Switzerland has long been one of the most desired study destinations in the world, and the great news for 2026-2027 is that many of its top universities and funding programs do NOT require IELTS or TOEFL. If your previous education was taught in English, a simple English Proficiency Certificate from your university is enough to satisfy the language requirement. This opens the door for thousands of international students who want Study In Switzerland Without IELTS and prestigious internships completely free or with generous funding in one of the safest, most innovative, and breathtakingly beautiful countries on earth.
Switzerland is home to two universities consistently ranked in the global top 15 (ETH Zurich and EPFL), offers almost tuition-free public education (only CHF 500–2,000 per semester), and provides some of the most generous scholarships and paid internships in Europe. From the snow-capped Alps to the multicultural cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, studying here is a life-changing experience.
Here is your complete 2026 guide to studying and getting funded in Switzerland without ever taking IELTS.
Also see, Zhejiang Normal University CSC Scholarship
Why Switzerland Without IELTS is a Dream Opportunity in 2026
Switzerland combines academic excellence with an unbeatable quality of life:
- Public universities charge almost no tuition (even for international students).
- Over 400 English-taught Master’s and PhD programs across the country.
- Many universities officially accept an “English Proficiency Certificate” instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
- Average post-study salary for graduates exceeds CHF 80,000/year.
- 18-month job-search visa after graduation.
- Home to global organizations (UN, WHO, CERN, WTO) and headquarters of Nestlé, Roche, Novartis, UBS.
- Four official languages, but English is widely used in academia and daily life.
- Ranked #1 globally for safety and quality of life year after year.
Top Swiss Universities that Accept Students Without IELTS in 2026
These universities explicitly state that IELTS is NOT mandatory if you can prove your previous education was in English:
- University of Geneva – Ranked in global top 100, strong in international law, life sciences, and humanities.
- University of Basel – Switzerland’s oldest university (1460), excellent in medicine and life sciences.
- University of Bern – Known for space research, climate science, and sustainability studies.
- University of Fribourg – Unique bilingual (German/French) campus with many English-taught programs.
- University of Lausanne (UNIL) – Beautiful lakeside campus, top-ranked in sport sciences and business.
- University of Zurich – Largest Swiss university with strong programs in finance, neuroscience, and AI.
- ETH Zurich & EPFL – World top-10 universities; accept English proficiency letters for most programs.
How to prove English proficiency without IELTS? Simply ask your previous university/college to issue an official letter stating: “This is to certify that the medium of instruction for [Your Name]’s [Degree Name] was English.” Most Swiss universities accept this letter immediately.
Check WONCA Europe Scholarship
Fully Funded Scholarships in Switzerland Without IELTS 2026-2027
1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-2027
- Offered to more than 180 countries
- Covers Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral research
- Monthly stipend: CHF 1,920 (Master’s/PhD) + CHF 2,650 (Postdoc)
- Full health insurance + airfare
- No IELTS required – English proficiency certificate accepted
- Deadline: September–December 2025 (varies by country)
- Apply through your local Swiss embassy
2. University of Lausanne (UNIL) Master’s Grants
- 10 grants per year for outstanding international students
- CHF 1,600 per month for the entire Master’s duration
- Covers almost all living costs
- No IELTS required
- Deadline: November 1, 2025
3. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
- CHF 10,000–15,000 per year
- For top students in sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science)
- English proficiency letter accepted
- Deadline: March 15, 2026
4. Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship
- For liberty-minded students from any country
- Up to CHF 1,200/month + health insurance
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels
- No IELTS needed
World-Famous CERN Internships in Switzerland – No IELTS Required
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (home of the Large Hadron Collider), runs several fully funded programs every year:
| Program | Duration | Monthly Stipend | Eligibility | IELTS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CERN Summer Student Programme | 8–13 weeks | CHF 9,000 total | Bachelor’s/Master’s students in STEM | No |
| CERN Technical Student Program | 4–12 months | CHF 3,407/month | STEM students (120 places/year) | No |
| CERN Doctoral Student Program | Up to 36 months | CHF 3,807/month | PhD students in physics/engineering | No |
| CERN Administrative Program | 2–12 months | CHF 3,407/month | Business, HR, law, translation, etc. | No |
All CERN programs include family allowance, travel costs, and health insurance. Applications are open year-round, but summer positions close in January 2026.
Step-by-Step Application Process (No IELTS)
- Choose your university and program (check English-taught list on the university website).
- Request an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous university.
- Prepare standard documents: transcripts, CV, motivation letter, 2–3 recommendation letters, research proposal (for PhD).
- Apply directly on the university online portal (no application fee in most cases).
- Mention in your application that you are submitting an English proficiency letter instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
- If applying for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship → submit through your local Swiss embassy first.
- Receive admission offer → apply for Swiss student visa (very high approval rate for admitted students).
Living Costs and Part-Time Work
Even without a scholarship, living in Switzerland is manageable:
- Average monthly expenses: CHF 1,500–2,000 (including rent)
- International students can work up to 15 hours/week during semester, full-time during holidays
- Average part-time wage: CHF 25–35/hour
With a scholarship, most students live very comfortably and even save money.
Additional Opportunities in Switzerland 2026
- China University of Petroleum CSC Scholarship 2026
- University of New Haven Scholarship 2026 in USA
- ANU Master of Philosophy Scholarships
Final Tips for Success
- Start preparing your English proficiency letter NOW.
- Contact professors early (especially for PhD and research Master’s).
- Apply to at least 2–3 universities to increase chances.
- Swiss Government Excellence deadlines are country-specific – check your local embassy in September 2025.
- CERN summer applications close January 2026 – apply early!
Switzerland without IELTS in 2026-2027 is one of the most realistic and rewarding pathways for international students today. Whether you dream of studying at a global top-10 university, conducting research at CERN, or earning a fully funded Master’s/PhD in the heart of Europe, this is your moment.
