Switzerland has many top-ranked universities. It is one of the best choices for international students. Studying in Swiss universities gives international students many opportunities to work and settle. Many state-funded and private universities operate in Switzerland. The cost of the study is affordable for international students.
Students in Switzerland can choose to take courses at the many universities or opt for vocational training. Universities offer courses ranging from general education to applied sciences, and many technical schools provide vocational training and issue certificates and diplomas.
Switzerland has a combination of state-funded institutes and private universities. Both offer a range of courses.
| Universities | Top QS Ranking Universities (2024) |
| ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | 7 |
| Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne | 36 |
| University of Zurich | 91 |
| University of Bern | 126 |
| University of Basel | 124 |
| University of Lausanne | 220 |
| University of Geneva | 128 |
| Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) | 328 |
| University of St. Gallen (HSG) | 436 |
| University of Fribourg | 563 |
Switzerland is a famous country for education. The country welcomes international students with the best and most advanced courses. The Swiss government runs universities like ETH Zurich, the University of Geneva, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and the University of St. Gallen. They cost less for international students to pursue various Bachelor and Masters courses. Many universities in Switzerland offer bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs for international students.
Best Courses to Choose in Switzerland
Courses in high demand with highest highest-paid salaries
Popular majors in Switzerland include international affairs, business, finance, hospitality, and management. International students in Switzerland can choose any program in their field of interest.
Switzerland has 2 study intakes: spring and fall. Students can opt for either intake, depending on the university and program.
| Intakes | Study Program | Admission deadlines |
| Fall | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | July |
| Spring | Undergraduate and Postgraduate | April |
Switzerland study intakes for graduate and master's degree courses are as follows.
| Higher Study Options | Duration | Intake Months | Deadline to Apply |
| Bachelors | 3 - 4 Years | Multiple intakes throughout the year except Mar, June, and Dec | 6-8 months before the intake month |
| Masters (MS/MBA) | 1-2 Years | Multiple intakes throughout the year except Mar, June, and Dec | 6-8 months before the intake month |
The cost of studying in Switzerland depends on the university/course you choose. The tuition fee in public universities is affordable compared to private universities. The price of study includes tuition and living expenses. The cost of living ranges from 2000 CHF to 5000 CHF depending on the accommodation, healthcare, and other facilities you use.
| Degree Type | Average Tuition Fee per Semester |
| Bachelors | 700-6,500 CHF |
| Masters | 700-6,000 CHF |
| Higher Study Options | Minimum Educational Requirement | Minimum Required Percentage | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score |
| Bachelors | 6000 CHF and above | 88 CHF | 7,000 to 15,000 CHF |
| Masters (MS/MBA) | 6000 CHF and above | 88 CHF | 7,000 to 15,000 CHF |
Switzerland study visas are issued within 1 to 4 months. The visa does not take much time to obtain if all the documents are correct. Submit all the accurate documents to get the Visa in time.
The tuition fee in Switzerland is lower than in other European countries. In addition, various scholarships are available to students.
The Swiss government heavily supports public universities. As a result, tuition costs in Switzerland are less expensive than those in the United Kingdom and the United States. International students participating in an exchange program in Switzerland do not have to pay a tuition charge.
Switzerland visa is of 2-types for international students.
Switzerland Schengen visa/Type-C Visa/Short-term visa: If you have opted to study a short-term course or language program in Switzerland, you can apply for Switzerland Schengen visa.
Long-term visa / Switzerland National visa: This visa is issued for over 90 days. Submit the visa application at the consulate in your country or directly to the Switzerland embassy.
To apply for a Swiss student Visa, IELTS is not required. Depending upon the university’s requirements, you can take IELTS. Swiss universities follow German, French, and English teaching methodologies. Based on the university's language requirements, you have to take the test.
International and non-EU/EFTA Students can work 15 hours per week. While in holidays students are allowed to work full-day. The work updates have to be reported to the concerned immigration authorities. International students can start working only after 6 months after starting their course.
After completing the study, international students can stay in Switzerland for 6 months. A Switzerland work permit is valid if you are employed in Switzerland. Outsiders can apply for Switzerland PR if they lived in the country for 10 years.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE): If you seek to study any graduate program or business-specific programs in Switzerland, you must clear the GRE with the required score.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): For students seeking to study graduate business programs in Switzerland.
After completion of study, a stay-back period of 6 months is allowed for international students. It would be best to have a 6-months resident permit to stay in Switzerland. After getting the job in Switzerland, you will be allotted a work permit.
If you choose to study full-time, a long-term visa (over 90 days, National visa) is required. A long-term visa application must be submitted in person at a Swiss embassy or consulate in your country.
The residency permit is valid for one year or for the duration of your studies. You can renew your permit until you complete your studies.
The processing time is within 15 weeks in most cases.
You have 14 days after arriving in Switzerland to register with your cantonal migration office. You’ll need to apply for a residence permit at your cantonal migration office if you have a long-stay category D visa. You’ll need to present your ID, Swiss visa information, and proof of Swiss address during the first 90 days of your stay.
A successful application will result in a B residence permit, which is only valid for a year but can be renewed. It could take a few weeks for this to come, and you won’t be able to leave the nation during that time.
You can extend your residency visa for another six months to seek full-time work, so don’t worry. You are authorized to work 15 hours per week during this time. All you have to do is give the following documentation to your cantonal migration office in order to apply:
Evidence that you can financially support yourself Evidence that you can live somewhere suitable Certificate/proof that you’ve completed your courses
If you want to continue studying in Switzerland for postgraduate courses, you can apply for a residence permit extension, but you must have an official offer. In this scenario, the maximum extension duration is two years
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