A two-year English MSc in Global Health at the University of Geneva - contemporary health issues from an interdisciplinary, international perspective.
What is a master's in global health in Switzerland?
A master's in global health in Switzerland is an English-taught postgraduate degree - 2 years - that builds advanced expertise in global health. It is open to graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree, and leads to global health, international organisations, health policy and diplomacy.
Global Health at a glance
| Degree | Master's degree (MSc) |
|---|---|
| Field | Global health |
| Language | English |
| Typical duration | 2 years |
| Location | Switzerland |
| Universities | University of Geneva |
Why Switzerland?
Switzerland is a global-health powerhouse - Geneva (a hub of health governance) and the Swiss TPH with Basel - offering English master's at world-leading institutions.
About this programme
The MSc in Global Health (MScGH) at the University of Geneva is a two-year, English-taught programme examining contemporary health issues from interdisciplinary and international perspectives - in a city that is a hub of global-health governance (WHO, the Global Fund, and more).
It combines public health, policy, economics and social science to prepare graduates to work on health challenges worldwide.
It suits medical and health-science graduates aiming for careers in global health, international organisations and policy.
Course structure & how it works
A taught master's in global health in Switzerland is 2 years. It combines taught modules - covering areas such as global health and governance, epidemiology and the determinants of health, health economics and policy - with an independent research project or dissertation, typically worth 60-120 credits (ECTS). Most programmes start in September or October, and some universities also run a January intake. Teaching, assessment and supervision are all in English.
What you'll typically study
Programmes like this generally cover the areas below. The exact modules are set by University of Geneva and confirmed each intake.
- Global health and governance
- Epidemiology and the determinants of health
- Health economics and policy
- Health systems worldwide
- Interdisciplinary global-health research
Entry requirements
To apply for a master's in global health in Switzerland, you'll typically need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree - usually a good second class (about 60%+ in an Indian degree)
- Proof of English, typically IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent (sometimes waived for English-medium degrees)
- Official academic transcripts and your degree certificate
- A statement of purpose setting out your goals
- Two references (letters of recommendation)
- A CV; some programmes value relevant clinical or research experience
Requirements vary by university and intake - we confirm the exact criteria for your shortlist, free.
How to apply - step by step
- 1Shortlist - we match your background and budget to the right universities in Switzerland.
- 2Prepare your documents - transcripts, English test, statement of purpose and references.
- 3Apply to your chosen universities (applications go directly to each university, often on a rolling basis).
- 4Receive and accept your offer, and pay any deposit to hold your place.
- 5Apply for your student visa, then arrange travel, insurance and accommodation.
- 6Enrol and begin your master's.
Who it's for
Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global-health, international-organisation or policy careers.
Where it leads
Global health, international organisations, health policy and diplomacy.
Fees, funding & careers in Switzerland
Tuition & fees
Swiss public-university tuition is famously low (a few hundred to ~CHF 2,000/semester), though living costs are high. Confirmed per programme.
Scholarships & funding
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and university/institute awards.
Job opportunities
Opens global-health, policy and research careers near WHO and other international organisations, with elite qualifications.
Opens global-health, policy and research careers near major international organisations (WHO and others), with elite, globally respected qualifications.
Entry & English
Entry is typically a relevant bachelor's degree plus proof of English (usually around IELTS 6.5). Exact prerequisites, fees and start dates are set by the university each intake - we confirm them for your profile before you apply.
These are taught postgraduate (master's / PhD) programmes in health and medical sciences - for research, public health, health management and academic careers. They are not clinical specialisation / residency, which in Europe is conducted in the national language and is largely restricted for non-EU doctors. For clinical PG, most Indian doctors return to India via NEET-PG.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a master's in global health in Switzerland?+
A master's in global health in Switzerland takes 2 years. A master's combines taught modules with a research project or dissertation.
Is a master's in global health in Switzerland taught in English?+
Yes - it is delivered fully in English. English-medium schooling or an IELTS/TOEFL score (around 6.5) usually satisfies the language requirement.
Can I become a specialist doctor (cardiologist, surgeon, radiologist...) with this degree?+
No. Clinical specialisation - cardiology, surgery, radiology, psychiatry, paediatrics and the rest - is achieved through specialist (residency) training in hospital training posts, governed by the national medical council, not through a taught master's. This taught master's degree builds research and academic expertise in global health and related fields; it does not grant a licence to practise as a specialist. For clinical specialisation, most Indian doctors train in India via NEET-PG.
How much does a master's in global health in Switzerland cost?+
Swiss public-university tuition is famously low (a few hundred to ~CHF 2,000/semester), though living costs are high. Confirmed per programme. We confirm the exact figure for your shortlisted programme before you apply.
Are scholarships available for a master's in global health in Switzerland?+
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and university/institute awards.
Can I work in Switzerland after a master's in global health in Switzerland?+
Opens global-health, policy and research careers near WHO and other international organisations, with elite qualifications.
How is a master's in global health in Switzerland structured?+
It combines taught modules with an independent research project or dissertation. A taught master's is 2 years, worth roughly 60-120 credits (ECTS), usually starting in September/October (some universities also run a January intake). You'll typically cover global health and governance, epidemiology and the determinants of health, health economics and policy, then complete a supervised project.
What are the entry requirements for a master's in global health in Switzerland in Switzerland?+
Typically a relevant bachelor's degree - a good second class (roughly 60%+ in an Indian degree) - plus proof of English (usually IELTS 6.5-7.0), academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and references. Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global-health, international-organisation or policy careers. Exact prerequisites are set per university each intake, and we confirm the current requirements for your profile.
How do I apply for a master's in global health in Switzerland in Switzerland, and when?+
You apply directly to the university. Start about 9-12 months ahead: shortlist programmes, prepare your transcripts, English test and statement of purpose, then apply - many universities admit on a rolling basis until places fill. We manage the shortlist, applications and timeline with you.
Is a postgraduate degree from Switzerland recognised in India?+
Yes - it is a recognised European qualification, valued for academic, research and health-sector careers. It does not by itself grant clinical registration in India (that follows the separate NMC/DCI route). We explain exactly how this degree fits your goals before you commit.
What careers can a master's in global health in Switzerland lead to?+
Global health, international organisations, health policy and diplomacy. We help you plan the route - academic, clinical-academic, industry or a PhD - that fits your goals.
Interested in this programme?
Tell us your background and we'll check your eligibility and confirm the current fees, entry requirements and intake dates - free and honest.