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Explore the most popular universities and programmes to study abroad in Switzerland.

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Bern
68 km

British Council - Swiss Exams Bern

Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.

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British Council - Swiss Exams Bern (UKVI test location)

This test centre is specifically authorised by UK Visas and Immigration and offers the UKVI exam. Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.

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Zürich
73 km

Swiss Exams - IELTS - Berufsschule fur Detailhandel und Pharmazie Zurich

Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.

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Winterthur
92 km

British Council - Swiss Exams Winterthur

Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.

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Lausanne
129 km

Swiss Exams - IELTS - Inlingua Leman Lausanne

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About Switzerland

There is one British Council test centre in Switzerland's capital Bern. Besides the capital, there are several other IELTS test centres across the country.

IELTS data

Several universities in Switzerland require IELTS as proof of English proficiency to enrol in an English-taught programme

  • Lowest IELTS score required: 3.5
  • Highest IELTS score required: 8.0
  • Average IELTS score required: 6.6
  • Number of universities accepting IELTS: 70
  • Number of studies accepting IELTS: 431

Background of Switzerland

Switzerland offers an exceptional study experience with its stunning landscapes, high quality of life, and international atmosphere. Located in the heart of Europe, it provides easy access to neighboring countries. Switzerland has three official languages: German, French, and Italian, and many universities also offer extensive English-taught programs. The language of instruction depends on the region and chosen program.

The country is known for its academic excellence, producing influential figures in various fields. Proof of language proficiency is required; for English, IELTS or TOEFL are commonly accepted, while specific certificates are needed for German or French programs. Some universities may offer internal language tests to assess proficiency.

English requirements in Switzerland

To study in English at one of the universities in Switzerland you may need proof of English proficiency. There are several standardised English tests that you can take to prove your English level, such as the PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), offered by British Council and IDP. IELTS is the most popular of these tests, with British Council offering more than 1,000 test locations and being accepted by more than 11,500 organisations worldwide.

4 most popular study destinations for students in Switzerland

Student insurance for students studying in Switzerland

Aon To make sure students in Switzerland have access to the best insurance out there, Studyportals found a reliable partner in Aon. You can easily get advise and insight in costs based on your personal needs.


Frequently asked questions about IELTS in Switzerland

How much does the IELTS exam cost in Switzerland?

The IELTS test in Switzerland costs between CHF 420 and CHF 442. Please note that you may need to make extra costs such as transportation or accomodation if you need to travel to a city to take IELTS. See our article on IELTS costs how to save money on your IELTS test.

How can I apply for IELTS in Switzerland?

First make sure that you apply for the right type of IELTS. The IELTS exam is offered as Academic or a General Training variant. The Academic variant is for studying abroad and the General Training if you want to migrate to an English-speaking country and work there, or if you plan to attend a secondary school. Applying for all variants of IELTS in Switzerland can be done by following this link to the official IELTS registration website.

Is IELTS for UKVI available for people from Switzerland?

If you plan to study or work in the United Kingdom, you need IELTS for UKVI. The UK Home Office has authorized the Secure English language exams (SELT) IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training and IELTS Life Skills for visa applications to the UK coming from Switzerland. Read more on the different types of IELTS in our article.

Which test center in Switzerland is the best to take the IELTS exam?

There is no "best test center" in Switzerland , all of them are equally good. The IELTS test is a standardized test that is conducted in exactly the same way on different locations. So, it doesn't really matter which test center you will go, you will always get the same high quality experience. Go directly to test centers in Switzerland to find a test centers that is most convenient for you.

When will IELTS exams start in Switzerland?

IELTS exams in Switzerland are conducted through the whole year. You can find all dates for IELTS exams in Switzerland on the official IELTS registration website.