Switzerland is known for its world-class academic institutions and decentralized education system. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the country is home to over 76,257 international students, as of 2024.
Moreover, it houses many highly ranked universities, an optimum student/faculty ratio, excellent research facilities, and low tuition fees. If you are planning to study in Switzerland, find out the best universities, popular courses, and lucrative jobs in this article.
Key Pointers for Switzerland As a Study Destination
Here is a quick overview of Switzerland for international students deliberating pursuing higher education in Switzerland.
Average Cost of Study
730–1220 CHF per semester
Average Cost of Living
1850 CHF per month
Intakes
Autumn/Fall Spring
Language of Instruction
German
French
English
Exam Required
Language Proficiency exams (English, German or French), GRE Exam, GMAT Exam, etc.
Types of Visa
C-VISA (stay > three months), D-VISA (stay < three months)
Popular Courses
Management and Administration, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Medicine, Psychology
Best Student City
Zurich and Lausanne
Why Study in Switzerland
Some of the reasons why you should choose Switzerland to study abroad are:
The education system in Switzerland is flexible. The decentralized education system offers a wide array of possibilities for international students to receive a quality education. International students can opt for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs at prestigious Swiss universities.
Switzerland has an incredible education system, including some of the world's finest universities. ETH Zurich and EPFL are routinely ranked in the top 20 globally, with ETH Zurich ranking seventh in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Switzerland’s top universities focus on a combination of theoretical and practical education, ensuring students are well-prepared for job opportunities.
Education in Swiss institutions is offered in different languages like German, French, and English.
The best thing about Swiss universities is that they do not ask for English language proficiency test scores from Indian students. If the students know basic English language writing and speaking, they can apply for a program. The IELTS exam is optional, as the majority of universities do not ask for one. Thus, an international student can study in Switzerland without IELTS.
Two Switzerland cities have been featured in the Top 20 Best Student Cities, as per QS Rankings 2025.
It is home to 15 companies that are listed under Fortune 500. These companies offer international students a platform to build a rewarding career.
Switzerland excels at research and innovation. The country invested around 3.4% of its GDP to demonstrate its dedication to advancing knowledge and technology. Students receive access to the latest research resources and the opportunity to participate in creative projects.
Around 25% of the country’s total population are international students who have settled there after completion of the course. It means Switzerland offers ample permanent residency and employment opportunities.
Switzerland offers partial and full funding opportunities to international students. Scholarships like Swiss Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students and ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships offer substantial funding to deserving students.
Switzerland welcomes international students wholeheartedly. The country has a vibrant lifestyle and multicultural environment that allows international students to integrate and mix well with the Swiss way of life.
For every student who wants to study in Switzerland from India, the National Visa (D-type) is important. The D-category visa is needed for students who plan to stay in the country for more than three months. Moreover, students can apply for C Visa for summer schools, seminars, and language courses that last up to three months.
Indian students will have to schedule a visa interview through an online application. The application and biometric formalities are completed at the visa application center. Indian students may have to provide biometrics during the visa application process. A visa interview is a final step that decides whether the study visa application is accepted or not. An adult visa fee for Indians is approx. INR 1850/.
Switzerland Education System
The Bologna Education Scheme based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits) is followed in Switzerland. In this system, the international students can get their educational qualifications transferred to their home institutions. Students can enroll in the following degrees:
Bachelor’s Degree:
It is a full-time undergraduate degree which generally lasts for 3 years. However, specializations like medical and information technology may take up to five years. In a Swiss bachelor’s degree, there are major and minor optional subjects. Students have to complete a total of 180 ECTS credits.
Masters Degree:
It can be completed within two years. For a PhD or doctoral program, a master’s degree is compulsory. To complete it, 90–120 credit hours are required.
Master of Advanced Studies (MAS):
It is a postgraduate degree that generally lasts for 1-2 years and usually consists of independent study, course work, and a master’s thesis. Students would need to complete 60–120 ECTS.
Doctorate Degree:
A doctorate degree takes a total of 3 to 5 years to complete. Also, it requires students to complete 240 ECTS credits.
Moreover, the Swiss academic year is from September to May, with two semesters in an annual year. Students can opt for Italian, German, and English language courses.
University Types & Top Universities in Switzerland
Switzerland’s university system is based on: applied sciences and arts, fundamental research, and teacher education. Each university type serves a specific purpose in the Swiss education, research and innovation sector.
Type of Universities
Types of Institution
Number of Universities
Key Pointers
Universities (UNIs)
12
Research institutions that offer bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees.
Universities of Teacher Education (UTEs)
20
Offer programs in teaching for pre-primary level, primary level, secondary level I, secondary level II and special needs education.
Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts (UASAs)
9
Offer practice-based Bachelor’s, Master’s degree programs. Focus on application-oriented programs.
Top Universities in Switzerland
The below-mentioned Swiss Universities have ranked regularly in the QS World University Rankings:
10+2 education from a recognized board is mandatory to pursue an undergraduate diploma or a bachelor’s degree.
For a PG diploma or master’s degree, students need to have a relevant full-time bachelor’s degree with good scores.
English language proficiency test in Switzerland is not compulsory. However, some universities require an IELTS score.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a compulsory requirement for admission. It is a unique statement where the purpose, goals of the student are stated.
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is important. At least two LORs are compulsory to get admission to Swiss universities.
GRE and GMAT scores are also important admission requirements in Swiss universities. Students need to take the GRE test to take admission to top-ranked universities.
Work experience of two to three years can be an added advantage for admission. For a few courses like MS, MBA, and post-graduation courses, prior work experience is compulsory.
Study in Switzerland Cost for Indian Students
To study abroad it is paramount to calculate the cost of attendance one needs to bear. The overall cost of studying can be bifurcated into two distinct categories – Tuition Fee and Cost of Living.
Tuition Fee
The tuition cost to study in Switzerland is relatively affordable in comparison to other European countries. The tuition cost will depend on whether you are admitted to a public university or a private university.
Public universities like the University of Lausanne, ETH Zurich, University of Basel and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offer affordable tuition costs.
On the other hand, admission to private Swiss universities is expensive. The best way to understand the tuition cost is based on the course type and level of study. Here is a quick look at the average tuition fee per semester of public universities:
Bachelor’s degree programs cost between 700 and 3,500 CHF.
Master’s degree programs cost between 850 and 2,000 CHF.
The cost of living in Switzerland for Indian students will depend on the city and location. On average, an Indian student needs around 2,250 CHF every month to cover accommodation, transport, food, and utility expenses.
In Switzerland, cities like Bern, Geneva, or Zurich are expensive. If students are living in these three cities, the average monthly living cost will exceed 2,055 CHF. Here is a quick estimate based on top student-friendly cities in Switzerland.
After receiving a letter of acceptance from the desriable Swiss University, you should reach out to the Swiss Consulate.
Fill a Visa Application Form and fix an appointment at the Swiss Visa Application Center.
You need to carry the completed application form in tandem with the indispensable documents.
Meticulosly check and submit the documents and pay the Swiss student visa fees.
Collect the acknowledgement receipt and wait for approval. If a student is applying for a short visa which is less than three months, it takes up to 10–15 days. However, for a National D visa, the time process for student visa can go up to 10 weeks.
Note: Indian students must meet the eligibility requirements and have sufficient funds to manage tuition and living costs during the first year of stay in the country.
Checklist for National D Visa
Students should submit 3 application forms [1 original and 2 sets (copies)] of the required documents as mentioned below:
Valid national passport: It should have at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages.
4 x passport size pictures
3 x Visa application form
Cover Letter (including reason for pursuing studies in Switzerland, future plans, how student would be benefited from his/her studies, confirmation that the student will leave the country after the completion of the studies).
Proof of funds to stay in Switzerland.
Medical travel insurance copy.
A detailed letter stating why you want to study in Switzerland, when are you arriving and how long will you stay.
No objection certificate from university.
Proof of university enrollment.
Scholarship Programs offered in Switzerland:
Swiss Universities offer full and partial funding opportunities to meritorious students. The scholarship programs may cover tuition fees, health insurance, housing allowance, monthly payment, and airfares.
The scholarship is available to students with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees from a recognized study board. International fellows and research scholars are offered generous funding to pursue research and development work.
Below are some of the noted scholarship programs:
Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships
University of Geneva Excellence Masters Fellowships
IMD MBA Scholarships
University of Lausanne Masters Grants for Foreign Students
Prima Grants
University of Zurich Scholarships for PhD Candidates
Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries
International Postdoctoral Fellowships
EPFL Excellence Scholarships
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Average Salary in Switzerland
Graduates from Switzerland's top universities have huge earning potential, reflecting the country's strong economy and good standard of living. Switzerland's average annual pay is around CHF1,42,000 among the highest in the world. Those with a master's degree in Switzerland might expect even greater compensation.
Graduates with master's degrees in Switzerland earn high salaries. It is highly beneficial in engineering, finance, and information technology. Their annual pay typically ranges from CHF CHF64T to CHF 2L. Specialized master's programs in Switzerland are adapted to industry demands. It ensures that graduates are highly employable and well compensated.
Top Jobs in Switzerland
Some of the most popular job profiles and their respective salaries in Switzerland are:
Switzerland's economy is characterized by security, high GDP per capita, and innovation. These make it a perfect environment for a variety of sectors. The following are the top growing sectors in Switzerland:
Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
Switzerland's IT sector is quickly expanding. Demand for digital solutions and technological advancements influence this. Many companies are embracing cybersecurity and AI. Switzerland's IT services sector is expected to rise by 5.6 billion US dollars between 2024 and 2029 as per Statista.
Biotechnology and Medical
Two of the fastest-growing businesses in Switzerland are biotechnology and medicine. The medical industry separately brought in CHF 105.5 billion in export income in 2023. The biotechnology industry expands for significant investments in research and development. Swiss universities support this growth through their innovative research.
Financial Services and Fintech
Switzerland's financial services industry is a global leader. Fintech has also developed significantly. The industry makes up almost 9% of the GDP of the nation. There are around 483 new fintech companies in Switzerland. Swiss financial institutions make substantial investments in fintech solutions placing the country at the center of financial innovation.
Study in Switzerland without IELTS:
Almost all institutions in Switzerland offer IELTS waivers for selected bachelor and master’s degree programs, provided they meet academic entry requirements. To make it seamless to study in Switzerland; scholarship and internship programs are also available without IELTS.
In Switzerland, there are four official languages, Romansh, French, German, and Italian. People there are multilingual, based on the area they grew up in.
There are four main communities based on the official language. The German community is the largest of them.
Despite the four languages, international students will not have problems communicating in English. Swiss people are proficient in the English language, and the mode of study is English too.
In addition to that, master’s and PhD degrees in the English language from Swiss universities are recognized worldwide.
Culture in Switzerland:
Switzerland is known for its diverse culture because it is geographically closer to Germany, France, Italy, and Austria. The diversity of all these surrounding countries has made Swiss culture a unique one. In music and craftsmanship, Switzerland is a delight to both the ears and eyes.
Folk music in Switzerland is much talked about. The most famous are alphorn music and landler. Violin and guitar are popular musical instruments in the country.
Switzerland is home to 1000+ museums, so it is one of the most favorite countries among explorers and art lovers.
Swiss culture is also well-known for its crafts and especially watchmaking. The luxury watch brands are premium and reputed, like Rolex, Tissot, and Patek Philippe.
Swiss cuisine is another attraction. Swiss luxury chocolates are famous all over the world. Some of the famous brands are Lindt, Cailler, Frey, Nestle, and Toblerone.
The cost of tuition in Switzerland depends on the program and university. International students usually pay between CHF700 and CHF3,500 in tuition each semester in Switzerland. Additionally, monthly living expenses for services like housing, food, and transportation might be anywhere between CHF 15000 and CHF 2500.
Can I go to Switzerland without IELTS?
Absolutely, foreign students without an IELTS or TOEFL score are admitted to certain Swiss universities. Your previous education should be in English. However, requirements may differ by university and program. It is best to check with the specific university about their language competency criteria for admission, as Switzerland universities for international students have different regulations.
Is Switzerland a good place for Indian students?
Switzerland is an excellent choice for Indian students. It gives high-quality education, a diverse cultural atmosphere, and wonderful beauty. Despite the increased study costs in Switzerland for Indian students, the country offers affordable tuition, living fees, and various scholarships.
Which course is best in Switzerland?
Switzerland is known for its unparalleled education in various fields like commerce, IT, and business management. MBA programs at Switzerland's top universities are ideal options for international students.
Switzerland MBA universities are known for their quality in business education. They offer a wide range of specializations, great instructors, and significant networking possibilities in Europe's financial center.
Is it expensive to live in Switzerland?
Switzerland is relatively expensive when it comes to living costs in comparison to other European countries. The good news is education in Switzerland is affordable. The cost of living for international students will largely depend on the city or location.
The cost of accommodation can be shared to keep the living cost manageable. On average, an Indian student needs around 2,250 CHF every monthly. The transportation cost is around 100 CHF, and the accommodation cost varies upon the type of accommodation.
Do international students get jobs in Switzerland?
Around 76,257 international students reside in Switzerland. It speaks for the flexibility in employment opportunities for international students.
International students can stay up to six months after completing their course to look for job opportunities.
The job market is very promising, and international students get the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies.
Can you get PR in Switzerland after studying?
Yes, a permanent residency is available to international students after they have got a Swiss Work Visa. The foreign nationals need to work for 10 years in Switzerland to get a Permit C PR and settle in Switzerland. However, there are exceptions when an international student may earn a PR after five years. If you are proficient in any one of the Swiss official languages or have good relations with the local population, getting a PR
Is IELTS required for a Switzerland student visa?
For a Swiss student visa, there is no specific language requirement. It is not mandatory to take the IELTS test. But if your university has asked for an IELTS score, you will need to take the test. Because there are four official languages in Switzerland, a language requirement for a student doesn’t exist. However, if you want to study a language course, a language proficiency score is required.
Can I study in Switzerland in English?
Yes, there are Swiss Universities where the English language is the mode of study. For instance: University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Bern, University of Basel, ETH Zurich. In Switzerland, courses are taught in German, French, Italian, and English. If you want to study your course in the English language, you can do so. There are various degrees and programs in the English language.
How much can an international student earn in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a promising and growing job market with several companies listed under Fortune 500. The most in-demand jobs for international students are in the following sectors–engineering, pharmaceuticals, technology, banking, insurance, and analysts.
On average, at an entry-level an international student earns approximately 2,200–2,800 CHF per month.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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