In this guide
Five programmes to make the choice concrete.
Published examples checked in October 2026. IELTS is shown as one accepted certificate, not the only route; academic entry requirements remain separate.
| Programme | Study language | Certificate example | What it means for your family |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEG Geneva · Bachelor in International Business Management | English | B2; IELTS 5.5+ | An English-taught business degree in Geneva. Check the practical-experience entry route too. |
| EHL · Bachelor, French section | French, with English required | Last 3 secondary years mainly taught in French, or a listed certificate such as DALF C1; English IELTS 6.0 overall | French study does not remove the English requirement. Published exemptions depend on prior schooling. |
| USI · Bachelor in Economics | Italian or English core stream | English B2; IELTS 5.5 | Choose the core stream explicitly. Non-native speakers choosing Italian need B2 Italian. |
| USI · Master in Finance | English | B2+; IELTS 6.5 | The language threshold is higher than the Economics Bachelor’s example. A relevant prior degree is also required. |
| Glion · Bachelor in International Hospitality Business, Switzerland | English | IELTS 5.5 overall; at least 5.0 in each skill | Check the certificate date: Glion requires issue within 12 months before programme start, unless exempt. |
A score, an exemption and readiness are different things.
THE CERTIFICATE
Check more than the overall score.
Minimum scores for individual skills, accepted test formats and validity dates can change the result. We check all three against the chosen programme before a test is booked.
THE EXEMPTION
Previous study needs evidence.
For USI’s Master in Finance, a fully English-taught prior Bachelor’s can support an exemption. The application must include an official university document confirming the teaching language.
THE CLASSROOM
Make readiness tangible.
Try a short subject lecture, a course reading and a written summary. Difficulty following arguments or explaining ideas helps identify the preparation needed beyond passing a test.
Three starting points, a practical next step.
- 01
EVIDENCE READY
Build it into the application.
We check the result, date and exemption documentation, then keep the relevant proof with each dossier.
- 02
CONFIDENT, BUT NO CERTIFICATE
Plan the accepted test.
We identify the required test and submission date. Leave room in the schedule for results and a possible retake.
- 03
LANGUAGE PREPARATION NEEDED
Compare a supported route or later intake.
We help identify suitable preparation and confirm how progression works before your family commits to the programme.
Keep everyday life in the decision.
An English-taught degree in Geneva or Lugano still places your child in a French- or Italian-speaking environment. Local-language learning can help with daily life and confidence. At USI, enrolled students can take free Italian, German, French and English language courses outside their curriculum.
Explore universities & schoolsFor our first conversation
- Current and previous languages of schooling.
- Any language certificates, scores and test dates.
- Preferred subjects, degree level and intake.
- Comfort with academic reading, writing and discussion.
YOUR FAMILY, OUR ATTENTION
A shortlist your child is ready to study.
We connect language requirements with programme selection, organise the evidence within the application and identify suitable preparation when needed. You receive a clear view of the available route, timing and decisions, with one point of contact throughout.
Schedule a call with a counselorOfficial sources checked on . Examples apply to the programmes, fee periods and circumstances stated. We confirm the details relevant to your child when building their plan.