Study in Switzerland - Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Fees

Switzerland is known for its world-class academic institutions and decentralized education system. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the country is home to over 76,257 international students, as of 2024. 

Moreover, it houses many highly ranked universities, an optimum student/faculty ratio, excellent research facilities, and low tuition fees. If you are planning to study in Switzerland, find out the best universities, popular courses, and lucrative jobs in this article.

Key Pointers for Switzerland As a Study Destination 

Here is a quick overview of Switzerland for international students deliberating pursuing higher education in Switzerland. 

Average Cost of Study	730–1220 CHF per semester
Average Cost of Living	1850 CHF per month
Intakes	Autumn/Fall Spring
Language of Instruction	German French English
Exam Required	Language Proficiency exams (English, German or French), GRE Exam, GMAT Exam, etc.
Types of Visa	C-VISA (stay > three months),  D-VISA (stay < three months)
Popular Courses	Management and Administration, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Medicine, Psychology
Best Student City	Zurich and Lausanne

Why Study in Switzerland

Some of the reasons why you should choose Switzerland to study abroad are: 

1. The education system in Switzerland is flexible. The decentralized education system offers a wide array of possibilities for international students to receive a quality education. International students can opt for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs at prestigious Swiss universities. 

2. Switzerland has an incredible education system, including some of the world's finest universities. ETH Zurich and EPFL are routinely ranked in the top 20 globally, with ETH Zurich ranking seventh in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
   Switzerland’s top universities focus on a combination of theoretical and practical education, ensuring students are well-prepared for job opportunities.

3. Education in Swiss institutions is offered in different languages like German, French, and English. 

4. The best thing about Swiss universities is that they do not ask for English language proficiency test scores from Indian students. If the students know basic English language writing and speaking, they can apply for a program. The IELTS exam is optional, as the majority of universities do not ask for one. Thus, an international student can study in Switzerland without IELTS.

5. Two Switzerland cities have been featured in the Top 20 Best Student Cities, as per QS Rankings 2025. 

6. It is home to 15 companies that are listed under Fortune 500. These companies offer international students a platform to build a rewarding career. 

7. Switzerland excels at research and innovation. The country invested around 3.4% of its GDP to demonstrate its dedication to advancing knowledge and technology. Students receive access to the latest research resources and the opportunity to participate in creative projects.

8. Around 25% of the country’s total population are international students who have settled there after completion of the course. It means Switzerland offers ample permanent residency and employment opportunities. 

9. Switzerland offers partial and full funding opportunities to international students. Scholarships like Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students and ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships offer substantial funding to deserving students.

10. Switzerland welcomes international students wholeheartedly. The country has a vibrant lifestyle and multicultural environment that allows international students to integrate and mix well with the Swiss way of life.

Recommended Read: Student Visa

How to Study in Switzerland from India

For every student who wants to study in Switzerland from India, the National Visa (D-type) is important. The D-category visa is needed for students who plan to stay in the country for more than three months. Moreover, students can apply for C Visa for summer schools, seminars, and language courses that last up to three months.

Indian students will have to schedule a visa interview through an online application. The application and biometric formalities are completed at the visa application center. Indian students may have to provide biometrics during the visa application process. A visa interview is a final step that decides whether the study visa application is accepted or not. An adult visa fee for Indians is approx. INR 1850/.

Switzerland Education System

The Bologna Education Scheme based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits) is followed in Switzerland. In this system, the international students can get their educational qualifications transferred to their home institutions. Students can enroll in the following degrees:

Bachelor’s Degree:

It is a full-time undergraduate degree which generally lasts for 3 years. However, specializations like medical and information technology may take up to five years. In a Swiss bachelor’s degree, there are major and minor optional subjects. Students have to complete a total of 180 ECTS credits.

Masters Degree:

It can be completed within two years. For a PhD or doctoral program, a master’s degree is compulsory. To complete it, 90–120 credit hours are required.

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS):

It is a postgraduate degree that generally lasts for 1-2 years and usually consists of independent study, course work, and a master’s thesis.  Students would need to complete 60–120 ECTS.

Doctorate Degree:

A doctorate degree takes a total of 3 to 5 years to complete. Also, it requires students to complete 240 ECTS credits.

Moreover, the Swiss academic year is from September to May, with two semesters in an annual year. Students can opt for Italian, German, and English language courses.

University Types & Top Universities in Switzerland 

Switzerland’s university system is based on: applied sciences and arts, fundamental research, and teacher education. Each university type serves a specific purpose in the Swiss education, research and innovation sector.

Type of Universities

Types of Institution	Number of Universities	Key Pointers
Universities (UNIs)	12	Research institutions that offer bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees.
Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs)	20	Offer programs in teaching for pre-primary level, primary level, secondary level I, secondary level II and special needs education.
Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (UASAs)	9	Offer practice-based Bachelor’s, Master’s degree programs. Focus on application-oriented programs.

Top Universities in Switzerland

The below-mentioned Swiss Universities have ranked regularly in the QS World University Rankings:

University	QS World University Rankings (2025)
ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	7
EPFL	26
University of Zurich	109
University of Basel	131
University of Geneva	155
University of Bern	161
University of Lausanne	224
USI - Università della Svizzera italiana	405
Université de Fribourg	539
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)	781-790

Popular Courses in Switzerland 

Before analyzing the study in Switzerland cost for Indian students, one should be cognizant of the popular courses. 

The popular courses in Switzerland for international students are:

• Hotel & Hospitality Management 

• Business Management

• Banking & Finance

• International Law

• Applied Mathematics

• Artificial Intelligence

• Interdisciplinary Sciences

• Quantitative & Systems Biology

Popular Courses: Average Tuition Fee 

The tuition fees for various courses in Switzerland are:

Program	Duration	Average Tuition Fees
B.Sc (Business Administration)	3 years	10,000 CHF per year
MSc Mechanical Engineering	1.5 years	730 CHF per semester
MBA (Global Banking & Finance)	3 semester	13,250 CHF per semester
MSc Artificial Intelligence	2.5 years	Total 42,000 CHF
BA Hons (International Hospitality Management)	3 years	9250 CHF per year

Source: Official University Websites

Requirements to Study in Switzerland

• 10+2 education from a recognized board is mandatory to pursue an undergraduate diploma or a bachelor’s degree. 

• For a PG diploma or master’s degree, students need to have a relevant full-time bachelor’s degree with good scores. 

• English language proficiency test in Switzerland is not compulsory. However, some universities require an IELTS score. 

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a compulsory requirement for admission. It is a unique statement where the purpose, goals of the student are stated. 

• A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is important. At least two LORs are compulsory to get admission to Swiss universities. 

• GRE and GMAT scores are also important admission requirements in Swiss universities. Students need to take the GRE test to take admission to top-ranked universities.

• Work experience of two to three years can be an added advantage for admission. For a few courses like MS, MBA, and post-graduation courses, prior work experience is compulsory.

Study in Switzerland Cost for Indian Students

To study abroad it is paramount to calculate the cost of attendance one needs to bear. The overall cost of studying can be bifurcated into two distinct categories – Tuition Fee and Cost of Living. 

Tuition Fee 

The tuition cost to study in Switzerland is relatively affordable in comparison to other European countries. The tuition cost will depend on whether you are admitted to a public university or a private university. 

Public universities like the University of Lausanne, ETH Zurich, University of Basel and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offer affordable tuition costs. 

On the other hand, admission to private Swiss universities is expensive. The best way to understand the tuition cost is based on the course type and level of study. Here is a quick look at the average tuition fee per semester of public universities: 

• Bachelor’s degree programs cost between 700 and 3,500 CHF. 

• Master’s degree programs cost between 850 and 2,000 CHF.

Read More: Advantages of studying abroad

Cost of Living in Switzerland

The cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students will depend on the city and location. On average, an Indian student needs around 2,250 CHF every month to cover accommodation, transport, food, and utility expenses.

In Switzerland, cities like Bern, Geneva, or Zurich are expensive. If students are living in these three cities, the average monthly living cost will exceed 2,055 CHF. Here is a quick estimate based on top student-friendly cities in Switzerland.

Cost of Living 

Factors	Average Monthly Expenditure
University Accommodation	400 – 750 CHF
Private Accommodation	1,500 – 2,500 CHF
Shared Flats & Rentals	650 – 11,205 CHF
Food	500 CHF
Healthcare	400 CHF
Travel	100 CHF

Important Resources to Read About Study Abroad:

How to study abroad from India	Study abroad for free	Study Abroad Checklist
Best countries to study abroad for Indian students	Education loan to study abroad	Packing list for Indian students going abroad
How to study abroad?	Difference between scholarship and fellowship	What is a Scholarship?

Step-by-Step Visa Process 

• After receiving a letter of acceptance from the desriable Swiss University, you should reach out to the Swiss Consulate.

• Fill a Visa Application Form and fix an appointment at the Swiss Visa Application Center.

• You need to carry the completed application form in tandem with the indispensable documents.

• Meticulosly check and submit the documents and pay the Swiss student visa fees. 

• Collect the acknowledgement receipt and wait for approval. If a student is applying for a short visa which is less than three months, it takes up to 10–15 days. However, for a National D visa, the time process for student visa can go up to 10 weeks. 

Note: Indian students must meet the eligibility requirements and have sufficient funds to manage tuition and living costs during the first year of stay in the country. 

Checklist for National D Visa 

Students should submit 3 application forms [1 original and 2 sets (copies)] of the required documents as mentioned below:

• Valid national passport: It should have at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages.

• 4 x passport size pictures

• 3 x Visa application form

• Cover Letter (including reason for pursuing studies in Switzerland, future plans, how student would be benefited from his/her studies, confirmation that the student will leave the country after the completion of the studies). 

• Proof of funds to stay in Switzerland.

• Medical travel insurance copy. 

• A detailed letter stating why you want to study in Switzerland, when are you arriving and how long will you stay.

• No objection certificate from university.

• Proof of university enrollment.

Scholarship Programs offered in Switzerland: 

Swiss Universities offer full and partial funding opportunities to meritorious students. The scholarship programs may cover tuition fees, health insurance, housing allowance, monthly payment, and airfares. 

The scholarship is available to students with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees from a recognized study board. International fellows and research scholars are offered generous funding to pursue research and development work.

Below are some of the noted scholarship programs: 

• Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships

• University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships

• IMD MBA Scholarships

• University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students

• Prima Grants

• University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates 

• Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries

• International Postdoctoral Fellowships

• EPFL Excellence Scholarships

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Average Salary in Switzerland

Graduates from Switzerland's top universities have huge earning potential, reflecting the country's strong economy and good standard of living. Switzerland's average annual pay is around CHF1,42,000 among the highest in the world. Those with a master's degree in Switzerland might expect even greater compensation.

Graduates with master's degrees in Switzerland earn high salaries. It is highly beneficial in engineering, finance, and information technology. Their annual pay typically ranges from CHF CHF64T to CHF 2L. Specialized master's programs in Switzerland are adapted to industry demands. It ensures that graduates are highly employable and well compensated.

Top Jobs in Switzerland

Some of the most popular job profiles and their respective salaries in Switzerland are:

Job Title	Average Annual Salary (CHF)
IT Manager	CHF1L - CHF2L
Financial Analyst	CHF90T - CHF1L
Software Engineer	CHF80T - CHF90T
Doctor/Physician	CHF60T -CHF 1L
Human Resources Manager	CHF90T -CHF 1L
Data Scientist	CHF99T - CHF1L
Project Manager	CHF95T - CHF1L
Business Consultant	CHF89T - CHF1L
Marketing Manager	CHF88T -CHF 1L
Research Scientist	CHF85T - CHF1L

Source: Glassdoor(as of  July 2024)

Top Growing Sectors in Switzerland

Switzerland's economy is characterized by security, high GDP per capita, and innovation. These make it a perfect environment for a variety of sectors. The following are the top growing sectors in Switzerland:

Information Technology (IT) and Software Development

Switzerland's IT sector is quickly expanding. Demand for digital solutions and technological advancements influence this. Many companies are embracing cybersecurity and AI. Switzerland's IT services sector is expected to rise by 5.6 billion US dollars between 2024 and 2029 as per Statista.

Biotechnology and Medical

Two of the fastest-growing businesses in Switzerland are biotechnology and medicine. The medical industry separately brought in CHF 105.5 billion in export income in 2023. The biotechnology industry expands for significant investments in research and development. Swiss universities support this growth through their innovative research.

Financial Services and Fintech

Switzerland's financial services industry is a global leader. Fintech has also developed significantly. The industry makes up almost 9% of the GDP of the nation. There are around 483 new fintech companies in Switzerland. Swiss financial institutions make substantial investments in fintech solutions placing the country at the center of financial innovation.  

Study in Switzerland without IELTS: 

Almost all institutions in Switzerland offer IELTS waivers for selected bachelor and master’s degree programs, provided they meet academic entry requirements. To make it seamless to study in Switzerland; scholarship and internship programs are also available without IELTS. 

Read More: How to convert gpa into percentage | Difference between Data Science and Data Analytics

Language in Switzerland: 

In Switzerland, there are four official languages, Romansh, French, German, and Italian. People there are multilingual, based on the area they grew up in. 

There are four main communities based on the official language. The German community is the largest of them. 

Despite the four languages, international students will not have problems communicating in English. Swiss people are proficient in the English language, and the mode of study is English too. 

In addition to that, master’s and PhD degrees in the English language from   Swiss universities are recognized worldwide.

Culture in Switzerland: 

Switzerland is known for its diverse culture because it is geographically closer to Germany, France, Italy, and Austria. The diversity of all these surrounding countries has made Swiss culture a unique one. In music and craftsmanship, Switzerland is a delight to both the ears and eyes. 

Folk music in Switzerland is much talked about. The most famous are alphorn music and landler. Violin and guitar are popular musical instruments in the country. 

Switzerland is home to 1000+ museums, so it is one of the most favorite countries among explorers and art lovers.

Swiss culture is also well-known for its crafts and especially watchmaking. The luxury watch brands are premium and reputed, like Rolex, Tissot, and Patek Philippe. 

Swiss cuisine is another attraction. Swiss luxury chocolates are famous all over the world. Some of the famous brands are Lindt, Cailler, Frey, Nestle, and Toblerone. 

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