Master's
CHF 25,000
University of Basel
Basel, Switzerland
"Switzerland's oldest university, founded in Basel in 1460"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#158 (QS)
PSW VISA
6 months
About University of Basel
The University of Basel is a public research university in Basel, founded in 1460 and the oldest university in Switzerland. It has about 13,000 students and doctoral candidates in seven faculties, from theology and law to medicine, science, business and psychology. Its research focuses on life sciences and culture, and it works closely with Basel's pharmaceutical industry. Bachelor's teaching is mostly in German, while many master's programmes, especially in the sciences, are taught in English. Tuition is the same for Swiss and international students.
Rankings & Recognition
#158
Ranked #158 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#150 joint in QS 2027).
Accreditations & Memberships
EUCOR - The European Campus
swissuniversities
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with University of Basel's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
34.0#
Employer Reputation
20.7#
Faculty / Student
70.2#
Citations / Faculty
94.2#
Intl. Faculty
100.0#
Intl. Students
91.4#
Intl. Research Network
90.4#
Employment Outcomes
74.9#
Sustainability
88.4#
#
Key Facts
1460
Founded
12,890 (fall 2025)
Total Students
2,953 (QS)
International Students
1,163 (QS)
Faculty
#158
QS 2026
Popular Programs
Physics
Chemistry
Economics
European Global Studies
Business and Technology
Sustainable Development
Application Details
Application Route
Online, Student Administration
Deadline (Sep)
30 Apr 2027
Deadline (Feb)
30 Nov 2026
Late Application Fee
CHF 150
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
English (English-taught MSc)
|
C1 (CEFR) |
|
TOEFL iBT (MSc Economics)
|
80 |
|
IELTS (MSc Economics)
|
6.0 |
|
German (bachelor)
|
C1 (CEFR) |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
85%
I-20 Processing
D visa + B permit (study)
Post-Study Work
6 months (job-seeking)
Green Card Pathway
Work permit (quota)
Financials
Application Fee
N/A
Avg Scholarship
CHF 25,000 (Chemistry MSc)
Career Outcomes
75%
Placement Ratio
6 months
Post-Study Work
15
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff (QS) — 1,163
International Staff — 64%
—
Notable Alumni
Jacob Bernoulli (mathematician)
Leonhard Euler (mathematician)
Campus & Location
The university is spread across Basel's old town and the city, with its main building at Petersplatz 1 and science buildings such as the Biozentrum nearby. Basel sits on the border with France and Germany.
Campus Details
Sites
across Basel
about
13000 students
Campus Forecast
Warmest (Jul): 15 to 26 C
Coldest (Jan): 1 to 5 C
Climate: Temperate oceanic
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Housing: Student residences and private rental
Dining
Dining: University mensa
Health & Wellness
Health: Mandatory Swiss health insurance (or approved student cover)
Activities & Clubs
University sports
Student associations
Rhine swimming
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students (QS)
8,938
International Students
2,953
Undergraduate
42.2%
Postgraduate
57.8%
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition (all students)
CHF 850 / semester
Doctoral students
CHF 350 / semester
Late application fee
CHF 150
Intakes & Deadlines
Most programmes start in the fall semester (September), and many master's also admit in spring (February). For applicants with foreign degrees, master's programmes such as European Global Studies and Economics list deadlines of 30 April for the fall semester and 30 November for the spring semester. Late applications cost an extra CHF 150.
Scholarships at University of Basel
2 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Secondary leaving certificate (12 years); German C1 advised
Postgraduate
Relevant bachelor's degree; English C1 (e.g. IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80)
English Proficiency
English (English-taught MSc)
TOEFL iBT (MSc Economics)
IELTS (MSc Economics)
German (bachelor)
Required Documents
Passport copy
Secondary school leaving certificate (bachelor)
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript (master)
Academic transcripts with grading scale
English (or German / Italian / French) language certificate
CV and motivation letter
Certified translations if not in English, German, French or Italian
Letter of admission (visa)
Proof of sufficient funds (visa)
Swiss health insurance
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme page for entry requirements, language of instruction and the deadline for applicants who need a visa.
2
Apply online
Submit the online application with transcripts, CV, motivation letter and language certificate, and pay the application fee.
3
Receive admission
Wait for the admission decision and the official letter of admission from the institution.
4
Study visa
Non-EU/EFTA applicants apply for a national D visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate with the admission letter and proof of funds.
5
Arrive and register
Register with the local residents office (commune) within 14 days of arrival to receive a B residence permit for study.
6
Enrol and insure
Pay the semester or term fees, complete enrolment and take out Swiss health insurance within 3 months.
Campus & Location
The university is spread across Basel's old town and the city, with its main building at Petersplatz 1 and science buildings such as the Biozentrum nearby. Basel sits on the border with France and Germany.
Master's
4
University of Basel
📍 Basel
Master's
Physics
University of Basel
📍 Basel
Master's
Chemistry
University of Basel
📍 Basel
Master's
Economics
University of Basel
📍 Basel
Master's
European Global Studies
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