Those willing to study medicine in Switzerland should know that the country is globally acclaimed for its high educational standards in the field. There has been growing interest in the options to study medicine in Switzerland for international students over the last few years. It is due to the country’s renowned medical schools and institutions. Switzerland is stringent with its admission standards for foreign students as far as medical programs are concerned. Read this article to know the procedure to study medicine in Switzerland.
Known for having one of the most advanced education systems in the world, Switzerland has become a popular destination for pursuing medicine. The medical universities and colleges in Switzerland offer a wide range of scholarships to international students. These scholarships are either government-funded or private.
Some highlights of MBBS in Switzerland are mentioned in the table below
Duration
3 years
Mode of instruction
French, German
MBBS Specializations in Switzerland
Human Movement Science and Sport
Neurosciences
Molecular Health Sciences
Medical technology
Medical Engineering
Medical Imaging
MBBS in Switzerland: Curriculum
The year-wise curriculum followed by Swiss universities is given in the table below
Year
Curriculum
First Year
The first year of medicine in Switzerland includes core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Organ Systems.
Second Year
The second Year focuses on morphology and function.
Third Year
The final year deals with understanding the components of the disease.
Top Universities for MBBS in Switzerland
University
QS World University Rankings
Tuition fees
University of Bern
119
CHF 750 per semester
University of Zurich
70
CHF 720 per semester
University of Basel
138
—
University of Geneva
105
CHF 500 per semester
University of Lausanne
176
CHF 580 per semester
Source: QS WUR 2022
Intakes in Switzerland
There are no fixed intakes to apply in Switzerland. However, the majority of the universities follow two intakes: Autumn or Fall Intake, and Spring Intake.
Intake
Admission cycle
Application deadline
Fall intake: The fall intake in Switzerland starts in September and goes up till February
The admission cycle for this intake starts in June
31st March
Spring intake: The fall intake in Switzerland starts in February and goes up till June
The admission cycle for this intake starts in November
31st August
Source: Jeduka
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Switzerland
To be eligible to apply for MBBS in Switzerland, the applicant must
Have a valid passport
Possess minimum 3 years bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
Language proficiency requirements ( German or English, depending on the university the candidate is targeting. )
Qualify the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) exam
Note: Some specific universities like Universities of Basel, Bern, Chur require candidates to clear the qualifying exam.
Admission requirements for MBBS in Switzerland
In order to get admission into medical universities in Switzerland, the candidates must submit the documents mentioned below
Copy of Passport
Educational Transcripts
CV or Resume
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
English language proficiency scores (IELTS/ TOEFL)
NEET report cards
Who Can Apply for Studying Medicine in Switzerland?
According to the Higher Education Council, only a select category of foreigners can apply for admission in medical courses in Swiss universities. These include:
Liechtenstein citizens
Foreign nationals (or their spouses/partners) holding Swiss or Liechtenstein residence permits
Foreign citizens of EU nations, Norway and Iceland who hold a Swiss work permit
Foreign nationals, whose parents are citizens of EU nations, Iceland, and Norway, and with a Swiss residence permit
Foreign citizens who possess
A Swiss work permit that has been continuing for 5 years
A Swiss or cantonal baccalaureate
A Liechtenstein baccalaureate, federal vocational baccalaureate, or a nationally-recognized specialized baccalaureate
For Whom Medicine in Switzerland Can be the Right Choice?
Medicine in Switzerland is ideal for those meeting the stringent admission requirements of the country for medical aspirants. If you are eligible on these counts, then you can readily apply. Also, it is suitable for those with proficiency in languages like French, Italian, or German since many institutions have their qualifying examinations in these languages. It is also suitable for those willing to enter into stringent competition for limited university seats.
Application Process
The qualifying examination is conducted every year from July. It is conducted in German at the universities of Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Suhr, Zurich, Chur, and St. Gallen while it is held in French at Fribourg and in Italian at Lugano.
The cost of living covers the accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses.
Though the cost of living in Switzerland depends on the city you want to live in, the average costs for each category are mentioned in the table below
Category
Costs
Accommodation costs
On-campus accommodation – € 450 to 800/month
Off-campus accommodation – € 700 to 1,200/month
Food expenses
€ 400 to 550/ month
Transportation costs
€ 55/ month
Other costs
Health insurance
Books
€ 250 to 330/year
€ 100/year
Scholarships for MBBS in Switzerland
Here are some of the scholarship options for students:
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships-
These scholarships offer financial assistance for master’s students under its Excellence and Master Scholarship. The former covers tuition and living costs while the latter only offers a partial stipend with an offer of an apprenticeship.
Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships-
Students may get full scholarships of CHF 10,000 (INR 8 lakh) per month or a full scholarship of CHF 20,000 (INR 16 lakh). Merit scholarships are given on the basis of academic performance.
Job Prospects and Salary of MBBS in Switzerland
The MBBS degree offers excellent job prospects in Switzerland. Those completing 6-year courses will have to go for the Swiss Federal Licensing Examination, which is the gateway towards the future doctor and hospital practices. Doctors become assistant physicians for postgraduate courses of three years, supervised by the Swiss Institute for Postgraduate & Further Education in Medicine. After training, a specialist examination may be taken.
Average salaries for doctors are roughly CHF 82,404 annually (INR 66-67 lakh).
Per-hour salaries are CHF 42.26 (INR 3,592) for doctors.
Conclusion In conclusion, pursuing an MBBS in Switzerland for the 2024 admissions offers a unique blend of high-quality medical education, cutting-edge research facilities, and a multicultural learning environment. Recognized globally for its rigorous academic standards and innovative healthcare system, Switzerland provides medical students with a comprehensive and practical approach to medicine, preparing them for successful careers in various healthcare sectors. For aspiring doctors, Switzerland not only promises an advanced educational journey but also an opportunity to immerse themselves in a country known for its scenic beauty, high quality of life, and cultural richness. This holistic experience shapes not just skilled medical professionals but well-rounded individuals ready to make significant contributions to global health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost for pursuing MBBS in Switzerland?
The average cost for pursuing MBBS in Switzerland in the top universities ranges from 500 to 750 CHF per semester.
What is the average salary after completing MBBS in Switzerland?
Generally, the average salary that you can earn after completing MBBS in Switzerland is around 291,000 CHF per year.
What is the mode of instruction in Switzerland?
Although the primary mode of instruction in Switzerland is German, there are some specific universities that offer an option to choose between French and German.
What are the important exams to pursue MBBS in Switzerland?
To apply for MBBS in Switzerland, students must clear the German or English language proficiency tests, depending on the university they are applying to. To prove their German language proficiency, students can take TestDaF and for proving their English language proficiency students can take either IELTS or TOEFL. Apart from this, students must qualify for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test.
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