Technology has transformed education, including engineering. Today, Switzerland offers research-driven degree programs that combine strong theoretical foundations with practical training.
Among the most popular study abroad destinations for earning a recognized engineering degree is Switzerland. Many of Switzerland’s most prestigious educational institutions have long been recognized for their strong engineering programs.
They combine research-oriented teaching, strong faculty expertise, and links with industry. In the field of engineering and technology, ETH Zurich ranks among the best in the world, and EPFL is also one of Switzerland’s leading technical universities. Another contributing factor is that Switzerland ranks first in the Global Innovation Index 2025.
Renowned research organizations such as CERN are based in Switzerland, and the country has an active innovation ecosystem. Students who choose to study here can be part of a dynamic community connected to technological development.
To learn more about which educational institutes offer strong engineering courses for international students in Switzerland, refer to our detailed article below.
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in Switzerland
1. ETH Zurich
When it comes to science and technology, ETH Zurich is among the top universities in the world. It has a reputation for innovative and advanced research. From its founding as the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in 1855 to the present day, ETH Zurich has been connected with 22 Nobel Prize recipients.
At ETH Zurich, students learn both theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen fields. Its degree programs establish strong mathematical foundations, including in engineering studies. For international students, notable engineering-related options include the institute’s bachelor’s in electrical engineering and information technology and computer science programs.
The electrical engineering and information technology program covers subjects such as Networks and Circuits, Digital Circuits, Signals and Systems, Electronics and Photonics, and related engineering fundamentals. ETH Zurich’s bachelor’s programs begin in German, and applicants with non-Swiss qualifications must meet the current admission and language requirements listed by the university.
2. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
As a university and research center, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, or École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, focuses on science and technology. The institution became EPFL on January 1, 1969, after earlier roots in Lausanne’s engineering education system. EPFL also operates CROCUS, an experimental zero-power reactor used mainly for teaching radiation and reactor physics.
EPFL’s degrees are recognized by the Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance, and its engineering degrees are accredited by the French Commission des titres d’ingénieur (CTI). Its School of Engineering includes fields such as Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microengineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and related master’s options, including Quantum Science and Engineering.
One program worth mentioning is the Bachelor in Microengineering. Students study an interdisciplinary field at the crossroads of mechanics, electronics, materials science, and information technology, with applications in production technology, biomedical science, and robotics. The program emphasizes the physical laws governing miniaturization processes, and its study plan includes subjects such as embedded systems and robotics, electronic circuits, optical engineering, microfabrication technologies, and sensors. The program has specific admission criteria.
3. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Next on our list is the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, which was established in 1997 and serves as the university of applied sciences for the six Central Swiss cantons. The university is known for applied teaching, practical research, and collaboration with professional partners.
The institute welcomes international students and offers a range of courses. Its School of Engineering and Architecture offers degree programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. The Master of Science in Engineering provides students with a practice-oriented curriculum supported by applied research.
Students in the program can choose from areas such as Building Technologies, Business Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environment, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation, Medical Engineering, and Photonics and Laser Engineering, among others.
4. University of Basel
Founded in 1460, the University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland. For more than 500 years, the institution has been active in education and research, with particular strengths in life sciences and medicine.
At the doctoral level, students can pursue biomedical engineering research through the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Since 2014, the department has offered a doctoral program for Ph.D. students, combining research with advanced courses and training in biomedical engineering.
The Ph.D. program focuses on research and development of technologies relevant to health. Ph.D. students enrolled before August 1, 2025, generally follow the Medical Faculty regulations, while students enrolled after that date should consult the Graduate School of Medical and Health Sciences rules. In addition to research, doctoral candidates can access courses, training, and networking opportunities.
5. University of Bern
The next institute we want to mention is the University of Bern. The university is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council, with institutional accreditation granted in 2021 for seven years.
For engineering-related study, the university is especially relevant through its Master in Biomedical Engineering, a joint program with Bern University of Applied Sciences, and through the School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering. These programs connect medicine, engineering, and applied research.
The master’s in biomedical engineering is a two-year full-time program taught in English. It normally takes four semesters and 120 ECTS credits, with an option to extend to a maximum of six semesters. Courses include areas such as Advanced Medical Imaging, BioMicrofluidics, Microfluidic Sensing, Microsystems Engineering, and Tissue Engineering. Admission requires an appropriate academic background, normally a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
6. Università della Svizzera italiana
The University of Lugano, officially Università della Svizzera italiana, is a public Swiss university that provides students with an international and student-focused learning environment. Of the accredited Swiss public institutions, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a member of the Swiss university system. Teaching at USI is interactive and multidisciplinary, with many master’s and doctoral programs taught in English.
It allows students to put into practice what they learn in real-world scenarios. Due to its small size, diverse student body, and vibrant environment, USI can provide high-quality academic programs.
For engineering-related study, USI is strongest in informatics, software, data, artificial intelligence, and biomedical sciences rather than broad traditional engineering disciplines such as civil or mechanical engineering. Its former Master in Software and Data Engineering has been updated: from the 2026 intake, the official program is the Master in Software Engineering with AI.
The Master in Software Engineering with AI leads to a Master of Science in Software Engineering with AI. The curriculum consists of four modules: Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Electives, and the Master’s thesis. The former Software and Data Engineering study plan totaled 120 ECTS, and USI’s general bachelor’s and master’s tuition fee is CHF 4,000 per semester, with a reduced CHF 2,000 fee for students who meet the official Swiss, Liechtenstein, or Campione d’Italia residence conditions at the time of their secondary school diploma.
7. ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Finally, comes ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, a Swiss University of Applied Sciences. It provides practice-oriented and science-based teaching, research, continuing education, and services. The School of Engineering offers bachelor’s programs such as Aviation, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Informatics, Mobility Science, Systems Engineering, and Engineering and Management.
One course we would like to mention is its bachelor’s in Energy and Environmental Engineering. The program introduces students to energy engineering from the perspectives of both electrical and mechanical engineering, while also addressing economic viability, sustainability, and the environment.
The program carries 180 ECTS credits, is designed for six semesters of full-time study, and is taught in German. Students learn about the future of energy production, distribution, and supply, including renewable energy systems and sustainable development.
FAQS About Studying Engineering in Switzerland
What Engineering Discipline is Considered to be the Best to Pursue in Switzerland?
Considering Switzerland’s strong life sciences, pharmaceutical, and medical technology sectors, biomedical engineering can be an attractive field for prospective students. Students interested in this area can find biomedical engineering-related study routes at institutions such as the University of Basel and the University of Bern. However, students should review current program requirements, language requirements, and work-visa rules before choosing a program.
With advancements in technology, engineers continue to be in demand around the world. Moreover, many students are choosing advanced engineering programs, including programs offered by universities in Switzerland.
We hope this article helped you gauge some of the strongest universities that offer engineering courses for international students in Switzerland. Make sure to also check out the Switzerland Page and sample some of the Available Programs in Europe to learn more about studying abroad.
