For partners 41 best English language schools in Switzerland
-
from 5700.00 CHF / 2 weeks -
from 4550 CHF / week -
from 4300.00 CHF / 2 weeks -
from 2890 CHF / week -
from 6000 CHF / 2 weeks -
from 6350.00 CHF / 2 weeks -
from 8100.00 CHF / 3 weeks -
from 6700 CHF / week -
In 2020 an average IB score made up 34.1
SwitzerlandLuganoCurrently watching: 5from 28000.00 CHF / year -
from 475.00 CHF / week
Many international students choose to study English because it is widely used in global communication, politics, culture, and the arts. SMAPSE offers a selection of more than 30 language schools in Switzerland, where students from around the world can take holiday courses in English. These institutions offer an opportunity to combine advanced courses with holidays and excursions. English language schools in Switzerland offer suitable learning environments with large campuses, qualified native-speaking teachers, various entertainment facilities, local culture, and natural surroundings. Together, these features shape the experience of studying abroad.
SMAPSE experts can answer questions about the schools and courses.
Alternative destinations
Living costs in Zurich and Geneva
In 2026, estimated monthly costs for one person, excluding rent, are CHF 1,530.7 in Zurich and CHF 1,375.8 in Geneva.
A one-bedroom apartment averages CHF 2,400.91 in central Zurich and CHF 2,246.88 in central Geneva. Outside the city center, the corresponding figures are CHF 2,001.88 and CHF 1,720.77.
Public transport passes average CHF 88 per month in Zurich and CHF 70 in Geneva. Basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment in Zurich cost about CHF 225.34 monthly. An inexpensive restaurant meal averages CHF 28.85 in Zurich and CHF 28.50 in Geneva.
For non-EU international students who cannot take out student-rate Swiss health insurance, monthly coverage costs are at least CHF 250–300 higher.
How to check accreditation and quality standards
Accreditation and published quality standards offer practical checks when comparing English language schools in Switzerland.
- Eaquals provides its accreditation as a respected quality marker for language teaching organizations,
- Its Accredited Members directory helps applicants confirm a school’s claimed status,
- IALC describes its member schools as independently accredited and rigorously inspected,
- The IALC Find a School directory and published Quality Standards provide further verification.
Entry visas and study permits for English courses
Entry requirements and permission to stay are separate issues for non-EU/EFTA students. Before traveling, applicants must obtain a visa from the Swiss embassy or consulate in their place of residence. Holders of a valid long-stay visa or residence permit issued by another Schengen State do not need a new entry document.
For a course lasting less than one year, the student permit covers the full studying period. Longer programs receive authorization for one year at a time, with renewal available until studies end. Only courses lasting up to 8 years are authorized.
Applicants need confirmation of financial means or sponsorship through Form O, confirmation of school eligibility, a criminal-record extract, and a written commitment to leave Switzerland after studies.
Employment rules are limited. Only students registered at a Swiss higher education institution may work, and not before 6 months after the course starts. Additional employment is limited to 15 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours during the university vacations.
Top 30 best language schools in USA 2027
| 1 | Kaplan New York Empire State |
| 2 | OISE Boston |
| 3 | English Language Center (ELC) UCLA Los Angeles |
| 4 | St. Giles International New York |
| 5 | EC New York |
| 6 | Kaplan Boston Harvard Square |
| 7 | English Language Center (ELC) Boston |
| 8 | LAL NESE Boston |
| 9 | Kaplan Washington |
| 10 | OHC School Miami |
| 11 | EC Boston School |
| 12 | Rennert International New York |
| 13 | Kaplan School Miami |
| 14 | LAL Fort Lauderdale |
| 15 | EC Miami |
| 16 | OHLA Orlando Florida |
| 17 | Kaplan San Diego |
| 18 | Kaplan San Francisco Berkeley |
| 19 | OHLA Miami |
| 20 | English Language Center (ELC) Santa Barbara |
| 21 | EC Los Angeles |
| 22 | EC San Diego |
| 23 | Kings College Los Angeles |
| 24 | Sprachcaffe Miami |
| 25 | CEL Language Centre LA |
| 26 | Talk English School Boston |
| 27 | Stafford House Boston |
| 28 | LSI New York |
| 29 | The Language Academy |
| 30 | Stafford House San Diego California |
Top 40 best language schools in the UK 2027
| 1 | OISE London |
| 2 | EC London Covent Garden |
| 3 | OISE Oxford |
| 4 | London School of English |
| 5 | OISE Cambridge |
| 6 | UIC Oxford International |
| 7 | Kaplan International English London Covent Garden |
| 8 | Regents University London |
| 9 | LAL London Summer School |
| 10 | Home Language International |
| 11 | Oxford International Study Centre |
| 12 | Regent Oxford School |
| 13 | Stafford House School of English London |
| 14 | EC London Euston |
| 15 | Living Learning English |
| 16 | The Language Gallery |
| 17 | Skola London English Summer School in London |
| 18 | Harrow House International College |
| 19 | Brighton Language College BLC |
| 20 | Kaplan International English London Leicester Square |
| 21 | Frances King School of English London Kensington |
| 22 | Regent Scanbrit Bournemouth |
| 23 | Stafford House School of English Canterbury |
| 24 | Malvern House London |
| 25 | Wimbledon School of English |
| 26 | UIC English London Greenwich |
| 27 | Studio Cambridge |
| 28 | Alpadia Keele |
| 29 | EC Cambridge |
| 30 | Cavendish School of English |
| 31 | EC Brighton |
| 32 | EC Manchester |
| 33 | Oxford International UIC Brighton |
| 34 | EC Bristol |
| 35 | EC Oxford |
| 36 | St. Giles International London Central |
| 37 | Twin Group |
| 38 | Burlington School of English |
| 39 | Hampstead School of English London |
| 40 | St. Giles London Highgate |
Top 20 best language schools in Canada 2027
| 1 | ILAC Vancouver |
| 2 | Toronto University Summer Camp |
| 3 | ILAC Toronto |
| 4 | Home Language International |
| 5 | EC Montreal |
| 6 | ILSC Toronto |
| 7 | McDonald International Academy |
| 8 | ILSC Montreal |
| 9 | BLI Canada Summer |
| 10 | Kaplan Vancouver |
| 11 | CLLC Ottawa Canadian Language Learning College |
| 12 | Royal Canadian Institute of International Studies |
| 13 | EC Toronto |
| 14 | University Canada West |
| 15 | St. Giles International Vancouver |
| 16 | Canadian College of English Language Vancouver |
| 17 | OHC School Toronto |
| 18 | UIC Toronto |
| 19 | EC Montreal |
| 20 | Eurocentres Vancouver |