Types of higher education institutions
Universitat/Université – institution that offers academic courses on all the three
levels
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH)/École Polytechnique Fédérale -
university offering technical courses
Fachhochschule/Haute École Spécialisée - more specialized and professionaly
oriented studies in technical and economic courses
Structure of university studies
Academic year in Switzerland is divided into two semesters: the winter semester from
mid-October to beginning of March and the summer semester from mid-April to mid-July. The
languages of instructions are German and French, exceptionaly English.
1st level - 1,5 - 2 years full-time study involving more majors
2nd level - 3 - 4 years full-time study (specialized in one major) leading
to Diplom/Diplome or Lizentiat/Licence - these are equivalent to Master degrees
3rd level – doctoral studies
at least 4 years full-time research leading to a doctoral dissertation and PhD
Health insurance
Swiss universities require students to arrange for their health insurance through the
Swiss insurance agency.
Important addresses
Eidgenossische Stipendienkommission für ausländische Studierende (ESKAS)
Hallwylstasse 4
CH-3003 Bern
tel. +41 (31) 323 2676
fax: +41 (31) 323 3020
- scholarships for foreign students
Schweizerische Zentralstelle für Hochschulwesen
Seidenweg 68
Bern CH-3012
tel. +41 (31) 302 2334
fax +41 (31) 302 6811
- information on higher education system in Switzerland, exchande programs, scholarships
Useful publications
title: Student handbook
editor: Dr. Ute Braun
published: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Bonn 1991
Internet addresses
http://www.mit.edu/people/cdemello/ch.html
- information on Swiss universities
http://www.swissuni.ch - links to Swiss universities