Switzerland is facing a serious lack of doctors, especially in primary health care. However, despite the growing need for health professionals, Swiss universities continue to reject hundreds of students who want to study medicine every year
According to a report World Radio Switzerland, published on October 19, 2026, the Swiss higher education system is facing a paradox: while the country needs more doctors, strict university selection criteria are limiting the number of students who can continue their studies in this area.
One example is the University of Lausanne, where the selection process during the first year of studies is particularly demanding. As a result, many students are forced to repeat the academic year, while others give up their medical studies altogether.
Students who are determined to pursue this profession often choose to leave Switzerland and study at universities abroad.
Switzerland increasingly dependent on foreign doctors
This situation is adding to Swiss health dependence on doctors who have completed schooling and specialisation in neighboring countries, transmit Telegram.
Instead of preparing a larger number of domestic professionals, Switzerland continues to rely on qualified medical personnel outside its borders.
The problem is particularly disturbing in the primary care sector, where the need for general doctors is growing.
The Need for Changes in the Medical Education System
Incompatibility between request for doctors and study opportunities raises questions about university capacities and student selection.
Enhancing access to medical studies can be one of the ways to cope with the lack of health professionals in the future.
The situation shows the challenge facing Switzerland: to provide a sufficient number of doctors for the population, while simultaneously maintaining high standards of education and health care./Telegraphy/