Is Studying in Switzerland Really Different From Studying in India? A Real Academic Comparison for Indian Students

8 January 2026

Why is the education so different for Indian students in Switzerland, even though both students studied the same subjects, even the same subjects, the same in Switzerland and in India? Many times, students from India come to Switzerland after having completed their education in India and have received an excellent education, but still, they do not experience their education in Switzerland in the same way they did in India. Discovering how the educational experiences differ will help to make the transition much easier.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, I help many Indian students who are eager to study in Switzerland but are not certain what the reality of academic requirements would entail. In Switzerland, you will not be tested on how well you can retain information. You will instead be tested on how well you can think.

The education system in Switzerland is based on the themes of responsibility and practical applications. The education system in India has a much more linear approach where the teacher explains all aspects of the subject matter in detail, and also tests students to assess their theoretical knowledge through examinations, thus developing student discipline and providing them with strong foundational knowledge of the respective subject matter. The education system in Switzerland requires the students to come prepared for the lectures, take an active part in the discussion, as well as investigate concepts beyond the academic curriculum.

A large increase in what Indian students experience is academic autonomy. The Swiss model emphasizes autonomy in study, in which researching, analyzing, and studying are imperative. The tasks assigned to students are majorly open-ended and connected with real-life applications. Students do not have to repeat definitions. They have to define new concepts in their words and apply those concepts to real-life applications.

Assessment approaches also differ greatly. The Indians place a lot of emphasis on written assessment, whereas the Swiss undertake continuous assessment. At WPU, you shall be assessed by means of presentations, research assignments, group assignments, and projects. The aspect of honesty and plagiarism plays a major role, and you are also supposed to be original with all assignments.

Classroom dynamics are another area of contrast. Indian colleges have classes with many students. The students feel hesitant to open up in such classes. Indian classes are also more teacher-dominated, with more formal teacher-student interactions. A Swiss classroom is smaller. The students are encouraged to exchange their opinions. They are also encouraged to work together with students from different backgrounds. Such experience in Indian settings gives students authentic global experience.

One thing that makes the educational system of Switzerland outstanding is that it is practically oriented, according to the context of Switzerland. The subject matters include demands of the industries and the latest trends prevalent globally. The recent changes reflect that the educational institutions in Switzerland have started integrating perspectives of sustainability, innovation, digital technology, and applications of research into the curriculum. The students are engaged with live tasks, case studies, and assignments from the industries.

Staff relationships are also more reachable. Swiss professors encourage students to give them feedback and ask questions. Such a transparent academic community is very helpful for personal and educational developments. Other supporting services such as counseling and study assistance help foreign students to adapt themselves to this new environment without putting them under any kind of pressure.

For many Indian students, moving to study abroad in Switzerland can, in fact, seem quite challenging at first. Managing your time, studying, and being actively present requires work. But once you are well-settled, you will experience that Swiss education allows you to think independently and function confidently in global environments.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we believe that preparation is not just limited to admission letters. At BCES, we work to ensure that students understand academic requirements so that they are clear and confident when they step into a Swiss school. The Indian approach to discipline and the Swiss approach to applied learning make for a product that is ready for the world.

If you are intending to undertake your higher education pursuits from Switzerland and require specific information regarding expectations and preparation for higher education, we, at BCES Admissions Abroad, can be accessed.