With blockchain being such a hot topic, there are more and more opportunities popping up everywhere to start a career in blockchain. It is a great time to learn more about blockchain technology as companies are scrambling for talent in this field. We took a look at some of the blockchain courses in Switzerland and selected a few of our favorites.
Blockchain Programs in Switzerland
Switzerland has been a blockchain hub since early one. Some of the most reputable blockchain companies have started or settled in the mountain country. The Swiss early on realized the potential for blockchain and crypto and some Cantons decided to provide favorable tax benefits to attract some of the top crypto and blockchain companies. The prime example for this is the Canton of Zug, also know as Crypto Valley. Where better to learn about blockchain than in Switzerland?
Why learn about Blockchain?
Blockchain is the future. The technology is emerging quickly and will change the way many companies will conduct business. The technology, however, is quite complex. In order to understand it takes time and passion to study it.
Blockchain, smart contracts and cryptocurrencies are a part of digitalization. Having extended knowledge about the technology and the way it can be used will give you a competitive edge over your peers and will make you stand out in the job market.
And the market is in need of talent. With billions of dollars of investment going into blockchain companies there is money, but not enough people who understand the business.
Why in Switzerland?
Have you heard of Ethereum, Cardano and Internet Computer (ICP)? Yes, they are all based in Switzerland. Some of the most influential blockchain and web 3 companies are based here. Most of them in Crypto Valley in Canton Zug, but also in the Zurich region.
You can see that there is a lot of knowledge in this small country and great connections to be made. Many of the instructors of the courses offered in Switzerland are current or former founders and employees of some of some of the biggest blockchain companies. Wouldn’t you want to learn from them?
What is a CAS?
Switzerland offers several CAS programs in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies.
What is a CAS you ask?
CAS stands for Certificate of Advanced Studies. The studies contain 10 ECTS credits and more and are structured to be visited along side work or part-time with a special focus. Anyone who completed a Bachelors degree or a few years of work experience is qualified to do a CAS.
What careers are there in Blockchain?
There is a huge need for every type of career in blockchain. Not just developers are needed. Blockchain, NFTs and the Metaverse attract so much money and so many companies, that there is a complete lack of qualified and talented people in the space. Businesses are fighting over the tight talent pool and are spending a lot of money to hire their employees.
Following fields are desperately needed in the blockchain industry (not a full list):
- Marketing
- Legal
- Data Science
- Business Development
- Sales
- Smart Contract Developers
- PR Specialist
- Community Manager
The Top Swiss Blockchain Programs
Many Swiss schools are now offering blockchain courses. Here are our favorites.
1. ZHAW – School of Management and Law
CAS Blockchain
- Type: CAS Blockchain (12 ECTS)
- Cost: CHF 8,000
- Duration: unknown
- Language: German
- Location: Winthertur, Zurich
The course is based on learning the principles of blockchain and on case studies. In the course Blockchain-based business applications are tested for their practicality and analyzed independently, with the goal of developing own Blockchain projects.
The necessary analysis and innovation methodology is developed with the think tank Dezentrum, co-founder of the Zurich Blockchain Hub Trust Square.
2. FFHS – Fernfachhochschule Schweiz
CAS Blockchain
- Type: CAS Blockchain (10 ECTS)
- Cost: CHF 4’550
- Duration: 1 Semester
- Language:German
- Location: Bern, Zurich
The FFHS offers a great blockchain course that is based on a blended learning model which isa mixture of e-learning, self-studying and in-person classes. This program is cheaper than most, but it includes 80% self-study.
Nevertheless, the classes are lead by Malik El Bay, former co-founder of the blockchain companies Modum and Flatastic and the school has ties to Crypto Valley Association and Trust Square in Zurich. With such a great team, this makes for a great program.
3. HSLU – Hochschule Luzern
CAS Blockchain
- Type: CAS Blockchain (15 ECTS)
- Cost: CHF 7,900
- Duration: 6 months
- Language: German
- Location: Rotkreuz
The CAS of the Hochschule Luzern focuses around the basics of blockchain, business models as well as legal and compliance. The program includes a field trip to Liechtenstein.
HSLU has one of the oldest blockchain programs in Switzerland and as a founder of the Crypto Valley Association has deep ties into Crypto Valley and the crypto industry in general.
The highlight of this program is an optional trip to Singapore (not included in cost).
4. UZH – University of Zurich
CAS Blockchain
- Type: CAS Blockchain (10 ECTS)
- Duration: 4 months
- Cost: CHF 8,500
- Language: English
- Location: University of Zurich
The blockchain program of the University of Zurich is one of the few English programs in Switzerland. The approach of UZH tends to be more scientific and philosophic than practical. Nevertheless, the course states that it intends to prepare you to launch your own blockchain project.
5. HSLU – Hochschule Luzern
CAS Crypto Finance & Cryptocurrencies
- Type: CAS Finance & Cryptocurrencies (12 ECTS)
- Cost: CHF 8,800
- Duration: 6 months
- Language: German
- Location: Rotkreuz
This course by Hochschule Luzern is a deep dive into crypto finance and cryptocurrencies. In this course you will learn everything from blockchain technology to crypto assets, cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance, digital banking and compliance and regulations.
HSLU has one of the oldest blockchain programs in Switzerland and as a founder of the Crypto Valley Association has deep ties into Crypto Valley and the crypto industry in general.
The highlight of this program is an optional trip to Singapore (not included in cost).
Final thoughts
There are many more blockchain programs in Switzerland and Europe. If you are serious about taking a course, you might also want to look into online courses. They might be cheaper as the cost of the above listed programs is significant.