also keep a copy of your fee payment receipt because you may need them later for reference.
In rare cases, some specialized programs may ask for additional documents, so it is always better to check the university website carefully.
Most of the law programs in Switzerland are offered by public universities. They are well known for offering good quality education with proper career guidance and practical exposure. To make things easier for you, here are some of the top universities where you can study law in Switzerland.
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| University of Zurich | Public | Zurich |
| University of Geneva | Public | Geneva |
| University of Lausanne | Public | Lausanne |
| University of Bern | Public | Bern |
| University of Basel | Public | Basel |
Once you are clear about your university, the next step is to compare the fee structure. Studying law in Switzerland is not expensive as it seems because universities also cover academic access and practical training along with tuition fees. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you understand better.
| Name of the University | Bachelors fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Zurich | The bachelor’s tuition fee is quite affordable and usually ranges around CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,600 per year. | The master’s fee generally stays within 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 covers basic academic facilities. | The master’s tuition fee usually ranges between CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,500 per year. |
| University of Lausanne | The bachelor’s fee is generally around CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,200 per year. | The master’s fee is quite similar, usually between CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,600 per year. |
| University of Bern | The bachelor’s tuition fee is around CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 per year. | The master’s fee generally falls between CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,500 per year. |
| University of Basel | The bachelor’s fee is approximately CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 per year. | The master’s tuition fee usually ranges from CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,500 per year. |
If you still think about the cost, there are multiple scholarships and funding options available in Switzerland that can reduce your burden in an easy way. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is one of the most valuable options you can consider, especially if you are planning for master’s in law. It can cover monthly allowance along with health insurance and tuition fee support but this scholarship is highly competitive so you need to prepare accordingly. Along with this, some universities also offer their own scholarships for international students. Now these scholarships can be different depending on the university. Some may offer partial tuition fee waivers while others may provide a monthly stipend to support your living expenses. Apart from government and university scholarships, there are also external organisations that provide funding to international students.
These can include foundations, educational bodies or scholarship platforms that support students from countries like India. You can search for these options and apply online.
Now comes the important stage where you have to apply. Let's break down the steps clearly and separately for bachelor's and master's both so that you can understand them properly.
Bachelor’s admission procedure
Explore the universities that offer law programs. Carefully look at the course and location where you can actually feel comfortable studying and living.
The next thing you should do is check the eligibility criteria of each university properly and see if you fit their requirements.
After that, start collecting all your documents like mark sheets, passport, language scores and statement of purpose etc.
Once your documents are ready, you can fill out the application form through the official website of the university.
In some cases, you may have to attend a short online interaction so be ready to appear confidently.
After submitting, you just need to wait for the university to review your profile. This process may take a few weeks.
If you receive the offer letter, you have to accept it within the given time and pay the initial deposit.
Once your admission is confirmed, start preparing for your visa with basic documents like admission letter, financial proof and passport.
At the end, you can arrange your accommodation and travel in advance before you go.
Master’s admission procedure
Searching for the type of law specialization you want to study. Then looking for universities that offer that specific course.
The next step is to check the eligibility criteria carefully and see it match with your degree.
After that, you can prepare your documents properly, especially your CV, statement of purpose and recommendation letters.
Then you can fill out the application form online and enter all details carefully.
Some universities may invite you for an online interview so be ready to attend it.
After this, you just need to wait for the university’s response and if your profile is selected, you will receive your offer letter.
You can then accept the offer and pay the required deposit within the deadline to secure your seat.
Now you can prepare all your visa documents like financial proof, admission letter and accommodation details.
At last, you can plan your travel and stay in advance before you arrive in Switzerland.
Can I study law in Switzerland in English?
Yes, but you need to check this carefully before applying as bachelor’s programs are mostly taught in German or French while English options are more common at the master’s level.
Do I need to learn German or French to study law?
If your course is in a local language, then yes, you will need to show proper language proficiency but even if your course is in English, it is always best to have some basic knowledge of German or French.
Is studying law in Switzerland expensive?
No, tuition fees at public universities are quite reasonable compared to other countries. The main cost comes from living expenses, so you should plan your budget properly instead of assuming it is too expensive.
Can I work while studying law in Switzerland?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time for limited hours. This can help you manage your daily expenses and also give you some practical exposure.
What are the career options after studying law in Switzerland?
After completing your degree, you can explore options in legal firms, international organisations, corporate law or further studies.
Do I need prior legal experience for admission?
No, it is not required for bachelor’s but if you want to apply for master’s, any internships or some legal exposure can always support your profile. Though, it is not compulsory.
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