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Study in Switzerland

Join more than 50,000 international students studying in Switzerland, the country of 10+ globally ranked universities and 3 out of the world’s top 50 institutions. Experience state-of-the-art education, a prospering economy, and better career prospects in Europe’s innovation heart.

Study in Switzerland

Benefit from Switzerland’s quality education and top-notch facilities amid the stunning Alps without breaking the bank!

Switzerland is known as the education hub worldwide with some of the best universities globally, top research opportunities, and an excellent international student population. It hosts over 50,000+ international students annually with a reputation for having high standards, multilingual courses, and a great job opportunity.

Switzerland offers a wide choice of academic options-from leading business schools to high-ranked science and technology institutions. 

  • Switzerland has 12+ universities, among which is ETH Zurich, ranked 7th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  • More than 25 percent of students studying in Swiss universities are international students
  • Swiss institutions’ tuition charges are making them one of the affordable options compared to other top study destination
  • Switzerland has an employment rate of 95% for graduates and has opportunities in various sectors
Switzerland

Highlights of studying in Switzerland

Factors Details
Capital

Bern

Population

Approximately 8.7 million (as of 2025)

Average tuition fees

Bachelor’s degree: €1,000 – €2,000 per semester

Master’s degree: €1,500 – €3,000 per semester

Duration

Bachelor’s degree: 3 – 4 years

Master’s degree: 1.5 – 2 years

Eligibility criteria

Academic credentials – High school completion, Bachelor’s degree, or Master’s degree in the respective fields of study.

Test scores

Language proficiency: IELTS: 6.0 – 7.0, TOEFL: 80 – 100

Standardized tests: GMAT: 600+, GRE: varies by program

Documents required

Valid passport, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), academic transcripts, proof of financial means, health insurance

Popular courses

Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Engineering, Finance, International Relations, Life Sciences, Computer Science

Study permit fees

Base charge: €88 (approximately INR 7,000) + Expedited processing: Up to 50% surcharge (€44, approximately INR 3,500)

Please note: The tuition fees and study permit charges mentioned above may vary depending on the university, program, and any policy updates. It is recommended to visit the official website of Swiss universities and embassies for the most up-to-date information.

Switzerland Logo

Why study in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its high academic standards, world-class universities, and multicultural environment. The country has a strong economy and a focus on research and innovation, making it a popular destination for students from all over the world. Here’s why study in Switzerland is an excellent study destination:

Globally ranked universities

Switzerland has top-ranked institutions such as ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva, offering internationally recognized degrees and cutting-edge research opportunities.

Compared to the rest of European countries, tuition fees at public universities in Switzerland are relatively cheap, thus international students can receive quality education

Finance, hospitality, and pharmaceutical sectors are among Switzerland’s global cities, thus availing internship opportunities and employment positions in multinational organizations

The environment is safe; the landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful, and there is effective transport in the towns, hence academic and personal student life will balance out.

Switzerland allows graduates to stay for six months after completing their studies to explore job opportunities, with potential pathways to long-term employment.

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Study visa requirements for Switzerland

International students planning to study in Switzerland must obtain a study visa based on their duration of stay. EU/EFTA students do not need a visa but must register with local authorities, while non-EU students require a national (D) visa.There are two types study visa for studying in Switzerland.

Types of student visas in Switzerland

Switzerland passport

Required documents

Processing time & fees

It is advisable for international students to schedule their interview appointment for a study permit at least 6 months prior to their studies.

Popular courses in Switzerland

Switzerland provides a wide variety of educational programs, draws international students towards itself with its world-class education system and some great industry connections. Here are some of the most popular courses to study in Switzerland.

Course name Details
Business & Management

Swiss business schools provide programs designed internationally focusing on leadership, innovation, and strategic management.

  • Duration: Bachelor’s: 3 – 4 years; Master’s: 1 – 2 years
  • Job prospects: Business analyst, marketing manager, financial consultant, operations manager
Hospitality & Tourism Management

Hospitality education is leading in all concepts linked to practical and theoretical training regarding tourism and hotel management.

  • Duration: Bachelor’s: 3 – 4 years; Master’s: 1 – 2 years
  • Job prospects: Hotel manager, tourism consultant, event planner, restaurant manager
Engineering & Technology

With highly cutting-edge education in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and electrical engineering

  • Duration: Bachelor’s: 3 – 4 years; Master’s: 1.5 – 2 years 
  • Job prospects: Software engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, robotics specialist 
Finance & Banking

It’s a course of great value because finance-related education is in need globally due to the influence of the Swiss financial sector.

  • Duration: Bachelor: 3 – 4 years Master’s: 1 – 2 years
  • Job prospects: Investment banker, financial analyst, risk manager, wealth manager
Health and Life Sciences

Advanced study programs centered on medical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology fields are offered in Swiss universities with a focus on application and research training. 

  • Duration: Depending on the specific specialization that has been picked, it ranges from 3 – 6 years
  • Job prospects: Pharmacist, biomedical researcher, healthcare consultant, clinical scientist

Top universities to study in Switzerland

Switzerland is home to several prestigious universities renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions. Here are the top universities to study in Switzerland along with their QS World University Rankings 2025:

ETH Zurich

QS World University Rankings 2025: 7

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

QS World University Rankings 2025: 26

University of Zurich

QS World University Rankings 2025: 109

University of Basel

QS World University Rankings 2025: 131

University of Geneva

QS World University Rankings 2025: 155

University of Bern

QS World University Rankings 2025: 161

University of Lausanne

QS World University Rankings 2025: 224

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)

QS World University Rankings 2025: 405

University of Fribourg

QS World University Rankings 2025: 539

Cost of studying in Switzerland

Education in Switzerland is excellent, but the cost of studying in Switzerland and the cost of living can be expensive. Public universities have relatively lower tuition fees, whereas private institutions may need a little higher price. The living expense depends upon the city and here is an estimated breakdown of costs that international students need to consider: 

Expense type Average cost per year Key aspects
Bachelor’s degree tuition fees

€1,000 – €2,000

Public universities have lower fees; private institutions are costlier

Master’s degree tuition fees

€1,500 – €3,000

Varies by university and program; some specialized programs cost more

Accommodation

€6,000 – €12,000

University dorms are cheaper; renting apartments in major cities is expensive

Food & groceries

€3,000 – €4,500

Dining out is costly; cooking at home saves money

Transportation

€500 – €1,000

Monthly public transport passes are affordable for students

Internet & utilities

€1,200 – €2,000

Includes electricity, heating, and internet costs

Health insurance

€1,000 – €1,500

Mandatory for international students; varies by provider

Miscellaneous expenses

€2,000 – €4,000

Includes entertainment, shopping, and personal expenses

Study permit fees

€88 – €150

Additional expedited visa processing fees may apply

Please note: The costs listed above are estimates and may differ based on the city, university, and personal spending habits. It is recommended to visit the official university website for the most accurate and updated information.

Scholarships to study in Switzerland

Switzerland offers a range of scholarships to attract international students to its esteemed educational institutions. These scholarships aim to support academic excellence and foster global collaboration. 

Here’s a list of some popular scholarships to study in Switzerland:

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Supports international postgraduate researchers and artists with a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance.

  • Requires Swiss academic mentor recommendation
  • Covers airfare and living expenses

Provides a full tuition waiver and living allowance for outstanding Master’s students.

  • Selection is based on academic excellence
  • Open to international applicants

Offers CHF 1,600 per month for Master’s students at the University of Lausanne.

  • Requires strong academic records
  • Covers program duration

Grants partial to full tuition waivers for Master’s and Ph.D. students.

  • Based on merit and leadership qualities
  • Includes living expense coverage

Provides financial aid for MBA students at IMD Business School based on merit and need.

  • Encourages diverse applicants
  • Multiple scholarships available
group diverse grads throwing caps up sky Switzerland

Intakes to study in Switzerland

While planning to study in Switzerland, it is essential to check the specific intake dates and application deadlines for the university and program. In Switzerland, universities and educational institutions typically offer two main intakes to study in Switzerland for international students.
Intakes Deadline
Fall intake (September-February)
Till 31st March
Spring intake (February-June)
Till 30th August

Please note: The specific intake dates and application periods may vary slightly between different universities and programs in Switzerland.

Job prospects in Switzerland

The job market in Switzerland has recently been positive. In the first quarter of 2024, the employment rate increased by 1.4% year on year to 5.3 million employed people.

This growth reflects the country’s robust economy and its demand for skilled professionals across various sectors.

Here are some of the most popular career opportunities in Switzerland, with their average annual salary and job descriptions:

Job role Average annual salary (CHF) Key responsibilities
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

€220,000

Oversee financial planning, manage financial risks, and ensure accurate financial reporting

Medical Doctor

€130,000

Diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide patient care

IT Manager

€120,000

Manage IT infrastructure, oversee software development, and ensure cybersecurity measures

Engineer

€100,000

Design, develop, and maintain systems or structures in various engineering fields

Pharmacist

€95,000

Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug use, and manage pharmacy operations

Please note: The salaries mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount will depend on the individual’s skill set and credentials.

Switzerland is a great place to study, where you can immerse yourself culturally and gain a top-notch education. So, if you are interested in studying in Switzerland, get in touch with MSM Unify overseas education consultants to get the requisite guidance and improve your chances of securing admission to a reputed institution in Switzerland.

FAQs

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Find answers here

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How much does it cost to study in Switzerland?

The cost of studying in Switzerland varies depending on various factors, but it has a relatively high cost of living compared to some other countries. The primary expenses are tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses. The average tuition fee is €1000–€2000 per semester.

International students, including Indian students, typically pay higher tuition fees compared to domestic and EU/EFTA students. On average, the tuition fees for international students at Swiss universities can range from €1,000 to €2,000 per semester for a Bachelor’s degree and €1,500 to €3,500 per semester for a Master’s degree.

The admission process to study at Swiss universities can vary as per the program chosen by the candidate. Some of the common documents required for all are listed below

  • A valid passport
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas
  • Application fee receipt
  • Complete the application form
  • Language proficiency certificates
  • Motivation letter

After the completion of their education in Switzerland, international students are eligible to apply for various internships. Students will be required to apply for a resident permit to work in the country. Most employers need to apply for a work permit on behalf of the candidate. The employer will need to prove that the hiring of a non-EU/EFTA national (such as yourself) does not negatively affect the local labor market.

Obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in Switzerland after completing your studies can be a gradual process, and it depends on various factors, including your nationality, the type of residence permit you hold after graduation, and your employment status.

To study in Switzerland, international students are typically required to demonstrate their academic qualifications and English language proficiency by taking specific exams. Commonly accepted English language tests include:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
  • Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)

Indeed, Switzerland is a country that has some of the best educational standards in the world, ranked universities, and great research opportunities.

Many universities in Switzerland teach Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in English, primarily in business, hospitality, and science.

Yes, there are many scholarships for international students, for example the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and grants at specific universities.