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:

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.

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.

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? 

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 

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.

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:

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.

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: 

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: 

 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:

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.

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:

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

Cantons and their average minimum wages

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.