Affordable Cities for International Students in Switzerland

30 October 2025

Switzerland frequently ranks highly as one of the most gorgeous and academically advanced countries in the world. Therefore, it comes as no wonder that many students fantasize about attending college in Switzerland with the snowy-capped mountains, laid-back personality, and notable educational institutions. While it has a reputation of being an expensive land to study in, there are plenty of affordable cities in Switzerland that have unequaled value in terms of education and living under manageable costs as a student.

These cities have unrivaled value for female international students as it offers a safe and world-class study environment, while being an engaging multicultural experience. Whatever be your interest-business, science, or hospitality-many such Swiss cities promise you great opportunities at reasonable living costs. Let’s delve into some best and most affordable student cities in Switzerland that promise just the right mix of academics, culture, and comfort.

Fribourg – the student paradise

Among all the cities in Switzerland, Fribourg is one of the budget-friendly cities in Switzerland for students. The bilingual culture of the city, along with its pleasant environment and lively academic life makes it a complete choice for students. Students will find a nice student community, modern libraries, and lively cultural events so that life can be entertaining, young, and above all, cheap. Fribourg’s acceptable city size also allows the sense of a rapid pace on foot, making it more attractive for foreign students.

Bern-Capital City with a Peaceful Feel

Although the name may suggest a certain level of luxury, Bern, the Capital of Switzerland, is very student-friendly. Students are drawn to the University of Bern, along with Bern’s other universities, because of its academic reputation and ability to participate in research. The city also has adequately developed student accommodation, a relaxed feel, and a sense of community. Bern boasts a great deal of safety throughout the city and is home to a beautiful old town, which makes it a student friendly place to study and live.

Basel – Cultural and Academic Crossroads

Basel is a multicultural city located at the corner of France, Germany, and Switzerland and is ideal for studying and living for most international students. Basel is home to the University of Basel, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. In this university city, academic quality is complimented with cultural diversity. Basel has good public transportation, many available student discounts, and is a short train ride away from other European cities, making it a very feasible place to study and explore.

Lausanne – Lakeside Learning Destination

The city of Lausanne is located picturesque on Lake Geneva and is a beautiful and enjoyable environment with an active student culture. Lausanne is home to prestigious institutions in the world, such as École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, known as “EPFL” and the University of Lausanne, UNIL. In this area of the world, students benefit from innovative thinking in combination with the beauty of nature. With its activities for students, easy transportation, and a great international community, Lausanne has a good balance for study and enjoying life.

St. Gallen – A Student’s Dream

St. Gallen is a beautiful little, peaceful town for those coming to study. Anywhere you are in the world, you can find students that come to study in St. Gallen, as the University of St. Gallen, HSG is one of the best business and management studies programs. Outside of its reputation for being one of the top business universities in Europe, St. Gallen is affordable and a very nice place to live. St. Gallen rates very high for cleanliness, is very walkable, and has a friendly vibe that is perfect for students who want a peaceful study experience. 

Neuchâtel – A Hidden Beauty

Neuchâtel is a hidden gem for students from other countries; the lakeside city is surrounded by vineyards with a stunning lake. The University of Neuchâtel provides very good education that encompasses education and research. While the city is small, it keeps life comfortable and a less costly place to live with wonderful atmospheres, kind people, a social lifestyle, and great weather with a little breeze. These elements make Neuchâtel a very happy place for students to find an excellent lifestyle while studying in Switzerland.

Why study in affordable Swiss cities?

Students choosing to study in Switzerland‘s more affordable cities can expect to have a great lifestyle and slightly lower everyday costs. These cities have excellent accessibility, are safe, and provide good infrastructure for academia. Student life in Switzerland has more to offer than just classrooms filled with textbooks, theories, and notes; Switzerland offers vivid cultural festivities and weekends spent in idyllic locations. With quick access to part-time jobs and student help networks, these affordable cities in Switzerland take the worry out of the study experience for all students.