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Study in Switzerland

International students from all over the world are welcome in the small European nation of Switzerland. It is a nation renowned for its top-notch educational institutions, innovative research facilities, and dedication to supporting the most promising future industries.
switzerland 1

Study in Switzerland

International students from all over the world are welcome in the small European nation of Switzerland. It is a nation renowned for its top-notch educational institutions, innovative research facilities, and dedication to supporting the most promising future industries.
switzerland 1

An incredibly intricate educational system exists in Switzerland. The top universities in the world, not just in Europe, are found in Switzerland. As a result, Switzerland annually welcomes a sizable number of foreign students from all over the world who are all hoping to advance their academic careers by earning a widely respected Swiss higher education degree.

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Why Study in Switzerland?

Top-notch educational system. A degree from one of Switzerland’s institutions will open numerous opportunities in your career wherever in the world because of the country’s well-regarded educational system.

Wide selection of study programs. The country offers a wide variety of disciplines of study so that you can select the one that is appropriate for your preferences and aspirations.

Home to many international students. In Switzerland, a sizable share of the student body is multinational. International students are drawn to study in Switzerland for their degrees because of the well-regarded educational system, affordable living costs, and wide range of scholarship opportunities.

Affordable quality education. It is not just an excellent education system, but also one that is reasonably priced. The tuition at several prestigious public colleges in Switzerland is less than 1,100 USD.

Safe environment to study. The 10th safest nation in the world is Switzerland. It has maintained its reputation as a peaceful nation in part due to its low crime rates and rigorous firearms prohibitions.

Offers a healthy lifestyle for students. A healthy lifestyle is one of the many qualities for which Swiss people are noted. Few fast food restaurants can be found in the country because most people prefer to take their time when cooking.

Multilingual study destination. Even if you are not fluent in any of Switzerland’s four official languages, you may still live among the people and converse with them in English. Pursuing higher studies in Switzerland offers a fantastic opportunity to pick up a foreign language.

Diversified and rich culture. Switzerland is known for its geographic and cultural richness. Since the Swiss have a strong passion for art, there are many museums spread out over the nation to select from and explore.

Exciting student life. Switzerland provides you with a wide range of options for amusement to explore on your own time. Switzerland’s natural beauty, with its captivating mountains, lakes, and rivers, is the ideal escape from the strain of your student life.

Exciting student life. Switzerland provides you with a wide range of options for amusement to explore on your own time. Switzerland’s natural beauty, with its captivating mountains, lakes, and rivers, is the ideal escape from the strain of your student life.

Hospitable communities. It is not surprising that Switzerland is a leader in tourism and hospitality due to its breathtaking environment and traveler attractions.

Excellent healthcare system. The medical system of Switzerland is among the best in the world. Because of Switzerland’s advanced healthcare system, the majority of its residents enjoy good health.

Innovative development. The Global Innovation Index has rated Switzerland the most innovative nation in the world for eight years straight. Its continued success may be largely attributable to three factors: first-rate universities, significant expenditures on R&D, and top-notch infrastructure.

Limitless career opportunities. Foreigners make up about 25% of the workforce in Switzerland, including many former international students who stayed after graduating. The news that Switzerland has one of the highest average wages in the world will undoubtedly please those who are thinking about studying and working there.

Study in Switzerland

Switzerland as a Study Destination

International acclaim for the Switzerland brand, but less well recognized is the esteemed position the Swiss university system occupies in the global educational landscape.

The Swiss higher education system gives students the chance to advance their education and future jobs by offering them access to various highly regarded universities. The country is a fantastic destination for international students looking to study abroad as it encourages global participation.

Quality Higher Education in Switzerland

Switzerland has a long history of offering top-notch education, making it a popular choice for students from across the globe. The prestige of Swiss colleges is coveted all around the world.

  • Quality international education. Universities in Switzerland consistently perform well in the categories of instruction, research, expertise, and global outlook that are used to rank universities.
  • Higher education opportunities. Due to the country’s academic quality, overseas students frequently choose to study in Switzerland since Swiss citizens have the greatest percentage of doctoral-holding citizens in the world.
  • Renowned higher educational systems. In Switzerland, there are twelve public universities. Because of its long history of academic advancement, Switzerland presently has some of Europe’s most esteemed higher education systems.
  • Best Countries for Education. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Countries for Education, the United States is the best place to study abroad.

Universities in Switzerland are relatively global in terms of their student and academic communities and have a significant presence in global ranking charts. Four of the eight top-ranked Swiss universities rank in the top 100 universities in the world for their proportion of international students.

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Top Programs to Study in Switzerland

Top Programs in Switzerland
Education & Training
Information Technology (IT)
Medicine and HealthCare
Engineering
Hospitality and Tourism
Banking and Finance
Media Films
Law
Finance
Architecture

Top Institutions to Study in Switzerland

Based on where they placed in the overall Best Global Universities rankings, these Swiss universities have been rated quantitatively. Academics from the community from across Europe and the world rated and evaluated schools based on their research output.

Top Universities in Switzerland
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
University of Zurich
École Polytechnique Federale of Lausanne
University of Geneva
University of Bern
University of Basel
University of Lausanne
University of Fribourg
Università della Svizzera italiana
University of Neuchatel

Scholarships to Study in Switzerland

In comparison to other European nations, Swiss universities have relatively modest tuition costs. Because of this, Switzerland is a popular option for international students wishing to study in Europe. 

The country offers numerous financial assistance for international students who dream of studying in Switzerland. Students can apply for scholarships or other funding assistance through the Swiss government and non-governmental organizations, as well as from the educational institution of their choice.

  • Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students. Post-graduate researchers in all fields are eligible for the research grant if they intend to travel and pursue higher studies in Switzerland to conduct research or pursue doctoral or post-doctoral courses. The scholarship covers a monthly payment, waiver of tuition costs, health insurance, plane travel, and housing allowance among others.
  • University of Lausanne Master’s Grants for Foreign Students. Through the UNIL Master’s Grants, the University of Lausanne in Switzerland provides scholarships to foreign students who want to pursue a master’s degree there.
  • IMD MBA Scholarships. IMD has several scholarship options available for international students from various nations and backgrounds.
  • Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships. In order to draw bright scholars from all over the world, regardless of location or financial capability, the institute devotes a significant amount of resources to financial aid. Financial aid might come from full or partial scholarships, tuition waivers, teaching or research assistantships, or other forms of assistance.
  • EPFL Excellence Fellowships. Students with exceptional academic records are eligible for a small number of fellowships at the Master’s level from École Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL).

Most Swiss scholarships are part of the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and other governments or are specific to educational institutions.

The International Student Experience in Switzerland

A Swiss education has numerous benefits. Living and pursuing higher studies in Switzerland offers international students a wealth of opportunities in addition to its reputation for academic brilliance, and if used properly, it can have a significant impact on their future careers.

They will get access to a distinguished and well-connected network that spans numerous industries and nations. Their visibility and desirability in the world labor market will rise as a result. This is one of the key reasons many international students often choose to study in Switzerland over other countries, aside from the academic reputation of the school they have chosen.

Working Part-Time

The ability to work while you study is one of the best aspects of studying in Switzerland – not all host nations permit this. The criteria and requirements for students from the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and those from other countries do, however, vary.

EU/EFTA students Non-EU/EFTA students
Work Hours
Can work 15 hours a week and full time during the semester holidays
Can work 15 hours a week and full time during the semester holidays
Work Authorization
Can start working as soon as they arrive in Switzerland
Can only start working six months after arriving in Switzerland

Students who are planning to work while studying will need to inform their schools and apply for the necessary paperwork.

Internship Opportunities

International students seeking internship opportunities may check job portals or ask their school for referrals. Interns are protected by Swiss law and enjoy the same rights as permanent employees.

Checking employment websites that promote internship opportunities for young students and professionals will help you find internship positions, just like with other career positions in Switzerland. 

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees as you pursue higher studies in Switzerland are surprisingly relatively lower compared with most European countries. The fees vary depending on the institution and the program, but in most universities, students will only have to pay between CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per semester. This is mainly because of the Swiss’ belief that education should be accessible to anyone if they choose to pursue it.

Other Expenses

Switzerland ranks as one of the countries with the highest standards of living worldwide, thus it is not surprising that the cost of living there is higher than in other countries. International students can save money by using the International Student Identity Card.

To better prepare for living and completing your higher studies in Switzerland, especially when it comes to budgeting, below are the average monthly costs per necessity.

Type of Expense Average Cost for International Students
Accommodation
CHF 700
Food
CHF 600
Communication
CHF 150

What are the Requirements to Study in Switzerland?

Studying in Switzerland may be one of your best decisions ever, according to honors given to many Swiss colleges by international students. It’s very simple to apply to study at a Swiss institution as long as you keep in mind a few key points.

Application Process

  • Complete the university website’s online application form.
  • Payment of the application cost
  • Before the deadline, upload any necessary supporting documentation.

Language Requirements

  • German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc and others
  • French: DELF or DALF
  • English: IELTS, TOEFL

You can take a language test at the university if you don’t have a language certificate, and they will determine if your proficiency is high enough to be accepted. Inquire with the university first because not all of them provide this option.

Application Documents

  • A signed printout of your application form
  • Two passport photos
  • Copy of identity document
  • Official academic transcript(s) from each university you attended before (if applicable)
  • High school diploma or Bachelor’s diploma
  • Language proficiency certificates (German/French/English)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Evidence of paying the application fee (100 – 150 CHF or 400 CHF for late applications)
  • Personal essay

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for Swiss universities vary by institution, and occasionally they may depend on your credentials or whether you need to apply for a student visa. In order to start their studies the next academic year, students are typically recommended to submit their applications in the spring semester.

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How to Apply to Study in Switzerland?

Students planning to study in Switzerland should directly apply to the institution of their choice as the country does not offer a centralized admission system. Requirements and visa processes also differ between EU/EFTA students and non-EU/EFTA students. However, at the minimum, students should have the following depending on the degree level they are applying to:

  • For a bachelor’s degree program: a certificate equivalent to a Matura (Swiss school-leaving certificate)
  • For a master’s degree program: bachelor’s degree diploma
  • For a Ph.D. program: master’s degree diploma
  • For all programs: a language certificate as proof the student has adequate knowledge of the medium of instruction in the institution they are applying to

Visa Application and Residence Permit to Study in Switzerland

To legally stay and study in Switzerland, students need to apply for either a visa or a residence permit. The need depends on the student’s country of origin, or if they’re from an EU/EFTA country or not. EU/EFTA citizens only need to apply for a residence permit, while non-EU/EFTA need to apply for a visa.

Below are the criteria and requirements needed to apply for a visa or a residence permit:

Residence Permit for EU/EFTA Students

  • Proof of adequate financial resources
  • Health insurance policy
  • Confirmation of admission from a recognized educational institution
  • 2 passport photographs
  • Proof of residence
  • Personal application for a residence permit
  • Valid passport or ID

Visa for Non-EU/EFTA Students

  • Proof of adequate financial resources
  • Health insurance policy
  • Study plan including your purpose study
  • Confirmation of admission from a recognized educational institution
  • Proof of completion of educational requirements needed
  • Motivation letter, CV and information sheet that includes your language skills
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Confirmation you will leave Switzerland after the end of your studies
  • Passport
  • Scholarship/loan proof if applicable
  • Proof of payment of school registration and tuition fees
  • Four passport-size photographs
  • Application for a long-stay visa (visa D) or a short-stay visa (visa C)

They may apply at the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country.

The educational system in Switzerland is regarded as one of the greatest in the world. The numerous Nobel prizes the Swiss have received over the past century, particularly in different fields are evidence of this. You don’t have to worry about potential restrictions because Switzerland offers over 3,000 degree programs.

Study in Switzerland

Go after your desire to study in Switzerland at a university. Visit MSM Unify to learn how to get your education off to a great start.

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