There is no doubt that Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries within Europe. Home to more than eight million residents, the country’s world-class universities attract countless prospective students looking for quality higher education.

Switzerland at a glance

Switzerland is home to much more than chocolate and cuckoo clocks. Spectacular Alpine mountain ranges are flanked by crystal-clear bodies of water such as Lake Geneva. You will also be in for a treat in regards to the culture to be found here. The history of Switzerland can be traced back to at least 450 BCE and these lands have been occupied ever since. Thanks to influences of nearby nations such as France, Italy and Germany, this country boasts a truly international flavour; the country’s four official languages are German, French, Italian, Romansh (with only some 60,000 speakers today).

Universities in Switzerland

You will regularly see many Swiss universities in the world’s top 100 ranked universities – most notably ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Zurich and the University of Geneva.

ETH Zurich, with a clear focus on technology, is often considered the best university in Switzerland. Originally founded in 1855, it is renowned for its cutting-edge research and its wide selection of courses in different areas of science and technology. There are more than 19,000 students enrolled here, with nearly 40% international students.

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) was incorporated in 1853 and, like ETH, specialises in technology. The majority of courses are offered in French, but there are many Masters and Doctorate programmes offered in English.

With some 25,000 students, the University of Zurich is the largest institution of higher education in the country. You can choose from a selection of courses including science, law, philosophy, theology, medicine. Many of their Master’s degree programmes are offered in English.

Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva is the third oldest university in Switzerland, and also the third largest, with around 16,000 students. 40% of the student body are international.

The cost of living and studying in Switzerland

Swiss universities are heavily subsidised by the government. That essentially means that tuition fees are slightly lower when compared to other nations. Still, let’s keep in mind that the tuition fees associated with private universities will normally be higher than their public counterparts. However, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, with extremely high cost of living; especially when looking at major cities like Geneva or Zurich. So be sure to budget your finances properly.

Universities in Switzerland

• Bern University of Applied Sciences
• Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
• ETH Zurich
• EU Business School
• FFHS Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences
• Geneva Business School
• IFM Business School
• International Institute in Geneva
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
• University of Basel
• University of Bern
• University of Fribourg
• University of Geneva
• University of Lausanne
• University of St. Gallen
• University of Zurich
• USI Università della Svizzera italiana

A small country located at the heart of the Alps in Western Europe, Switzerland is popular with students and graduates wanting to study abroad. Bordered by France, Germany and Italy, it gives you ample opportunity to visit other culturally diverse countries.

While known for academic excellence, Switzerland is also a great place to study if you want to pick up a second language, thanks to the multilingual Swiss population. Depending on where you study you could get to grips with German, French, Italian or Romansh. Each linguistic area has its own institutions, traditions and cultures, so do your research before you go.

In your study-free hours you’ll be able to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The Alps dominate 60% of the country, but the striking scenery isn’t all that’s on offer. You’ll be able to enjoy arts and music festivals in Swiss meadows and visits to theatres and museums in metropolitan cities. In the winter months you’ll have the opportunity to participate in sports such as skiing, ice hockey and skating.

You’ll also be able to sample famous Swiss cuisine such as coffee, chocolate and cheese.

Degree courses in Switzerland

There are a variety of undergraduate degree courses on offer in Switzerland and such programmes can be studied at universities, universities of applied sciences and arts, and universities of teacher education.

Bachelors courses typically take three years to complete full time and are open to all international students who have a secondary/high school leaving certificate and a good command of the tuition language (this could be French, German or Italian depending on where you study). You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical work.

To gain a place on a Bachelors programme, students need to apply online directly to their chosen university.

Search for undergraduate courses in Switzerland at Swiss Universities – Course offerings.

Masters degrees

Programmes are available in a range of areas including the arts, engineering, law, medicine and science. Courses are designed to build on first-degree knowledge and enable students to specialise in a particular field.

When studied full time, programmes usually last three to four semesters (one-and-a-half to two years). You’ll study taught core and elective modules and finish with a dissertation.

When applying for a Masters programme, you’ll need a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject. If your course is taught in French, German or Italian, a good working knowledge of that particular language will be essential. However, there are an increasing number of Masters courses taught in English.

Entry requirements vary for each university, so contact institutions directly to ensure your application is correct.

You can search for postgraduate programmes in Switzerland at SwissUniversities – Course offerings.

PhDs

A PhD is the highest level of qualification for postgraduate students in Switzerland. Offered by universities, subjects cover a variety of areas. Courses can take around three to five years to complete, and during this time you’ll carry out independent research as you work towards a Doctoral thesis.

Assessment usually takes the form of an oral examination.

To study for a PhD in Switzerland, you’ll need a Masters degree from an accredited or recognised university. Again, entry conditions vary so you should check with your prospective institution.

Course fees

When compared with EU countries, Swiss tuition fees are relatively low. However, at some institutions international students are charged higher rates than Swiss nationals.

Private universities will charge higher fees than public institutions, sometimes reaching CHF 42,357 (£37,000) per year. Bachelors or Masters degrees will cost between CHF 394 (£344) and CHF 3,644 (£3,185) per year on average, with PhDs costing CHF 98 (£86) to CHF 886 (£774).

Study in Switzerland claims that your living costs will be at least CHF 1,600 (£1,398) to CHF 2,000 (£1,747).

Bear in mind that you may incur other costs such as registration, examination and student association fees.

Learn more about the cost of living in Switzerland at Study in Switzerland.

Funding to study in Switzerland

Swiss scholarships, grants and bursaries are few and far between and available opportunities are difficult to secure.

The Swiss government does not offer scholarships to students from the UK, so be prepared to find your own method of funding. While the cost of living is high, this should be counterbalanced by the reasonable tuition fees.

UK students may be eligible for university/department scholarships, so check individual institution websites to see what they offer.

Some universities offer an interest-free loan of up to CHF 11,000 (£9,609), which covers approximately 40% of your total fees and living costs. There is also a solidarity fund for foreign students, if you’re studying in Zurich.

International students in Switzerland are also allowed to work part time for up to 15 hours a week during term time. During holiday periods foreign students can work full time, but you’ll need to make the relevant immigration authorities aware of this.

If you’re from a country other than the UK, you may be entitled to a government scholarship. Check to see if your country of origin is eligible by visiting Swiss government excellence scholarships for foreign scholars and artists.

Student visas

UK citizens can travel to countries in the Schengen Area (which includes Switzerland) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. However, if you plan to study in Switzerland for more than three months, you must apply for a student visa before you move to the country.

There are two types of visas for students, depending on the length of their stay:

• C Visa for short stays such as summer schools
• D Visa for extended stays.

Non-EU nationals apply for Swiss student visas at the Swiss Embassy or consulate in their home country. Visas can take several months to process so factor this into your plans and apply early.

Students from the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK do not need a visa to study in the country.

However, all students need to apply for a residence permit and register as a foreign resident within 14 days of arrival. You can do this at your local Residents’ Registration Office and you’ll need:

• a valid passport
• proof of university registration
• a bank statement to provide evidence of funds
• proof of health insurance
• proof of address
• two passport photographs.

There are three types of residence permit:

• Permit L for a one-year stay. Can only be renewed once.
• Permit B for a one-year stay but has no renewal limit.
• Permit C is for permanent residence.

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Switzerland. If you intend to live in the country for longer than three months, you must purchase your own health insurance. For more information, visit StudyinSwitzerland – Entry, visa and residence permits.

How to apply

The country does not have a centralised admissions procedure. Most applications to Swiss universities are made online directly to institutions. For specific information and admission deadlines, contact the admissions office of your chosen university.

On your application form you’ll need to indicate the faculty and degree programme you’re interested in. You’ll then receive written confirmation of your application along with an application fee invoice and a list of the supporting documents required.

After submitting the requested documents, and upon receipt of the application fee, you’ll be sent formal confirmation of your place.

Language requirements

As Switzerland is a multilingual country, the languages spoken at different universities will vary. The majority of the country speaks German, but French is used in the west and Italian in some areas in the south. Romansh is also spoken by a small minority.

If you wish to study for a Bachelors or Masters in one of the above languages, you’ll need to prove your proficiency as part of your application.

English is widely spoken and an increasing number of courses (especially Masters) are taught in the language. However, while living in Switzerland it would be beneficial to learn one of the country’s native languages.