Switzerland is not only famous for its stunning landscapes, excellent quality of life, and world-class universities, but it is also known for offering a high standard of education. However, studying in Switzerland comes with its own set of costs, which every international student must be prepared for.
From tuition fees to living expenses and additional costs such as health insurance, knowing what to expect can help you manage your finances better.
This comprehensive guide by MSM Unify will break down the cost of studying in Switzerland and will cover everything from university fees to living expenses, scholarships, and city-wise cost breakdowns.
The tuition fees in Switzerland are relatively lower compared to other European countries. However, they can vary significantly depending on the type of institution (public or private) and the program (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD).
Below is a table outlining the average tuition fees for different types of programs at public universities in Switzerland for 2024:
Program | Average annual tuition fees | International students |
Bachelor’s degree | CHF 1,500 – CHF 4,500 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 6,000 approximately |
Master’s degree | CHF 2,500 – CHF 6,500 approximately | CHF 3,000 – CHF 8,000 approximately |
Ph.D. programs | CHF 500 – CHF 3,000 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 4,000 approximately |
Please Note: Tuition fees may vary based on the university and program. Always check the specific institution’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Living in Switzerland can be quite expensive, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne. Your monthly living expenses will include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the average living costs per month in some of Switzerland’s major student cities for 2024:
City | Accommodation (CHF) | Food (CHF) | Transport (CHF) | Total monthly expenses (CHF) |
Zurich | CHF 1,200 – CHF 1,800 approximately | CHF 300 – CHF 400 approximately | CHF 70 – CHF 100 approximately | CHF 1,700 – CHF 2,300 approximately |
Geneva | CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,700 approximately | CHF 300 – CHF 400 approximately | CHF 60 – CHF 90 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 2,200 approximately |
Lausanne | CHF 900 – CHF 1,500 approximately | CHF 250 – CHF 350 approximately | CHF 50 – CHF 80 approximately | CHF 1,300 – CHF 1,900 approximately |
Bern | CHF 800 – CHF 1,200 approximately | CHF 250 – CHF 350 approximately | CHF 50 – CHF 70 approximately | CHF 1,100 – CHF 1,600 approximately |
Please Note: The costs mentioned above are approximate and may vary based on individual lifestyle and specific location. Always verify costs with the respective institution or city’s local resources.
Apart from tuition fees and living expenses, students should also consider additional costs. These include health insurance, books and study materials, and leisure activities.
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Switzerland. The coffer student health insurance ranges from CHF 80 to CHF 300 per month, depending on the provider.
On average, students should budget around CHF 100 to CHF 200 per semester for books and study materials.
Social activities, gym memberships, and outings could cost an additional CHF 100 to CHF 300 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Some of the top universities in Switzerland have varying tuition fees depending on the program and level of study. Below is a table outlining the average tuition fees for some of Switzerland’s top universities in 2024:
University | Annual tuition fees for Bachelor’s (CHF) | Annual tuition fees for master’s (CHF) | Annual tuition fees for Ph.D. (CHF) |
ETH Zurich | CHF 1,400 – CHF 1,620 approximately | CHF 1,400 – CHF 1,620 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 3,000 approximately |
University of Geneva | CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,400 approximately | CHF 1,000 – CHF 1,600 approximately | CHF 500 – CHF 1,000 approximately |
University of Lausanne | CHF 1,200 – CHF 1,800 approximately | CHF1,200 – CHF 2,000 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 3,000 approximately |
University of Zurich | CHF 1,500 – CHF 2,200 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 2,500 approximately | CHF 1,500 – CHF 4,000 approximately |
Please note: The costs mentioned above are estimates and can fluctuate depending on the program, the student’s nationality, and any financial aid or scholarships that may apply. It’s always recommended that you consult with the university directly for the most accurate figures.
The cost of education in Switzerland can vary depending on the type of course you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of different courses in Switzerland:
Course | Average annual cost (CHF) |
Engineering | CHF 2,000 – CHF 6,000 approximately |
Business Administration | CHF 3,000 – CHF 7,000 approximately |
Medicine | CHF 4,500 – CHF 9,000 approximately |
Humanities and Social Sciences | CHF 1,500 – CHF 4,000 approximately |
Law | CHF 2,500 – CHF 5,500 approximately |
Please note: The costs provided are average estimates and can vary significantly depending on the university, program, and academic year. Actual tuition fees may differ based on factors such as course selection, degree level, and institution policies.
Before arriving in Switzerland, students will incur some pre-arrival expenses. These include application fees, visa fees, and airfare. Below is a breakdown of pre-arrival costs for 2024:
Cost type | Estimated amount (CHF) |
Visa application fees | CHF 60 – CHF 100 approximately |
Health insurance | CHF 80 – CHF 300 approximately per month |
Airfare | CHF 400 – CHF 1,000 approximately(depending on your country of origin) |
Please note: The costs mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances, country of origin, and changes in fees. Always verify the exact figures with relevant authorities or service providers.
Once you arrive in Switzerland, you will need to budget for initial setup costs, such as getting a residence permit and setting up your accommodation.
Cost type | Estimated amount (CHF) |
Residence permit fee | CHF 200 – CHF 300 approximately |
Initial accommodation setup | CHF 500 – CHF 1,500Â approximately (for deposits, utilities, etc.) |
Switzerland offers various scholarships to help international students manage tuition and living expenses, ensuring that access to world-class education is within reach. Here are some of the most notable scholarships:
These scholarships are available for international students pursuing research, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in Switzerland. Covering tuition fees, monthly living allowances, health insurance, and accommodation support, these scholarships promote international research exchange. Financial support ranges depending on the program, but living allowances are generally CHF 1,920 – CHF 2,200 per month (approximately).
This scholarship is awarded to academically outstanding international students, offering full coverage of tuition fees and a living allowance of CHF 12,000 – CHF 24,000 per year (approximately). ETH Zurich, being one of the world’s top universities, provides students with an excellent academic and professional network.
This fellowship provides significant financial aid to high-achieving students pursuing a master’s degree in various fields, such as science, law, and humanities. The support covers tuition fees and living expenses, offering CHF 10,000 – CHF 15,000 annually (approximately).
Studying in Switzerland can be a significant financial investment, but with proper planning, scholarships, and budgeting, it is possible to make the experience more affordable. Switzerland offers world-class education, high-quality living standards, and excellent post-study opportunities, making it an attractive study destination for international students.
If you’re looking to simplify the process of studying in Switzerland, MSM Unify’s overseas educational consultants are here to guide you. Whether finding the right scholarship, applying for your visa, or understanding the costs involved, MSM Unify can provide personalized support to ensure your study abroad journey is smooth and hassle-free. With over 186,000 students already helped, MSM Unify can connect you with the best programs and universities, helping you achieve your dream of studying in Switzerland. Contact MSM Unify’s educational consultants today to get started!
Switzerland Cost to Study: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
Share your details & our experts will call to discuss your goals
Tuition fees for international students typically range from CHF 1,500 to CHF 10,000 approximately per year, depending on the university and program.
The average monthly cost for a student living in Zurich ranges between CHF 1,700 and CHF 2,300, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
Yes, scholarships like the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship are available for international students.
Pre-arrival costs include visa application fees (CHF 60 – CHF 100) approximately, health insurance (CHF 80- CHF 300 per month), and airfare (CHF 400-CHF 1,000) approximately.
Health insurance for students in Switzerland ranges from CHF 80 to CHF 300 per month.
The average annual cost of studying medicine in Switzerland ranges from CHF 4,500 to CHF 9,000 approximately.
Post-arrival costs include residence permit fees (CHF 200-300) and accommodation setup costs (CHF 500-1,500).
The tuition fees at ETH Zurich range from CHF 1,400 to CHF 1,620 per year for both bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 15 hours per week during the semester.
The average monthly cost for a student in Geneva ranges from CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,200, including rent, food, and transport.
MSM Unify is a student marketplace that connects students with educational institutions and recruitment partners worldwide. We unify and allow everyone in the industry to work collaboratively to reach the world’s curious learners and provide them with a host of options when it comes to their education.
Download our App
Download our App
Copyright © 2024, MSM Unify. All rights reserved.
Google