Intakes in Switzerland 2026 for International Students

Updated on Oct 23, 2025
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Intakes in Switzerland 2026 for International Students

Why is Switzerland a preferred study destination for international students?

Switzerland is a preferred study destination for international students due to its high-quality education, internationally recognised degrees, and excellent career prospects. Universities in Switzerland provide a wide range of academic programmes spread across two intakes: fall and spring. Interested to learn about higher education and the academic intakes in Switzerland? Scroll down for insights.

Key takeaways

  • Swiss universities primarily offer two intakes: fall and spring. The fall intake is most popular due to the availability of more academic programmes and scholarship options. The spring intake offers a smaller number of academic programmes and limited scholarships.
  • The spring intake is an excellent alternative if you miss the fall intake. The level of competition is generally lower for the spring intake compared to the fall.
  • Fall intake provides vibrant campuses and extensive networking opportunities, while spring intake provides smaller class sizes and personalised attention.
  • Make sure you are well-prepared and submit your applications early, within the deadlines, for your chosen intake. You should also apply for your student visa on time to avoid any delays.

Want to learn more about intakes in Switzerland? Talk to our experts.

Switzerland is renowned for its world-class universities and attracts international students from all over the world. While applying to a university in Switzerland, you may want to understand the intakes in detail so that you can choose the right one and meet application requirements on time. In this article, we’ll explore major academic intakes in Switzerland for international students so that you can make an informed choice. Keep reading!

Overview of the Swiss education system

The education system of Switzerland has three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education covers ages 4 to 11, secondary education covers ages 12 to 19, while tertiary education covers ages 19 to 24.

The tertiary level, which is the higher education sector, has two Federal Institutes of Technology, cantonal universities, and universities of applied sciences. Higher education in Switzerland leads to bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. The duration of a bachelor’s degree is three years, while the duration of a master’s degree is one-and-a-half to two years.

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Types of intakes in Switzerland

When you consider studying in Switzerland, the first step is to understand the intakes offered by the universities in Switzerland. There are primarily two intakes in Switzerland, which are as follows:

Fall intake

The fall intake is the popular intake in Switzerland, with admissions starting between August and September. There is a higher availability of courses during this intake, along with excellent scholarship choices. 100% of programmes are available in this intake. You can pursue courses in popular disciplines such as Finance, Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences.

Applying during the fall intake offers several advantages for international students. Since many academic programmes commence in September, the fall intake provides you with access to a wide range of courses and a busy campus. With a larger student crowd available on campus, you can socialise and network and also enhance your overall development.

Fall intake is also an excellent period for a smooth transition to university life. During this period, you can expect well-organised orientation programmes and extracurricular activities that encourage your adaptation to the new life.

Spring intake

Spring intake is a good alternative if you miss the deadline of the fall intake. This intake offers fewer academic programmes compared to the fall intake – only 30% of programmes are available in the Spring intake. It provides you with the opportunity to pursue courses in Management, Nursing, and Information Technology. Admissions begin in February and have lower competition as well.

When you apply during the spring intake, you get more time to prepare. Since the intake has a smaller number of applicants, it ensures a quicker and smoother application process.

The classes are smaller and offer individualised attention due to a better teacher-student ratio. In addition, certain postgraduate programmes are limited to the spring semester, which you can access during this intake.

Comparison between different intakes in Switzerland

Here is a comparison of the fall and spring intakes to give you a better understanding.

AspectFall intakeSpring intake
Programme starting monthSeptember or OctoberFebruary or March
Application deadlinesUsually between February and AprilUsually between September and November
Course availabilityTypically extensive, a majority of courses are offeredLimited, fewer courses available
Class sizeLarger classes due to high volumeSmaller classes, a more personalised approach
Scholarship opportunitiesMore opportunities, competitiveFewer opportunities, less competitive
Internship opportunitiesMore aligned with business cycles, more optionsFewer options
Application volumeHigher, extremely competitiveLower, less crowded
Admission processHighly competitive, stricter deadlinesLess competitive, relaxed deadlines
BenefitsMore course options, a vibrant campus atmosphereQuieter, less competitive, and easier admission

Understanding the intake cycles of popular Swiss universities will help you plan your admission process, meet deadlines, and apply for scholarships on time. Here are more details about the intake cycles.

UniversityFall intake (Application deadline)Spring intake (Application deadline)Courses offered
ETH ZurichAround MarchAround NovemberEngineering, Computer Science, Technology
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)Around March and DecemberNo separate deadline for spring intakeScience, Technology, Engineering
University of GenevaAround FebruaryAround JanuaryLaw, Business, Arts, Social Sciences
University of BaselAround AprilAround JanuaryBiomedical Science, Pharmacy
University of ZurichAround AprilAround NovemberMedicine, Economics, Law, Arts
HIM Business SchoolAround AprilAround JanuaryBusiness Administration, Hospitality Management
American Institute of Applied Sciences in SwitzerlandAround June and JulyAround JanuaryBusiness Administration, Finance, Health Care
Cesar Ritz CollegesAround OctoberApril to JuneBusiness Administration, Hospitality Management

Scholarship availability by intake in Switzerland

Scholarship availability in Swiss universities varies by intake. Since fall intake is the primary admission cycle, it has more scholarship opportunities compared to the spring intake.

Scholarships during the fall intake cover a wider range of programmes and fields and offer varied financial aid options. The competition level is also high due to the larger number of applicants. Compared to this, the spring intake has limited programmes and financial aid options and also a lower level of competition.

Take a look at the scholarships available by intake.

University / Scholarship programmeFall intake scholarship availabilitySpring intake scholarship availability
Swiss Government Excellence ScholarshipsSingle annual cycle, commencing in SeptemberNot available
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity ProgrammeAvailable for fall intakeNot available
EPFL Excellence FellowshipsAvailable for fall intakeNot available
University of Geneva Master ScholarshipsAvailable for fall intakeLimited availability
University of Basel ScholarshipsAvailable, varies per yearNo dedicated spring intake, offers a spring semester for a few programmes

Note: The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Visa application timelines relative to intakes

The two intakes in Switzerland have a specific timeline for application and visa processing. Since the processing timeline for a visa can range between 8 and 12 weeks, you are advised to start the application well in advance to avoid delays.

For fall intake, you must start the visa application by May or June, while for spring intake, you should start the visa application by September or October.

To apply for the visa, ensure that you have the documents ready with you, which include the university acceptance letter, accommodation proof, financial proof, and health insurance.

Let’s explore academic intakes in Switzerland. Consult our experts.

Factors to consider while selecting an intake in Switzerland

While selecting an intake, you should first consider the availability of the desired programme. The fall intake has a wider choice of programmes, more scholarships, and wider networking opportunities. The spring intake has a smaller number of programmes and limited scholarship availability.

You should also consider your personal circumstances and how well-prepared you would be before the deadline. If you need more time to prepare for language tests or entrance exams, you must consider the spring intake.

Prepare an estimate of the cost of living and scholarship availability for both intakes. Choose an intake that aligns with your financial needs. In addition, ensure that the intake you choose also aligns with your career goals. The timing of the intake must match entry-level job applications or internships available in the field.

Tips for preparing applications in advance

You must prepare applications in advance based on the intake you are applying to. The fall intake has strict deadlines, which make early preparation essential.

Research and identify the universities and academic programmes that match your academic and career goals. Review the admission criteria and ensure that you meet the requirements. Prepare for language tests and other competitive tests, such as GMAT or GRE.

Start your preparation 12 to 18 months in advance. You should ideally submit your application 6 to 9 months in advance. In addition, apply for scholarships and accommodation early to avoid last-minute stress.

Final thoughts

Switzerland has two primary intakes: fall intake and spring intake. The fall intake is the most popular choice with the widest availability of courses, while the spring intake has limited course availability but offers you the flexibility to apply if you miss the fall intake. If you’re planning to study in Switzerland, you must carefully consider the timelines and application schedules of both intakes. Choose the intake that best aligns with factors such as your choice of programme, scholarship requirements, campus life, and career goals.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the typical intake months for Swiss universities?

Swiss universities have two intake periods: the fall intake and the spring intake. The fall intake begins in September/October, and the spring intake begins in February/January.

Can international students apply for both fall and spring intakes?

Yes, you can apply for both fall and spring intakes. However, you should manage application deadlines and other requirements correctly. Start your preparation early, keeping in mind the requirements for both intakes.

How far in advance should I prepare my documents before intake deadlines?

You should start the preparation at least 10 to 12 months before the intake deadline. Do your research and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and have the required documents ready with you. Aim to complete and submit the application form at least 1 to 2 months early.

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Do all Swiss universities offer a Summer intake?

No, Swiss universities primarily offer fall and spring intakes. However, there are many universities that offer summer programmes, research opportunities, and language programmes during summer breaks.

How does the intake affect visa processing time?

The volume of applications received during the two intakes varies significantly. There will be a higher volume of applications during the fall intake compared to the spring intake. As a result, waiting time can be longer during the fall intake.

Are scholarships available for both intakes?

Yes, scholarships are available for both fall and spring intakes in Switzerland. However, more scholarships are available during the fall intake.

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