The Diploma matches the intended university
Focus on the application, language requirements and timely delivery of final results. Your family does not need a Swiss Maturité solely because the IB was taken abroad.
UNDERSTANDING UNIVERSITY ENTRY
Studying in Switzerland with an IB Diploma
An IB total is only part of the picture: subjects and HL/SL choices also matter. We assess your child’s combination and results to identify suitable Swiss universities and the next steps for their application.
Discuss my child’s options
A personal conversation with an admissions counselor.
Selected public university routes · 2026/27
The key entry requirements
Six-subject pattern · Geneva & Basel
- Two languages
- A first language and a second language: two separate subjects.
- Mathematics AA or AI · HL/SL
- Both courses are recognised; HL or SL depends on the university route.
- Biology, chemistry or physics
- At least one natural-science subject. Computer science does not replace this category.
- History, geography, economics or business management
- One accepted humanities or social-science subject.
- A sixth accepted subject
- Another language, science or humanities subject, or computer science or philosophy. Basel also accepts certain other electives.
Grades & admission routes
Universities of Geneva & Basel
32/42 · three HL subjectsAt least one HL must be mathematics, biology, chemistry or physics.
ETH Zurich
38/42 · maths + science + Language A at HLThe science must be physics, chemistry or biology; three further accepted subjects are required. Otherwise, the reduced entrance-exam route applies.
EPFL
38/42 · maths and physics at least 6/7HL: mathematics, physics, and chemistry, biology or computer science. Two modern languages and an accepted humanities subject are also required; places are limited.
What this means for your childThese thresholds count the six subject grades out of 42, without TOK/EE bonus points. A high total does not replace a required subject or level.
See the full university requirementsHOW SWISSADMISSIONS HELPS
Which universities could your child aim for?
You do not have to work through every university’s rules alone. We turn your child’s school record and study plans into a clear way forward.
Discuss my child’s optionsCheck the academic fit
We assess the diploma, subjects and grades against the requirements of the intended programmes.
Identify suitable universities
We build a shortlist around your child’s academic profile, interests and preferred teaching language.
Plan the next steps
We prepare the application with you. If something is missing, we explain the accepted alternatives and preparation options.
A closer look at the requirements
Explore the detail below, or let us review how it applies to your child.
Compare university requirements · 2026/27
The full IB Diploma can provide a direct route to a Swiss university. Admission depends on the six subjects, their levels and their results together. A total quoted out of 45 can be misleading: the university thresholds below exclude the three bonus points for Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.
| University | What to check |
|---|---|
| University of Geneva | At least 32/42 without bonus points and an accepted six-subject combination; three HL subjects, including mathematics or a natural science. The university also specifies continuous study during the final two years of the Diploma. Official requirements |
| University of Basel | At least 32/42 excluding bonus points, with the required six subject categories and three HL subjects including mathematics or a natural science. Basel lists some additional permitted sixth-subject electives under its own admission rules. Official requirements |
| ETH Zurich | For admission without an exam: 38/42, with HL mathematics, a natural science and Language A, plus three accepted additional subjects. Otherwise the published route is the reduced entrance examination. The full subject list remains decisive. Official requirements |
| EPFL | The standard foreign-applicant route requires 38/42, at least 6/7 in mathematics and physics, and HL mathematics, physics and chemistry, biology or computer science. Two modern languages and an accepted humanities subject are also required. Selection applies within available places. Official requirements |
Selected public university examples, not a complete admission decision. The full subject combinations, language requirements, application deadlines and programme rules still apply. Medicine has separate restrictions. Universities of applied sciences (HES/FH), private and hospitality schools assess applicants under their own policies. Recheck the conditions for your intended intake.
Considering an applied university, business or hospitality school?
Applied universities (HES/FH), private and hospitality schools have their own entry requirements, which may include practical experience. We assess your child’s record to identify suitable options across these institutions.
What can your family do next?
Subjects or levels can still be changed
Review options with the school before the timetable is fixed. Compare the impact across the whole university shortlist: moving a language from HL to SL, for example, can change which routes remain available.
The final profile falls short
Identify whether the problem is points, a particular grade, an unaccepted subject or its level. Check accepted retakes or another qualification with the university before booking courses. ETH’s exam route must not be assumed to exist under the same conditions at EPFL or a cantonal university.
Documents and common questions
Have these documents ready
- The complete subject list, with HL/SL, Language A/B and the mathematics course specified.
- Reports covering the two Diploma years and current predicted grades, if available.
- The final IB award and subject results, with bonus points shown separately.
- The intended university shortlist, study language and any language certificates.
Questions parents ask
Does 35/45 automatically meet a 32-point requirement?
Check the subject-only total. If three points are bonuses, the six subjects total 32. That can meet the numerical threshold, but only alongside the required subjects, levels and other conditions.
Can any six IB subjects be used?
No. A combination that earns the IB Diploma can still fail a university’s required categories. Arts or other electives should be checked individually before replacing a language, science or humanities subject.
Can an IB student with missing requirements take the EPFL exam?
Not as a general fallback. EPFL restricts exam access; its published exceptions include Swiss applicants and certain applicants residing and studying in Switzerland for professional or parental employment reasons. Verify the exact status before arranging preparation.
Sources and scope
Bachelor admission requirements for 2026/27, checked on 4 October 2026.
These references cover the stated academic year. Check the rules for your intended intake when they are published. Meeting an academic threshold does not guarantee a place.
PERSONAL ADMISSIONS SUPPORT
Let’s review your child’s options
Tell us about their school background and what they want to study. We will help clarify the entry requirements, identify suitable universities and organise the application.