Switzerland is an internationally recognized educational destination with a wealth of renowned educational institutions offering quality education to international students. It is a prosperous and peaceful country that is conducive for students from all over the world to experience high educational standards amid diverse cultures and picturesque locations.
The official languages spoken in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Since Switzerland is multilingual and many Swiss universities offer English-taught courses or entire programs, English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL can be useful for international students who want to study in Switzerland. TOEFL may be required for admission to programs taught in English, but requirements vary by university, program, and test date.
Read on to discover five universities in Switzerland accepting TOEFL scores.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Universities in Switzerland
Proficiency in the English language is essential for international students planning to study in Switzerland in an English-taught program. With your TOEFL score, Swiss universities can confirm that you can communicate adequately in English within the classroom, understand lessons properly, and participate in campus life. Here are five universities accepting TOEFL scores in Switzerland that you should check out.
For TOEFL tests taken from January 21, 2026, ETS reports TOEFL iBT scores on a 1–6 scale, while some universities still publish requirements using the older or comparable 0–120 scale. The table below follows the wording used by each university’s current admissions pages where available.
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| University of Geneva | 90 for the GSEM Bachelor program | GSEM master’s applicants must show at least B2-level English; no single TOEFL minimum is listed for all GSEM master’s programs |
| University of Zurich | 100 for tests before Jan. 21, 2026; 5 on the current 1–6 scale | 100 for tests before Jan. 21, 2026; 5 on the current 1–6 scale |
| ETH Zurich | Varies by program | 100 for master’s programs that require English proof |
| University of Basel | 80 for B2 level; 96 for C1 level | 80 for B2 level; 96 for C1 level |
| Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) | Varies by program | 85 for the Master in International Tourism; other programs vary |
1. University of Geneva
The Geneva School of Economics and Management is one of the nine schools of the prestigious University of Geneva. The university is a public research university founded in 1559 and is one of the oldest universities in Switzerland. GSEM focuses on economics, management, finance, and statistics.
The school offers programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students seeking a degree from a research university. Areas of study include business administration, economics, finance, management, statistics, and wealth management.
This is one of the universities in Switzerland accepting TOEFL scores. Admission to the GSEM Bachelor program requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90. For GSEM master’s programs, applicants should check the specific program page, as the current official guidance asks for proof of English proficiency at a minimum B2 level rather than one universal TOEFL score.
2. University of Zurich
The University of Zurich is a public research university and the largest university in Switzerland. It has seven faculties, more than 150 departments and institutes, and more than 200 study programs.
UZH offers a variety of programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree-seekers in fields such as theology and religious studies, law, business, economics and informatics, medicine and dentistry, veterinary medicine, arts and social sciences, and mathematics and natural sciences.
For programs with English as the main language of instruction, foreign-language applicants must show C1-level English. UZH lists TOEFL iBT 100 for tests before January 21, 2026, with minimum Speaking and Writing component scores, and 5 on the current 1–6 TOEFL scale for tests from January 21, 2026. UZH does not accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition results.
3. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is especially well known for science and technology. It has a strong international reputation, and 22 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to researchers connected with ETH Zurich.
For international master’s-level students seeking to study at ETH Zurich, the university offers a range of programs in architecture and civil engineering, systems-oriented natural sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, management and social sciences, and engineering sciences.
For master’s programs that require proof of English, ETH Zurich recognizes TOEFL as an English language certificate and lists a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100.
4. University of Basel
The University of Basel is one of Switzerland’s leading public universities. Founded in 1460, it is the oldest university in Switzerland and is a highly research-oriented institution.
The University of Basel lists German and English as its principal languages of instruction. Students are advised to have C1-level skills for their degree program, including English-taught master’s programs.
Where English B2 or C1 proof is required, the university’s recognized TOEFL iBT scores are 80 for B2 and 96 for C1.
5. University of Lugano
- TOEFL Requirement
- TOEFL iBT Score: minimum of 85 for the Master in International Tourism; requirements vary by program
Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is based in Lugano and has campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona. It has a strong international orientation, and programs are taught in Italian, English, or both, depending on the degree.
The university offers a variety of programs for international students seeking a master’s degree. Examples include the Master in Architecture, Master in Economics, Master in Finance, Master in Corporate Communication, Master in Health, and Master in European Studies in Investor Relations and Financial Communication.
USI accepts TOEFL scores for some English-language programs, but there is no single TOEFL minimum for every master’s program. For the linked Master in International Tourism, applicants whose previous degree was not taught in English need B2+ English or an equivalent test result, with TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition listed at 85.
Switzerland has many more universities accepting TOEFL scores for international students, and we’ve only explored five examples. If you are looking for a great place with strong higher-education options, Switzerland is one of your best choices.
Hopefully, this article on universities accepting TOEFL scores in Switzerland will help you narrow down your school of choice. You can also find more information about studying abroad on our Study in Switzerland and Available Programs in Europe!
