If you are an international student, there is good news for you. We have easy and reliable steps you can take to get Switzerland admission for international students. Are you ready to learn about these steps? Come on let’s have a ride together.
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How to Get Switzerland Admission for International Students
Below are reliable tips on how to get Switzerland admission for international students:
1. Be Prepared to Apply
How prepared are you to get the Switzerland admission for international students? This is a question you must ask yourself.
You will agree with us that Switzerland provides a variety of study options, many of them highly focused on research.
2. Choose Your Preferred Course
You are to choose your degree after you collect all the relevant information. Also, ensure you check the exact entry requirements for each academic programme. This is because there are often specific admission criteria for Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine degrees.
3. Choose Your Preferred University and Contact the university
Carefully choose which university you will like to apply for. It is important you meet the eligibility criteria of the university of your choice.
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The good thing is that the university of your choice will provide specific information on application deadlines, required documents, admission procedures and enrolment.
4. Apply for a Visa Immediately
This is another important step to take when seeking to get Switzerland admission for international students. You do not have to wait for long after you have applied to your choice of school.
Interestingly, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has an information page regarding entry into Switzerland and residence, including visa requirements. Also, there is a helpline attainable by phone, fax or email.
5. Check for Scholarship Opportunities
The next thing to do here is to look for scholarship opportunities in Switzerland. You can also check online for available Switzerland scholarships for international students as you process your admission.
Qualifications Not Recognized by Some Switzerland Universities
As you apply for admission in Switzerland as an international student, you should know there are some qualifications that are not recognized in the country. These qualifications are:
- Distance education certificates, night school certificates and certificates not attained in a school class.
- Also, certificates from vocational or part-time high schools and schools offering vocational training as well as general education are not recognized.
You need to take the above information seriously. This is because, if a credential or qualification is not recognized, you will have to pass the full Swiss (or cantonal) maturity examination.
You may ask: What is that about? Now, please pay attention. The above examination is mainly the Swiss equivalent for the international baccalaureate. It is based on a specific curriculum (seven key subject areas studied by all students), depending on each Swiss canton.
How to Apply for Switzerland Admission for International Students
To apply for Switzerland admission for international students, as an applicant you must complete the online application form on the university website. Also, you must pay the application fee. Furthermore, you must upload all the supporting documents before the application deadline.
It is necessary to state at this point that there are required university application documents to aid your application process. They are listed below:
- A signed printout of your application form.
- Language proficiency certificates (German/French/English).
- Good Curriculum Vitae.
- Evidence of paying the application fee.
- Personal essay/Motivation letter.
- Two passport photos.
- Copy of identity document.
- Official academic transcript(s) from each university you attended before (if applicable).
- High school diploma or Bachelor’s diploma.
However, for those who might worry about the language requirements, there is good news. Switzerland has three official languages — German, French and Italian — and the language of instruction depends on the university.
Additionally, most universities also offer a wide range of programmes taught in English. As such, the majority of international students apply for either English, French or German-taught degrees.
However, accepted evidence of proficiency for each language are:
- German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc and others
- French: DELF or DALF
- English: PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo
NOTE: You can take a language test at the university and they can decide if your level is sufficient to be accepted if you don’t have a language certificate. This option is not available at all universities, so first check with the institution.
Eligibility Criteria for Doctorate Programme in Switzerland
Below are the requirements for a doctoral programme in Switzerland every international students must know:
- Applicants must provide a letter from an instructor of the faculty who is certified to direct doctoral dissertations, and who agrees to overlook your research.
- If you are in your final year at secondary school and have not yet received your diploma, you may apply based on your grades over the year. But you have to send copies of your final exam results as soon as you have them.
- All certificates and transcripts that are not in English, French, German or Italian must be translated into English or French by a certified translator.
- Also, along with the translation, some universities will demand an official document from the school or university that you attended, with an explanation of the grading and assessment system.
Switzerland University Admission Application Deadline
The deadlines for application at Swiss universities vary and it depends on the universities. In fact, sometimes it also depends on the applicants’ qualifications or student visa application.
We will advise you to submit your application in the spring semester for studies beginning the following academic year.
Regular application goes thus:
- Fall semester: start of December – end of April.
- Spring semester: start of May – end of November.
- If a visa for Switzerland is required, the following deadlines are recommended: start of December – end of February for the fall semester and start of May – end of September for the spring semester.
Sometimes, applications for Doctorate degrees can have different deadlines:
- For the fall semester: until mid-October
- For the spring semester: until end of March
NOTE: Please know that the universities that will receive your application too late, will sign you up for the next semester.
With the above information, you now have what it takes to get the Switzerland admission for international students.
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