Top 10 Most Employable Courses for International Students in Switzerland
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Studying amidst Nature, on top of the mountains, and surrounded by heaps of ornamental lakes and pretty hamlets in one of the most exquisite countries in the world appears like a dream for many youngsters who love peaceful and aesthetic settings. The Land of Alps – Switzerland is not only among the most sought-after tourist destinations but also offers a great deal when it comes to higher education and cutting-edge training. Offering some of the most mesmerizing scenic views, cultural diversity and a friendly and safe atmosphere for foreigners, the country has various higher education institutions which are recognized for their performance and outcome on a global platform.
Even though the country is not heavily inhabited, with a mere 8-9 million population (as of 2024), its universities and colleges have expert faculty and infrastructure, which have helped them to obtain international status. Two of its institutions, namely – ETH Zurich, and EPFL are among the top 100 global universities in 2025 according to QS World University Rankings. The country has gifted the world some of the finest hotel management institutes, with 7 of them topping the list of the world’s best Hospitality and Leisure Management universities/schools. Switzerland proudly takes away the crown of the world’s best Hospitality and Leisure Management institute, with EHL Hospitality Business School placed at the 1st position.
This article shares details about the higher education system in Switzerland, popular courses, and the best universities to pursue the most employable courses.
- Education System in Switzerland
- Top 10 Most Employable Courses
- 10 Most Employable Courses for International Students in Switzerland FAQs
Education System in Switzerland
One good part about pursuing higher education from the Alpine land is that as the country follows the Bologna process, based on European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits), it becomes feasible for the students coming from overseas to transfer their earned qualifications there to their home institutions. Apart from the popular hotel management programs, the country also offers degrees in popular courses such as management, tourism law, computer science, finance, etc. which are some of the most employable courses for international students.
Grading System in Switzerland
The higher education institutes in Switzerland have set up a 6-point grading scale to mark the students’ performance in academics. Given below are the grades and scales which students obtain while studying in universities or colleges.
| Grade |
Swiss Scale |
|---|---|
| A: Excellent |
6 |
| B: Very good, with few errors) |
5.5 |
| C: Good, with some errors) |
5 |
| D: Satisfactory, with many errors |
4.5 |
| E: Sufficient (Minimum passing grade) |
4 |
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Top 10 Most Employable Courses
The following table lists the top 10 most employable courses that the universities/schools in Switzerland offer. You can also go through the prospective careers/job roles in the third column which these courses may lead to:
| Program |
Popular Institutes |
Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel & Hospitality Management |
EHL Hospitality Business School, Swiss Hotel Management School, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education, Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Hotel Institute Montreux |
Restaurant Manager, Housekeeping, General Manager, Airline Catering, Guest Relations Officer, Catering Manager, Chef, Hotel Director, Management Executive |
| MBA |
IMD, St. Gallen, United International Business Schools, American University of Applied Sciences Institute in Switzerland, International Institute for Management Development, University of Business and International Studies |
Management Consultant, Internet Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst, Product Manager, Human Resource Manager, Risk & Insurance Manager, Portfolio Manager, Supply Chain Analyst |
| Banking and Finance |
United International Business Schools (UIBS), SBS Swiss Business School, Università della Svizzera italiana, University of Bern, University of Lausanne, Franklin University Switzerland |
Loan Officer, Accountant, Chief Financial Officer, Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Financial Manager, Trader/Stockbroker, Actuary, External Auditor |
| International Law |
University of Geneva, ETH Zurich, University of Bern, University of Zurich, University of Lausanne, University of St. Gallen (HSG) |
Corporate Lawyer, Barrister, Legal Analyst, Advocate, Judge, Legal Journalist, Criminal Lawyer, Patent Attorney, Chief Legal Officer |
| Art and Design |
Zurich University of the Arts, Geneva University of Art and Design, University of Geneva, University of Bern, University of Lausanne, University of St. Gallen |
Graphic Designer, Art Director, Multimedia Artist, Industrial Designer, Fashion Designer, Museum Curator, Postsecondary Teacher, Illustrator, Ceramics Designer |
| Applied Mathematics |
ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, University of Geneva, University of Basel |
Mathematician, Biotechnician, Climatologist, Underwriter, Risk Analyst, Investment Analyst, Nuclear Engineer, Statistician, Reliability Engineer |
| Computer Science |
ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, USI – Universita della Svizzera italiana, University of Bern, University of Basel |
Software Engineer, Web Developer, Systems Analyst, Cyber Security Analyst, Applications Developer, Multimedia Programmer, Hardware Engineer, Database Administrator, Cloud Engineer |
| Architecture |
ETH Zurich, EPFL, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Academy of Architecture |
Urban Planner, Architect, Furniture Designer, Interior Designer, Professor, Architectural Technologist, Archivist, Landscape Architect, Town Planner |
| Medicine |
University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, University of Bern, University of Geneva, University of Basel, Universite de Fribourg |
Clinical Scientist, Nurse, General Practice Doctor, Public Health Worker, Health Journalist, Neurologist, Community Health Worker, Paramedic, Veterinary Assistant |
| Engineering |
ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Basel, Kalaidos University of Applied Science |
Technical Writer, Mechanical Engineer, Machinist, IT Consultant, Chemical Engineer, Engineering Manager, Research Engineer, Automotive Engineer, CAD Technician |
As per the data released by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in 2022, 9 out of 10 higher education graduates in Switzerland obtain employment which aligns with their academic preparation. A survey by Erudera.com concluded that 93% of Swiss tertiary graduates are hired for a job that aligns with their education.
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10 Most Employable Courses for International Students in Switzerland FAQs
Q. How long will it take to complete a UG or a PG course in Switzerland?
A. Students opting for a full-time Bachelor's degree course in Switzerland will be able to complete their studies within three years. A total of 180 ECTS credits are awarded for the same. But some courses like pharmacy or medicine may take upto 5-6 years to get completed. A full-time master's degree program may get completed within one or two years. A total of 90-120 ECTS credits are awarded for it. Keep in mind that students need to be holding a master's degree if they wish to pursue a doctorate degree course.
Q. Is it possible to study free of cost at a university in Switzerland?
A. Universities in Switzerland are known to offer cheap education by charging cheap tuition fees. Therefore, it is not really possible to find universities there which are completely free of cost. Even for the nationals, there are no free courses in the country. But acknowledging that many deserving students still cannot afford a foreign education, Swiss universities as well as government offer various scholarships for the same. A student's tuition fees and other additional annual living costs are usually covered by these scholarships.
Q. How much should I expect to spend on living while studying in Switzerland?
A. If you're planning to pursue your higher education in Switzerland, make sure you are willing to shell out atleast 1,300 to 1,700 EUR monthly for covering your living, conveyance cost, food, and other miscellaneous activities. You may require more than 1,700 EUR monthly if you're studying in cities like Zurich and Geneva as they are more expensive.
Q. Are courses offered in Swiss universities taught in English?
A. Yes, foreign nationals who are comfortable only in the English language have a reason to be happy as the majority of the universities in the country offer their Master's and Doctorate courses in English only. As far as Bachelor's programs are concerned, they are mostly taught in German but students can pursue them in English as well.
Q. Do Swiss universities admit foreign students who do not possess an IELTS score?
A. Yes, there are many institutes of higher education in Switzerland which do not need students to hold an IELTS score for admission. Otherwise, IELTS waivers are provided by almost all universities/colleges for specific bachelor's and master's degree courses. Students should also make sure that they meet all the set academic eligibility requirements.
IMI Switzerland has produced several distinguished alumni in the past years. This list includes the names of highly successful and leading professionals in the diverse fields of hospitality, such as:
| Alumni | Profession |
|---|---|
| Charmaine Sheh | Actress |
| Signe Baldere-Sildedze | Member-Management Board at Olainfarm AS & Director & Owner at SIA Louvre |
| Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Bendara | Internet Personality |
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IMI Switzerland is a precise institute which offers undergraduate, graduate and Diploma courses across various disciplines of hospitality. Some of the top courses include: