Which art schools in Switzerland offer the best programs and career opportunities?
The Swiss art scene has continued to thrive over the last decade. As a result, there are now a host of art schools across the country. Here’s a quick guide to some of the top places you should check out.
You want to study art or design at university, or maybe even start your own studio.If that sounds exciting to you, then read on for our guide to the best art schools in Switzerland.
What is Art?
Art careers come in a variety of forms and sizes. There are jobs in the art industry that involve producing original works, selling and promoting them, and showing them to the public in galleries and museums.
Both teaching art to others and assisting individuals in finding their own artistic voice are professions in the arts.
Beyond the realm of the arts, there are many occupations related to the arts. Architecture, fashion, media, film, and theater all require creative vision and design abilities.
Here, we’re focusing on careers in visual arts and design, but if you’re also interested in writing, acting, or music, check out the rest of the arts and creative careers section.
Why Study in Switzerland?
International students from all over the world are welcome in Switzerland, a small European nation.
It is a nation well known for its top-notch educational institutions, innovative research facilities, and dedication to funding the most promising emerging markets.
Here are a few reasons to study in Switzerland if you’re an international student looking for a truly exceptional experience.
1. Diversity
Switzerland attracts people from all over the world due to its status as a hub for innovation, technology, and finance on a global scale, giving its major cities a distinctly cosmopolitan feel.
Although most universities also offer programs taught in English, the majority of university degrees are taught in French and/or German.
Swiss campuses are known for being exciting and vibrant melting pots of cultures, drawing thousands of international students each year.
For instance, of the 16,000 students enrolled at the University of Geneva, about 40% are from other countries.
2. Safety And Standard Of Living
The advantages of studying in Switzerland are numerous in the real world. The prevalence of violent crime is extremely low.
Along with having one of the best public transportation systems and health care systems in the world, it is also one of the cleanest nations in the world.
The standard of living in Switzerland is very high, and people there report being much happier than people around the world.
The government is totally accountable, open, and transparent.
3. Numerous Study Options
The nation provides a wide range of fields of study so that you can select the one that is best for you, and it has a long list of higher education institutions.
In addition to a number of other higher education facilities devoted to music and the arts, there are 12 public universities, 9 universities of applied sciences, and more.
4. Obtain a degree that is recognized globally
The degree you receive as a reward for your diligence after completing your studies is the icing on the cake in addition to the knowledge and skills you acquire throughout your academic journey.
A degree from a Swiss university will open many doors in your career wherever you are in the world because Switzerland has a highly regarded educational system.
5. Suitable Healthcare System
The medical system in Switzerland is among the best in the world. Because of Switzerland’s advanced healthcare system, the majority of its residents enjoy good health. The economy is yet another area where Switzerland is developed. Switzerland is a fantastic place for you to start a career after your studies because of its low rates of unemployment and poverty and high salaries.
6. Suitable Cost Of Living
Switzerland takes pride in having high standards for a freely subsidized training environment that is affordable for both Swiss and international students.
In actuality, the average cost of an academic year is about CAD 1,300 for Swiss students and CAD 1,500 for universal students.
It’s difficult to choose which university to apply to, but as you can see, Switzerland offers many benefits for you to pick one of its educational institutions.
Various Majors in Art And Design
There are a variety of exciting majors available for those interested in the arts, design, and architecture, including
- interior design
- multimedia design
- game art and development
- visual arts
- venue design
- urban planning
- structural engineering
- architectural technology
- landscape architecture
- 3D modeling
- linear programming
- drafting and
- architectural sciences and technology.
The top three on the list are:
- general architecture
- architectural technology, and
- urban and regional planning.
The List of Accredited Art Schools In Switzerland
University Of Art & Design – Geneva (HEAD)
One of Switzerland’s most significant institutions for teaching art and design is HEAD (Haute école d’art et de design), which is situated in the heart of Geneva.
High-level Bachelor and Master courses are offered in the visual arts, film, interior design, graphic design, fashion and accessory design, and media design.
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Tuition ( International & Local Students) : $1750
Bern University
The Bern University of the Arts, which provides a variety of programs, is located in Bern. Art Education, Jazz, Literary Writing, Music and Movement, Music Classical, Sound Arts, Fine Arts, Multimedia Production, Theater, and Visual Communication are among the 10 study programs offered here.
If you’re interested in art education, this program teaches students the fundamentals of art, media, and design while also assisting them in furthering their artistic and creative development.
This program is a great choice if you prefer the fine arts because it recognizes the variety of artistic possibilities and social contexts in which art can be found while also allowing students to create their own distinctive study profiles.
Acceptance Rate: 20%
Tuition; International: 1005CHF per semester
Local: 805CHF per semester
University Of Fribourg
The Department of Art History and Archaeology at the University of Fribourg offers doctoral training in French and German. A number of academic disciplines, including anthropology, history, theology, semiotics, philosophy, and literature, intersect with this area of study.
In its broadest sense, art history includes, among other things, historic architecture and visual studies, as well as works of art from antiquity to the present.
It delves into the intricacies of their operation and values (culturally, historically, aesthetically, cult-wise, economically, and socially).
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Tuition; International: 805CHF per semester
Local: 655CHF per semester
University Of Applied Sciences And Art Of Italian Switzerland
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Italian Switzerland strives to be a top vocational, interdisciplinary, artistic, and Latin-culture university in Switzerland as well as a pioneer in the development of networks in the corporate, governmental, and academic sectors.
The degrees offered by this program are bachelor’s degrees in conservation, architecture, music, music and movement, theater, and visual communication.
Acceptance rate: 8%
Tuition; Local: Every semester, 1,600. 800 less for students who receive SUP Inter-Cantonal Financing Agreement benefits (Swiss nationality or civil and fiscal domicile in Switzerland or Liechtenstein). (CHF)
Zurich University Of Arts(ZHdK)
It doesn’t matter if it’s Art Education, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, or Transdisciplinary studies: ZHdK gives its students the option to study interdisciplinary and by doing so offers a wide range of courses. In Europe, this program is unmatched.
ZHdK endeavors to play a very vital role in shaping the theoretical and practical discourses within Art, Design, and Education.
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Tuition: 720CHF per semester
University Of Basel
Since the 1960s, the Basel School of Design, the Institute of Digital Communication Environments, and their students have had an impact on the global graphic design scene.
The Swiss University system has recently updated the outdated models of modernist design education.
Modern image, media, and technological research are merged with the artistic, experimental, and process-oriented traditions of the “Basel School of Design.”
Acceptance: 19%
Tuition: 850CHF per semester
Lausanne University Of Art & Design (ECAL)
Courses in the field of art and design are available to students at Lausanne University of Art and Design (ECAL).
This university, which is ranked among the top 10 in the world for art and design, gives its students solid education and stimulating experiences that lean toward the practical.
In the areas of visual communication, art, and design, it offers courses of study at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
The ECAL is one of the most esteemed institutions in the world of art and design due to the excellence of its instruction and its international standing.
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Tuition: 580CHF per semester
University Of St. Gallen(HSG)
In 1898, during the height of the St. Gallen embroidery industry, the University of St. Gallen (HSG) was established as a business academy.
Today, the university houses a school of management, economics, law, social sciences, and international affairs. In 1899, the initial lectures took place.
Since those early days, the education we provide has been characterized by a practice-oriented approach and an integrative viewpoint.
As one of the top business schools in Europe today, we hold EQUIS and AACSB accreditation.
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Tuition: 1235CHF per year
Lucerne School Of Art & Design
The oldest art and design school in German-speaking Switzerland is the Lucerne School of Art and Design. With the support of nearly 140 years of tradition, it confidently looks to the future.
Students can develop their practical skills and build a strong portfolio in this stimulating and demanding environment, which fosters research and teaching.
This will position them for a successful career entry into the cultural and creative sector.
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Tuition: 1739CHF
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
The Confederation recognizes the HES-SO, and it is a Swiss University member.
The HES-SO is the biggest UAS in Switzerland with 21,000 students. Six faculties make up the institution, each of which has its own study programs and research endeavors: Arts & Design, Business, Management and Services, Engineering & Architecture, Music and Performing Arts, Health Sciences, and Social Work.
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Tuition: 500CHF per semester
Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
Five open and transdisciplinary schools—the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, the School of Engineering, the School of Computer and Communication Sciences, the School of Basic Sciences, the School of Life Sciences, the College of Management of Technology, and the College of Humanities—as well as two colleges—are responsible for teaching and research at EPFL.
With cutting-edge facilities, intelligent, driven students, and an outstanding faculty, EPFL’s standing as a premier institution for teaching and research keeps advancing.
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Tuition: 1739CHF for International students & 497CHF for Local students
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
One of the top applied science and arts universities in Switzerland, FHNW engages in active teaching, research, continuing education, and service delivery that is both innovative and practice-oriented.
FHNW is a diverse and appealing educational institution, a sought-after partner for business, and a desirable employer in northwest Switzerland thanks to its wide range of degree programs, hands-on concept, innovative, application-oriented research, and global network.
The FHNW libraries provide a vast array of information and media. FHNW will be happy to answer any questions you may have about collecting literature and conducting research.
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Tuition: 1739CHF
The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is a center for higher learning and research that focuses on global affairs, particularly the intersecting fields of international relations and development issues.
As a community of academics, we are dedicated to advancing understanding and discussion in the social sciences and humanities.
We also aim to contribute to policy discussions at the global and local levels, particularly those involving international actors, as a community of publicly engaged scholars.
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Tuition; International Students: 4000CHF & Local students: 2500CHF per semester
University of Neuchatel
A french-speaking university with its headquarters in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is called the University of Neuchâtel (UniNE).
The university has four faculties (schools), as well as more than a dozen institutes, including ones for law, economics, and the humanities and social sciences.
The University of Neuchâtel’s largest school is the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, which enrolls 2,000 students.
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Tuition: 4800CHF
Franklin University Switzerland
In Lugano, Switzerland, Franklin University Switzerland is a private, nonprofit, and accredited[2] liberal arts institution.
One of the first American universities to be established in Switzerland, Franklin was founded in 1969 and is one of the oldest American institutions of higher learning in Europe.
Franklin offers master’s and bachelor’s degrees that are recognized in Switzerland and the United States, respectively.
The curriculum at Franklin encourages critical thinking and global awareness, and it places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study and the liberal arts.
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Tuition: 7613CHF
Zurich University Of Applied Sciences(ZHAW)
One of the top universities for applied sciences in Switzerland is the ZHAW. It provides science-based teaching, research, continuing education, and other services that are practice-oriented.
Applied psychology, social work, engineering and management, law, life sciences and facility management, health, and linguistics are all represented by the university’s eight schools at the moment.
2015 saw the AACSB accreditation of the ZHAW School of Management and Law.
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Tuition: 1748CHF
Bern University Of Applied Sciences
Bern University Of Applied Sciences is a public vocational university with a prominent local, national, and global reputation.
It has six departments and also houses the Department of Architecture, Wood, and Civil Engineering’s affiliated Higher Technical School of Wood.
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Tuition: 1748CHF
Opportunities For A Career In Art And Design
Your career prospects will only become more diverse as a result of your ability to fit into many of the following profiles.
A few of the professions include: “Art Director,” “Craft and Fine Artist,” “Fashion Designer,” “Florist Designer,” “Graphic Designer,” “Industrial Designer,” “Interior Designer,” “Jewel Designer,” “Precious Stone and Metal Worker,” “Multimedia Artist,” “Animation Specialist,” “Exhibit Designer,” “Licensed Architect,” “Urban Planner,” “Civil Engineer,” and many more.
Now let us look at the frequently asked questions about art schools in Switzerland.
Is The Creative Industry a Rewarding Profession?
Therefore, for those who have a passion for the arts and enjoy being in a positive environment, a career in the arts can still be a good choice.
Additionally, they might have the chance to collaborate with creative individuals and thus share their thoughts or ideas with those who value them.
Are Art Jobs in Demand?
Between 2021 and 2031, it is anticipated that the overall employment of fine and craft artists will increase by 6%, which is about average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, it is anticipated that there will be, on average, 5,900 openings for fine and craft artists.
What Type Of Arts Are in High Demand?
Nevertheless, there was hardly any change in the most sought-after media at fairs on Artsy, with the top five categories (paintings, prints, sculptures, drawings, collages, and other works on paper), as well as the number of inquiries, remaining the same from 2019 to 2020.
What Can an Artist Do For a Living?
Their main responsibility is to produce the chosen form of art. Installations, sculptures, paintings, drawings, ceramics, performances, photos, videos, and other forms of art are all acceptable. Some artists create their works using a variety of media.
Do Artists Make Good Money?
In the US, the average artist’s salary is $68,690 per year or $33.02 per hour. The bottom 10% of artists in that range, or $42,000 to be exact, make an annual salary, while the top 10% make $110,000.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new art school, Switzerland has a lot to offer. There are over 10 schools in the country, and they all offer different programs and degrees. You can find out more about each school by visiting their website or contacting them directly.
The best way to find out if this is the right choice for your family is by talking with people who have gone through the process before.
We can help answer any questions you may have about the schools in Switzerland and help make sure that when it comes time for graduation, your child will have all they need to succeed in this competitive industry.