Switzerland offers top-tier education, diverse cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes. Its universities are globally recognised, providing unique research opportunities. The country’s high quality of life, safety, and central European location make it an ideal destination for international students.
Switzerland is a developed and diverse country, offering students and international experience when studying abroad. It shares land borders with Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and Liechtenstein, so is ideally located for students who want to make the most of the travelling opportunities outside of the classroom.
Thanks to its status as an EU/EEA country, Switzerland adheres to the Bologna Process and ECTS. This means that any qualification awarded by a Swiss university will be recognised throughout Europe and the EHEA. This is very useful if you want to pursue further studies or look for a career in Europe.
Switzerland regards education as hugely important in the day to day success of the country. It believes it is essential for its stability in terms of politics and its increase in wealth. This means that universities are focused on providing a high quality, well rounded education for students, preparing you for your future.
There are a number of popular cities in Switzerland, some of which are a hotspot for international students. These include Geneva and Lausanne, as well as others.
| Continent | Europe |
|---|---|
| Language(s) of tuition | English, German, French, Italian |
| Universities on StudyLink | 21 universities |
| Major Student Cities | Bern (de facto capital), Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux |
Master of Arts - Design - Masterstudio MA
FHNW University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland Switzerland
Find out more
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations BA
Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations Switzerland
Find out moreApplying to a university in Switzerland as an international student is fairly straightforward. You can apply to each individual university you are interested in directly. You will probably have to pay an application fee for each application you submit.
Common entry requirements for Swiss universities include:
You might need to provide documents translated into a different language, depending on the university you are applying to.
More information about applying to Swiss universities can be found on our Degrees and Masters in Switzerland pages.
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Tuition fees at Swiss universities are heavily subsidised by the Swiss government, meaning that public university fees are relatively low. A public institution will tend to charge between CHF 500 ($500 USD) and CHF 2,000 ($2,000 USD) per semester. Private universities will probably charge higher tuition fees, especially for international students.
It is also important that you consider your cost of living when budgeting for studying in Switzerland. The recommended budget for yearly living costs is between CHF 18,000 and CHF 28,000.
Students who are from an EU/EEA country are permitted to work up to 15 hours per week during term time, with no limitations outside of term time. Students from any other country are permitted to work 6 months after the beginning of their studies. They will be issued a work permit.
If you are an international student interested in studying in Switzerland, you might be required to obtain a valid student visa. If you are from an EU/EEA country (as well as a small number of other countries), you are exempt from visa requirements, but will need to apply for a residence permit. If you are from any other country, you will need to obtain a student visa that covers the length of your stay.
For more information about student visas and how to apply as an international student, see our Switzerland Student Visa Guide.
Switzerland has 4 official languages. These are German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Both bachelors and masters degrees are taught in German, Italian and French. There is an increasing amount of programmes being taught in English, meaning there are plenty of options for international students.
No matter what language you choose to study in, you will probably have to prove that your language skills will meet the teaching standards. If they don’t meet these standards, it is common for institutions to offer language courses.
You will have many opportunities to pick up more than one language during your studies in Switzerland. Make an effort to communicate with locals in their language. This is a fantastic skill and will look great on your CV!
Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.
Sign up now
