Swiss education is among the best in the world. Studying in Switzerland gives you an opportunity to speak three languages namely German, French and Italian. Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world; with the capital city, Geneva ranked among the neatest and most innovative cities worldwide. The amazing education, rich culture, a vibrant economy has drawn the attention of many international students from different countries. This post is created to prepare you on how to study, work and live in Switzerland.
Switzerland is one of the powerhouses for innovations. It is located in Europe and shares borders with Germany, France, Italy, and Austria. It is a multicultural country and is also recognized as one of the most peaceful countries in the world with almost a zero-crime rate.
Are you interested in studying in Switzerland? See some of the top reasons international students consider Switzerland.
Why study in Switzerland?
• Quality living conditions
Switzerland is a small and very rich country. It is one of the countries in the world where residents enjoy quality living conditions ranging from a health care facility, good remuneration, an enabling environment, etc. Foreign students are not exempted from any of these welfares so long they have a study permit to study in Switzerland
• Wide Range of courses
The country has a broad list of higher education institutions to pick from, and you can study a wide range of subjects. There are 12 public universities, 9 universities of applied sciences, and some additional institutes of higher learning.
• Globally recognized Degree
Universities in Switzerland have global reputations. A large number of its universities are rated among the best globally, therefore a degree obtained from a Swiss university is recognized all over the world.
• Standard education
Switzerland is an innovative country. Studying in Switzerland allows students to study in a student-friendly environment. The Swiss government pays heavy attention to the educational sector. Every year the Swiss Government allocates funds to its public universities geared towards boosting excellent, research-driving universities.
• Opportunity to learn new languages
There are four official languages in Switzerland; Swiss universities provide lessons either in French, Italian, or German, and some other English-taught universities especially at Masters and Doctorate levels.
How to apply for admission to Switzerland
The application process for Swiss universities is very simple. To apply for admission to study in Switzerland, follow these simple steps:
1. Choose a program
To apply for admission into a Swiss university, you begin by choosing a study program. There are universities and other higher education institutions in Switzerland, research on the schools to see the one that suits your interest and academic goals
2. Check the admission requirements
Each university may have its admission requirements as it relates to student’s nationality and choice of program. Browse through the official website of the school to get adequate information on the admission criteria.
3. Gather your documents
The documents to provide may differ slightly based on the location of the school and degree type. Being a multilingual country, you might need to translate your documents into either French, Italian, or German. To study in Switzerland, most Swiss universities will request the following documents for admission.
Admission requirements to study in Switzerland
A filled and signed application form
A valid passport ID
Recent passport photographs
High school diploma or previous academic transcripts and diplomas
Language proficiency certificates in English, Italian, French or German (All institutions demand that you have at least a B1/B2 level of proficiency in the language you’ll be studying.).
Curriculum vitae/Resume
Motivation letter
Proof application fee payment
4. Submit your application
After gathering all the documents, submit your application through the selected school’s website since there is no centralized admissions system for applying to Swiss universities.
5. Get your admission letter
Has the school sent you your admission letter? if yes, quickly commence the visa application process.
6. Apply for a Swiss student visa.
Only Non-EU students are required to apply for a student visa to study in Switzerland. Here are the requirements for a Switzerland study visa.
Student visa requirements for Switzerland
Application for a long-stay visa (visa D) – three forms, duly filled and signed.
Four passport-size photographs.
Passport – valid three months beyond the planned stay.
Letter of acceptance issued by a Swiss university.
Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees.
CV
Letter of motivation.
Please note: Your documents must be in one of three languages: French, German, or English. If the documents aren’t in that language, you’ll require a certified translation.
Language test scores either in German, French or Italian.
Academic Calendar in Swiss Universities
Fall semester starting from 1 December – 30 April
Spring semester starting from 1 May – 30 November
Top Universities in Switzerland
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
University of Zurich
University of Geneva
University of Bern
University of Basel
Tuition and funding
The tuition fee for international students in Switzerland costs between £750 and £1,100 per annual, depending on the language of instruction and degree type. However, students are also fortunate to apply for scholarships which the majority of them are open to master and Ph.D. students. Check out top Swiss scholarships.
Swiss Scholarships for International Students
• Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students
• ETH Excellence Scholarships
• University of Lausanne Master’s Grants for Foreign Students.
• EPFL Excellence Fellowships
• Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
• University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships
• Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships
• IMD MBA Scholarships.
Cheap Universities in Switzerland
1. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
Tuition Fee Link
2. University of Bern
Tuition Fee Link
3. University of Lausanne
Tuition Fee Link
4. ETH Zurich
Tuition Fee Link
5. University of Geneva
Tuition Fee Link
Are there English-taught programs and universities in Switzerland?
Yes, there are. Even though that a vast number of Swiss Universities conduct lessons either in French, German and Italian, there are some English-taught universities where international students can study in English more especially at master and doctoral levels.
Here are Swiss universities that offer English-taught programs. You may find some at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• American University in Switzerland
• Business and Hotel Management School of Switzerland
• EU Business School
• International University in Geneva
• Montreux Business University
• University of Geneva
• University of Bern
• University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW.
Language requirements for Swiss universities
Students must be fluent in the language of instruction for the program in which they are enrolled. Switzerland has three official languages, each institution and college has a different language of instruction and most universities require a B1/B2 level of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Important note: The German/French/Italian language requirement usually only applies to first-year students.
The location and degree type would determine the language that would be used for teaching in the University. Let’s take a look at the languages and universities that use the mode of instruction.
German
Here are universities and colleges in Switzerland in which German is the main language of instruction:
University of Basel
University of Bern
University of Lucerne
University of St.Gallen
University of Zurich
The Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich
University of Fribourg
French
Universities and colleges in Switzerland where French is the main language of instruction:
University of Fribourg
University of Neuchâtel
University of Geneva
University of Lausanne
Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
Italian
Swiss universities and colleges where Italian is the main language of instruction:
The Università della Svizzera italiana (University of Lugano)
The Università Della Svizzera Italiana (USI) is the only Italian-speaking university in Switzerland and is part of the Swiss university system. It’s a multilingual institution with Italian and English courses with a strong international focus.
Work and study in Switzerland
During the semester, international students can work up to 15 hours per week part-time, and during the holidays, they can work full-time. Non-EU/EFTA students, however, must wait six months from the commencement of their education before they can begin working.
Stay in Switzerland after graduation
Students are allowed to stay in Switzerland for six months after finishing their degree to hunt for work. Successful job applicants are granted the Switzerland Visa for a work permit. Bear in mind that Work Permits are valid for as long as you are employed by a Swiss company.
Highlights
If you find work, the company will apply for your Swiss Work Visa permission on your behalf.
A language test and financial proof of your ability to support yourself in Switzerland during your stay may be required.
A proof of residency for the extension of your resident permit, indicating that you will be staying in Switzerland when your studies are completed. Only a 6-month extension is possible.
Stay back in Switzerland will last for six months after graduation.
Work Permit is valid for as long as you are employed by a Swiss company.
You must have lived in Switzerland for ten years to become a Permanent Resident (PR).
Conclusion
Switzerland is one of the top study destinations for international students. Swiss Universities teach either in German, French and Italian. The location of the university determines the language of instruction, but there are some English-taught programs available in some of these universities, regardless of the location.
Recently, there is a growing number of masters and research programs established specifically for international students which English is frequently the primary language of instruction.