Located in the heart of Europe and bordered by Germany, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy, Switzerland is known for its beautiful natural terrain and, of course, its delicious chocolate. Studying here can be an appealing option for international students.
Switzerland is multilingual. Its four national languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. At Swiss higher education institutions, tuition languages include English, German, French, and Italian, or a blend of a national language and English. The language of instruction depends on the university and the specific program. This article outlines what you need to know about language requirements for higher education programs in Switzerland.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Switzerland
Swiss universities require students to have a good knowledge of the language of instruction. Depending on your chosen program, you may need to prove proficiency in English, German, French, Italian, or another required language. Here are some tests accepted by selected institutions in Switzerland.
German Language Tests for International Students
Language requirements are not standardized across all Swiss universities. Institutions and programs set their own rules. Many describe proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which organizes language proficiency into six levels, from A1 to C2.
1. TestDaF German Language Exam
TestDaF is a German language proficiency exam. It is recognized by all higher education institutions in Germany, although the required scores depend on the university and program. Some Swiss universities also recognize it. TestDaF certificates are valid indefinitely.
ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich both recognize TestDaF for relevant German-language admission requirements, but their thresholds differ. ETH Zurich requires at least TDN 4 in each of the four sections for bachelor’s admission when a German certificate is required. The University of Zurich requires an average of TDN 4 and at least TDN 3 in every section for programs with German as the main language of instruction.
2. Goethe-Institut
Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global presence. It promotes access to the German language and offers exams from A1 to C2. Goethe certificates are accepted by some Swiss universities, but the required level and certificate-age rules depend on the institution.
ETH Zurich accepts the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 and C2 for applicable bachelor’s admission requirements. For the C1 certificate, ETH Zurich requires an average of at least 80 points, with all modules passed within 12 months. Its certificate-age rules also apply.
English Language Tests for International Students
For programs taught in English, or programs that otherwise require English proficiency, institutions may ask applicants to submit an English-language test result. Here are some accepted English exams in Switzerland:
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
Of the English language tests that Swiss institutions accept, IELTS Academic is a common option. It assesses your English proficiency across four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It reports an overall band score and individual scores for each skill. More than four million people take IELTS each year, and preparation materials are available online.
Requirements vary by university and program. For example, the University of Zurich recognizes IELTS Academic for programs with English as the main language of instruction and requires results to be no older than two years. Its listed requirement is an overall score of 7, with a minimum of 6.5 in Speaking and Writing. Franklin University Switzerland accepts an IELTS score of 6.5 for undergraduate applicants who must provide proof of English proficiency.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL iBT test is another widely accepted English-language exam. It assesses four academic English skills: Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking. ETS states that more than 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries accept TOEFL scores.
The University of Zurich and Franklin University Switzerland are examples of Swiss institutions that accept TOEFL scores for relevant applications. The University of Zurich requires TOEFL results for applicable English-language programs to be no older than two years. Franklin University Switzerland lists a minimum TOEFL score of 90 for undergraduate applicants whose primary language of instruction is not English. Always check the official requirements for your chosen program and test format.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency assessment. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The test process takes about one hour, uses adaptive questions, and reports an overall score from 10 to 160. Certified results are valid for two years.
DET acceptance varies by institution and program. Franklin University Switzerland accepts DET scores for undergraduate applicants whose primary language of instruction is not English and lists a minimum score of 110. Check the official admissions page for your chosen program before registering for the test.
You should consider language requirements early in the application process. As an international student, you may need to prove that you have sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen program. The accepted tests, required scores, validity periods, and possible exemptions depend on the institution and program.
We hope this article helps clarify the language tests you might need to take to study in Switzerland. You can also find more information about studying abroad on the Study in Switzerland and Available Programs in Europe pages.
