Switzerland has a high quality system of education that is relatively accessible to foreign students. The student population of some universities, for example, consists of over 40% foreign students, and this trend is on the upswing.

Switzerland has twelve public universities offering a wide range of first-rate educational opportunities to national and international students. ETH Zurich and EPFL, the two federal institutes of technology, are world leaders in science and engineering education, and research. The ten cantonal (state) universities not only provide comprehensive courses in diverse fields of study, but also conduct cutting-edge research. Scientists in Switzerland produce research of the highest quality worldwide, i.e. with the largest number of citations per publication. So, research-based master’s and Ph.D. degrees from a Swiss university offer a good starting point for an academic career.

Excellent programs providing applied education are offered by the eight universities of applied sciences and the fifteen universities of teacher education. Moreover, Switzerland is home to several outstanding special institutes in the areas of international affairs, public administration, finance, and hotel management. There is a vast choice of educational opportunities for international students with many programs, especially at the master’s degree and Ph.D. levels, taught in English.

Studying in Switzerland means:

• High-quality education
• World-leading research environment
• Low tuition fees (the universities are mainly publicly funded)
• Wide spectrum of study programs
• Many study programs in English
• Ph.D. candidates are paid workforce 
• Low student/faculty ratio and small working groups 
• Excellent facilities

Apart from that, Switzerland is an excellent location for living, studying, and working. It is located in the heart of Europe and its cultural variety, beautiful landscape, and innovative environment offer first-class surroundings both for your well-being and career advancement. Certainly, chocolate and mountains will be part of your experience, but you will quickly discover the country’s international setting offers numerous premium opportunities for studying and researching.

 

Switzerland's educational system can be subdivided into the nursery school stage, the stage of compulsory schooling, the period after compulsory schooling (secondary level II), vocational education, higher education and further and continuing education for adults.

Nursery school age (4-6 years of age)
Before starting compulsory schooling, every child can attend kindergarten for one or two years.

Compulsory schooling (6-15 years of age)
Attendance at primary and secondary school is mandatory and free of charge for the whole population (including foreign nationals). Compulsory schooling lasts for nine years, and children undertake it between the ages of 6/7 and 15/16 years.

Post-compulsory schooling (15 years of age and older)
In compulsory schooling, the pupil must choose between various different educational options. Vocational education enables the student to acquire practical knowledge and skills that allow him/her to proceed directly to a vocational activity. The various educational routes at secondary level II - (colleges of further education (Mittelschulen) - prepare the student to proceed to specific courses of training (nursing, social work, the arts, the services sector, etc.) or to a cantonal university or a university of applied sciences.

Adult education and further education

Today the opportunities in the field of adult education and further education are many and diverse: federal certificate of aptitude, federal specialist qualifications and master craftsman diplomas. Such education can likewise be continued at the cantonal universities or a university of applied sciences.

The strong federal tradition of Switzerland is reflected in its educational system. Primary and secondary education are essentially the responsibility of each canton (State), while responsibility for higher education is shared between the cantons and the Confederation. This has resulted in pronounced diversity in the higher education system characterized by 12 traditional Universities , plus seven regional Universities of Applied Sciences a new type of specialized university, whose focus is on education for professional practice.

 

Tuition fees for universities and colleges in Switzerland vary from institution to institution. On average, a student's annual budget would need to cover approximately SFr 16,000 to SFr 24,000 depending on where you study and your standard of living. Don't be put off if these costs are out of your price range, most universities offer forms of financial assistance and, in some cases, scholarships.

 

 

 

The cost of living in Switzerland reflects the country's high standard of living. Residents enjoy excellent infrastructure, comprehensive public transportation, good quality accommodation, and superior cultural and tourism offerings.

Student living costs in Switzerland are comparable to major European cities and are, in fact, lower than those in Paris and London.

Living costs depend heavily on personal lifestyles and on one's choice of recreational activities. Based on the experience of former students, CHF 1,300 a month should be allowed for. A typical student budget for one month includes:

 

Monthly expenses (in Swiss francs)

 

 

Total in Euros: 705 – 1'150 

Total in US Dollars: 990 – 1'610

(Exchange rates January 2010) 

 

Additional expenses (in Swiss francs)

 

However depending upon the student lifestyle, this cost might go up or down.

 

English Proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL and GRE, GMAT is not required for admission in all Switzerland Universities and Colleges. However it might be required for Switzerland Student visa.

 

You are required to participate in a Swiss health insurance plan in order to study in Switzerland. However, for students participating in an exchange program like Erasmus or a bilateral agreement for a period not exceeding 12 months, it is possible to maintain health insurance from the place of origin, if it guarantees the same coverage. To benefit from this exception, you must contact the socio cultural affairs office of the university and submit an attestation of foreign insurance.

For all other cases, your university can provide advice on reliable insurance companies. This will cost around 200-300 CHF ($116-$174) monthly.

Note that students coming from countries where health risks exist may be asked to have a medical exam at the university infirmary.

When covered by Swiss health insurance, all medical costs are reimbursed (not including dental).

 

Citizens from non-EU/EFTA countries are subject to certain restrictions in their access to the Swiss labor market. Only a limited number of highly qualified professionals are admitted and issued a work permit.

 

• Part-time employment for students: non-EU/EFTA citizens studying in Switzerland are permitted to accept part-time employment for a maximum of 15 hours per week, but only after residing in Switzerland for a minimum of 6 months. Students must maintain full-time student status and show regular progress in their studies.

Short- and long-term employment: non-EU/EFTA citizens must acquire a work permit before beginning their job. In general, the employer submits an application to the relevant authority of the canton where the prospective employee will be working. The application process can take up to several weeks.

For student visas, the following documents are required:
1. 3 copies of completed application form.
2. 1 recent, passport-size photo.
3. Passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after intended visit.
4. Return/onward ticket and visa for next country of destination if required.
5. Proof of sufficient funds in the form of a recent bank statement.

Note:
1. The visa application must be submitted to the Swiss Embassy/Consulate covering your place of residence.
2. You must be in possession of sufficient financial means to cover your cost of living in Switzerland.
3. The Swiss Embassy/Consulate may demand a declaration of guarantee.
4. You may not take up employment during your stay in Switzerland without the required permit nor take up studies exceeding a period of three months.
5. A student permit is valid for the length of the study period.