How many years and ECTS credits is a bachelor's degree in Switzerland for me?
A bachelor's degree in Switzerland typically takes 3 years and 180 ECTS credits. Human medicine is longer: the full medical programme takes 6 years, with the bachelor stage completed after 3. Switzerland follows the Bologna framework, so ECTS credits transfer easily to other European countries.
A bachelor's degree in Switzerland typically takes 3 years and carries 180 ECTS credits. Human medicine is longer: the full medical programme takes 6 years, with the bachelor stage completed after 3. Because Switzerland follows the Bologna framework, your credits transfer easily to other European countries.
Degree durations and credits
| Degree | Typical duration | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 3 years (human medicine takes 6 years in total, with the bachelor stage after year 3) | 180 |
| Master's | Usually 2 years | 90 to 120 |
| Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) | 1 to 2 years | 60 to 120 |
| Doctorate | 3 to 5 years | 240 |
Good to know
- A master's degree is compulsory before starting a PhD in Switzerland.
- Plan around the Swiss academic year, which spans September to May in two semesters.
My Advice
Use these numbers to plan your timeline, but check the exact duration for your chosen programme, since a few fields run longer. If you plan to continue to a master's or PhD later, map the credit requirements early so nothing surprises you.
This information is available on: med.uzh.ch, ethz.ch
Looking for a specific course in Switzerland?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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