FAQ on studying in Switzerland

Today, there is no 100% free education in Switzerland — moreover, this rule applies even to the local population. The cost of studying at public universities is 1,500-2,500 Swiss francs per year, which is equivalent to $1,600-2,700. When choosing Switzerland for higher education, you need to be prepared for much higher costs, as it is not easy to obtain a scholarship. Education grants are rare and are usually awarded for significant academic achievements and research activities, and are mainly given to master's and doctoral students.

Let's consider studying in Switzerland using the example of ETH Zurich, which is one of the leading universities in the country. ETH Zurich offers courses in engineering, science, mathematics, and technology. Tuition fees are supplemented by semester fees of 800 Swiss francs (approximately $850). Students enrolled in more than one program must pay tuition for each program. Mandatory fees paid by students include semester fees, contributions to the Zurich Academic Sports Association, the scholarship fund, and the Student Union. Thus, the approximate amount spent by ETH Zurich students on tuition and living expenses ranges from 16,000 to 26,000 Swiss francs ($17,000 to $28,000).

When applying to Swiss universities, you also need to prove your financial solvency. So, living in Switzerland and studying at a university (especially a private one) will seem expensive even for a wealthy person.

Switzerland is a country where education is considered very prestigious, as it combines the best traditions of the British education system with innovation and flexibility. This affects both the cost of education and the difficulty of admission to Swiss universities.

Education in Switzerland consists of several levels, which determine the cost of tuition. The modern education system is undergoing reforms to integrate preschool and school institutions. Primary education (six grades) is compulsory and free. Secondary education can be obtained at boarding schools, where tuition fees range from CHF 30,000 to 120,000 (€29,000 to €116,000) per year.

Information on the cost of tuition at colleges and universities in Switzerland can be found on the electronic platforms of these educational institutions. For example, at the BFH Berner Fachhochschule teacher training college (also known as the University of Teacher Education), the costs for students for one semester consist of (in Swiss francs):

• tuition fees (750);
• one-time fees – Einmalige Gebühren (100);
• other mandatory fees (95).

That is, for one semester of study at this college, excluding living expenses, you need to pay CHF 945 or €914.

Currently, FHNW is in high demand. It is an organization consisting of nine colleges (universities), one of which is PH FHNW (pedagogical university). At this college, the education system is based on the principles of continuous education. The cost of educational services here consists of (also in Swiss francs):

• tuition fees: for Swiss citizens (700) and foreign students (1000-5000);
• one-time fees – Einmalige Gebühren (500);
• other mandatory fees (50-200).

Educational services at universities vary in price depending on the type. Public universities charge from CHF 4,559, while private universities charge around CHF 23,000 per year. For foreign students, accommodation costs must be added to this, which average more than CHF 2,000 per month. For example, at the University of Applied Sciences of the Six Cantons of Eastern Switzerland (Ost), the structure of semester costs for a master's degree (in CHF) is as follows:

• tuition: citizens of the country (1,000) and foreign students (1,500);
• purchase of study materials (depending on the course the student is taking): from 200 and above;
• other mandatory fees (on average 300).

One semester of master's degree studies will cost a foreign student CHF 2,000 plus living expenses.

It's possible. Despite having four official languages other than English, Switzerland has educational institutions in its education system where teaching is conducted in English.

Let's take a look at which educational institutions at all levels offer English-language instruction. Nine of the ten best primary schools in the country offer educational services in English. These schools accept children aged 1 to 19, and tuition fees range from 50,000 to 108,000 Swiss francs per year.

• For example, La Garenne International Bilingual School accepts students aged 4 to 14. Tuition at this school is CHF 66,000 per year (about €64,000).
• Aiglon College is a boarding school that teaches in English. It accepts children aged 8 to 16. Depending on age, tuition fees range from CHF 41,100 to CHF 55,500 and above. As in any other educational institution, students here pay additional fees: registration fee and deposit – CHF 2,500 and CHF 10,000 respectively per course, a one-time admission fee (CHF 4,000), and pocket money (CHF 1,400).

The best English-language schools also include:

1. Geneva College du Leman (foreigners are enrolled from the age of 11);
2. TASIS (teaches students aged 9-19 according to the American system);
3. Institut Monte Rosa in Montreux (from the age of 9);
4. Beau Soleil Collège Alpin International in Villars-sur-Ollon (foreigners are enrolled from the age of 11), ranked first among the world's elite schools (tuition for one year is CHF 108,000);
5. Surval School Montreux in Montreux is an international school for girls aged 13-19, and others.

Higher education in English is available at a number of colleges and universities. These include:

• colleges of hotel and tourism business;
• business schools;
• BHMS (Business and Hotel Management School);
• University IFM Geneva;
• Cesar Ritz, and others.

For foreign students from countries that are not members of the European Union (or EFTA) and who do not have wealthy parents (sponsors), this is theoretically possible, but in practice very difficult. Barriers to working and living in Switzerland are most often related to immigration laws. Since the period for finding a job after studying at a Swiss university is limited to six months, it is not easy to find an employer and register your documents during this time.

The fact is that the immigration process, including visa paperwork, obtaining a residence permit, and other formalities, falls under the jurisdiction of one of the 26 separate territorial entities (cantons) where the student would like to settle for study and future work. At the same time, the job must strictly correspond to the qualifications obtained. Proof of graduation is provided by a letter from the university, not a diploma, and documents confirming that the student has adequate housing are also required. A condition of immigration is sufficient financial security in the form of a deposit in a Swiss bank (21,000 francs).

For six months, university graduates are entitled to work up to 15 hours per week. At the same time, employers are required to submit an application for a new employee to the employment service of their canton, which checks it for compliance with ANAG requirements. If a positive conclusion is reached, the application is sent to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for a final decision. The Secretariat reviews the application in accordance with national legislation. The SEM sends its summary to the cantonal employment office and the employer, who pays the state fee. The cantonal migration and labor market office at the student's place of residence then confirms and issues a residence permit. To obtain permanent residence, you must have lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years.

As a rule, citizens of countries that are not members of the EU/EFTA can only work in this country if they have special qualifications. For example, these are top managers, specialists with a university teaching degree and many years of professional experience (well-known professors).

The admission procedure and minimum program duration depend on the specific educational institution. Some schools in Switzerland have fairly flexible rules regarding the duration of study and may accept a child even for 1-2 months. However, for most schools in Switzerland, the minimum duration of study is one semester.

Yes, there are several boarding schools in Switzerland that offer American educational programs. The most well-known and prestigious options are Leysin American School and TASIS the American School Switzerland. These schools offer a classic American high school program with the option of taking Advanced Placement courses in the upper grades. The schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is considered more universal and is accepted by universities around the world.

Unlike British boarding schools, five-day boarding options are much less common in Switzerland, but some schools in Switzerland do offer this option. Special attention should also be paid to visa issues. If you plan to send your child to a five-day boarding school, you must already have work visas at the time your child receives a student visa.

If you want your child to continue his education at a university in German, we recommend considering the Swiss Matura national education program. The final assessment at the end of the program consists of three parts, taking into account:

• current academic performance over the last year of study,
• results of standardized final exams,
• final exam research paper (Matura paper).

Some schools in the German-speaking part of Switzerland also offer the national German educational program Abitur.

Schools in Switzerland accept even the youngest children, starting from the age of 6, into boarding schools. There is a minimum age requirement of 18 years to enroll in Swiss public universities.

Most private schools in Switzerland offer instruction in English, but a second language is mandatory. Most schools are willing to accept children who do not speak a second foreign language, but the pace of learning a second foreign language at this age will be quite fast. Therefore, before enrolling in a Swiss school, it is recommended that children have at least a basic knowledge of a second foreign language.

The cost of German-language programs is on average 20% lower than the cost of English-language programs. However, to successfully complete a program in German, the minimum required level must be no lower than B2. English can be studied as a second compulsory language.

As a rule, a student visa is issued 1-2 weeks before the specified start date of the main program at the school. Some schools may issue an extended invitation that also includes a summer program. We recommend that you contact your chosen educational institution or our consultants to clarify this issue.

If an applicant plans to obtain higher education abroad, after completing 11th grade at a school, they will need to obtain a European secondary education diploma. The duration of schooling in Switzerland for university applicants is 13 years. Teenagers can enroll in upper grades at private schools in Switzerland to obtain a certificate that allows them to apply to foreign universities. Swiss schools offer International Baccalaureate programs and diplomas from the British, American, French, German, and Swiss national systems. After obtaining an international diploma, students can apply to universities.

Another option is to enroll in the International Foundation preparatory course, which will help bridge the gap between the certificates, deepen academic knowledge, and improve language skills.

What certificates are not recognized by Swiss universities:

• Distance learning certificates, evening school certificates, and certificates not obtained in a school classroom.
• Certificates from vocational or incomplete secondary schools and schools offering vocational training as well as general education.

If universities do not recognize a student's certificate or qualification after 11th grade, they can take the full Swiss (or cantonal) maturity exam – Swiss Matura, the Swiss equivalent of the International Baccalaureate. It tests knowledge in seven key subject areas. The specific content depends on the canton.

To enter a Swiss university, you need to prove your language proficiency. Switzerland has three official languages: German, French, and Italian (+ Romansh, but it is not used for teaching foreigners). The language of instruction depends on the university. Most universities offer a wide range of programs in English — students apply for degrees in English, French, or German.

Universities accept the following as proof of language proficiency:

• German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc, etc.
• French: DELF or DALF,
• English: IELTS, TOEFL.

If you do not have a language certificate, you can take a language test at the university, and the admissions committee will decide whether your level is sufficient for admission.

In addition to enrolling in school, foreign students after 11th grade can choose vocational training programs. Vocational education and training (VET) provides the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a given profession. Two-year VET programs lead to a federal VET certificate. Three-year and four-year VET programs lead to a federal diploma. During their studies, students attend general education courses to prepare for the Federal Examination for a Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Education.

Switzerland is an excellent choice for secondary and higher education. However, keep in mind that the admission process for public, private, and international schools in Switzerland varies significantly.

Admission to local schools is determined by the local education board based on your place of residence and the availability of places in the class.

Requirements for admission to cantonal schools:

• Birth certificate,
• Residence permit in Switzerland,
• Proof of residence, e.g., rental agreement,
• Proof of health insurance.

Requirements for admission to private schools:

• Application form (available on the school's website),
• Application fees may be charged with the application. Some schools only charge registration fees after confirming the child's acceptance,
• Photo, copy of passport, personal essay,
• Residence permit in Switzerland or student visa for full-time study.

Private and public universities in Switzerland accept foreign students with a secondary school diploma recognized in Europe or the United States.

Requirements for applicants to bachelor's programs at Swiss universities:

• High school diploma or equivalent,
• Application form (completed and signed),
• Copy of identity document or foreign passport,
• Two passport photos,
• Confirmation of payment of the registration fee (100-250 CHF),
• Personal statement,
• Language proficiency results for any of the official languages of instruction (English, French, German),
  • English: TOEFL, IELTS (5.5 in each module),
  • French: DELF or DALF,
  • German: TestDaF, TelC, DSH, OSD.

At some universities, students who do not have any of the above language certificates can take a language exam set by the department during registration to determine whether they can begin their studies.

Application deadlines for Swiss universities vary depending on the university, the student visa, and the planned start date of studies:

• If classes start in September, applications are submitted from December to the end of April.
• If you start studying in January, submit your application from the beginning of May to the end of November.

Applications for a Swiss student visa are submitted from the beginning of December to the end of February if you plan to start in the fall, and from the beginning of May to the end of September for the spring semester. It usually takes about a month to receive a response from the embassy/consulate.

All foreigners who intend to study in Zurich need a residence permit, which you can obtain from the local immigration office within 14 days of arrival.

Students in Switzerland need health insurance. Students from non-EU countries can either pay for health insurance in their home country before coming to Switzerland or purchase it after arrival.

Switzerland is a multilingual country consisting of 26 cantons, each of which has its own education department that individually develops the curriculum, determines the school year schedule, and teaching methods. However, the structure of education is roughly the same and includes several stages:

1. Primary education includes elementary school (ages 6-12) and kindergarten (ages 4-6). Children are taught a standard curriculum that includes several foreign languages.
2. Secondary education consists of two stages:

• Secondaire I is a compulsory stage (3-4 years depending on the canton), at the end of which the student chooses between continuing their education or pursuing vocational training.
• Secondaire II is complete secondary education (another 3-4 years of study). At this stage, students are usually offered the IB international program, after which they can apply to many universities around the world.

3. Vocational colleges accept students after they have completed Secondaire I. Here, students learn the skills of their chosen specialty and receive applied training. In most cases, training takes place at a company, where students complete an internship and are subsequently hired.
4. Higher education involves extensive research work related in one way or another to modern sciences (physics, chemistry, neurobiology, medicine). It includes two stages:

• Bachelor's degree (3-4 years),
• Master's degree (1-2 years),
• Doctoral studies (3 years).

One of the distinctive features of upper secondary education in Swiss schools is the division into different streams.

1. The first stream is the apprenticeship system: students attend a vocational school for about two days a week and spend the rest of their time learning on the job. This upper secondary education cycle usually starts at the age of 16 or 17. Approximately 70% of students choose the apprenticeship system, and more than 90% of them receive a certificate of qualification. Apprenticeships usually last three or four years, depending on the region. There is also initial vocational training, which lasts only 1-2 years. Upon completion, graduates receive a federal certificate.
2. The second option is gymnasium: it provides a general academic education for students who plan to go to university. It is an elite selective school funded by the state. In recent years, the number of students taking the matriculation exam has increased. Gymnasiums account for 19% of students. It is also possible to prepare for higher education in Switzerland at private schools and boarding schools.
3. The third option is full-time vocational training programs: they provide training for social workers, primary school teachers, and a large number of mid-level business and technical professions. These schools usually award an intermediate diploma rather than a high school diploma. About 11% of graduates choose this option.

Swiss universities are consistently ranked among the best in Europe, excelling in fields such as business, tourism, culinary arts, and engineering. Compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable (at public universities), and all research, especially doctoral programs, is at world-class standards.

There are 11 traditional university-level educational institutions in Switzerland.

In addition to universities, there are also local specialized higher education institutions that do not require a federal high school diploma for admission. These applied institutes train future engineers, managers, trade, hotel, tourism, healthcare, counseling, and applied psychology professionals, social workers, media, communications, and information technology specialists, as well as artists and designers. To enter these schools, you must have a Berufsmatura (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education – Professional Bachelor's Degree), which can be obtained after a year of intensive study following an apprenticeship or high school.

Fachhochschulen are non-university higher education institutions that offer a high level of applied skills. This is a relatively new part of the higher education system in Switzerland, created to train highly qualified specialists without a university education. Most of these institutions are cantonal or regional, and they are a prestigious and sought-after part of the Swiss education system. For example, cantonal technical institutes produce three times more engineers than the two federal technical institutes.

Switzerland is considered one of the best education systems in the world, ranking third in the Human Capital Report. For four years in a row, the World Economic Forum has been assessing 130 countries on how well they develop and utilize human capital. The index determines human capital by assessing the level of education, skills, and employment available to people in five different age groups, from 15 to 65 years old.

The two countries that ranked higher in the overall standings were Norway and Finland (2nd and 1st place, respectively). The report notes that all three countries effectively developed and utilized 85% of their human capital potential. The Swiss can achieve a high level of well-being throughout their lives, which means that older people can choose not to work after the age of 65. Japan ranks just below Switzerland in the overall ranking.

Education in Switzerland for foreign students is an opportunity to study in one of the most economically stable and safe countries in the world, choose a prestigious private school or high-quality higher education programs at federal universities. Switzerland's impressive presence in international university rankings underscores its reputation as the best destination for studying abroad. If you are looking for a bachelor's or master's program with high academic prestige and can afford the relatively high cost of living, Switzerland should be at the top of your list when choosing a country to study abroad.

Several Swiss universities are featured in popular university rankings:

• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
• University of Zurich.

Switzerland is also known for its strong business schools and training of hospitality professionals.

At public universities in Switzerland, bachelor's degree programs start at €4,000 per year, while at private universities, they can cost up to €40,000 per year. However, education in Switzerland is more affordable than in the US or the UK. The cost of master's degree programs depends on the chosen field of study.

Some universities may offer discounts. At public universities, the price is affordable thanks to government funding.

In some fields, the cost is calculated based on the total number of credits.

Foreign students who have transferred to universities through exchange programs do not pay for tuition. The price of tuition is usually the same for local and foreign students.

Students can also apply for scholarships and grants provided by the Swiss government.

Swiss universities with low tuition fees:

• University of Geneva – from €900/year
• University of Bern – from €1,700/year
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW – from €1200/year
• University of Lausanne – from €1,000/year.

Tuition fees at leading Swiss universities:

• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich – from €1,200/year
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne – from €1,100/year
• University of Basel – from €1,500/year
• University of Zurich  – from €1,300/year

In addition to tuition fees, students need to have €1,300/month for food, accommodation, and other living expenses.

1. Graduates can enroll in the two-year Schweizer Maturität program and receive a Swiss secondary school diploma. This diploma is recognized by all higher education institutions in the country and certifies sufficient language and academic preparation.
2. Another option is for students to enroll in a one-year Foundation preparatory course. This program effectively prepares students for admission to their chosen university, but not all universities accept its certificate (some consider it insufficient).
3. If a student chooses to study a subject in German, they will need to complete a two-year Abitur program.
4. Students can also enroll in a two-year national program in Switzerland. The course is difficult, and upon completion, students receive a Schweizer Maturität certificate, which confirms their high level of preparation and is guaranteed to be accepted by all higher education institutions in the country.
5. Swiss universities offer one-year preparatory programs for high school graduates, after which students enter the first year of a bachelor's degree program.

Foreign students can enroll and study in all of these programs, starting from grades 9, 10, and 11 of some foreign school systems.

To enroll in a university in Switzerland, you must first choose a university, field of study, and program. The country has four official languages: French, German, Italian, and Romansh. Universities in Switzerland also offer courses in English. When applying to a university, you must provide proof of proficiency in two different languages, one of which must be English.

• French certificates: DALF, DELF;
• German certificate: Goethe exam, DSH;
• Italian certificate: CELI;
• English certificates: IELTS, TOEFL.

At public universities, classes are taught in French or German. Universities of tourism and hospitality, as well as business schools, teach mainly in English.

Each canton has its own requirements for applicants. In addition to a language proficiency certificate, you may need to pass entrance exams. Applications to universities are accepted twice a year (fall and spring semesters). Some departments (such as economics and information technology) require GMAT or GRE test results.

University requirements for applicants depend on the region and the prestige of the university.

General requirements for submitting documents:

• Registration of an electronic application on the university website
• Confirmation of registration
• Payment of the fee
• Submission of translated and certified copies of educational documents (certificates, diplomas)
• Diploma homologation
• Standardized photographs
• Curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation
• Motivation letter
• Language test results
• Required amount in a bank account (statement, sponsorship letter)

In 2022, Switzerland plans to introduce new amendments to its migration legislation, which will make it more difficult for foreigners to obtain citizenship.

The National Council and the Council of States are dealing with this issue. State fees and charges will cost from 1,000 Swiss francs. The application process takes from 3 months to 3 years.

To be guaranteed Swiss citizenship, the following requirements must be met:

• Present a Permit C (permanent residence permit)
• Present a certificate of no criminal record
• Know the laws of the country
• Observe and respect the culture and traditions
• Live in accordance with the customs and traditions of Swiss society
• Have been legally residing in the country for more than 10 years
• Provide the following documents:
  • Letter of recommendation from your employer
  • Certificate from the tax office
  • Language passport
  • Medical examination
  • Statement from your bank account

Receiving scholarship payments gives students and young professionals from other countries the opportunity to obtain higher education and promotes international student exchange and cooperation between Switzerland and other countries.

Applications from foreign students are accepted in English or any language accepted in the country. Scholarships are awarded by the Swiss government in the amount of CHF 1,800,000 per year (total fund) and are distributed by the ESKAS commission. Students or young professionals must be no older than 35 years old.

Students in creative fields are also eligible for scholarships, which are awarded for one academic year and are not renewable. Before applying, students must pass the entrance exams with excellent results.

The MAPOW program offers 8 scholarships for students in economics. Financial assistance is provided for one semester to students at the University of St. Gallen, plus for the period of internship in the country.

Students are awarded 25 scholarships annually (PhD, Research, PostDoc). The amount of financial assistance for master's students is CHF 1,920, and for postdoctoral students, CHF 3,500.

Receiving a scholarship provides significant assistance to university students. They are given the opportunity to be the first to choose their place in the dormitories, receive a discount on the purchase of a transport card, medical insurance, simplified visa application without paying a fee, organized trips and excursions, and at the beginning of the scholarship program, a one-time sum of CHF 300 is issued for accommodation.

Financial assistance is typically granted for a period of one year, but master's and doctoral students are eligible for payments for two and three years, respectively.

Applications for financial assistance are reviewed by the authorized bodies of Switzerland. Then, the Federal Commission, which includes professors from most of the country's public universities, evaluates the applicants and makes a decision based on several criteria: the student's biography (resume), research or creative work, and potential for future collaboration.

What to prepare for the application:

• Originals and copies of documents (mainly identity and education documents)
• Application form
• Resume
• List of achievements and awards
• Motivation letter
• Brief description of research work
• Brief description from a Swiss university professor (project supervisor)
• Letters of recommendation from professors at your university
• Medical examination
• Copy of all available passports
• Copy of residence permit (if available).

Teaching at universities in the country is most often conducted in English, Italian, French, and German. Less commonly, it is conducted in Romansh. The country is divided into cantons (regions), each of which prioritizes one of the four official languages. The language in which a student will receive academic knowledge depends on the location of the chosen educational institution. There are bilingual programs: French + English, German + English.

Many prestigious universities are currently prioritizing English as the language of instruction, as a large number of foreign students come to the country each year to receive a sought-after international education. Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, MBA, International Foundation, ESL Foundation, International Executive MBA, and Business and Management Degree programs are taught in English, and webinars are conducted.