Switzerland — Study (Master's degree (ETH, EPFL, cantonal universities))

Main requirements

You need a relevant bachelor's degree and an offer from a Swiss university: the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich, EPFL), a cantonal university (Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Basel, etc.) or a university of applied sciences. Admission is competitive; EPFL says only applicants with excellent records and references have good chances.

Crucially, ETH and EPFL run security and export-control screening on applicants from sanctioned countries, including Iran. ETH's fact sheet for autumn 2026 lists four criteria: previous study at a high-risk or sanctioned institution; nationality or residence in a sanctioned country; funding from a sanctioned state or questionable source; and a dual-use programme (e.g. computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, robotics, materials). If more than one applies, ETH recommends rejection. An Iranian living in Iran applying for a technical master's already meets two criteria. It is not an automatic ban, but it sharply lowers the odds. EPFL also lists export-control and embargo compliance among its criteria.

Documents

To apply: transcripts for every level (ETH wants sealed university envelopes or certified copies), the degree with certified translation endorsed by the Judiciary and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a language certificate, CV and motivation letter. ETH and EPFL charge CHF 150 for applicants with a foreign degree.

For the D visa at the Swiss embassy in Tehran (checklist dated July 2026): three D application forms, four photos, original passport, admission letter, translations of birth certificate (shenasnameh) and degree legalised by the Iranian MFA, CV, a three-part motivation letter (your record, the value of the studies, commitment to return to Iran), proof of funds for the whole programme, language certificate and a signed declaration to leave Switzerland after studies. You hand in two identical files (originals and copies) in person.

Language

ETH master's programmes are in English (except Pharmacy and Architecture) and need IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced no older than two years; without a valid certificate the application is not assessed. EPFL strongly recommends C1 English. Some cantonal university programmes are in German or French.

Costs and proof of funds

ETH and EPFL tripled tuition for most foreign students from autumn 2025: CHF 2,190 per semester (about CHF 4,380 a year) plus small compulsory fees. The University of Zurich charges foreign master's students CHF 720 plus a CHF 100 surcharge per semester. ETH estimates a year at about CHF 28,100 for a foreign student paying the tripled fee (average rent 11,300, food 7,200, health insurance about 1,320).

Proof of funds is set by the canton: the Zurich migration office wants CHF 21,000 per year, and UZH says it must be confirmed by a bank domiciled in Switzerland (a foreign bank with a Swiss branch or a Swiss bank with a branch in your country), on an account in your own name; EPFL (canton of Vaud) asks for CHF 2,000 per month. Because the cantonal migration office decides, its rule takes precedence over the embassy's general checklist. The Tehran embassy checklist accepts parents as sponsors with a translated, notarised letter and English bank statements showing balance and three months of activity. Values as per official sources, checked October 2026.

Steps and timeline

ETH has one window for foreign bachelor's holders: 1–30 November 2026 for autumn 2027 entry; spring entry is not possible. EPFL has two deadlines, 15 December and 31 March, with decisions in late March or mid-June. After admission, request an appointment from the Tehran embassy by email. The embassy only forwards the file; the cantonal migration office decides, which the checklist says takes 12–16 weeks. EPFL says to apply for the visa at least three months before term and that there is no point continuing if you cannot be on campus by 30 September.

Tips for Iranian applicants

The Swiss embassy in Tehran closed temporarily on 11 March 2026 for security reasons and reopened gradually from May 2026. As of its 3 August 2026 notice, consular services are "limited for technical reasons", but national (D) visa applications are accepted by prior appointment (email [email protected] with passport copy and admission letter). The embassy only accepts applicants resident in Iran.

Degree translations need MFA legalisation, and graduates of public (sarasari) universities usually have to release their degree (clear their service bond) first. Opening a Swiss bank account while living in Iran is very hard because of sanctions and Iran's FATF blacklisting; if your canton wants a Swiss bank confirmation, confirm with the university and cantonal migration office what they accept before you apply. If your field is technical and dual-use, add a non-technical option or a cantonal university to your list.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to permanent residence)

Register with the local foreign residents' office within 14 days to receive a B student permit, renewed yearly with new proof of funds and enrolment. Per SEM, foreign students may work up to 15 hours a week during term (per ETH, up to full-time in the lecture-free period) starting six months after the course begins, if the university confirms it and the employer gets a permit. After graduation you have a non-renewable six-month period to find a job matching your qualifications, and if the job is of high scientific or economic interest you can be admitted without the Swiss/EU priority test. A C permit for non-EU nationals normally comes after 10 years of residence and, per SEM directives, needs the local language at oral A2 and written A1; with good integration and oral B1 / written A1 you can apply after 5 uninterrupted years on a B permit. Study years only count under a condition: per SEM, if after finishing your studies you hold a residence permit for a lasting purpose (e.g. work) for two uninterrupted years.