Located in Central Europe, Switzerland is a natural wonder and a prime educational destination. Known for its safe environment and high standard of living, the country provides ample opportunities for international students. The educational system has been continued to flourish and secure a position in top 10 or top 20 systems for education in the world.
Also famous for its multilingual environment, Switzerland is a hub of research that hosts many top-ranked universities. Read on to explore your options in this stunning destination.
Studying in Switzerland: An Overview
| Total Universities in Switzerland | 17 |
| Best Universities | ● ETH Zurich
● EPFL |
| Best Courses | ● Masters in CS
● Masters in Chemistry ● LLM ● BBA |
| Popular Courses in Switzerland | MS in Computer Science, MIM in Sales and Marketing, MS in Chemistry, MIM in International Business and so forth. |
| Cost of Studying | CHF 500 to CHF 4,000 per semester (INR 47,200 to INR 3.77 lakh approx.) |
| Part-Time Job | 15 hours per week |
| Top Scholarships | ● ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship
● Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students ● UNIL Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students |
| Main languages | Romansh, German, French & Italian |
| Post Work Visa | Applicable for six months |
| Admission Requirements | ● Swiss Visa
● SOP ● IELTS/TOEFL certificate ● SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE certificate ● Proof of funds |
Reasons to Study in Switzerland
Switzerland is a great choice for international students. Its world-famous, innovative learning system is focused on practical growth.
- World-Renowned Universities: Universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne have earned their rank among the best institutes worldwide.
- Innovation: The teaching goal of the Switzerland education system is focused on new possibilities and ideas.
- A mix of different cultures: With German, French, Italian, and Roman populations dominating the country, Switzerland has a natural mix of different cultures. This is a great experience for international students.
- Practical learning: Students can get practical exposure through internships, placements, and academic sessions.
- Beautiful Environment: The country’s lush green landscapes offer beautiful college campuses that motivate students to focus better on their studies.
Best Universities in Switzerland
Despite being a relatively small country, many of Switzerland’s educational institutes have achieved global recognition, attracting many international students. The top universities in Switzerland are as follows:
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | University |
| 7 | ETH Zurich |
| 26 | EPFL- École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne |
| =109 | University of Zurich |
| 131 | University of Basel |
| =155 | University of Geneva |
| 161 | University of Bern |
| =224 | University of Lausanne |
| =405 | Universita della Svizzera Italiana |
| =539 | Universite de Fribourg |
| 781-790 | Zurich University of Applied Sciences |
Top Popular Courses in Switzerland
While Switzerland offers a wide variety of courses for students, the country is particularly popular for its business-related, hospitality and science courses. These are some popular courses:
- Life Sciences
- Public Health
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- International Law
- Hospitality Management
- Engineering (including Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Science)
- Business Management
- Finance
Eligibility Criteria for Studying in Switzerland
While the admission eligibility criteria differ for each program and institute in the country, some typical requirements that need to be fulfilled by all international students:
| Criteria | Details |
| Qualifications | Candidates are required to present a good academic record that meets the individual college’s minimum eligibility criteria. |
| Standardized Test Scores | Students must present adequate scores on standardized tests like:
● SAT or ACT (for Undergraduate courses) ● GMAT or GRE (for business-related courses) ● Others, for medical or technical fields |
| Language Proficiency | Students must prove English language proficiency with any of the official examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. Students may alternatively need to prove German or French proficiency for specific courses. |
| Valid Documentation | All international students must prove their right to study in the country including Visa documents etc. |
Admission Checklist for Studying in Switzerland
Here is a simple checklist to make your admission process easier:
| Step | Details |
| Research Universities | Shortlist the universities and courses aligned with your interests through detailed research. |
| Check Eligibility and Application Deadlines | Carefully review each program’s admission requirements and application deadlines to ensure you meet the criteria and can submit applications on time. |
| Gather Documents | Prepare all necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose, to complete the application process. |
| Take Required Tests | Register for any standardized tests required by the universities, such as language proficiency or entrance exams, and complete them before the deadlines. |
| Submit Applications | Fill out the online application forms, attach relevant documents, and pay the application fee. |
| Track Your Application | Regularly check university portals and monitor your email for updates on your application status. |
| Interview Preparation | Practice answering likely questions if interviews are required. |
| Review Offers and Pay Deposit | Compare offers, assess program details, and accept your preferred choice by paying the deposit. |
| Arrange Finances | Organise funds for tuition, travel and living expenses. Gather proof of funds. |
| Apply for Student Visa | Submit your visa application with all required documents, prepare for the visa interview, and track its approval process. |
| Book Travel and Accommodation | Plan your travel itinerary and book on-campus or off-campus housing. |
| Check Vaccine Requirements | Ensure compliance with vaccines and other health prerequisites as mandated by the Government of Switzerland. |
| Arrive Early | Reach the campus early to attend the orientation and settle in. |
Cost of Studying in Switzerland
The fees for the top universities in Switzerland are as follows:
| University | Fee |
| ETH Zurich | CHF 730 per semester (INR 68,900 approx.) |
| EPFL- École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne | CHF 780 per semester (INR 73,600 approx.) |
| University of Zurich | CHF 820 to 1,200 per semester (INR 77,400 to 1.15 lakh approx.) |
| University of Basel | CHF 850 per semester (INR 80,200 approx.) |
| University of Geneva | CHF 500 per semester (INR 47,200 approx.) |
| University of Bern | CHF 950 per semester (INR 89,700 approx.) |
| University of Lausanne | CHF 850 per semester (INR 80,200 approx.) |
| Universita della Svizzera Italiana | CHF 4,000 per semester (INR 3.77 lakh approx.) |
| Universite de Fribourg | CHF 985 per semester (INR 92,900 approx.) |
| Zurich University of Applied Sciences | CHF 720 per semester (INR 67,900 approx.) |
Intake and Application Deadlines for Switzerland
Most of the universities in Switzerland accept admissions in two cycles:
| Fall Intake | Application deadlines for this intake typically close in February to April. This is the primary intake. |
| Spring Intake | Application deadlines for this intake typically close in October to December. This is the secondary intake. |
Scholarships in Switzerland
The Swiss government and specific institutions offer students many scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden of higher education.
| Scholarship | Description |
| Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students | Research scholarships for doctoral or postdoctoral students and Arts scholarships for Master’s students that cover living expenses and tuition fees. |
| ETH Zurich Excellence Master’s Scholarship | It covers all costs of study and living for Master’s students in the University. |
| Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights Scholarships | International students undergoing LLM courses can receive full scholarships that cover tuition and living. |
| UNIL Master’s Grants in Switzerland for Foreign Students | Master’s scholarships that provide CHF 1,600 per month to students enrolled in the university. |
| University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships | Students pursuing a Master of Science program can receive a scholarship of CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year. |
Work Opportunities in Switzerland
Some of the potential jobs for individuals choosing to study in Switzerland are as follows:
- IT Systems Architect
- Legal Services
- Financial Officer
- Actuary
- Software Engineer
- Nursing
- Software Developers
- Teacher
Top Recruiters
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s biggest multinational companies and supply chains. After the students have completed their higher education at a top Swiss college, they can land a job at companies such as:
- Novartis
- Nestle
- UBS (Union Bank of Switzerland)
- Zurich Insurance Group
- Credit Suisse
- Roche
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to learn a new language to study in Switzerland?
Typically, you do not need to know languages beyond English. However, depending on your course and region of stay, it would be advisable to acquire a basic understanding of French, German or Italian.
Does Switzerland offer scholarships to international students?
Yes, many universities offer specific grants or amounts to students undergoing certain courses. There are also some government-based scholarships that apply to foreign students.
Is studying law in Switzerland a good idea?
Absolutely. Switzerland is well known for providing great law courses, especially LLM in International Law. Scholarships like the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights Scholarship are also available for international students.
Is Switzerland safe to study for women?
Yes, in fact, Switzerland ranks among the safest countries in the world, with particularly low crime rates and safety for women and children.
