Study in Switzerland Without IELTS is now possible for international students. Switzerland is offering a chance to study without needing IELTS in 2026. There are many fully funded Swiss Scholarships available to study for free at Swiss Universities. Many universities accept other English tests or proof of past education in English. This makes it easier for students from around the world to study in Switzerland and enjoy its beautiful scenery and top-notch education. Swiss universities focus on innovation and have great research facilities. It makes them a favorite for students who want a quality education without the IELTS requirement.
Key Points:
- Study in Switzerland without IELTS in 2026
- Universities accept other English tests or proof of past English education
- Open to international students
- Top-notch education and beautiful scenery
- Focus on innovation and great research facilities
Also See: Scholarships in Denmark Without IELTS 2026
Study in Switzerland Without IELTS Summary
| Scholarship Country | Switzerland |
| Available Degree | Bachelor, Master, PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully+Partially Funded |
| Deadline | Different by Scholarship |
Top Universities in Switzerland Without IELTS Requirements
- University of Basel
- Università della Svizzera italiana (University of Lugano)
- University of Zurich
- University of Lucerne
- University of Bern
- University of Neuchâtel
- EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- University of Lausanne
- University of St. Gallen
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- University of Fribourg
List of Switzerland Scholarships Without IELTS
1. UNIL Masters Scholarship in Switzerland
Key Points:
- Study in Switzerland with the UNIL Masters Scholarship
- Covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend
- Open to international students
- Great way to experience Europe’s culture
- Supports academic advancement and innovation
2. EPFL Excellence Fellowship
Key Points:
- Opportunity for graduate students to study in Switzerland
- Financial support and housing provided
- Focuses on leadership development
- Requires strong academic record and extracurricular involvement
- Great for aspiring scientists and innovators
Also See: Study in Germany Without IELTS: Scholarships 2026
3. University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
Key Points:
- Master’s degree in Switzerland for international students
- Annual stipend of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000
- Open to science fields like math, physics, biology, and environmental sciences
- Requires strong academic achievements
- Provides financial support and access to top research facilities
- Supports career growth in scientific research
5. Franklin University Scholarships
Key Points:
- Franklin University offers scholarships
- Supports students in business, technology, humanities
- Scholarships ease the cost of studying abroad
- Access to great faculty and facilities
- Focus on research and innovation
- Various undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Study without financial worries
- Enjoy Swiss culture and landscapes
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Key Points:
- Fully funded scholarships for 2026
- Covers tuition, stipend, and health insurance
- Open to many fields of study
- Study at top universities in Switzerland
- Available to students from over 180 countries
7. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
Key Points:
- Master’s degree at ETH Zurich
- Covers tuition and living expenses
- Offers mentorship and professional network
- Known for research and innovation
- Open to ambitious Master’s students
- CHF 12,000 per semester for living expenses
- Tuition fees waived
- Top university in Europe
Also see: Study in Canada Without IELTS 2026 Scholarships
Internships in Switzerland Without IELTS For International Students
CERN Summer Student Programme 2026
This is the famous summer one. You spend 8 to 13 weeks in Geneva next summer (June to August), working on real projects with scientists, attending lectures, visiting the experiments, everything. It’s open to bachelor’s and master’s students who will have finished at least three years of university by then. They pay you about 340 CHF per week, cover your flight, give health insurance, and help you find a place to stay. More than 300 students from all over the world get selected. No IELTS or TOEFL needed, just decent English. Deadline is 26 January 2026, so we should start preparing soon.
- You actually work near the Large Hadron Collider
- Super international crowd, people from 60+ countries
- Fully paid summer in Switzerland with zero language test
- Read More
CERN Technical Student Programme
They select around 120 students three times a year for technical fields: electrical, mechanical, civil engineering, robotics, IT, materials science, etc. Duration is 4 to 12 months (sometimes extendable to 14). Same package: 3400 CHF per month, flight, insurance, cheap housing. You actually build and maintain parts of the accelerators.
- You get to touch and work on the real machines
- Only 120 spots each round, so it looks amazing on your resume
- Longest option while still being registered as a student, and no IELTS needed
- Read More
CERN Doctoral Student Programme
If you’re doing a PhD (in engineering, applied physics, computing, etc., not pure particle physics theory), you can come to CERN for 6 to 36 months and finish your thesis here using their facilities. They pay you properly, cover flights, insurance, and even give extra money if you have a family. It’s basically the dream way to complete your doctorate.
- Up to three years living in Geneva working on your PhD project
- You get paid to use equipment that barely exists anywhere else
- No English test required
- Read More
CERN Administrative Student Programme
This one is for people studying business, law, HR, finance, translation, logistics, communication, etc. You can do 2 to 12 months any time of the year that fits your schedule. Same benefits: around 3400 CHF per month, flight paid, insurance, everything. You just need to be from a CERN member or associate member country and have completed at least three semesters. Perfect if you want the CERN experience without being in a lab all day.
- You help run the biggest physics lab in the world from the office side
- Very flexible duration, can be short or almost a full year
- Still get to live in Switzerland and put CERN on your CV
- Read More
Pretty much all of them are fully funded, no language exam, and having CERN on your CV changes everything.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Academic Certificates & Transcripts
- Language Test Results
- Health Insurance
- Proof of Funds
- Passport-Sized Photos
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- CV/Resume
- Visa Application Documents
How to Study In Switzerland Without IELTS 2026
To study in Switzerland without IELTS in 2026, consider these options:
- Conditional Admission: Some universities let you meet language requirements later.
- English Proficiency Certificate: Get a letter from your previous school confirming your studies were in English.
- Alternative Tests: Try TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, or Cambridge English Tests instead of IELTS.
- Target Specific Universities: Schools like ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Geneva, and UNIL may accept other proofs of English.
- Exchange Programs: Join exchange or joint degree programs that might waive IELTS.
- Local Language Programs: If you know French, German, or Italian, apply for programs in those languages.
English Alternatives to Study in Switzerland without IELTS
Here are some other English tests you can take to study in Switzerland without IELTS in 2026:
Cambridge English Tests:
- Tests like C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency are good for high-level English and accepted by many schools.
TOEFL:
- This test checks reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Many universities want a score of 90-100 on the iBT.
Proof from Previous School:
- Some schools accept a letter from your old school saying you studied in English.
PTE Academic:
- A computer-based test that measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Results come in two business days.
Duolingo English Test:
- An online test with interactive exercises. It’s getting popular because it’s flexible and fast.
Letter of Recommendation:
- Some schools accept a letter from your old school saying you are good in English, usually from a dean or head of department.
Swiss Matura:
- The Swiss school leaving certificate has English and is accepted as proof of English skills.


