Switzerland has a huge range of degrees to choose from so, whatever you want to study, the chances of finding a suitable course are high.
Switzerland's particular strengths might have an impact on your choice of subject; it's gained a particularly strong reputation for making advances in technology, business and finance. Zurich and Geneva have been ranked as the top financial centres in continental Europe and are the residence of some of the world's sharpest business minds, mainly in the fields of hospitality, banking and pharmaceuticals.
Switzerland is also the ideal destination if you want to study language or linguistics. It has four official languages - German, French, Italian and Romansh - and is bordered by Italy, France, Germany and Austria, making it the perfect base if you want to become a multilinguist.
2. Decide what kind of Swiss university you want to go to
Once you know what you want to study, it's time to choose which type of university you want to apply to. In Switzerland, there are four main types of universities:
Doctoral / research universities (frequently referred to as just 'universities') are traditional academic universities that are strongly research-orientated and offer the widest range of subjects. They teach both theoretical knowledge and methodological expertise. Example subjects include Theology, Law and Biology.
Universities of Applied Science and Arts concentrate on the application of scientific and artistic knowledge and primarily teach professional practice. Example subjects include Architecture, Food Science and Theatre.
Universities of Teacher Education offer practice-orientated training for students who want to become teachers. Example subjects include pre-primary, primary and secondary education.
Private Universities and Hotel Schools are not financially supported by the Swiss government and sometimes specialise in particular subject areas such as Business, Finance or Hotel Management. Popular private universities include Webster University, Swiss UMEF University (SU) and Franklin universities. Popular hotel schools include Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne (EHL) and Glion Institute of Higher Education.
As soon as you know what you want to study and what kind of institution you want to apply to, check you meet all the entry requirements.
In Switzerland, there isn't an organisation that operates the entire application process - you need to apply to each institution individually. For most institutions, it's a three-step process:
Complete the online application from the website of the university. Indicate your chosen faculty and degree programme on the application form. You will then receive written confirmation of your application, an application fee invoice, and a list of supporting documents to be submitted.
Pay the application fee
Upload the supporting documents before the deadline. As soon as your documents have been checked and upon receipt of payment of the application fee, you'll be sent formal confirmation of your matriculation.
Typical documents required include:
A signed printout of your application form
Passport photos
Copy of identity document
Proof of qualifications (such as GCSE, AS and A-Level certificates if you're a UK applicant)
Language proficiency certificates (German/French/English)
CV
Motivation letter (this applies more often to private universities)
Evidence of payment of the application fee