Switzerland Admission Pathways for Indian Students who hold a Three Year Degree

19 July 2025

To most of the Indian students aspiring to study higher in Europe, Switzerland is one country that promises quality education, security, and a multicultural society. There is one question, however, that keeps being asked—Can I get admission to a Swiss university on the basis of a three-year Indian bachelor’s degree? The answer is yes, but there are a few things you may want to know before applying.

Over time, Indian international students have been increasingly welcomed by Switzerland. While the classical European model has generally been the four-year undergraduate degree, Swiss universities now are being accommodating in accepting Indian three-year degrees on a case-by-case basis—particularly for students with good academic records or work experience.

This transition has opened the doors for Indian postgraduates from streams of commerce, business administration, science, and arts. The only limit is selecting a proper university and course and mapping your own profile with academic requirements of Switzerland.

Eligibility of a Three-Year Indian Degree in Switzerland

Swiss universities have long accepted the Bologna system, which favors 15 to 16 years of formal education leading to admission in a master’s degree. An Indian three-year degree will suffice if:

University Recognition: Your degree from India must be from a UGC-recognized or NAAC-accredited institution.

Academic Performance: Most Swiss universities demand at least a 60% overall or equivalent GPA.

Field of Study Match: Applying for the same or closely related field in master’s levels enhances your case.

Work Experience: Some universities will consider work experience in the field if academic credentials are marginal.

Famous Swiss Universities That Consider Three-Year Indian Bachelors

Policy does differ from university to university, but most well-established universities and universities of applied sciences within Switzerland accept applications from Indian students with a three-year bachelor’s degree, including:

• University of Geneva
• University of Lausanne
• Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• Geneva Business School (private)
• Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM) (private)

How to Apply with a Three-Year Indian Degree

Choose Your Program Wisely

Ensure that your academic background matches the program you want to apply for. Management, finance, data analysis, and international business are such courses that are most likely to accept diversified academic backgrounds.

Check University Recognition Criteria

Confirm the official university website or contact BCES Admissions Abroad to confirm your degree will be accepted in the institution.

Organize Needed Documents

These are typically:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and marksheets
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• CV/resume
• English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Work experience documents (if any)

Language Requirements

Most master’s degrees are in English. Most accept IELTS of 6.0 and above. For German- or French-language courses, there may be a need for further language certification.

Apply Early

There are deadlines for applications between December and April to start in September at Swiss universities.

Apply for a Student Visa

Following acceptance, it is possible to apply for a Swiss student visa. You should ensure that you include proof of funding and accommodation.

BCES Admissions Abroad has helped thousands of Indian students to secure successful admissions in nations such as Switzerland. From selecting the proper university to making your SOP and application, we offer complete guidance that increases your chances of admission even with a three-year degree. 

Struggling to apply to Swiss universities with a three-year Indian degree? Contact BCES Admissions Abroad at +91 8800096600 for professional help and one-on-one guidance.