Study in Switzerland
Study Abroad Application Process/ Timeline Planning for Switzerland
When people think of Switzerland, they often picture its renowned precision watchmaking, excellent public safety, stunning landscapes, or delicious cheese. However, Swiss universities are also highly regarded internationally and should not be underestimated.
Universities in Switzerland
Swiss education emphasizes equipping students with professional skills, with a strong focus on balancing theory and practice. Some vocational colleges adopt a model where students attend classes in the first half of the year and undertake internships in the second half, providing international students with high-quality internship opportunities.
Swiss universities typically follow a three-year academic system that includes at least two international internships, while in Taiwan, the system is four years with one internship. The duration of internships also differs: in Switzerland, they last 4 to 12 months, whereas in Taiwan, they range from summer/winter breaks to one year. Additionally, some internship positions in Taiwan are unpaid, while in Switzerland, interns receive a monthly salary of approximately NT$60,000 to NT$70,000.
Swiss universities can be categorized into two systems based on their "funding sources":
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Public Universities
Switzerland has 10 cantonal universities, 2 federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL), and 8 universities of applied sciences. However, engineering disciplines are only offered at the two federal institutes of technology, with instruction primarily in German, French, or Italian (depending on the school's location). Nearly 30% of students are international.
2. Private Universities
Switzerland is home to approximately 36 private universities. These institutions combine professional education with practical training, adhering not only to the teaching policies of the federal government and individual cantons but also meeting international educational standards. This approach provides students with a solid foundation, attracting over 100,000 international students annually to complete their studies in Switzerland.
Swiss Universities' Vocational Education System: A Three-Stage Structure
1、 Swiss Diploma
Students can obtain this diploma after completing their sophomore year, certifying their foundational training in the relevant industry.
2、 Swiss Higher Diploma
Obtaining the Swiss Advanced Diploma After Completing Approximately Six Months of Third-Year Studies
三、 Swiss BA (Hons) Degree
The last 6 months of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program require the submission of either: - A final thesis (academic research paper) - Or a business competition report (applied project)
Application Timeline
建議於預計入學的前一年開始規劃留學計畫，美國學校大多提供秋、春季入學之選擇。
以 9月（秋季）入學為例：
The year before enrollment
April - May
Start planning your personal study abroad timeline
Prepare for standardized tests and application documents in advance
Dec. - Mar. of the following year
Application Submission
Complete application procedures for all target schools
The year of enrollment
April.-Aug.
Confirm application result
Sept.-Nov.
Visa Processing, Accommodation Applications & Flight Bookings
All set for departure!
Necessary Documents
Admission requirements vary by institution, and applying to more prestigious schools typically involves stiffer competition.
High School or University Graduation
Possess Relevant Work Experience
IELTS 5.5 or above / TOEFL iBT 55+
Others: Resume/CV, Internship Certificates, etc. (varies by school requirements)
Recommendation letter
Application form
Personal Statement: Statement of Interests and Motivations
