Studying in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
Wondering if you can study in Switzerland without a language certificate? The answer is no. Admission requires a valid language certificate—IELTS 6+ (or equivalent TOEFL) for English, or B2 level in German or French. If you lack a certificate, you must complete language courses first. Malekpour Immigration Institute offers fast German and English courses to help you get certified quickly. Simply apply for our language programs and contact our consultants for support.
The Language of Switzerland for Immigration
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The language you need for immigration to Switzerland depends on the region where you intend to live and work in Switzerland.
German has the highest number of speakers in Switzerland, especially in the central and eastern parts of the country. French is spoken in the western part of Switzerland; Italian in the southern part, and Romansh in some areas of the Grisons canton.
If you intend to immigrate to Switzerland, it is beneficial to learn the official language of the area where you plan to settle. In addition, English is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among international communities, so learning it can be useful.
Conditions for Studying in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
If you intend to immigrate to Switzerland but do not have the appropriate language certificate, you should know that it is not possible to study in Switzerland without a language certificate. Applicants who wish to study in this country must either provide an IELTS score of 6 or above (its TOEFL equivalent) or a B1 certificate in German or French.
Therefore, it is advisable to obtain a language certificate appropriate for the level you wish to study before taking any action.
Studying at Different Levels in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate occurs at different levels, each with a different language proficiency requirement, and the applicant must demonstrate the appropriate language certificate for each level.
- Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate in Schools
- Admission to Swiss Colleges without a Language Certificate
- Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate at the Bachelor’s degree
- Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate at the Master’s degree
- Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate at the Doctorate Level
Studying in Switzerland without a Language Certificate in Schools
Studying in Schools in Switzerland is highly attractive to foreign students with a high educational level and rich culture. However, to enter Swiss high schools, students must have proficiency in the local language of instruction. If a student does not have proficiency in French, German, or Italian, they can still enter Swiss schools without a language certificate.
However, to succeed in their studies, students must have a good command of the local language. Therefore, we suggest foreign students start language classes before entering high school and strive to achieve at least an intermediate level in the language of their choice.
If a student cannot reach the required proficiency level in the local language for any reason, they can participate in language courses and work towards reaching the desired level.
Admission to Swiss Colleges without a Language Certificate
During the periods that applicants spend at colleges, they can also strengthen their language skills. There are also opportunities to participate in Swiss, French, and German language courses in these colleges so that students, by completing these language courses, can obtain the necessary certificate to gain admission to Swiss universities.
In fact, international students can apply for admission to Swiss colleges for language courses. However, it should be noted that English language courses are not available in Swiss colleges, and students must obtain their English language certificate from other countries. Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate in these colleges is possible.
Studying in Switzerland without a Language Certificate at the Bachelor’s Degree
Those interested in studying in English must have an IELTS score of at least 6, while those interested in studying in Swiss, German, or French languages must have a B1 language certificate. In this program, students can work for 10 to 15 hours during their studies.
| Study Level | Duration | Language Requirement (English) | Language Requirement (Swiss German/French/Italian) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | About 3 years | Minimum IELTS score 6 | Level B1 |
Studying for a Master’s Degree Without a Language Certificate in Switzerland
Studying for a master’s degree in Switzerland attracts many international students due to its high-quality education and rich culture. Admission usually requires proficiency in the local language—French, German, or Italian. Students lacking language skills can join language courses to meet requirements.
Some universities, like the University of Geneva and University of Lausanne, offer master’s programs without a language certificate, but students are encouraged to improve local language skills during their studies.
Moreover, for admission to certain master’s degree in Switzerland, such as MBA programs, Swiss universities typically require a specific language certificate. Thus, it is advisable for students to learn the language thoroughly before entering the university of their choice in Switzerland.
Studying for a Doctorate in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
Studying PhD in Switzerland without a language certificate is also not possible, and students must possess an English language certificate with at least an IELTS score of 7 or a German, Swiss, or French language certificate at the B2 level. There is the possibility of free doctoral studies in Switzerland through scholarships. Having motivation letters, recommendation letters, and published reputable articles increases the chances of admission.
Language Courses in Switzerland
It is not possible to study in Switzerland without a language certificate, and students must provide the required language certificate based on their chosen university. In Switzerland, courses in Swiss, French, and German languages are offered. However, there are no English language courses available.
German Language Course in Switzerland
The German language course is one of the language programs offered in Switzerland, which those interested in studying in German can pursue at colleges or universities. Students seeking to study in German in Switzerland must have a language certificate at the B1 and B2 levels.
French Language Course in Switzerland
Another language course available in Switzerland for those interested in studying in the country is the French language course, which is held at various universities and colleges.
English Language Course in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the countries that does not offer any English language courses for students, and those interested in studying in English in this country either need to obtain their certificate in their home country or go to Austria or Hungary for English language studies.
In What Languages Can You Study in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, you can continue your education in several languages. The official languages of Switzerland include German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Therefore, language courses in these languages are widely available throughout the country. Additionally, English language courses are commonly offered, especially in urban areas and international schools.
Risks of Studying Abroad in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
As stated, it is not possible to study in Switzerland without a language certificate, and students must have obtained the language certificate before applying for admission. Given the necessity of this certificate, it will not be possible to receive admission from Swiss universities at various levels, and even if admission is granted, when applying for a Swiss student visa, international students face the risk of visa rejection and the inability to apply for a visa again.
Scholarships in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
Various scholarships are granted to students in Switzerland, most of which cover the total costs of education and living for the student in Switzerland. To receive scholarships, it is necessary to provide a language certificate. To obtain a scholarship, students must submit their application to the university. Some scholarships in Switzerland include:
- Lausanne University Scholarship for Master’s Degree students for 1,600 francs per month
- EPFL Excellence Scholarship for Master’s students with a strong scientific background for 16,000 Swiss francs per year
Swiss Student Visa without a Language Certificate
International students must have a valid language certificate to apply for a Swiss student visa and study visa—IELTS 6 for bachelor’s, 6.5 for master’s, and 7 for PhD programs. Without this, admission and visa approval are impossible. Additionally, students should have no more than a four-year gap in their education. Other required documents include recommendation and motivation letters, transcripts, diplomas, proof of finances, and certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Studying in Switzerland without a Language Certificate
- Is it possible to study in Switzerland without a language certificate?
No, it is not possible to continue studying in Switzerland without a language certificate, and presenting a language certificate is a required condition of the universities.
- What language certificate is required for a Master’s study in Switzerland?
The required language certificate for studying in Switzerland in English is IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5, and for studying in German, Swiss, and French, a language certificate at the B1 level is required.
- Is it possible to obtain a scholarship in Switzerland without a language certificate?
No, to receive a scholarship from Swiss universities, students must definitely have a language certificate.
- Is it essential to provide a language certificate to obtain a Swiss student visa?
Yes, it is essential to provide a language certificate to obtain a Swiss student visa, and it is not possible without one.
Conclusion:
Studying in Switzerland without a language certificate is not possible. Applicants must submit the required language certificate with their admission documents, which is also mandatory for scholarships. After admission, applying for a student visa is essential, as no visa is granted without it.
While English courses are unavailable, students can take French or German language classes. For detailed info and free consultation on studying in Switzerland, contact MIE or ask your questions below.
