Study in Switzerland: Top Universities, Student Visa Requirements, Visa Costs, Processing Time & Scholarships

Study in Switzerland

Study in Switzerland

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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.

Need assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.

 

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 RecommendationY-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.
 

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