The Swiss postgraduate system
Postgraduate diplomas (university continuing education) are issued by universities, EPF/ETH, HES and HEP. They are different from initial programmes. Three levels:
CAS — Certificate of Advanced Studies
- 10–15 ECTS
- Duration: 4–12 months part-time
- Price: CHF 4,000–9,000
- Format: modular, evenings and weekends
- Aim: train on a specific topic
DAS — Diploma of Advanced Studies
- 30 ECTS (≈ 1 full-time year)
- Duration: 12–24 months
- Price: CHF 12,000–22,000
- Combination of several CAS
MAS — Master of Advanced Studies
- 60 ECTS (≈ 2 full-time years)
- Duration: 24–36 months
- Price: CHF 25,000–50,000+
- Includes thesis / final project
- Flagship programmes: MAS HEP (teaching), MAS HEC (finance, management), MAS ETH (architecture, urbanism)
Popular CAS (examples)
- CAS Project Management (HEC, ZHAW, EPFL Innovation Park): CHF 5,000–8,000
- CAS Cybersecurity (HEIG-VD, ETH): CHF 7,000–12,000
- CAS BIM (HEPIA, HEIG-VD): CHF 6,000–9,000
- CAS Medicine and Legislation (UNIGE): CHF 5,000
- CAS HR (HEG Geneva, ZHAW): CHF 6,000–8,000
- CAS Digital Marketing (HEG, HSG): CHF 5,000–9,000
Popular DAS
- DAS Finance and Controlling (HEC): CHF 18,000
- DAS Digital Transformation (HSG, EPFL): CHF 18,000–25,000
- DAS Energy Management (HEIG-VD): CHF 14,000
- DAS Innovation and Entrepreneurship (EPFL): CHF 18,000–22,000
Flagship MAS
- MAS HEP teaching (HEP Lausanne, Zurich): required to teach at secondary level; CHF 25,000–35,000
- MAS in International and Monetary Economics (UNIGE): CHF 35,000
- MAS Real Estate Management (HSG, HEC): CHF 35,000–45,000
- MAS in Architecture (EPFL, ETH): prestigious, CHF 30,000–50,000
- MAS Cybersecurity (ETH, SUPSI): CHF 35,000–50,000
Typical ROI
- CAS: limited salary impact but clear signal of targeted skills (+CHF 5,000–10,000)
- DAS: intermediate (+CHF 10,000–20,000)
- MAS: strong career impact (+CHF 15,000–40,000), recognised equivalent to a master for internal progression
How to choose
- Add a skill without upending your life → CAS
- Change specialty within a related sector → DAS
- Aim for a senior role or career pivot → MAS
- Need an internationally recognised academic title → MAS
Tips
- Check accreditation: all Swiss CAS/DAS/MAS from universities/HES are recognised in Switzerland, but abroad the MAS is best recognised (master equivalent)
- Ask for employer coverage (see dedicated article)
- Claim tax deduction (training deductible up to CHF 12,000–13,000/yr depending on canton)
- Stack multiple CAS to gradually reach DAS or MAS — often more flexible