Study in Switzerland
Why Study in Switzerland?
Switzerland, known for its cutting-edge research universities, is one of Europe’s most sought-after study destinations. As an international student in Switzerland, you will have the opportunity to see breathtaking scenery. The picturesque grandeur of the Swiss Alps and the Jura mountain range can make your study abroad experience last a lifetime. Switzerland’s institutions are well-known for offering a diverse choice of courses, and Swiss PhDs and MBAs are popular among international students.
Did you know that? Over 20% of Switzerland’s workforce are international nationals; the majority are former international students who choose to work in Switzerland following graduation. Switzerland is home to more than 12 Fortune 500 firms, the most of any country in the world. As a European banking and economic powerhouse, international residents not only aspire to study in Switzerland, but also to work there after finishing their education.
Education System to Study in Switzerland
The Swiss education system is well-known around the world for its high-quality research outputs, academic standards, and student-friendly teaching methods. The framework for international students’ higher education is divided into three primary programmes: bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD.
The SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation) monitors and administers the education systems of all 26 cantons (Swiss states). SERI is the Swiss government’s official institution in charge of international and national research, education, and innovation policy.
Because Switzerland has adopted the Bologna process (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), international students can smoothly transfer their Swiss scores to their home countries’ point systems.
How much does it cost to study in Switzerland for international students?
Unlike in other European countries, international students in Switzerland pay the same tuition as domestic students. Because the government adequately funds Swiss public universities, tuition prices are inexpensive at all Swiss public universities.
In Switzerland, private colleges impose tuition fees of up to 40,000 EUR a year. A few universities in Switzerland provide discounts to international students who pay in full at the start of the programme. Tuition fees for some courses are computed based on the total number of credits or courses taken.
Study & Living Cost | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
Bachelor’s | Public Universities 400 – 3,700 EUR/year Private Universities 43,000 EUR/year |
Master’s | Public Universities 400 – 5,000 EUR/year Private Universities 75,000 EUR/year |
Living Cost | between 1,500 and 2,500 EUR/month |
Accommodation Cost | between 600 and 700 EUR/month |
Student Visa to Study in Switzerland
International students who wish to study in Switzerland must be in possession of a valid Swiss student visa. Students can apply for a visa from their home country as soon as they receive a confirmation letter from a Swiss university. The cost of a student visa in Switzerland is CHF 88. There are two types of visas available for studying in Switzerland. Students may apply for a Schengen C visa for courses lasting fewer than 90 days. Other courses in Switzerland, such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, require students to apply for a Schengen D visa. The processing time for a Swiss student visa is approximately 8 to 12 weeks, and overseas students can work part-time for up to 15 hours per week with a Swiss student visa.
Important Documents required for a long-term Swiss Student Visa:
⦁ Passport of the student
⦁ Proof of finance to study and live in Switzerland
⦁ Health cover proof
⦁ Enrolment letter from a Swiss institution
⦁ Proof of education certificates
Health Insurance to Study in Switzerland
Despite having a universal healthcare system, the Swiss government does not provide free healthcare to overseas students in Switzerland. To study in Switzerland, all students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme must apply for private Swiss health insurance. The restriction also applies to student visitors who stay for more than 90 days.
Private health insurance in Switzerland covers specialised treatments, dental treatments, other personal healthcare services, osteopathy, and benefits such as private rooms and other facilities during visits.
Most Swiss health insurance providers ask overseas students to pay upfront and then claim reimbursements later. Reimbursements can take up to a few days to process. As part of the regular procedure, international students in Switzerland must submit the claim form together with any appropriate receipts or invoices.
Best Places to Study in Switzerland
- Zurich
- Lausanne
- Geneva
- Bern
- Basel
Popular Courses to Study in Switzerland
- Business Management
- Applied Mathematics
- Banking & Finance
- Artificial Intelligence
- HUMSS Courses
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