Higher education in Switzerland for international students

Gaining entry into Swiss universities can be a rigorous process given their elevated entrance requirements. Prospective students eyeing a spot in one of the top 30 Swiss universities must be well-prepared with a comprehensive set of documents:

• An application for admission

• A detailed autobiography

• Certified copies of academic certificates and descriptions

• Proof of language proficiency

• An academic certificate highlighting credits, exams, and the number of academic hours dedicated to each course

It's essential to have all the necessary documentation in place and submit them a minimum of three months prior to your intended start date.

Cost of Higher Education in Switzerland

There's no denying that the fees associated with higher education in Switzerland can be steep, typically ranging between 30,000 to 75,000 Swiss francs per academic year. However, many ambitious students view this not as a mere expense but as a strategic investment. The rationale is clear: a degree from a Swiss institution can greatly enhance a graduate's employability, opening doors to sought-after roles and significantly increasing their earning potential. Many graduates find that, given the premium salaries and opportunities they command post-graduation, they can often recoup their educational expenses within their first year in the workforce.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Switzerland stands tall as a global epicenter for education, particularly in the realms of tourism, hotel, and restaurant management. The nation boasts about 25 higher education institutions dedicated to these fields. It's unarguable that the curricula of Swiss universities serve as benchmarks for educational establishments across the globe. A testament to Switzerland's commitment to education is the esteemed Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, the country's oldest university, founded in 1899.

1) Hotel Management

A cornerstone of many specialized universities in Switzerland, this course envelops areas like personnel management, event management, marketing, finance, room management, and more. Students also delve into academic writing and enhance their foreign language proficiency.

2) Tourism Management

This program illuminates the intricacies of management within the tourism sector, encompassing subjects like accounting, finance, law, marketing strategies, and foreign languages. Notable universities in Switzerland offering this specialty include European University Business School Geneve, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland, and International Management Institute Switzerland, among others.

3) Sports Management

With the sports industry witnessing exponential growth, the demand for adept professionals is also surging. These programs cultivate experts who work behind the scenes, organizing events, managing sports centers, and leading sports clubs. Renowned Swiss institutions like European University Business School Geneve and Glion Institute of Higher Education offer this specialty.

4) Culinary Arts

Students are immersed in disciplines essential for culinary excellence - from foundational safety measures to advanced culinary techniques, menu design, business correspondence, and more. Tailored subjects cater to specializations like confectionery and sommelier studies. Notable universities in this domain include Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland and International Management Institute Switzerland.

5) Restaurant Management

This program molds aspiring restaurateurs, equipping them with expertise in personnel management, service quality, production, and marketing strategies. Universities such as Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) and Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland champion this specialty.

6) Event Management

Graduates from this program emerge as specialists capable of orchestrating a diverse array of events, from lavish weddings to international festivals. Core subjects span event planning, marketing, and profitability strategies. Institutions like Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland and Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) offer this sought-after program.

While the aforementioned specializations are comprehensive, Switzerland also takes pride in its top-tier business schools. Despite the nation's lofty living standards, the cost of education can be more affordable compared to countries like the UK or Germany. For instance, the Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) in Lucerne offers an accelerated program where students can achieve a Bachelor's degree through 18 months of study paired with 18 months of hands-on practice.

Cesar Ritz Colleges stands out as a renowned institution, recognized for over 30 years of excellence in hotel management and tourism. Holding the distinguished "tedQual" certificate from the UN World Tourism Organization, it offers students a blend of traditional coursework, practical sessions, and paid internships.

1) Exceptional Academic Standards: Switzerland's unwavering dedication to top-notch education ensures it rivals even its globally-renowned banking sector.

2) Multilingual Learning: Few places offer the chance to learn multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian, simultaneously.

3) Quality at an Affordable Price: While Switzerland is synonymous with luxury, its educational expenses can be more budget-friendly than perceived, especially when compared to other European giants.

Moreover, Switzerland's stringent admission criteria ensure only the most talented and dedicated students gain admission. This rigor underpins the country's commitment to fostering professionals apt for its high-tech economy.

In conclusion, pursuing higher education in Switzerland not only equips students with premier academic and practical skills but also enriches them with unparalleled experiences in one of the world's most picturesque and safe countries.

The language of instruction varies. Some programs are offered in German, French or Italian, but many universities offer programs taught in English, especially at master's and doctoral level.

The application must be submitted directly to the educational institution and must include a certificate or diploma of education, proof of language proficiency, as well as letters of recommendation and a letter of motivation.

Swiss higher education has gained global popularity for its quality and innovation. Also most Swiss universities occupy high positions in world rankings.

Tuition fees vary depending on the institution and program. Public universities usually have lower tuition fees than private universities. International students may pay more than domestic students.

Yes, many Swiss universities offer scholarships, grants or student loans. Some are based on financial need, others on academic merit.

Yes, foreign students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. However, they may face  restrictions on the hours and types of work.

In addition to excellent academic preparation, students of Swiss universities can use the extra services, ranging from academic advising and language support to counseling and career services.

Foreign students can choose university dormitories, private rentals, shared apartments or homestay according to their preferences and budget limits. Each type of accommodation is featured by its availability and expenses.

When applying, foreign students can choose diverse educational programs in the following directions as humanities, sciences, engineering, business, arts and others.

Switzerland uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which typically awards 60 credits per full academic year.

Learning programs-summary information

Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2025