Switzerland is one of the top destinations for talented international students. The country has three official languages: German, French, and Italian. All universities offer studies in one or more of these languages. In recent years, many universities have also started offering degrees and various courses in English.
Swiss universities consistently rank among the best in the world. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) are among the most prestigious universities globally.
Admission criteria for international students in Switzerland vary. However, in general, there is an entrance examination for all bachelor’s students, which takes place in the summer. Once a student achieves a passing grade, they can continue their studies.
Switzerland is home to several prestigious public universities, each offering unique programs and opportunities for international students.
The academic calendar in Switzerland usually starts in mid-September and ends in late May of the following year. It consists of two semesters:
Autumn Semester: Mid-September to early January
Spring Semester: Early February to early June
Each semester lasts approximately 15 weeks.
For the Autumn Semester starting in September, the application deadline is usually April 30. However, some universities may accept late applications. In most cases, students can only begin their studies in September.
The tuition fees for Swiss universities, at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, vary between CHF 500 and CHF 4,000 per semester. Please note that there are no scholarships or financial aid available in Switzerland for international students, and students are expected to cover their entire living expenses and university fees on their own.
Currently, the average monthly cost for students is CHF 2,000. However, in Geneva and Zurich, this amount might be slightly higher, depending on the student’s circumstances and lifestyle. Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during summer breaks. For general work, if students have good knowledge of the local language, their chances of finding employment, especially during the holiday season, are higher. However, these earnings may not be sufficient to cover living expenses during your studies, and you must always have enough financial savings to support yourself while studying in Switzerland.
Admission to bachelor’s programs is more competitive for international students compared to master’s programs. As a result, the number of international students in master’s programs is significantly higher than in bachelor’s programs.
For bachelor’s candidates, applicants must have:
Completed high school with a grade between 15–20 (on a 20-point scale),
Been accepted into a local university in their home country or completed at least one year of university studies, C1 language proficiency level in the language of instruction, If they meet these criteria, they will be invited to take the Swiss university entrance examination, which is held once a year in August. Upon passing this exam, students can enrol in the university.
For master’s programs, there is no entrance examination, and in some cases, proof of language proficiency is not required. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree with good grades is sufficient for admission.
OVERVIEW OF SWISS UNIVERSITIES
Below is an overview of these universities, including basic information, student demographics, application deadlines, and tuition fees.
1. University of Geneva (Université de Genève)
Number of Students: Approximately 17,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 40%
Tuition Fees: Approximately CHF 500 per semester
2. University of Lausanne (Université de Lausanne)
Number of Students: Approximately 15,600
Percentage of International Students: Around 25%
Tuition Fees: Approximately CHF 580 per semester
3. University of Neuchâtel (Université de Neuchâtel)
Number of Students: Approximately 4,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 20%
Tuition Fees: Approximately CHF 515 per semester
4. University of Bern (Universität Bern)
Number of Students: Approximately 18,500
Percentage of International Students: Around 11%
Tuition Fees: CHF 750 per semester
5. University of Fribourg (Université de Fribourg)
Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 21%
Tuition Fees: CHF 985 per semester
6. University of Zurich (Universität Zürich)
Number of Students: Approximately 27,958
Percentage of International Students: Around19%
Tuition Fees: CHF 720 per semester
7. University of Basel (Universität Basel)
Number of Students: Approximately 13,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 25%
Tuition Fees: CHF 850 per semester
8. University of Lucerne (Universität Luzern)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,816
Percentage of International Students: Around 10%
Tuition Fees: CHF 1,620 per semester
9. University of St. Gallen (Universität St. Gallen)
Number of Students: Approximately 9,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 34%
Tuition Fees: CHF 3,329 per semester
10. Università della Svizzera italiana (University of Lugano)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 65%
Tuition Fees: CHF 4,000 per semester
11. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich)
Number of Students: Approximately 25,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 40%
Tuition Fees: CHF 2,190 per semester
12. EPFL Lausanne (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
Percentage of International Students: Around 50%
Tuition Fees: CHF 2,190 per semester