Posted by Choosing the right school can be a no-easy task given the options available. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide, providing a list of the top 10 architecture schools in Switzerland.
These schools not only provide a solid foundation in architectural principles but also encourage students to push the boundaries of design and construction.
Before we get started, we in the next section will discuss why one should study Architecture in Switzerland. Without further ado!
Table of Contents
Why Study Architecture in Switzerland?
Below are some reasons you would consider studying Architecture in Switzerland:
- World-Ranked Universities: Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities for architecture. For instance, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) are ranked 3rd and 9th in Europe respectively.
- Diverse Curriculum: Swiss architecture schools offer a diverse and multidisciplinary curriculum. They integrate theory and practice to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency.
- High Quality of Life: Switzerland is known for its high quality of life, including excellent healthcare, public transportation, and safety. This means that students can focus on their studies in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.
- Innovation and Sustainability: Studying architecture in Switzerland means immersing yourself in a culture that values innovation, sustainable design, and meticulous craftsmanship.
List of the Best 10 Architecture Schools in Switzerland
Below is a list of the top 10 Architecture schools in Switzerland:
- Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
- University of Italian-speaking Switzerland
- University of Bern
- University of Fribourg
- University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland
- University of Basel
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland
- Hochschule für Architektur, Holz und Bau
- Hochschule Luzern.
Top 10 Architecture Schools in Switzerland
1. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
- Ranking: Ranked #3 in Europe and #12 in the world for Architecture
- Tuition Fee: The total amount due per semester is CHF 780.
The Architecture Department at EPFL is the architecture school at the university level in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
The department takes a pointedly transdisciplinary approach, aiming to engage the city, architecture, public space, roads, landscape, or infrastructures as fully entangled in processes of the living, human, and non-human, and therefore of the environment.
2. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
- Ranking: The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich is ranked among the top 10 universities in the world for 16 subjects.
- Tuition Fee: The tuition fee for each regular semester is CHF 730.
The Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, also known as D-ARCH, is a hub of innovation and creativity. The department’s structure offers all actors involved many opportunities to excel in teaching and research.
The master’s degree program in Architecture at ETH Zurich lasts two years and should be supplemented with an additional six-month internship period. A total of 120 credit points must be obtained. Entry into the program is only possible in the fall.
The language of the study program is German, but classes and examinations take place in German or English. The successful completion of the course of study results in the award of a Master of Science ETH in Architecture (MSc ETH Arch).
3. University of Italian-speaking Switzerland
- Ranking: It is ranked #160 in Europe.
- Tuition Fee: For Swiss citizens, the tuition fee is CHF 2,000 per semester. For international students, the tuition fee is CHF 4,000 per semester.
The University of Italian-speaking Switzerland, also known as Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), is a public Swiss university. It is international and student-focused, offering study curricula and conducting research in several subject areas.
The Architecture Department at USI, known as the Academy of Architecture, is renowned for its innovative approach. The department offers a variety of programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.
The curriculum of the architecture department is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of architecture. The department offers a variety of design studios, each led by different professors, providing students with a diverse range of architectural perspectives.
4. University of Bern
- Ranking: The University of Bern’s architecture department is ranked #287 in Europe and #631 in the world.
- Tuition fee: The regular tuition fee per semester is CHF 750. Non-Swiss students pay an additional fee of CHF 200 per semester, in addition to the regular tuition fee.
The University of Bern offers a variety of programs in the fields of Art, Design, and Architecture. The Department of Architectural History and Preservation is a part of the Institute of Art History.
The Department of Architectural History and Preservation provides an overview of the history, theory, and historiography of architecture from the medieval period to the present day.
The department’s teaching and research focus on the built environment and its global entanglements in the context of migration, exile, colonization, and globalization, especially across Europe and the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
5. University of Fribourg
- Ranking: The University of Fribourg’s architecture department is ranked 334th in Europe.
- Tuition fee: For foreign students, the tuition fee is approximately CHF 985 per semester.
The University of Fribourg is a place where learning, research, employment, and events all happen at the same time. The School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg, also known as Haute école d’ingénierie et d’architecture (HEIA-FR), is a part of this university.
The HEIA-FR offers a wide range of interdisciplinary study programs combining theory and practice. This includes six bachelor’s degrees, four HES-SO Master’s degrees, and one Advanced Diploma for technicians. The architecture department is one of the key departments in this school.
The university offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Architecture with specializations in “Architecture & Wood” and “Architecture & Area” at the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The program can be completed in full-time (4 semesters) or part-time (7 semesters) mode.
6. University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland
- Ranking: The Architecture department of the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland is ranked #374 in Europe and #870 in the World.
- Tuition Fee: For local citizens, the tuition fees start from 2,738 USD per year.
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland offers various study streams and research activities that fall into six faculties: Design and Fine Arts; Business, Management, and Services; Engineering and Architecture; Music and Performing Arts; Health; and Social Work.
The School of Engineering and Architecture at HES-SO has more than 110 years of experience. It is tasked with training engineers and architects.
The school currently hosts approximately 1000 students distributed among eight professional college degree programs.
The School of Engineering and Architecture offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Arts in Architecture.
7. University of Basel
- Ranking: The University of Basel’s Architecture department is ranked 375th in Europe.
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for students enrolled at the University of Basel is CHF 850 each semester.
The University of Basel is the oldest in Switzerland. It offers a broad range of degree programs and is known for its research-intensive focus.
The architecture department is part of the University of Basel’s Department of Art, Design, and Architecture. It is rooted in disciplinary approaches of architecture, geography, anthropology, social and political theory, and history.
8. University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland
- Ranking: The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland is ranked 424th in Europe and 1007th in the World for Architecture.
- Tuition Fee: The tuition fee is CHF 1,600 per semester.
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland, also known as SUPSI, offers a wide range of programs in various fields.
The Architecture Department is part of the Accademia, which offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. The department is known for its focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of architecture.
The university is internationally recognized and student-focused. It is ranked among the top architecture universities in Switzerland.
The curriculum of the architecture program at the university is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. It includes a mix of theoretical courses and practical workshops, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world context.
9. Hochschule für Architektur, Holz und Bau
The Architecture Department is a part of the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). It offers a variety of study programs and conducts research in the fields of architecture, wood, and civil engineering.
What sets the College of Architecture, Holz und Bau apart is its unique combination of architecture, wood, and civil engineering.
The department’s focus on practical orientation suggests that students are likely to engage in hands-on projects and real-world applications of their learning. This could include working with wood and other building materials, studying architectural design and construction techniques, and exploring the principles of civil engineering.
10. Hochschule Luzern
- Ranking: The overall ranking of the University of Lucerne is 601-800.
- Tuition Fee: The semester fee for all enrolled Bachelor and Master students is CHF 800.
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, also known as Hochschule Luzern, is a prestigious institution located in Switzerland. The university’s School of Engineering and Architecture, established in 1958, has significantly contributed to strengthening Switzerland as a business location.
The Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture offers practical degree programs and interdisciplinary study programs that prepare students for their future roles as engineers and architects.
The Master of Arts in Architecture program at the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture provides students with a broader understanding of architecture in the area of conflict between technology and context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these schools offer scholarships or financial aid to students?
Yes, various financial aid options are available for international students in Switzerland, including the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Program (ESOP) which covers the full study and living costs during the master’s degree course.
Can students pursue internships or work placements during their studies at these institutions?
Yes, students can pursue internships during their studies. For example, ETH Zurich requires a six-month internship in the field of architecture for the completion of the studies.
Are there any famous architects or alumni associated with these schools?
Switzerland has produced some of the most influential architects in the world, such as Le Corbusier, Bernard Tschumi, and Peter Zumthor.
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Conclusion
It’s time to draw the curtain. Remember, the choice of a school should align with your personal and professional goals. As you embark on this exciting journey in the field of architecture, we wish you good luck.
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