MBBS in Switzerland: Admissions, Courses, Universities, Jobs for 2024

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.

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MBBS in Switzerland: Course Highlights

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. ) 
• German language proficiency: TestDaF 
• English  language proficiency: IELTS and TOEFL 
• 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. 

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Cost of Living in Switzerland 

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. 

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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.