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Home / Study in Switzerland: A Guide for International Students
Jan 30, 2025
Considering studying abroad and wondering about the prospects of living in Switzerland? Here is a complete guide for your study abroad plan in Switzerland. This blog details vital and minute information international students need to take forward their Swiss dreams.
Besides being an Alpine paradise and owning an unbeatable Swiss brand of high-quality chocolates, Switzerland also boasts a top-class higher education system. The country has been successfully guarding its position in the global best education system ranking. Switzerland has a long-established status of higher education excellence, going way back to 1460 when the country's oldest university (University of Basel) was founded. If you are looking for an education system that advocates a global perspective, innovation, environment autonomy of research and most of all - Top-class quality education, Switzerland is your No.1 bet. The country offers the best breeding ground for studies in tech, hospitality and finance. Offering an attractive standard of living and exceptional career services, the country remains the prime choice for international students continuously.
Before exploring the top reasons, here's a peek into the country's global ranking across diverse aspects:
Overall ranking as a country - No.1
Ranking in Education and Skills Training-No.3
Ranking in Racial Equity-No.6
Ranking in Quality of Life-No 5
Ranking in Women Safety-No. 2
Ranking in Career Start - No 5
Ranking in Open for Business - No. 2
Ranking in Green Living - No. 9
World-Class education system: The decision to study abroad is only sensible when you are going for the world's best. Switzerland boasts a top-class education system, with several Swiss educational institutions and Universities consistently ranking top at the global level. The education system in the country is renowned for its high-standard and active-learning-based pedagogy. With Swiss education synonymous with precision and quality, international students are in for a competitive edge in the global job market with a Swiss University degree. Students can expect to experience an innovative learning environment where students/researchers are allowed the freedom to explore their potential and grow in a globally-driven educational space.
Safest Country: One primary factor that international students seek for their overseas education is safety. Switzerland is your best bet, with the country earning its top place in the global safety ranking. The country follows strict gun rules and has low crime rates. International students can easily feel at home and safe in this country's peaceful environment, whether for their studies or exploring the country's magnificent landscape.
Research Excellence: Swiss universities are highly focused on research and development, and their researches are known for excellence. The country makes heavy investments in research and development in the areas of engineering, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Most universities partner with multinational companies, which is an advantageous opportunity for students to engage in competitive and cutting-edge projects. This also gives exposure to the opportunities to explore some of the world's leading companies while studying.
Scholarships and Financial aid: Financial constraints often limit students from pursuing higher education. This factor can be easily taken care of with numerous scholarships and financial aid available for your study abroad in Switzerland. International students can avail of the variety of scholarships that are offered by the Swiss government, individual organizations or universities. The scholarships are provided based on merit and financial burden.
Exposure to multi-language, culture and diversity: Your experience in Switzerland will be one that is colourful and varied, which are invaluable additions to your life and knowledge. Switzerland recognizes four languages as the official language, Romansh, Italian and German. People in Switzerland speak these four languages along with English. This variety allows students interested in learning different languages a great opportunity. The country is diverse both culturally and geographically, with over two million people living in this country, speaking a variety of languages and practising varied cultures.
Studying in Switzerland will be a wholesome experience for international students. One can safely say, it's a terrific decision to go with Switzerland for higher studies. From gaining a globally respected degree to living a high-quality life and gaining exposure to a diverse culture, all at a reasonable cost should convince you enough to proceed with your Swiss education aspiration.
International students can expect multiple education courses, training opportunities and a diverse range of pathways in Switzerland. Higher education institutions and universities generally offer diverse and comprehensive courses. International students having the requisite qualifications can choose the pathway of their choice. They must also be equally proficient in the language of the course instruction.
The country boasts 12 public universities, 2 federal institutes of technology and enumerable private universities and educational institutions. The higher education institutions/Universities in Switzerland are of different kinds. International students may expect to experience typically four different types:
The program and entrance requirements to these different universities vary based on the type. International applicants must have a qualification that is equivalent to the Swiss Matura to be eligible for a higher education program in any Swiss institute/university. Every university or institution is allowed and granted the right to lay out its own terms. For instance, some universities may mandate an entrance examination as one of the determining criteria in the event of a school certificate not being sufficient to prove the student's eligibility.
It should excite you to learn that there are over 3000 degree programs available in Switzerland. International students can gain exposure to any study program they like, provided they fulfil the required criteria. For a master's level degree program, a student must have a bachelor's degree. Some universities may also require the applicants to submit an updated curriculum vitae and motivation letters as a part of the application procedure.
The education system in Switzerland is highly regarded for the impact of the research outputs and its student-centric pedagogy. The higher education in this country follows the Bologna process and study programs are divided into three cycles - Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees.
The grading system is based on the Bologna ECTS credits - European Credit Transfer and Accumulation system. This allows international students to easily transfer their Swiss qualifications to their home institutes.
Swiss Bachelor's Degree: A Bachelor's degree in Switzerland is usually completed within three years with an award of 180 ECTS. The program instruction language varies depending on the program, universities and location.
Bachelor of Business Administration | Bachelor's in Computer Science
Swiss Master's Degrees:
Students can complete their master's degree in Switzerland in one or two years with an award of 90-120 ECTS credits. International students can go for English-taught programs and do not necessarily require prior knowledge of French, German, Italian or Romansh. The master's program in Switzerland typically features advanced knowledge and practical modules. Most of the master's programs will require students to work on a project study in groups or independently and produce a dissertation by the end of the program.
Master in Computer Science | Master of Business Administration
Doctoral Degree in Switzerland:
Doctorate programs usually span 3 to 4 years and are typically awarded by traditional universities. Such programs are research-based and require students to conduct independent research. The program will lead to the award of 240 ECTS credits.
Doctorate In Business Administration | Doctorate In Computer Science
The quality of education and high academic standards across the universities and institutions are drawn on the fact that students are expected to work hard and give as much effort as the opportunities, infrastructures and matchless study experience. Hence, international students must also be prepared to give their best.
ETH Zurich: Situated in the city of Zurich, this university ranks 7th in the QS World University rankings, in 2025, ranks 11th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, and stands 20th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2023. Nobel Prize laureate Albert Einstein and many more laureates accounting for over 20 are products of this esteemed university. The University is reputed for its excellence in science and technology, having made key contributions to the research in science and tech.
EIMT Switzerland: European Institute of Management and Technology is another top institute that specializes in business management and technology disciplines like Computer Science. The institution is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and robust digital amenities, offering an optimal study environment for students. EIMT has set a high benchmark by enabling Swiss quality training accessible globally through its online opportunities, other than its On-campus study programs. Located in the canton of Zug, EIMT reigns as one of the top higher education institutions that offer innovative and practical learning experiences.
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne: Home to international students of about 112 different nationalities, this university breeds some of the world's best engineers and natural science students. With 5 different campuses Genève, Fribourg, Valais, Neuchâtel and Lausanne as the main campus, this university specializes in engineering and natural science research and research output.
University of Bern: Located in the capital city of Switzerland, Bern, this university is another remarkable global top-ranking university. Its academic excellence has also attracted several international students. With a history of having prestigious faculty members, like Albert Einstein, Anna Tumarkin, etc. this university is constantly listed among the top 200 universities in the world.
University of Basel: The oldest university in the country, it is also one of the oldest surviving universities in the world. It is another university in the country that hosts numerous international students. There are seven faculties in this varsity - humanities and social sciences, science, theology, law, psychology, business and economics, and medicine.
University of Lausanne: Another highly international in its character with international students accounting for one-fifth of the student population and one-third of its faculty from abroad. The university focuses on an interdisciplinary approach and practices close student and staff relationships.
Besides these universities, there are other excellent higher education institutions across the country that are listed in the world's global ranking. Some of them are
International students considering Swiss study abroad must know there is no centralized application system. Applicants are allowed to apply directly to their target universities through their official websites. However, regardless of the university, applicants must bear the application cost of up to 500 CHF. The admission requirement will vary and depend on the university one applies. In Swiss public universities, the deadline for application is 30 April of the academic year the student wants to begin their University. Each university has its own application opening dates. Public universities do not necessarily require applicants to submit a cover letter. The key documents required include:
The key qualifications to be eligible for study in different degree programs are:
Bachelor program: Upper-secondary school- leaving certificate which is equivalent to Swiss Matura/Maturité/Maturità. Applicants may refer to the university's websites to check the validity of their certificate.
Master’s program: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised/ accredited university in a specific field of study.
Doctoral program: A master’s degree from a recognised/ accredited university in a relevant field of study.
Language Proficiency: International students may have to submit proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction for the program they choose.
The admission process for private universities will differ from the regular public universities, UASAs or UTEs. Private universities usually keep a flexible timeline for intake and have multiple application deadlines around the year, which is similar to the American rolling admission application process.
International students must refer to and check individual university websites and fulfil the requirements specific to the university they are choosing. Although, a little more flexible, the process can be a little more demanding in private universities. Often students are required to submit additional documents including motivation or personal statements furnishing the purpose of the study and how the program will help in their careers, recommendation letters from previous institutes, aptitude tests and interviews.
Tuition fees in Swiss public universities are considerably reasonable, unlike the high cost of living. However, one must note that the cost of studying in higher education institutions in Switzerland will vary depending on the student's nationality, field of study, and degree program. Some programs like MBA, EMBA and Medical degrees cost significantly higher.
The cost of studying in Switzerland will be impacted by a few factors, including the location of the institution/university, university choice and program of study. Private universities are a little more expensive than the public universities, however, the cost compensates to the kind of quality and standard of training the private institutions offer. The Tuition fees in private universities as mentioned are usually higher than the public universities. The fees can go up to 43,000 EUR in a year. The placement and job opportunities right after the study program makes it a worthy investment, and helps in quick recovering of the study expenses incurred.
Foreign students coming to study in Switzerland must obtain a valid student VISA to live in the country. The procedure for securing a student visa depends on the student's nationality.
Short-term/Type C Visa: This type of Visa allows students to stay for a short duration of up to 90 days. Students coming to the country for exchange programs, seminars, conferences, summer schools or other short-term courses must obtain this C-type visa.
Long-term/Type D Visa: Students coming to the country for extended study programs or work must obtain a long-term visa with comes with an inclusive Schengen visa for one year which can later be extended.
For EU/EFTA/EEA Nationals
Students belonging to European nations are exempted from the need to have a student visa to live and study in Switzerland. However, they will be required to register themselves with the local authorities in the city/region to obtain a residence permit. This registration must be completed within 14 days of the student's arrival in the city. Additionally, EU nationals are required to prove the purpose of their arrival in Switzerland by providing the university's/institution's acceptance letter including medical insurance coverage for the whole duration of their study.
International students belonging to non-EU/EEA countries must secure a valid student visa to be permitted to enter, stay and live in the country for their academic pursuits. To do this, students must visit the nearest Swiss consulate in their country of residence and book an appointment for a student visa. Students are advised to complete this visa process well in advance prior to the course commencements to ensure timely arrival to the country.
Depending on the Swiss consulate in your local country, you may be also required to submit all the above documents in other languages like French, German or Italian.
The fees for a Swiss student visa typically cost between 90 to 225 EUR. However, the rate may differ depending on the student's nationality and the type of visa one is applying for. Additionally, the local consulate in your home country may ask for additional charges as processing or service fee. The visa processing usually takes about 8 to 12 weeks within the day of the application form submission. There may be some slight variations depending on the visa type or the consulate. Owing to the heavy workload, the consulate may take longer. It is recommended that students proceed with their visa application process as soon as they get the confirmation and receive the acceptance letter from the Swiss institute. This will ensure your timely arrival to the country for your study program.
International students may also have to pay additional charges as fees for processing the residence permit. The residence permit cost may be between 60 to 165 EUR. The cost again will vary depending on the region/canton (state)/city where the student will be residing. Some cantons may charge additional fees. International students arriving in Switzerland must ensure completing the residence permit process within 2 to 4 weeks of their arrival. The process duration here again is conditional upon the specific canton and the number of applications the cantons are handling.
Every international student coming to live and study in Switzerland must obtain a residence permit regardless of the visa type they are granted. This permit is essential for carrying out daily activities while living in the country. Upon their arrival to the country, the student's priority is to submit the residence permit application at the registration office of their place of residence or the municipality where the student will be residing during the study program duration, popularly called Kreisbüro or Gemeindeamt.
Living in Switzerland can be a little expensive, particularly for international students belonging to non-EU/EFTA/EEA nations. The daily expenses and other costs may vary depending on the canton/city you reside. Cities like Bern, Zurich, Basel and Geneva are the most expensive places not just in the country but the whole of Europe. The daily cost and expenses will also depend largely on the type of accommodation you choose.
University dorms are a more reasonable and affordable alternative to the costly rented houses.
International students have to make adjustments and follow some smart hacks to cut down on the cost of living in Switzerland. If you choose to live off-campus, sharing apartments is an ideal option. Careful budgeting and exploring options like subsidies for students and discounts are ideal options for managing their expenses while living in the country. Besides, there are several financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students that can help support the student's educational and living expenses. The table below will give you an idea of how much an international typically spends living in Switzerland.
| Budget Head | Monthly (CHF) | Yearly (CHF) |
| Tuition Fees | Varies from University to University | |
| Supplies | 100 | 1,200 |
| Accommodation | 700 | 8,400 |
| Food | 600 | 7,200 |
| Clothes & Personal Items | 150 | 1,800 |
| Health Insurance | 90 | 1,080 |
| Transportation (Subscription) | 60 | 720 |
| Others (Internet, Phone, Billag) | 150 | 1,800 |
| Total | 1,850 | 22,200 |
The above budget breakdown is only an average. It can be lesser or higher depending on the kind of accommodation a student chooses, and several other factors. Some universities in Switzerland offer on-campus accommodation, which is an affordable option and an excellent opportunity for students to socialize among themselves.
The most popular cities among international students include Geneva, Basel, Zurich, and Lausanne. Living costs in these cities are considerably higher than in other regions/cantons. The rental prices for students in these cities are different and also depend on the location/ area of the city you reside. The standard rent charges in these cities are
Getting around the city: Switzerland is known for its reliable and efficient public transportation system. There are various modes of public transportation, including trams, trains, boats and buses. These public transport facilities make going around the city easy and affordable for students. Additionally, there are student discounts and transport passes that make it even more beneficial for students. The easy connectivity of cities and other neighboring countries enables students to explore the country and other regions well within their budget.
While the cost of living may be a little on the higher side, what you get in return for the cost is worth it. From quality education to a high standard of living, to a peaceful environment and safe and secure living, living in Switzerland can be a wholesome experience.
Scholarships: One solid option for supporting your study abroad in Switzerland is to seek scholarships from various agencies and universities. There are various scholarships that Swiss universities or higher education institutions offer through bilateral agreements between governments or organizations. Some prominent and most popular scholarship opportunities in Switzerland are:
International students desiring to study in Switzerland must make it a priority to check for scholarship opportunities to ensure stable financial support for their studies.
Part-Time Work Opportunities:
Working part-time jobs can be another excellent method to save money and manage finances while studying in Switzerland. International students are allowed to work part-time jobs during their study program in the country. However, they must have a valid residence permit and a work permit to work and earn. Students must have lived in the country for a minimum of six months before applying for a work permit. Every international student is allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during term time. During holidays there is no restriction on maximum working hours and students can work full-time. The country follows strict minimum wage rules and the minimum wage is 24 CHF per hour. Some popular part-time jobs are:
The culture and social life of Switzerland is distinguished by multilingualism, high quality of living, political neutrality, unique culinary tradition, and topping it all is the magnificent landscape often called the Alpine paradise. With four major languages spoken in the country - Romansh, German, Italian and French, international students can expect to experience a life of variety in this country. Each region or canton celebrates its own unique customs and traditions, with each of the canton having cultural autonomy.
The geographical distinction between the central plateau and mountains is perpetuated by the distinction in the culture and lifestyle of the people. Swiss people in the mountain valley live a different life from that of the big cities in the central plateau. The country has a rich cultural and living tradition. Besides its scenic landscape and unique topography, Switzerland is also known for its rich art and craft, particularly the art of making watches. The country has an age-old reputation for making the finest timepieces. Switzerland preserves and assembles its art in over 600 museums.
The people are polite. They enjoy and maintain their individual spaces. The country gives religious freedom as a constitutional right. Swiss people highly value neutrality and tolerance in all aspects of society. International students can expect a formal and conservative business culture here in the country. Social etiquette here entails maintaining a firm distinction between personal and professional life.
As mentioned earlier, German, Romansh, Italian and French are the official languages of Switzerland. These different languages are spoken based on the region. International students coming to Switzerland must first get to know the language of instruction for their chosen study program. They will be required to produce proof of language proficiency, depending on the region and the medium of instruction.
International students can use this opportunity to get exposure to different languages and learn while living in the country. Learning these foreign languages can be easy with many opportunities like language courses available. Additionally, many universities offer language courses and provide support services to enable international students to develop language skills and immerse themselves in the linguistic diversity of the country. Most of the language courses in the universities are free of cost.
Most of the study programs in Switzerland require students to take up internships as a mandatory part of the program. This serves as an excellent opportunity for international students to explore the country's dynamic job market in-depth and get to experience professional life first-hand. The country hosts a number of multinational companies, NGOs, and Research Institutes, offering abundant opportunities for internship and job opportunities.
Whether for an internship program or a part-time job, international students have access to some of the world's leading corporations, tech giants and organizations. International students may make wise use of the career services and development services that most Swiss universities provide to their students. They can expect to earn valuable work experiences and build long-lasting connections professionally and personally for future career prospects through the extensive networking opportunities from the internship and part-time jobs.
Whether you are a culture enthusiast or lover of arts, or into gourmet, Switzerland has something to offer to you. Once you land in any of the cantons or regions, you are sure to get a taste of the diverse and exquisite country. Swiss universities organize plenty of leisure activities. There are multiple range of campus facilities and associations that cater to the extracurricular activities of the students. There is no dearth of activities here. With varieties of events and club activities like orchestra, choir, writing clubs, dance workshops, poetry, etc. your student life in any of the Swiss institutions will be very eventful and exciting. There are regular social events that student unions regularly organize and offer passes and free tickets to students for a variety of social and cultural events outside of campus.
That's not all. Athletic and sporty students can also explore other kinds of activities like cycling, hiking trails, rock climbing, etc. Exploring the beautiful alpine meadows can be such fun that you will not want to miss out while living in Switzerland.
This Alpine paradise offers unlimited outdoor adventures and recreation. From its picturesque landscape to pristine lakes, there is a wide range of outdoor activities that international students can look forward to enjoying as they land in Switzerland. Some of the popular outdoor activities are hiking, paragliding, snowboarding, skiing, biking, etc. These activities are available the whole year round. International students can get to experience countless adventures and explorations in the country.
Besides being a majestically and breathtakingly beautiful country, this country lies at the heart of Europe with easy connectivity with all its bordering countries. Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein are the bordering European countries. International students with a valid Swiss student visa are allowed free movement between the Schengen member countries. Hence, it's a terrific opportunity to explore other parts of Europe while in Switzerland.
Starting with its high-quality education to strong industry connections, Switzerland has consistently been the most favourable and popular choice for international students. This popularity is supported by the massive success stories shared by international students who completed their higher education in the country. These factors have been attracting overseas students and the number has been rising consistently.
International students after completing their studies are able to find employment in Switzerland. About 60% of doctorate and master's students are recorded to have secured employment in the country after graduating from a Swiss institution. The doctoral programs in Switzerland have significantly attracted a lot of international students. The country's heavy investment in R&D (Research & Development) has been the driving force for the student's progress and success. Doctorate candidates who complete their PhD/Doctoral programs can continue to stay in the country and teach in some of the finest Swiss institutions.
The strong economy and interest from global investors in the country enable Switzerland to offer several employment opportunities to both its citizens and international students. The academia in the country offers high pay packages. Most of the higher education institutions are known to have teaching staff of foreign nationals. For instance, the University of Zurich has teaching staff half of them coming from overseas. Students who are conferred their PhD degree can continue to live in Switzerland and work as lecturers or Research Assistants.
The pay packages/salaries in Switzerland are highly competitive. An international student can expect to earn a yearly income of EUR 40,140 by working as a Research assistant. This package may go up to EUR 46,724 by the third year. Doctoral candidates in the position of Post doctorate positions can make a yearly income of EUR 51,396 during the initial years and go up to EUR56,700 by the third year.
Living in Switzerland and studying in the country can be a fulfilling and enriching experience not just from the academic aspects but for the overall growth and development of a student. Beyond the academic pursuits, students will immerse themselves in a culture unique in all its forms and overall experience that will enhance their knowledge. International students not only engage in innovative and excellent educational programs, but exposure to the culture and people here will add extensively to their personal growth. From getting to learn a foreign language to having the best opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful places on earth, studying abroad in Switzerland is a worthy investment.
Choosing Switzerland for your study abroad can never go wrong. With global reverence and respect for high standards and top-class education, earning a globally recognized degree is indeed an unbeatable choice. All you need to do is to have the right guidance and proper planning.
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