Popular and Best Degrees in Switzerland for International Students

Switzerland is globally admired for its top-notch education system, multicultural environment, and scenic landscapes. But beyond the picturesque views, the country also offers internationally recognized degrees that open doors to global careers. If you're an international student considering higher education abroad, Switzerland should be high on your list.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular and best-suited degrees for international students in Switzerland.

1. Business and Management

Business-related degrees continue to top the charts for international students in Switzerland. With institutions like the University of St. Gallen, University of Zurich, and IMI Switzerland, the country offers programs that blend theory with practical industry insights.

Popular programs:

• Business Administration

• International Management

• Finance and Banking

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Swiss business schools emphasize international exposure and hands-on learning, making their graduates highly employable across global markets.

2. Hospitality and Tourism Management

Switzerland is globally recognized as a pioneer in hospitality education. Home to renowned institutions such as EHL Hospitality Business School and the Swiss Hotel Management School, it offers unmatched training in the field.

Popular programs:

• Hospitality Management

• Hotel & Events Management

• International Hospitality and Events

These programs focus on experiential learning, preparing students for top-tier roles in the global hospitality industry.

3. Engineering and Technology

Top-ranked universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL make Switzerland a dream destination for students interested in innovation and research.

Popular programs:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Computer Science and IT

• Chemical Engineering

Swiss engineering degrees are globally respected and often lead to research roles or positions in leading tech companies and startups.

4. Life Sciences and Medicine

Switzerland’s pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are world leaders, supported by strong academic research in universities such as University of Basel, University of Zurich, and University of Geneva.

Popular programs:

• Biology

• Medicine

• Pharmacy

• Biotechnology

Students gain access to advanced research labs and internship opportunities with global healthcare companies.

5. International Relations and Diplomacy

Given Switzerland's role as a hub for international organizations, degrees in international relations carry significant weight. The Graduate Institute Geneva is a standout institution in this field.

Popular programs:

• International Relations

• Political Science

• Global Governance

These programs often lead to careers in diplomacy, NGOs, and global policymaking bodies.

6. Law

Switzerland offers specialized programs in International and European Law, ideal for students aspiring to pursue legal careers on a global stage.

Top institutions:

• University of Zurich

• University of Geneva

With Europe’s legal frameworks constantly evolving, expertise in Swiss legal education is highly relevant and respected.

7. Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Switzerland’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity makes it a strong location for studies in the humanities.

Popular programs:

• Modern Languages

• Linguistics

• Philosophy

• History

Universities such as University of Basel and University of Lausanne offer broad options in these disciplines, often with a multilingual curriculum.

Additional In-Demand Courses

Apart from the mainstream fields, students are also increasingly drawn to:

• Culinary Arts

• Environmental Sciences

• Architecture

• Design Studies

• Wealth Management

These programs reflect evolving global demands and Switzerland’s strength in specialized areas.

Why Choose Switzerland?

Here’s what makes Switzerland stand out as a study destination:

• High Employability: Over 90% of graduates find roles relevant to their degree.

• English-Taught Degrees: Over 700 programs are available in English.

• Global Recognition: Swiss universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

• Affordable Education: Tuition fees are generally lower than in many other Western countries.

• Multicultural Environment: Study in a country with four national languages and a diverse student body.

Top Fields and Universities

Field	Representative Institutions
Business & Management	University of St. Gallen, IMI, University of Zurich
Hospitality & Tourism	EHL, Swiss Hotel Management School, IMI
Engineering & Technology	ETH Zurich, EPFL
Life Sciences & Medicine	University of Zurich, University of Geneva
International Relations	Graduate Institute Geneva, University of Geneva
Law	University of Zurich, University of Geneva
Arts & Humanities	University of Basel, University of Lausanne

Conclusion

Switzerland offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, career opportunities, and cultural richness. Whether you're drawn to business, engineering, hospitality, or humanities, you'll find a degree that’s not just popular but truly future-proof. With globally respected universities, diverse programs, and a student-friendly environment, Switzerland is undoubtedly one of the best choices for international students.

We understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we're here to support you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.