Why study in Switzerland?

Switzerland is bordered by other popular nations like Liechtenstein, France, Germany, and Austria. Recently, Switzerland has also seen a significant number of international students, almost 98,000, which is a remarkable increase of 20% compared to the previous year.

Switzerland also emerged as a premier destination for offering world-class and conducive learning experiences. Education in Switzerland also has a rich history with some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. 

It is also one of Europe's most diverse, multicultural, and safest countries. There are Universities in Switzerland like Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), and Geneva, which are among the country's oldest and finest institutes and are consistently ranked among the top 100 institutions of the world according to the QS world rankings. 

To enter legally as a student to study in Switzerland, the student must apply for a Switzerland study visa. A Switzerland study visa enables an international student to study abroad in Switzerland. The Switzerland student visa is quite structural, hassle-free, and straightforward, similar to those of the European countries.

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Top reasons to study in Switzerland 

• High Quality Education at Affordable Prices: As an international study abroad destination, Switzerland has some of the best universities in Switzerland for international students, such as ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and EPFL, which are globally recognized. The kind of value these universities in Switzerland provides in terms of education is unmatched. 
• Safe environment and Quality of Life: In terms of quality of life, Switzerland is consistently ranked as one of the best countries. Students who choose to study in Switzerland can experience a safe and secure education because of the low crime rates in the country.

• Part-time Employment opportunities: To go abroad in Switzerland, whether to study or work, can be expensive, and to cover these costs, Switzerland also provides international students the opportunity to work part-time along while they study in Switzerland

 

Highlights: Study in Switzerland

• There are 11 QS World Ranking Universities in Switzerland
• There are 750 Indian students who study in Switzerland as of 2024.
• Students can obtain a 6-month residence permit upon completion of their studies in Switzerland.
• The average annual Switzerland university Fee is 72,000 - 45,000 EUR 
• Switzerland Scholarship for Indian students are offered up to €10,500 - €20,000 annually 
• The Switzerland student visa processing time is 1 to 4 months

• The success rate of the Switzerland study visa is more than 90%, and a rejection rate of 12.1%

 

Education system in Switzerland

The Swiss education system remains to secure a top-ranking place in the list of top 10 education systems of the world. Switzerland has 26 cantons, and every canton is responsible for its educational matters, including compulsory education.  The Swiss education system is divided into three parts namely:

• Compulsory education: It is free and takes 11 years to complete. These schools in Switzerland and daily work are managed by the local municipalities, and the medium of instruction remains French, German, Italian, or Romansh, depending upon the location of the school in Switzerland. 
• Upper secondary level: It is managed jointly by the cantons and federations. It allows students to choose an Apprenticeship in Switzerland. 
• Tertiary education: After receiving a ‘maturity certificate, ’ students are eligible for tertiary education in Switzerland.

 

Types of Educational Institutes in Switzerland

• Universities (UNIs): These are public and private universities offering various degree programs to international students. There are 10 such universities in Switzerland that are known for Bachelor’s and Master’s courses. Other than these universities, 2 other universities are known as the Federal Institute of Technology.
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts:  These universities focus on helping students with a keen interest in science and practice-oriented fields. These universities give students access to some of the top, experienced people in this field. There are 9 such universities in Switzerland
• University of Teacher Education: These are the public and private colleges of Switzerland that cater to students who wish to broaden their horizons in teaching. There are 20 such universities, ranging in research and training.

 

Universities & Colleges in Switzerland

Universities in Switzerland stand as a beacon of academic excellence. In the last few years, admissions at the colleges of Switzerland (UIT, UAS, or UTE) have increased by 18%. As of now, approximately 276,500 students are enrolled in these universities in Switzerland. This is the list of top universities in Switzerland:

QS Ranking	University	Average annual tuition Fee (INR)	Best courses available
7	ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	1.2 L	Engineering and Natural Sciences
36	Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne	1.2 L	Bioengineering and Research
91	University of Zurich	1.3 L	Comprehensive research
126	University of Bern	1.5 L	Interdisciplinary research
124	University of Basel	1.5 L	Medicine and Humanities
220	University of Lausanne	1 L	Law and Criminal justice
128	University of Geneva	90 K	International studies
328	Universita della Svizzera Italiana(USI)	3.5 L	Computer Science and Research
436	University of St Gallen (HSG)	3.2 L	Business administration
563	University of Fribourg	1.8 L	Architecture

 

Universities in Switzerland for Hospitality

Usually, the bachelor’s degree programs in hospitality management last 3.5 years. There are other courses, such as higher diploma courses. Also, some hospitality institutes in Switzerland give students to take up higher education in Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne or other partner institutes to transfer their credits and convert the higher diploma into a degree in Hospitality. Here is a list of some of the best universities in Switzerland, along with their location.

Best University in Switzerland	Location
Glion Institute of Higher education	Montreaux and Gillon
Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne	Lausanne
Les Roches International school of Management	Crans Montana
Cesar Ritz colleges	Le Bouveret
Business and Hotel Management school Lucerne	Lucerne
Swiss school of Tourism and Hospitality	Passugg
Hotel Institute	Montreaux
University of Applied sciences HTW	Chur

 

Universities for Masters in Switzerland for international students

Switzerland is a country of wealth and education that offers a range of world-class master's degrees. Switzerland today is leading in scientific research and has some of the largest science laboratories in the world. Here are some of the top universities in Switzerland for Masters.

Name of the University	Popular Master’s programs	Average  annual fees
ETH Zurich	Architecture, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, Management and Technology & International studies	CHF 1740
EPFL	Communication System, Cyber security, Financial engineering, Applied Physics & Micro engineering	CHF 1560
University of Zurich	Neutral systems and Computation, Economics, Banking and Finance, Law & Dental medicine	CHF 1440
University of Geneva	Economics, European studies, Astrophysics, Speech and Language therapy, Political science & capitalism	CHF 1000
University of Bern	Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical science, Business administration, Psychology, World Literature	CHF 1420
University of Basel	Anthropology, Animal Biology, Business and Technology, Computer science &Data science	CHF 1700
University of Lausanne	Medical Biology, Law, Management, Digital Humanities, Nursing sciences	CHF 1160
Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)	International tourism, Communication, management & Health, Media Management, Finance and Architecture	CHF 8000
University of St Gallen	Computer Science, Accounting & Finance, Economics, International law, Marketing Management	CHF 2830
University of Fribourg	Philosophy, Business communication, Biochemistry, Contemporary History, Ethics and economics	CHF 1440

 

Top courses in Switzerland

Switzerland provides international students with a wide range and spectrum of courses, from limited to popular and futuristic courses. These courses add value to academic education, improve students' learning experience, and help develop practical skill sets with real-time experiences in their chosen field. Few educational programs have grown higher in demand, and here is an overview:

Do you want to pursue an MBA in Switzerland? 

Programme	Courses to Pursue	Description	Top Universities
Engineering	Mechanical, Electrical And Civil	Universities for engineering in Switzerland are highly ranked and offer wide range of programs. There are 160 engineering study programs in Switzerland.	ETH Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne and Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Technology	Information Systems, Computer Science, Cyber security	Studying technology in A Swiss university is quite affordable and often guarantees a well-paid career.	ETH Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne and University of Zurich.
Healthcare	Nursing, MBBS, Pharmacy	Studying healthcare in Switzerland has a lot to offer. Swiss Healthcare is also globally one of the bets in the world	University of Basel, University of Bern and University of Geneva.
Hospitality  And  Tourism	Tourism and Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, International Hospitality and Tourism Management	Switzerland is globally recognized for its hospitality and tourism which has become a natural choice for the students to select. You can get a nuanced understanding about the tourism and hospitality industry.	Glion Institute of Higher Education, Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland and EHL Hospitality Business School.
Business Administration and  Management	MBA, Strategy and Digital Business	There are about 41 universities in Switzerland that offer courses in Business administration and around 58,000 students apply for this course. Switzerland is an excellent choice to study and do business.	University of St.Gallen, Rushford business school, Geneva Business school
Banking  And  Finance	Global Banking Finance, Wealth Management	Switzerland is one of the leading banking centers of the world and the major banks of the world are situated there. You can also get an opportunity to learn from the experts from top international organizations and financial institutions.	University of Salford, Swiss school of business and Management
International Relations	Bachelors Masters	International Relations is a thriving course in the universities of Switzerland which fosters understanding of the various strategic issues of globalization and provide their students with unique perspective on social sciences.	Robert Kennedy College, EU business School, University of Geneva

 

Switzerland scholarships for Indian students

The state government of Switzerland offers international students of all disciplines various governmental/non-governmental scholarships in public-funded recognized universities through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). The following is an overview of scholarships offered in Switzerland.

• University Research Scholarships for scholars, postgraduates, and doctors in Swiss universities, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), and the University of Applied Sciences.
• Arts scholarships for artists at the Swiss conservatories, which are only for a limited number of countries 

Name of the Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount in CHF  (per year)
Swiss government excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students	Post graduate researchers or Ph.D./Doctorate student of any subject	18,756 CHF
ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship	International students pursuing masters at ETH Zurich	12,000 CHF
University of Lausanne Master’s Grants for foreign students	Pursue masters grant at the university of Lausanne	19,200 CHF
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human rights Scholarships	International students who pursue International Humanitarian Law and Human rights and masters of advanced studies in Transitional justice, Human rights and rule of law	18,000 CHF
Nestle MBA scholarships for women from developing countries	Female students from developing countries pursuing MBA degree	25,000 CHF
UNIL Master’s grants in Switzerland for foreign students	International students who pursue master’s degree at university of Lausanne	19,200 CHF
EPFL Excellence Fellowships for Master's Students	Students enrolled in the Post graduated programs in EPFL	16,000 CHF
University of Geneva Excellence master’s fellowships	Students enrolled in MSc. Degree at University of Geneva	10,000-15,000 CHF

 

How to study in Switzerland?

The application process for Swiss universities is fairly very straightforward and simple. Here are all the necessary steps international students need to follow to apply to Universities in Switzerland.

Step 1: Research thoroughly and choose the desired university and program in Switzerland.

Step 2: Check the eligibility criteria given for the university and the course.

Step 3: Completely fill in all the personal and professional details required for the Swiss university Application.

Step 4: Prepare and submit Documents required for the Application as required

Step 5: Apply for the Switzerland student visa

 

Switzerland student visa

To study in Switzerland, international students need a Switzerland student visa. No matter the type of visa, all international students in Switzerland need to apply for a residence permit within 14 days of arrival. The Switzerland student visa has various benefits that improve the overall academic experience in Switzerland. Below are the two types of Switzerland student visas required to study in Switzerland.

Schengen Type C short term visa	National Type D long term visa
This is a short term visa for students who plan to stay in Switzerland for a short duration course.	This is a long term visa for people who stay in Switzerland for a long Duration with a possibility of extension.
Duration of 3 months (90 days)	Duration of more than 3 months (90 days)
Can be submitted online	Has to be submitted through a local Swiss embassy or a consulate.
For students who applied for summer schools,seminar,language programs	For students who applied for full time program like undergraduate course or PHD
Processing takes 2-4 weeks	Processing takes 8-12 weeks or even longer
Recommended to apply at least 3 months before	Recommended to apply at least 3-6 months before

 

Processing time of Switzerland student visa

The processing time for a Swiss student visa application varies depending on the type of visa the student has applied for. The short-term visa for Switzerland takes 10-15 days, whereas the long-stay visa application takes about 8-10 weeks. It is always suggested that students apply for visas in advance as a priority (10 weeks before departure) as soon as they receive an acceptance from the desired institution In Switzerland. Even if a Switzerland student visa gets denied due to some conditions, they still have time to re-appeal or take action, given that they have applied well in advance.

 

Switzerland student visa Fee

Students applying for the Switzerland student visa must pay the non-refundable application fee, which is 88 CHF. However, if students need a visa outside working hours, it charges around 47 CHF as an additional surcharge. The payment can be made online or with a credit card. However, some additional financial costs go beyond the application fee that applicants must consider:

Additional Financial Costs	Fee (CHF)
Visa application fee	88
Documentation and Translation	50-151
Residence Permit	162
Health Insurance	101-505
Notarization	10-50

 

Admission requirements to study in Switzerland

Students applying for a Switzerland student visa must fulfill a certain set of eligibility requirements for admission to Swiss universities. These are some documents that prove a student’s validity and their intentions to study in Switzerland for Indian students. Here is a list of eligibility requirements for study in Switzerland for Indian students: 

 

Eligibility and Documents required for the Switzerland Student visa

• A valid passport or an identification card (3 months beyond stay)

• Three completely filled and signed visa applications for long-stay visa form

• Four passport-size photographs clicked recently

• A letter of acceptance issued from the desired accredited Swiss university recognized by authorities

• Bank statements proving adequate financial means to support your stay in Switzerland.

• Proof of the Payment of the university tuition fees, either copy or original

• CV / Resume highlighting your academic background

• A written statement stating you intend to leave Switzerland upon completion of your studies.

• Proof of scholarships or loans, if applicable

• Financial funds of an 18,048 CHF minimum annually

• Students under the age of 18 need consent forms and other additional documents 

• Valid health insurance coverage for Switzerland.

• A police clearance from the home country proving the clean criminal record of the applicant 

• Certificate proving Language proficiency in one or more Swiss languages (German, French, Italian or Roman)

• Address of the place of residence as proof of accommodation in Switzerland

• Cover Letter stating the motivation for coming to Switzerland to study.

• No objection certificate issued by the School or the previous institute

• Transcripts, certificates, and diplomas from previous educational institutions translated either into German, French, Italian, or Roman 

 

Cost of Living in Switzerland

Switzerland has various options for students seeking education in different fields. Research and weighing options are crucial to understanding what suits you the best. Education today is more about investment than expenditure. Studying in Switzerland can be an experience of a lifetime, but it still comes with a lot of figuring out the additional expenses. Studying in Switzerland costs 2,000 CHF-5000 CHF and depends upon the college or the university you choose.

Particulars	Cost per month(CHF)
Accommodation (Rent)	400-1000 CHF
Utilities (Electricity,Water,Gas)	98 CHF
Internet	39 CHF
Mobile Phone	33 CHF
Groceries	260 CHF
Food	400-500 CHF
Public Transportation	100CHF
Health Insurance	400 CHF
Entertainment	98 CHF

 

Accommodation: Accommodation is quite costly in Switzerland. Smaller towns like Bern and Basel are comparatively cheaper than the big, bustling urban cities like Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva. Some universities also offer housing accommodation, which makes student living a little more affordable by an average of 1800 CHF. The prices of this university accommodation also depend upon size, amenities, and location. Here is a breakdown of accommodation in Switzerland: 

Type of accommodation	Average Monthly rent (CHF)
On-campus Accommodations/University Dormitory	600-1000 CHF
1 Bedroom Apartment (in the city center)	1800 CHF
1 Bedroom Apartment (outside the city center)	1450 CHF
3 Bedroom Apartment (in the city center)	3176 CHF
3 Bedroom Apartment (outside the city center)	2500 CHF

 

Food: A typical meal in Switzerland ranges from CHF 15-20, and a luxury meal. On average, you will require 347 CHF monthly for food and groceries. Eating out in expensive restaurants can be costly. Making the most of weekly sales, buying groceries in bulk, and opting for seasonal produce can keep you within your budget. Here is a breakdown of food expenses in Switzerland: 

Food / Grocery Options	Average Cost (CHF)
Groceries	200-500 CHF
Eating out	2-40 CHF (per meal)

 

 Transportation: Commutation is also slightly expensive in Switzerland and contributes to one of the significant expenses. Opting for a personal vehicle or biking throughout the city can majorly reduce costs. Students can also get their monthly transit pass, which allows them to use public transportation in the town. Here is a breakdown of transportation costs in Switzerland:

Mode of Transportation	Average Cost (CHF)
Local Transport (1 Way Ticket)	3.50 CHF
Local Transport Monthly Pass	80 CHF
Taxi	4-69 CHF

 

Tuition fee: Some of the most prestigious universities are in Switzerland, with an average tuition fee ranging from 1000 to 4000 CHF per semester. The tuition fee for public universities is cheaper than that of private universities. The cost of the course also depends upon the type of institution, program, and location you choose.

Type of degree	Average tuition fee per semester
Undergraduate	700-6,500 CHF
Post Graduate	700-6,000 CHF
Full time MBA programs	30,000-85,000 CHF (yearly)

 

Work opportunities in Switzerland

Switzerland’s labor market has always been well-regulated, which also ensures fair working conditions. International students can work only 15 hours a week and full-time jobs during the semester breaks. For part-time employment, a work permit is required from the employer. The minimum wage as of 2024 is 24 CHF. There are multiple part-time employment options in Switzerland, and some of them are:

Part Time Jobs	Average salary (per hour)
Research assistant	28 CHF
Sales Advisor	23 CHF
Store Assistant	25  CHF
Sales Assistant	24 CHF
Travel Assistant/Tourist guide	20 CHF

 

Eligibility Conditions for part-time jobs in Switzerland

• The employment must not exceed 15 hours every week
• You are only allowed to apply for work after six months of your stay
• The intention to work must be specified to the relevant immigration authority.
• The employer must issue a work at the cantonal office of economy and labor.

According to Eurostat, the employability rate in Switzerland is 79.30%, and the technology sector employs over 3 lakh people. Like its natural beauty, Switzerland has a strong and thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities in tourism, retail, media, agriculture, bank and insurance, etc. Almost one-third of the international students are engaged in the banking and finance sector right after graduation. The hospitality sector, which has always remained relevant and evergreen in Switzerland, is also booming due to the presence of natural landscapes and has more potential to generate employment in the upcoming years. Here are some of the leading sectors employing in Switzerland:

Want to know more about the job market in Switzerland? Let Y-axis help you

Highest paying Occupation	Top Recruiters	Average Salary  (Per year CHF)
Banking and Finance	HSBC Deutshe Bank Citi Goldsman Sachs	80,000-130,000 CHF
Computer Science	Meta IBM Swisscom Novartis	76,000-146,000 CHF
Engineering and Technology	Capgemini EPAM system UBS CERN	90,000-125,000 CHF
Healthcare Sciences	Takeda Pharmaceuticals Novo Nordisk Biogen Acino	40,000-200,000 CHF
Hotel and Hospitality	McDonald’s Suisse Swiss Scorell Hotels Intercontinental Davos	60,000-150,000 CHF
Sales and Marketing	Vanksen Avesta Solutions ThirdBrain	81,000-90,000 CHF
Human Resource Management	Adecco Swisslinx Micheal Page	90,000-110,000 CHF
STEM	Moxee Mason Harding Walker Cole International	80,000-110,000 CHF

 

Cantons and their average minimum wages

Name of the Canton	Average minimum wages (Per hr CHF)
Neuchatel	21 CHF
Jura	20 CHF
Ticino	25 CHF
Basel Stadt	24 CHF
Geneva	21 CHF

 

Y-Axis - Best student visa consultants

Y-Axis can assist by giving more vital support to aspirants who wish to study in Switzerland. The support process includes,  

• Free Counseling: Free Counseling on university and course selection.
• Campus Ready Program: Fly to Switzerland with the best and ideal course. 
• Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
• Coaching: Y-Axis offers IELTS live classes to help students clear with high scores.  
• Switzerland Student Visa: Our expert team helps you to get a Switzerland student Visa.