Application and admission process

Either

For direct MSc admission:  Our MSc programs require the minimum of a successfully earned bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM discipline (in Computer Science for the MSc CSSEL or in Physics for the MSc QSECS), or in near STEM disciplines with solid demonstrated performance in quantitative courses and a demonstrated understanding of fundamentals in Computer Science (theory and coding).

A Mathematics major with a Computer Science minor, or a Physics graduate who has high interest and coding experience, for example, would each qualify for direct admission to the MSc (CSSEL or QSECS, respectively).

OR

A bachelor’s degree in a near-STEM discipline related to computer science, or a Minor in Computer Science (or equivalent learning).
Demonstrated success in quantitative university courses with work experience in a relevant tech role is an advantage.

Following an initial review, these applicants will likely be encouraged to enroll in the 16-week Pre-Master program online (at no additional cost).

Our Pre-Master Program provides a bridge for highly motivated candidates who do not yet have sufficient preparation in Computer Science. The is a Certificate program (similar to a Minor in Computer Science) that ensures adequate preparation for the rigorous master’s program ahead.  See more on our Pre-Master Program page.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, reach out to us in Admissions and we can provide you with adequate guidance.  We encourage you to send a scan of your transcript, if you would like to have our initial recommendation about your eligibility. 

You will be prompted in our online application to submit the following documents*, which are required to complete your application:

• University transcripts:  upload a high-quality scan of your most updated transcripts or official mark sheets of completed semesters with grades earned (be sure to include the explanation page of the school’s grading system, if applicable).
  
  An unofficial scanned copy may be adequate for provisional admission.  An official copy will be required at orientation for those who enroll.
• Diploma(s): submit a scanned copy of any prior university-level diplomas earned (this can be waived if the official transcript clearly notes the date of successful graduation).
• CV (or Résume):  This should include your current and prior academic and professional experience (with any co-curricular and voluntary activities, if relevant, to demonstrate maturity and leadership).  It is encouraged to include any programming experience (formal or informal) in a section that lists your skills.
• Motivation letter:  A letter (1 page, maximum) explaining your academic and/or professional goals, special interests for studying topics in the MSc, your reasons for seeking the degree, and any exceptional qualities or motivation at this stage in your learning journey.
• Proof of English language proficiency:  Include your scanned results of an English language proficiency exam or language certificate.  This can be waived for native English speakers whose prior education was in English at an accredited university.  See further details below.
• Proof of identity: Provide a clean scan of a government-issued national ID (CH and EU) or full scan of passport photo page (for non-EU citizens).

Also recommended, in further support of your candidacy, you may also add:

• Recommendation letter(s):  You can provide general letters of recommendation from your prior professors or manager from your internship or job. Please ensure they are unique, signed and authentic before scanning to us.
  
  * NOTE:  your CV and motivation letter must be in English, all other documents can also be submitted in English or in Swiss official languages (German, French, Italian). Alternatively, you should provide official translations to English.
  
  Provisional admissions decisions based upon unofficial scanned copies of originals must be validated with original copies upon enrolment (at orientation, we will make a copy and return originals to you).

This program is conducted entirely in English, covering all aspects of communication:  reading, writing, and speaking.  If you have previously taken an official English language test, we encourage you to scan your results in your application to support your application.  We provide the following as general guidelines for recommended scores:

• TOEFL*:  90
• IELTS**:  6.5
• Duolingo:  120
• Cambridge (or similar):  B2/C1

Official scores of IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or Cambridge Exams are accepted.   
*  To send your official TOEFL score report, our institutional code is D927) 
** CIT can validate your score online with the IELTS reporting service. 

If you have an alternate examination result, a personal interview with one of our academic representatives may serve to support your application, as your level of English proficiency will also be assessed during the admissions interview. 

Admissions Application Fee

No fee before January 31, 2025

90 CHF starting February1, 2025

Tuition Fees

• Master of Science Program:  30,000 CHF per year includes all academic info such as e-books, study center access, online course materials, and dozens of CIT-sponsored events (from guest speakers to social activities). Accommodation and other personal expenses are not included.
• Pre-Master Program (Foundations of IT Certificate Program, 4 months Online Certificate, 24 ECTS):  5,000 CHF *
  
  *  Pre-Master Program Credit 
  Tuition fees paid for the Pre-Master program will be deducted from the first year of the Master’s program tuition (they will apply as a credit toward the invoice for those who enroll in the MSc).

Early Bird Reduction (for MSc tuition)

• Apply by January 31st to secure our tuition rates for 2024, before our rates increase  
  CHF 10’000 for CH and EU citizens 
  CHF 20’000 for non-EU citizens
• Plus, save 10% on the first-year’s annual tuition fees by submitting your application before January 31st

Academic Scholarships

Candidates who apply by the advertised deadlines will receive priority consideration in the post-admission review process for academic merit-based tuition scholarships.  These awards are in the form of partial tuition awards, a % rate of reduced tuition (20%, 33%, 50%, and will be reflected on prospective tuition invoices).

A limited number of highly competitive full tuition academic scholarships are also available each year.  As decisions are made on a rolling basis, priority is given to those who apply early.

An enrolment deposit is used to guarantee a place in the program and secures the scholarship award offer. 

Tuition Payment Schedule

• Application fee:  to be paid upon review (before admissions interview)
• Deposit: 1,000 CHF upon acceptance of offer (within a few weeks).  This is applied as a credit and will appear as a reduction on the first year tuition invoice.
• First Payment: Before the first term begins (by end of September)
• Second Payment: Before the second term begins (by end of January) 

January 31st - Early Bird Application Deadline

New tuition rates for 2025-26 have been published.  Applicants who submit a completed application for Fall 2025 by this date will benefit from the current tuition rates (for the Academic Year 2024-25), with the added benefit of a 10% early bird discount.

March 15th – Priority Application Deadline #1 (Scholarship priority)

Candidates who apply by 15 March will receive priority consideration in the application review process for academic merit-based, partial-tuition scholarships.  Priority is given to those who submit a completed application by this priority deadline. Awards will only be granted thereafter, on a rolling basis, if funding remains available.

These awards are in the form of a percentage (%) rate of reduced tuition and are reflected on students' prospective tuition invoices). A limited number of highly competitive full tuition academic scholarships are also made available each year.  There is no separate application for consideration of merit-based scholarship support.

May 31st – Priority Application Deadline #2 (Student visa priority)

Applications from international students beyond this date will only be possible on a space-available basis.  For those whose visa is still in process in September, exceptions to the arrival date may be granted on a case-by-case basis.  

July 15th – Final Application Deadline (Swiss and EU)

Applications will be accepted after 15 July on a space-available basis. 

Interview

For candidates whose completed applications appear to meet the minimum for the MSc in terms of prior quantitative course work (or potentially the Pre-Master Program) will be invited for an admissions interview.

Interviews include a technical component (20 minutes oral), to assess the applicant’s exposure and familiarity within the field of Computer Science, and to validate English communication proficiency.

Our team will provide information about what to expect and how to prepare for the interview.  It is also your opportunity to ask questions of our staff and faculty.

Some MSc candidates will be recommended for the Pre-Master Program (at no additional cost, as Pre-Master fees are deducted from the first year of MSc tuition).

Enrollment Steps

Following an offer of admission, a confirmation deposit of 1’000 CHF is requested to secure your place in the program.  This is applied toward your first tuition invoice, and allows us to release student visa invitation letters for those who will join from beyond the EU.  

Our handbook for new students will provide additional details about housing, logistics for arrivals, orientation and what to expect for orientation and life in Schaffhausen will be provided in further detail upon deposit, and during the 3-month period prior to the program start.

International (non-EU) students

Our team will support you with the necessary documentation and steps to make a strong application for your student visa at the Swiss embassy where you officially reside (generally this is in your country of citizenship unless you have a residence permit abroad).

The student visa can then be converted to a Swiss student residence permit (we will guide you through these steps, as you will need to complete a form and report to the local offices to declare your arrival).

Start Dates

CIT follows the academic calendars of the Swiss public universities, with the first week of courses beginning in mid-September each year.  The pre-Master runs for four months online, beginning in February.   See our current academic calendar for a sample of the typical academic year structure.