Would you like to study in Switzerland? The information provided here is designed to help you.
Why studying in Switzerland
Great importance is attached to education and talent development in Switzerland. Being a small, diverse country with a global reputation for excellence in science, engineering and innovation, Switzerland is able to offer you a unique experience that will improve your career prospects.
Switzerland in brief
Switzerland has a population of some nine million and has four official languages (German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic). Switzerland is highly regarded due to its high standard of living, safety, political stability and its multicultural, international atmosphere.
You will find the most important general information on Switzerland (currency, climate, facts and figures, languages, geography, economy, tourism, etc.) under Facts and Figures on study in switzerland+.
Study and residence in Switzerland
Entry and residence
Depending on their country of origin, foreign students require a valid visa and a residence permit to enter Switzerland and to live here while studying. Visas are normally issued by the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country and have to be applied for early on in person; applications generally take between one and three months to process.
Residence
Our recommendation to exchange students is to register with a student accommodation service or flat-share scheme. For a small fee, these organisations will help you find suitable accommodation. Find out from the school in question whether it offers nearby accommodation.
Liability insurance
Before travelling to Switzerland, please ensure you are adequately insured. We recommend exchange students take out private liability insurance to cover third-party damage claims. Evidence of such insurance generally has to be provided when renting accommodation. Additionally, the liability insurance also insures you for any damage you might cause to other persons or their property.
Health insurance
Anyone studying in Switzerland for more than three months falls under the statutory Swiss health insurance scheme. The European health insurance card is sufficient for students from an EU or EFTA country.
Social insurance
Foreign students are exempt from paying into the AHV/IV/EO (social insurance scheme) providing they are only resident in Switzerland for the purpose of studying and do not have a domicile in the country under civil law.
Public transport
Switzerland has an excellent public transport network which can be used to get to virtually anywhere in the country. Swiss trains, buses, trams, ships etc. are famous for their punctuality
Costs
You must cover the cost of rent, living, books etc. yourself. You should allow for a budget of approximately CHF 1,800 to 2,000 per month.
Bursaries/grants
In Switzerland, only few students at bachelor and master’s level hold a scholarship or grant. Most students finance their programme and costs of living through part-time work. Check the opportunities for scholarships and grants for exchange students and for federal or private scholarships.
