Study in Switzerland

Explore universities and programs in Switzerland for international students.

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A famous cityscape or landscape of Switzerland featuring iconic elements of Switzerland's natural beauty or architectural landmarks.

Key facts

  • Currency
    Swiss franc ₣
  • Student population
    293,500
  • Languages
    French, German, Italian and Romansh
  • Universities
    12

Why study in Switzerland?

Choosing to study for a degree in Switzerland allows you to study in one of Europe’s wealthiest, most sought after countries. With several universities listed inside the world’s top 100, you’ll receive a great education and quality of life whilst in Switzerland.

Switzerland is split into cantons, much like states. Each canton has one or more of German, Italian, French and Romansh as its official languages. This gives students the additional opportunity of learning another language whilst studying in English.

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Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from Switzerland, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Where can you study in Switzerland

With more than 60% of the country made up of the imposing Alps, Switzerland is a country dominated by scenery and landscape. Skiing and winter sports in the mountains is clearly a big draw for many international students, as its energetic and compact cities such as Geneva, Lausanne and Bern.

It’s important to remember that each region of Switzerland has its own feel, customs and festivals – and even costume. Travelling around Switzerland can often feel like you’re visiting several different countries all at once.

What is the cost of study in Switzerland?

Tuition fees in Switzerland can vary dramatically depending on what level and subject you are studying. A year’s tuition can cost anywhere between €2,000 - €6,500.

Living costs in Switzerland are high and accommodation costs are no different.

Illustration representing studying costs, featuring symbols like a calculator, stacks of money, and hands exchanging cash, all surrounded by a building resembling a university, books and a diploma scroll.

What is the cost of living in Switzerland?

Category Cost  (in Swiss Franc)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centreCHF 1,616
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centreCHF 1,304
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)CHF 219
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)CHF 47
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)CHF 32
Monthly public transport passCHF 82
Monthly grocery basketCHF 450
Coffee shop drinkCHF 5
Cinema or cultural event ticketCHF 20
Gym membershipCHF 70

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

What are the requirements to study in Switzerland?

Qualifications

International bachelor’s students applying to study in Switzerland must have completed upper secondary education to a level determined by the university. This can also be affected by the type of program you are wanting to join.

In general, for master’s programs you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant or required subject.

English language tests

Switzerland requires students studying in English to hold a qualification in English language proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Switzerland student visa

Although not a member of the EU, Switzerland does allow EU citizens to attend university in the country. Students from outside the EU will need to apply for a D visa.

Any students staying in the country for longer than three months must register with the Residents’ Registration Office at their relevant authority within 14 days of arriving, and will also need to show:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of a place at a registered university
  • Evidence of funds to support themselves
  • Proof of address
  • Health insurance



Switzerland student visa requirements
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How to study in Switzerland?

Find out how to study abroad with Studee. We help students, schools, and university partners compare options, understand requirements, and plan next steps together.

How to study abroad with Studee

Student reviews for Switzerland

Ibtisam Alkhawfi
sa flag
Studied Civil Engineering at IHTTI School of Hotel & Design Management
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    2
  • University social
    1
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in Switzerland

USA. It is a small city, noting much to do except studying.

Brandon Freire
au flag
Studied Kinesiology at IHTTI School of Hotel & Design Management
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    5
What's it like to study in Switzerland

America can be challenging at some times just with how they handle different situations. But the life experience I am getting by being here is extremely valuable and I am thankful to be here everyday.

Zichen Song
cn flag
Studied Mechanical Engineering at IHTTI School of Hotel & Design Management
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    5
What's it like to study in Switzerland

Advantages: good style of study, good teaching quality, excellent learning equipment. The diploma recognition rate is high. Because I want to get a bachelor degree, I will be familiar with the United States. There is lots of beautiful scenery. Disadvantages: Tuition is high, and international relations with China are not very good. It's not very convenient to return to China, and the ticket is expensive.

Zeyn Gafoor
ch flag
Studied International Business at Business and Hotel Management School
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in Switzerland

As mentioned previously, the locals are kind and it's quite easy to travel across the country. I haven't traveled much around Switzerland due to personal reasons. However, I did need to travel to a few places such has Interlaken and Geneva for an internship interview, and have not ran into any problems.

Leonardus Joan Alviano
id flag
Studied Business Administration at Business and Hotel Management School
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in Switzerland

People from Lucerne are friendly. There are so many places that students should visit during their studies. Festivals during summer and winter will entertain students every season.