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Study in Switzerland

    Overview

    Switzerland is a popular study abroad location and one of Europe's most stunning nations. This is due to its highly regarded universities, amazing research facilities, ideal student-teacher ratio, and affordable tuition fees.

    Since studying in Switzerland has long been a popular option for overseas students, around one-fourth of its population is made up of immigrants. There is no wonder that the country will allow students to immerse yourself in a multicultural environment.

    High educational standards are guaranteed for international students wishing to study abroad in Switzerland. In addition to this, a thriving economy with a high concentration of well-established businesses improves students' employment opportunities.

    So, if you are also planning to study in Switzerland, let’s get all the details quickly!

    Key Highlights to Study in Switzerland

    Below are some key highlights that one must know before planning to study in Switzerland.

    Aspects Detail
    Number of Universities & Colleges 12 universities
    Indian students in Switzerland 27,300
    Average Living Expenses 2,000 CHF per month
    Average Cost of Studying 200 - 850 CHF per semester
    Popular Courses in Switzerland Business Management, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Applied Mathematics, Banking and Finance
    Post Study Work Permit in Switzerland 6 months
    Switzerland Study Visa Cost INR 7000

    Study in Switzerland: Top Universities for International Students

    Here is a list of some of the best universities in Switzerland based on the QS world ranking.

    University Name University Best Known For QS - Top University Rankings US News Rankings THE World Rankings
    eth-zurich Engineering & Natural Sciences 7 29 11
    epfl Science & Engineering 26 - 33
    university-of-zurich Comprehensive Research 109 67 80
    university-of-basel Medicine & Humanities 131 150 123
    university-of-geneva International Studies 155 109 183
    university-of-bern Interdisciplinary Research 161 107 116
    university-of-lausanne Law & Criminal Justice 224 182 143
    universita-della-svizzera-italiana Architecture and Sciences 405 676 -
    universite-de-fribourg Sciences and Humanities 539 537 401-500
    zurich-university-of-applied-sciences Applied Sciences 781-790 - -
    university-of-neuchatel Engineering & Natural Sciences - 1167 401-500

    Why Study in Switzerland

    Not only is Switzerland beautiful to look at, but it also has an internationally recognised higher education system. There are some factors that draw students to Switzerland universities, which are mentioned below.

    • High-quality Education : Three of the nation's universities are ranked among the finest in the world by the QS World University Rankings, 2024. In addition to these three, Switzerland is home to numerous well-known and highly regarded universities and colleges globally. Research is prioritised in Switzerland universities, and student graduate outcomes are exceptional.
    • Multicultural Environment : Students from all over the world come to Switzerland, and with them, fresh ideas, customs, and perspectives to offer. This creates an inviting atmosphere, and you may start building your network of foreign friends who could eventually support you when you enter the workforce.
    • Many Courses : Switzerland colleges and universities guarantee excellent academic experiences for international students. They offer a variety of courses in various disciplines, including engineering, law, medicine, and the arts. Any course that piques one's interest and aligns with one's future objectives may be chosen.
    • Language Learning : Switzerland has four official languages: Italian, French, German, and Romansh. However, some universities in the country offer English language instruction. Each is used in a different part of the nation. This will allow International students to improve their resumes and learn new languages.
    • Scholarship Options : The government and academic institutions in Switzerland provide a number of scholarships and grants to international students in order to help them fulfil their dream of studying there, despite the fact that living and studying there might be costly.
    • Student Employment : International students in Switzerland are permitted to work 15 hours a week during the semester. When they are on their semester vacation, they can even work full-time. They receive fairly good compensation doing this, with payments ranging from $25 to $35 per hour.
    • High Standard of Living : Studying abroad in Switzerland may result in employment offers with a good salary. Switzerland's citizens are renowned for having excellent living standards, which attests to their wealth.

    Popular Courses in Switzerland

    Below are some popular courses to study in Switzerland for international students.

    Program Courses
    BBA
    • BBA in Advertising
    • BBA in Sports
    • BBA in International Business
    • BBA In Business Economics
    MS
    • MS in Computer Science Engineering
    • MS in Mechanical Engineering
    • MS in Biomedical Engineering
    • MS in Molecular Biology
    • MS in Data Analytics
    • MS in Chemistry
    • MS In Statistics
    • MS in Physics
    • MS in Biology
    MBA/PGDM
    • MBA in Finance
    • MBA In Human Resource Management
    • MBA in Sales and Marketing
    • MBA in Travel and Tourism management
    • MBA in Business Economics
    • MBA in Fashion Management
    • MBA in Entrepreneurship

    How to Study in Switzerland: Application Process

    Here, you can check how you can apply to the universities in Switzerland as an international student.

    STEP 1: Look for the university’s program : Look for potential opportunities, the course's anticipated budget, and the ROI. The program you have selected ought to be one that you would like to work in for the rest of your life, so make sure it aligns with your future goal.

    STEP 2: Compare the shortlisted universities : Create a shortlist of Swiss universities or colleges by searching for the best institutions in your field. Then, compare which would suit you the best!

    STEP 3: Look for scholarship opportunities : Various universities in Switzerland offer scholarships to international students. Therefore, it is essential to check the scholarship options available at different universities.

    STEP 4: Verify your eligibility for the course : Before submitting an application, be sure you are eligible to study in Switzerland. Compare your credentials with the course criteria, including any language, academic standing, or work experience needed for the course you have chosen.

    STEP 5: Complete the application form : After confirming that you are eligible for your selected course, complete the online application form at the university of your choice by uploading scanned copies of the necessary documents in the format of your choice (JPG or PDF) and pay the application fee online.

    STEP 6: Wait for the university's acceptance : Once the application has been completed, check your registered email address for the university's acceptance email.

    STEP 7: Get a Switzerland Study Visa : As soon as your university provides an acceptance letter for your preferred course, apply for a student visa to Switzerland and begin budgeting.

    You can also contact our expert counsellors at any branch to get help to submit your application. They will provide you with the best assistance in the university application and visa process.

    Admission Requirements to Study in Switzerland

    In the table below, you can check the admission requirements to study in Switzerland for Indian students.

    Where to apply Universities official website
    Tuition Fee 700-3,500 CHF per semester
    Basic Requirements

    A valid passport is required

    All transcripts are necessary to attach with documents

    CV is required

    Medical certificate and proof of financial support
    Additional Requirements Valid visa, Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation
    Work Experience Depending on the Course (Accepted)
    Standardise Admission Test GRE/ GMAT
    English LanguageRequirements
    IELTS – Above 5.5-6.5 for Undergraduate, above 6.0-7.0 for postgraduate, and Above 7.0 for Doctorate (PhD)
    PTE – Above 51-59 for Undergraduate, above 59-67 for postgraduate, and Above 67 for Doctorate (PhD)
    TOEFL – Above 72 for Undergraduate, above 80 for postgraduate, and 90 for Doctorate (PhD)

    Tests Required to Study in Switzerland

    In order to enrol in English-taught courses in Switzerland, international students must prove their language skills through English Proficiency tests. Some of the most accepted proficiency tests in Switzerland are mentioned below.

    Tests-Required-to-Study-in-Switzerland

    When to Study in Switzerland

    Switzerland offers two intakes for international students: the spring intake and the Fall intake. Since not all universities participate in both intakes, confirming the availability of courses and universities for each intake is crucial.

    • The Fall intake in Switzerland is also known as the September intake. It is a major intake in Switzerland; almost all universities accept this intake for every course. The application deadline for this intake falls between January and March. It is a great chance for students who are planning to enrol in top-notch universities for a highly demanding course.
    • The Spring intake in Switzerland is also known as the February intake. It is an alternative option for students who have missed the fall intake. Not all the universities are open during this intake. But you may find many options. Since the number of applications is less during this intake, the chances of getting an offer letter increase during intake. The deadline for this intake falls between September to November.
    intakes-in-switzerland

    Study in Switzerland Cost

    Compared to well-known study abroad locations like the US and the UK, studying in Switzerland is quite affordable. The two main components of the total cost of studying in Switzerland for Indian students are living expenses and tuition fees.

    Tuition Fees

    The program you decide to enrol in will determine the tuition cost. The cost of studies in fields like engineering, management, and medicine is typically higher. Here is a brief overview of public university tuition fees in Switzerland for international students:

    Degree Type Average Tuition Fee per Semester
    Bachelor 700-3,500 CHF
    Master 700-2,000 CHF

    Cost of Living

    In Switzerland, the average monthly cost of living is 2,250 CHF. The kind of region you select for universities is one of the major variables that affect the costs. Based on the top three student-friendly areas in Switzerland, this estimate has been provided

    Factor Average Cost per month
    Fees 900 CHF
    Travel 100 CHF
    Accommodation 1,000 CHF
    Food 500 CHF
    Healthcare 400 CHF

    Top Cities Preferred by Students in Switzerland

    Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature. Majorly there are two most preferred student cities in Switzerland for international students according to the QS City Rankings 2024. One is Zuricha and the other is Lausanne.

    Zurich has an amazing friendliness score of 9.89 out of 10, making it the nicest vacation destination in Europe, according to popular travel website usebounce.com. Because of this distinction, the city is a great option for students who want a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

    Lausanne, the second-best student city in Switzerland, is also a vibrant and beautiful city. It provides students a top-notch high education in addition to a lifestyle rich in culture.

    Below are the QS rankings of both the cities for best student cities in the world.

    • Zurich

      zurich-city
      QS Rank 8

    • Lausanne

      lausanne-city
      QS Rank 19

    Student Visa in Switzerland

    To be permitted entry and remain in Switzerland to study, non-citizens of the European Union must possess a valid Swiss student visa. Make an appointment for a visa by visiting your home country's closest Swiss Embassy or Consulate. Make sure to schedule your visa appointment several months before your studies start. In Switzerland, you can apply for two different kinds of visas

    • The C visa is a temporary travel visa that enables you to enter and exit Switzerland quickly. It can be applied to three-month (90-day) summer schools, seminars, or language programs
    • The D visa is a long-term study visa that allows holders to work or study in Switzerland. A Schengen visa is issued to overseas students for one year and can be renewed.

    Study in Switzerland Scholarships

    There are numerous governmental and non-governmental scholarships available in Switzerland to assist international students in paying for their education. The information about a few of the best scholarships to study in Switzerland is provided below:

    Name Value/Benefits Eligibility
    EPFL Excellence Fellowships CHF 10000 Reservation of Student Room in Student Residence Applied for Masters Programme 12,000
    ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships Covering living and study expenses up to 12000 CHF Applied for Masters programme
    UNIL Masters Grants in Switzerland for foreign students CHF 1600 per month Applied for Master of Science programs Language level up to C1 in English and French
    Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships 861 Euros per Month For Masters/PhD Degree
    Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships Full cover of Tuition Fees and Living expenses in Geneva for 10 months For LLM Degree

    If you want to apply for scholarships to reduce your financial burden, then consult with study in Switzerland consultants and apply for the scholarship.

    Job Opportunities

    Below are some of the best job opportunities in Switzerland and their average salaries.

    Opportunities Salary in CHF
    Human Resource Management 104,208 per year
    Business and Finance 95,000 per year
    Manufacturing Engineer 92,136 per year
    Software Engineering 94,403 per year
    Pharmaceutical 90,000 per year
    Sales and Marketing 90,000 per year
    Doctors 75000 per year

    FAQs

    Ans. Yes, international students are allowed to work in Switzerland while studying there for up to 15 hours per week.

    Ans. International students are allowed to stay in Switzerland for 6 months after completing their course. If they find employment during those six months, they may apply for a work visa.

    Ans. Studying in Switzerland often costs between 700-3,500 CHF per annum. However, students must also consider the cost of living in Switzerland, as it is one of the major expenditures. The monthly cost of living in Switzerland is approximately 2,250 CHF. Thus, students must consider the overall budget before planning to study in Switzerland.

    Ans. The minimum wage is not capped. According to voluntary collective bargaining agreements, skilled workers can make up to 2,800–5,300 francs per month, while unskilled workers can make up to 2,200 - 4,200 francs.

    Ans. International students studying in Switzerland have the option to study in any four of the country's four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Though English is not an official language of Switzerland, various courses are offered in it. International students should properly search for courses offered only in English before applying, as certain programs are taught in that language exclusively.

    Ans. Yes, obtaining an English language proficiency certificate such as the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE is required to apply for a study visa to Switzerland. Although IELTS is more widely used at Swiss universities, you may appear for other proficiency tests which your preferred university accepts.

    Ans. It can take up to 8 or 12 weeks to obtain a student visa for Switzerland.

    Ans. You must fulfil the financial conditions for a student visa to Switzerland to obtain one. A minimum of CHF 21,000 (or INR 17,02,670) must be in your personal bank account before the start of the course.

    Ans. There are various popular courses available in Swiss universities, including Business Management, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Artificial Intelligence, Banking and Finance, Quantitative and Systems Biology, etc.

    Ans. The Switzerland visa acceptance rate for Indians was approximately 87%, according to the 2022 data.

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