STUDY IN SWITZERLAND

Overview

If you're looking to study abroad in a true higher education powerhouse, then you might want to consider Switzerland. Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about studying in Europe's elite study destination.
Seven Swiss universities make the world’s top 150 (eight in total make the rankings), which given the population of the entire country is smaller than that of the US state of Virginia is no mean feat.
Switzerland’s system of higher education is extremely international in nature. Four of the eight ranked universities make the world’s top 30 in terms of international students, with EPFL finishing sixth in the world in this indicator. They perform similarly well in terms of international staff.
But it’s not just universities that inspired 50,000 international students to study in Switzerland. For one thing, you won’t find many more beautiful countries. From its postcard-perfect lakes and mountains, to its picturesque and charming towns, which sometimes look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a Disney film, Switzerland is pretty easy on the eye!
Then there is its status as a true European melting pot, which can offer some of best quality of life anywhere in the world. Sound good? If so, then maybe Switzerland is the study abroad destination for you…
Studying at master's or PhD level? Read  graduate-level guide to Switzerland >

Fast Fact

• Federal democratic republic with bicameral legislature
• Divided into 26 cantons (equivalent of states)
• Head of state/government is seven member Swiss Federal Council (current incumbents are Johann Schneider-Ammann, Didier Burkhalter, Ueli Maurer, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Doris Leuthard, Simonetta Sommaruga, and Alain Berset), each of whom heads a federal department
• Representative president is chosen from Federal Council, but doesn’t gain any additional powers (currently Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf)
• Population of 7,639,961 – slightly more than Hong Kong
• Total area of 15,940 sq mi, so significantly smaller than West Virginia, but marginally bigger than Maryland
• Part of the Schengen Area, but not the European Union
• Four official languages: German, France, Italian and Romansh (listed in order of number of speakers)
• The nation has its origins in the late 13th century, though it only came into being in its current form in the mid 19th century
• The CH often used in reference to Switzerland stands for Confoederatio Helvetica, which is the original Latin name for what is now Switzerland
• Swiss chocolate fact 1: According to the Association of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers, the average Swiss person eats 12kg of chocolate a year – over twice as much as is eaten by the average American
• Swiss chocolate fact 2: Swiss chocolate makers made 176,430 tonnes of chocolate in 2010, 60% of which was imported
• Currency is Swiss franc, symbol: CHF, CHF1 = US$1.10
• International dialling code is +41
• Uses Central European Time (UTC+1), switching to UTC+2 in the summer months

Lifestyle

Find out about Switzerland's top cities for students...

ZURICH

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, and also its financial hub. The predominantly German speaking city is home to two universities in the QS World University Rankings: continental Europe’s highest ranking institution, ETH Zurich (The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and the University of Zurich, ranked 13 and 90= respectively. Situated on the banks of Lake Zurich, there is plenty of natural beauty close at hand, and the well preserved old town means that there’s some manmade charm too. It’s not cheap, but like any city, you can certainly find ways around this…
See where Zurich ranks in the latest QS Best Student Cities >

LAUSANNE

Based in the French speaking region of Switzerland, Lausanne is a culturally rich city, which boasts a museum dedicated to the Olympic Games – the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. The medieval centre, as well as its proximity to magnificent Lake Geneva and numerous ski resorts make it a big draw for tourists, and the large student population ensures that it enjoys a vibrant nightlife. Lausanne’s two main universities, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (29 in the QS World University Rankings) and the University of Lausanne (115) are two of Switzerland’s most prestigious.

GENEVA

Lying between the lake with which it shares its name and the French border, Geneva is the centre of the Francophone Switzerland. It is known on the international stage as one of the world’s main centers of diplomacy, home to the second largest base of the United Nations and an impressive number of NGOs. One consequence of this is that Geneva is one of the pricier study abroad destinations out there – but in return you’ll get to enjoy a comfortable, safe and cosmopolitan existence, while studying at one of the world’s top 100 universities, the University of Geneva (74).

BERN

Switzerland’s capital is the home of one of the world’s top 150 universities: the University of Bern (149). Known as the ‘Slow City’ due to its relaxed pace of life, its center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This does mean, however, that it is not the best city for party animals. But, if you’re looking for a more chilled out experience, then Bern can deliver. You can go swimming in the river, visit one of the city’s renowned museums, or even hang out with some of the captive bears – the city’s symbol – who live just outside the city (in good conditions!).

BASEL

Situated towards the north of the country near the French and German borders, Basel is perhaps the ideal city to experience the Swiss melting pot in action – or to make a jaunt over the border to visit Switzerland’s bigger European siblings. It is the centre of the Swiss chemical industry, and is also known for being a cultural hub. It is home to the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, an institute dedicated to the study of music from the medieval period through to the baroque. The University of Basel, which comes in at 121 in the QS World University Rankings, is the country’s oldest university.

Practical Information

Admission, entry and visa requirements

Switzerland is not a cheap place to live. However, this is massively counterbalanced by low fees. In most cases, international students pay no more than local students (some universities operate a slight mark-up). The exact sum varies but the average fee in 2010 was US$1,190, making Switzerland one of the cheapest places to study, in terms of tuition, in the world.

There is no centralized application procedure for foreign students, so contact any institution to which you’re thinking of applying directly. You will be able to apply online, and universities’ international offices should be able to help you if you have any problems. Make sure you check the language requirements of the courses you’re applying to – this is a country with four official languages after all. German, French and English (particularly at graduate level) predominate.

The process you will have to follow to get a visa will depend on whether you are from an EU/EFTA country or not.

more

If you are from an EU/EFTA country:

•    You do not require a visa to study in Switzerland.

•    You will however be required to register with the local Residents’ Registration Office in order to obtain a residence permit. In order to get this you will need to present a completed application form, your passport, proof that you’ve enrolled at a university, evidence that you have enough money to support yourself (deemed to be around CHF2,000 a month, which is around US$2,195, on top of what you pay for rent), proof of your address and two passport size photos. If you have to leave for any reason, you will have to apply for a new residence permit when you return.

•    Health insurance is mandatory, so make sure that you have purchased cover in Switzerland (unless coverage purchased in your home country is valid in Switzerland).

If you’re from outside of the EU/EFTA:

•    You will need to apply for a multiple entry long stay visa (Visa D) from your local Swiss embassy. You must allow at least three months for your visa to process, so make sure you apply in plenty of time.

•     The embassy will tell you specifically what you need to provide in order to obtain your visa, but it is likely to be similar to the above list for obtaining a residence permit. You will be allowed six months to find a job in Switzerland after completing your degree, and will be able to get a work visa if you succeed.

•     Within 14 days of your arrival you must apply for a residence permit. See above for what you’ll need to provide.

Featured University

International University in Geneva

Universities in Switzerland

Rank   Universities     Locations

1  Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich

Zürich

2  École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Lausanne

3  Université de Genève

Geneva

4  Universität Zürich

Zürich

5  Universität Bern

Bern

6  Universität Basel

Basel

7  Université de Lausanne

Lausanne

8  Universität St.Gallen

St. Gallen

9  Université de Fribourg

Fribourg

10  Université de Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel

11  Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz

Brugg ...

12  Università della Svizzera Italiana

Lugano

13  Universität Luzern

Luzern

14  Berner Fachhochschule

Bern ...

15  Hochschule Luzern

Luzern ...

16  Zürcher Hochschule der Künste

Zürich

17  Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich

Zürich

18  Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement

Geneva

19  Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil

Rapperswil

20  Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale

Delémont

21  Institut de Hautes Etudes en Administration Publique

Lausanne

22  Interstate University of Applied Sciences and Technology

Buchs

23  Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch

Sion

24  Kalaidos Fachhochschule

Zürich ...

25  Fachhochschule Ostschweiz

St. Gallen

26  Webster University - Geneva

Bellevue

27  Zürcher Fachhochschule

Zürich

28  Les Roches-Gruyère University of Applied Sciences

Bulle ...

Academic Ranking of World Universities 

Country Rank Institution World Rank

1

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

23

2

University of Zurich

59

3

University of Geneva

69

4

University of Basel

85

5

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne

101-150

6

University of Bern

151-200

7

University of Lausanne

201-300

Studying in Switzerland

Switzerland is convinced of the long-term strategic importance of education and regards it as essential for political stability, increase in wealth, and innovation. As a country whose main resources are knowledge and research, Switzerland acknowledges the vital role played by foreign citizens in the drive for innovation, research and business acumen. And as Switzerland is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for education, its attraction for studying and research is well-established. The high proportion of foreign university students (27.6%), Ph.D. students (50.2%), teaching and administrative staff (44.5%) attests to this.

Domestic policy places a high value on higher education, and Swiss universities are, as a consequence, generously funded public institutions. Switzerland's investment in education and research is among the highest of all OECD countries. As a result, Switzerland boasts both the highest number of registered patents in all European countries and one of the highest numbers of Nobel Prizes pro capite in the world.

All Swiss universities offer their courses in accordance with the Bologna system: undergraduate studies culminate in a Bachelor's degree, which can be further advanced with a Master's degree, in compliance with international agreements. A total of 135,000 students attend Switzerland's world-class Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. programmes, which are based on cutting-edge research and cover a variety of areas.

Switzerland  University  system

Swiss education

The Swiss educational system is as varied and exciting as the Swiss landscape. Mirroring the diversity of languages, cultures and history in Switzerland, it is built on a complex interplay between the Confederation, the cantons and the communes. While the Swiss Constitution guarantees autonomy to the country's 26 cantons in the area of education, the Federal Government and cantons share responsibilities on higher education and on the tertiary level. The Confederation is responsible both for advanced vocational training and for the universities of applied sciences. In addition, it has jurisdiction over the two Federal Institutes of Technology and regulates and promotes research through the Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS). Each of the 10 university cantons is responsible for its cantonal university. Cantonal universities receive financial support from the Confederation and from those cantons which do not have their own university.

Higher education in Switzerland comprises academic studies at the 10 cantonal universities and the 2 Federal Institutes of Technology, at the more professionally-oriented universities of applied sciences and at the universities of teacher education. A few more University-level institutions are considered public institutions of higher education.

With their different histories, approaches, and research focus, as well as their language diversity, the 10 cantonal universities and the 2 Federal Institutes of Technology are poised to usher a multicultural Switzerland into the future. They all share a drive for quality in teaching and research, an ambition for excellence, the flexibility to cater to a multitude of demands, and the foresight to anticipate future requirements and challenges. This results in their consistently being ranked among the best universities in the world.

Why study abroad in Switzerland?

For those looking to expand their cultural horizons, Switzerland could be the perfect choice as a study abroad destination. It has four national languages — Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch — and is equally rich in cultural diversity.

• There are 12 general universities in Switzerland and a number of other universities of applied sciences and research universities. Swiss universities are generously supported by the government and fees for nationals are low. At many institutions, fees are the same for foreign students or there is only a small premium, reflecting the country’s desire to attract overseas students. Of those studying at university in Switzerland, 21% are international students.
• Switzerland has the highest ranked university in Continental Europe in the 2012 QS World University Rankings: ETH Zürich, which is ranked number 13. The country also has three other institutions in the Top 100: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne at 29, University of Geneva at 74 and University of Zurich at 90.
• English-language courses are more common at Master’s level and most undergraduate programmes are taught in German, Italian or French. The number of courses available at an undergraduate level in English is slowly growing, however, particularly at universities of applied sciences.

Entry and visa regulations

UK citizens do not require a visa to study in Switzerland.

• Students must register with their local Residents’ Registration Office within 14 days of arrival. To register, students need proof of identity and address, along with evidence of sufficient funds and enrolment at university.
• Applicants wishing to study at a Swiss university should apply directly to the institution of their choice. Deadlines for entry vary between institutions, but as a general rule you’ll need to apply in the spring for courses beginning in the autumn. 

Funding your study

• At most of the general universities, the annual tuition fee for international students is between £650 and £1,000, with some exceptions — the University of Italian Switzerland, for example, charges a much higher fee of about £2,600 per year.
• UK students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week alongside their studies without acquiring a work permit.
• There are some scholarships available for foreign students – check with your local Swiss embassy in the first instance.

Some subsidised on-campus student accommodation is available in Switzerland, but it is also common for students to rent private rooms or flats.

• To start with, contact the housing office at your institution to find out what assistance and/or recommendations they can offer.
• Budget on paying at least £500 per month for a room in a shared apartment.

The cost of living is high in Switzerland. In this year’s Worldwide Cost of Living Survey, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Zurich was named as the most expensive city in the world, with Geneva in third place.
Prices vary depending on location, but typical prices (in GBP) are:

• McDonald’s meal: £8
• Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: £13
• Pint of domestic beer: £4
• One litre of milk: £1
• Loaf of bread: £1.85
• Local bus trip: £1.30
• Internet access per hour: £3+
• Movie ticket: £12

Health and safety

• Health insurance is compulsory for all students intending to stay in Switzerland for more than three months, but for EU students basic medical care is available using the European Health Insurance Card.
• Switzerland is considered a very safe country to live in and violent crime is rare. Although gun crimes are low, Switzerland has one of the highest per capita gun ownership rates in the world.

Helpful links

For more information on studying in Switzerland, see Swiss University.

Switzerland: Graduate Level Guide

Considering studying in Switzerland as a graduate student? Read on to find out more about the country's higher education strengths, and practical information about funding and applications.

In the latest report from the Europaeum, an association of European universities, Switzerland was highlighted as one of just three European countries in which the economic downturn and Eurozone crisis have not had a lasting impact on funding for higher education.

While many European countries have had to freeze or decrease funding for higher education, Switzerland has been able to continue increasing the national budget allocated for universities.

Anders Hagström, director of international educational affairs at ETH Zurich – one of the country’s highest ranked universities – says, “Switzerland is a small country by size but in education, research and innovation it is a world player, with excellent research facilities, a strong economy and many innovative companies.”

World leader in innovation

These claims are borne out by the fact that Switzerland takes the top spot in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2011-12, which highlights the country’s strengths in innovation, technological readiness and labour market efficiency, and says its scientific research organizations are among the best worldwide.

Likewise, in the European Commission’s Innovation Union Scoreboard 2011, Switzerland is named as Europe’s clear and consistent innovation leader. In this index, it scores particularly highly in the categories relating to international scientific co-publications, public-private scientific co-publications, licence and patent revenues from abroad, and new doctorate graduates.

Additional factors contributing to Switzerland’s high competitiveness ranking include: strong collaboration between academia and business; high levels of investment in research and development; high patenting rates; excellent infrastructure; highly developed goods and financial markets; and high levels of transparency and accountability.

It’s unsurprising then, that so many multinational corporations have their headquarters in Switzerland, including Nestlé, Novartis and ABB.

High quality of life

International rankings also reflect the country’s high standards of living. In Mercer’s 2011 Quality of Living survey, Zurich is ranked in second place worldwide, and two other Swiss cities – Geneva and Bern – also make the global top ten. These high living standards are accompanied by a relatively high cost of living, but Hagström says, modest tuition fees make the overall package “a very good deal”.

Future job prospects are also good. While the country’s best-known exports are watches, chocolate and cheese, more than half of export revenues come from mechanical and electrical engineering and chemistry. Other key areas include biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, banking and insurance, and mircotechnology. The unemployment rate is relatively low, estimated at 3.9% in 2010.

Aside from financial and career considerations, Switzerland has much to offer. Bordered by France, Italy, Germany and Austria, it’s often described as a fusion of the best attractions of each of these countries, with fine food and wines, thriving arts and culture, and incredible areas of natural beauty.

In this last category, mountains are undoubtedly the country’s dominant feature; of its 41,285 square kilometres, more than 60% is taken up by the Alps – which stretch all the way from France across to Austria.

International diversity

Swiss universities are known for their international diversity; in 2009-10, more than a quarter of those attending the country’s twelve state-run higher education institutes were foreign students. At graduate level and among faculty members, this percentage is even higher – with more than half of PhD students and around 45% of teaching staff coming from outside of Switzerland. This diversity, Hagström says, “makes it easy for new students to make themselves at home.”

Indeed, the population in general is very multicultural – foreign citizens account for about 21% of residents – and also multi-lingual. The country’s four official languages are French, German, Italian and Romansch, but English is also fairly widely spoken, particularly in graduate-level higher education.

Universities in Switzerland are usually divided into two categories – ‘traditional’ universities and universities of applied science. This second category refers to those institutes with a focus on more vocational subjects, such as architecture, information technology, life sciences, chemistry, applied psychology and linguistics, forestry and performing arts.

Fees and applications

“Higher education in Switzerland is publicly funded,” Hagström explains, “so regardless of their nationality, students pay the same modest tuition fees.” These can cost from as little as €1,000 per year (US$1,300), rising up to about €7,000 (US$9,250).

Scholarships are available for international students from the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students and from individual universities – though not all countries are included in the government’s scholarship program for international students.

At ETH Zurich, master’s students can apply to the ‘Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme’. In 2011-12, 35 full scholarships were awarded, covering tuition and living costs. For PhD candidates, Hagström says, finances are less of a concern: “PhD students are employed as research assistants with a decent salary, so that takes care of their funding problems.”

Citizens of EU or EFTA members don’t need to apply for a visa beforehand, but must register with local authorities within 14 days of arrival to obtain a residence permit. Those from elsewhere should apply for a visa via their nearest Swiss embassy or consulate, after having received a place and paid the fees up front. 

More information about studying abroad in Switzerland >