Technology has brought about a revolution in education, impacting the field of engineering in the best way possible. With modern research come degree plans offered by various countries that are top-notch, producing skilled individuals globally.
Among some of the most popular study abroad destinations concerning gaining a recognized engineering degree is Switzerland. Many of Switzerland’s most prestigious educational institutions have long been recognized for their exceptional engineering programs.
They combine world-class faculty with groundbreaking research and extensive business relationships. In the field of engineering and technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL rank among the best in the world. Another contributing factor is that Switzerland is a global leader in innovation.
Renowned research organizations such as CERN are located there, and the entrepreneurial community is booming here. Students who choose to study here will be part of a dynamic community that is at the forefront of technological development.
To gain further information regarding which educational institutes offer the best engineering courses for international students within Switzerland, refer to our detailed article below.
What Engineering Discipline is Considered to be the Best to Pursue in Switzerland?
Considering Switzerland’s thriving pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, biomedical engineering is an attractive field for potential job applicants. Varying levels of engineers are in demand in this sector within Switzerland. Companies like Roche, Novartis, and Abbott have openings for biomedical engineering graduates. Along with this, some of the most elite universities, such as the University of Basel, offer this course to international students.
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 inception in 1855 to the present day, it has produced 22 Nobel laureates, 2 Fields medalists, and 3 Pritzker Prize winners.
At ETH Zurich, students learn both theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen fields. Its degree programs, in particular, establish strong mathematical foundations, like in engineering studies. For foreign students, the institute’s bachelor’s in electrical engineering and information technology and computer engineering are the most popular courses.
The electrical engineering and information technology program covers subjects like Networks and Circuits, Digital Circuits, Signals, and Systems, Electronics and Photonics etc. Outstanding previous academic records, language proficiency test certificates, and other documents are required to gain admission to this program.
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 engineering and the natural sciences. It all started in 1853 with the establishment of a private school. Among the few educational institutions in the world that use a nuclear reactor for research and instruction, EPFL stands out.
The institute is accredited by the French Commission des titres d’ingénieur (CTI). Relating to its engineering programs, this university is ranked among the world’s best when it comes to engineering programs. It has a school of engineering designated for this purpose. A range of engineering types like Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microengineering, and Quantum Science and Engineering are offered here.
But one we would like to mention is its Bachelor in Microengineering. As the engineers will discover in this class, their primary responsibility is to understand and implement the physical rules that control the processes of nanotechnology. Robotics, atomization, and assembly techniques are all studied here. The program has strict admission criteria.
3. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Next on our list is the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, known for its old and rich history dating back to 1997. The university is lauded for its role in international collaboration regarding many global causes and work in technological development.
The institute welcomes thousands of international students every year, offering a range of courses. However, its engineering degree is recognized worldwide. The Master of Science in Engineering offered by this university provides students with a futuristic curriculum.
It equips students with the skills they’ll need to advance in their chosen careers. Students in the program have the opportunity to work with faculty members who have extensive experience in a variety of fields, such as computer science, business engineering, civil engineering, and building technologies, among others.
4. University of Basel
Being established in 1460, the institution of Basel is the oldest Swiss institution. For more than 500 years, the institution has been at the forefront of progressive education and research in science. To provide top-notch education, this faculty pushes a future-oriented strategy toward emerging concepts in science.
Among its engineering programs are some more mature courses available in advanced studies. Students pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering from the University of Basel study how to apply insights from the natural and physical sciences to healthcare. Its intriguing multidisciplinary research seeks to fill the gap between fundamental science and therapeutic applications.
This doctorate program is open to approved students of the Faculty of Medicine and the Science Faculty who are working on a dissertation in the field of biomedical engineering. In addition to classroom instructions, and seminars, Ph.D. students in the program have access to a variety of networking opportunities.
5. University of Bern
The next institute we want to mention is the University of Bern, as all aspects of education here are of the highest standard. Within modern fields such as business and engineering, it has gained particular prominence. It is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council.
It provides a beautiful environment and is well-known for its outstanding educational opportunities. The university harbors numerous international students due to its research-led engineering courses. The university offers several engineering courses such as Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. Biomedical engineering and others.
However, its’ master’s in biomedical engineering is worth mentioning which is of 4 semesters but can be extended to 6. In this course, subjects like advanced medical imaging, microfluidics, tissue engineering, and other areas are taught in great detail. The admission criteria for this course are challenging and require an excellent academic background.
6. Università della Svizzera italiana
The University of Lugano or Università della Svizzera Italiana is a fast-paced and progressive university that provides students with an exceptional education and a stimulating learning environment. Of the 12 accredited Swiss public institutions, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) is a member of the Swiss universities network. The international faculty here teaches in a way that is interactive and multidisciplinary.
It allows students to put into practice what they learn in real-world scenarios. Due to its small size, diverse student body, and casual but vibrant environment, USI can provide high-quality academic programs.
Among the many courses it offers to international students its variety of engineering courses are noteworthy, which include Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microtechnology and Medical Engineering, and Software and Data engineering.
Its Master’s in Software and Data Engineering is highly sought after. The course consists of 108 credit points. The four parts of the curriculum are software engineering, data engineering, electives, and the master’s thesis. For international students that are outside Switzerland, the fee for this course is CHF 4,000 – per semester.
7. ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Finally, comes Fachhochschule für Technik Zürich or ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, a Swiss University of Applied Sciences. It provides science-based and practice-oriented services such as teaching, research, and ongoing education. The institute is famous for its various study courses offered to international students, but its engineering courses are opted for by the majority of students. Some of its popular courses are Electrical Engineering, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering
One course we would like to mention is its Bachelors in Energy and Environmental Engineering. The course introduces students to Energy Engineering from the standpoints of both Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Meanwhile, concerns about sustainability, the environment, and economic viability are also addressed during the study duration of this program. The future of energy production and supply are also discussed during the coursework.
With advancements in technology, engineers are growing high in demand around the world. Moreover, students are opting for advanced engineering programs, especially from universities in Switzerland.
We hope this article helped you gauge some of the best universities that offer engineering courses for international students in Switzerland effectively. Make sure to also check out the Switzerland Page and sample some of the Available Programs in Europe to learn more about studying abroad.
