Studying in Switzerland

Many internationals choose to study in Switzerland because of its high quality of teaching and relatively low tuition fees. Whether you have just graduated from the school system in Switzerland, or you are looking to come and study from abroad, universities and other educational facilities are available to you. This page walks you through the nuts and bolts of studying in Switzerland, from applying for a visa to paying your tuition fees. 

Swiss higher education explained

Much like the primary and secondary school system, higher education in Switzerland is highly specialised and dependent on ability. There are multiple different types of higher education, ranging from traditional universities to vocational colleges and evening classes. If you’re thinking of studying in Switzerland, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the system, so you know the differences between the different types of institutions. 

Universities in Switzerland

Unless you already have a particular university in mind, your first step should be to take a look at the 11 universities in Switzerland that offer bachelor’s and master’s programmes in English, to decide where you might like to apply. Swiss universities all have different specialisms and entry requirements, and so your choice is likely to be influenced by what you want to study. 

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees in Switzerland vary from university to university. Before applying for university in Switzerland, it’s essential that you look at how much you will be charged for tuition, and consider how you will cover the cost. It will be hard to get a visa without proving that you have adequate funds to pay for your tuition and other living expenses yourself. 

However, there are a number of scholarships available for international students, which can help to reduce the cost of studying in Switzerland. 

Application process

There is no centralised application process for universities in Switzerland. This means that applying is relatively simple: all you need to do is choose a programme, check the admission criteria to make sure you meet them, and submit your application to your university or universities of choice. 

You will probably be asked to supply at least some, if not all, of the following: 

• A filled in application form
• A valid passport
• Your high school diploma or academic transcripts
• Language proficiency certificate in the language of study (English, German, French or Italian)
• Your CV
• A motivation letter explaining your reasons for applying for the course and to the university
• Payment of the application fee

Most universities have an online admissions portal where you can submit your documents and application form. If in doubt, check with the admissions team at your university of choice. 

Student visas for Switzerland

If your application to study at a Swiss university is successful, they will contact you (usually by email, but perhaps by post) to inform you that you have been accepted. You will receive a letter of admission. 

At this stage, you can begin applying for your right to come to Switzerland to study. It’s best to get started with this as soon as possible, as it can take some time for long-term residence permits to get sorted. 

The process differs depending on whether you are an EU citizen or not. 

Do EU students require a visa to study in Switzerland? 

If you are a national of a country that belongs to the EU or EFTA, then you do not need a visa to come to Switzerland. However, in order to remain in the country long-term and complete your studies, you will be required to register at your local council (Gemeinde) to receive a residence permit. You need to do this within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. 

You will need to provide proof that you have adequate financial resources to provide for yourself while you are living in Switzerland (e.g. with bank statements), and that you have taken out health insurance. 

You can continue to renew your permit until you have completed your studies. 

Getting a Swiss student visa as a non-EU citizen

If you are from a country outside the EU/EFTA, you will need to apply for a visa to come to Switzerland and study. You can do this at the Swiss mission or embassy in your home country. Note that it takes at least eight weeks for this visa to be issued, so be sure to apply in plenty of time. 

To apply for a visa, you will need: 

• Proof that you have adequate financial resources to provide for yourself for the duration of your course
• A health insurance policy
• A study plan with information about the purpose of your studies
• Confirmation that you have been accepted into a Swiss university (e.g. your letter of admission) 
• Proof that you fulfil the educational requirements of the course (e.g. with your academic transcript) 
• A motivation letter, CV and proof of your language proficiency
• Proof that you have somewhere to live in Switzerland
• Confirmation that you will leave Switzerland once you have completed your studies

Can I work in Switzerland on a student visa? 

Foreign students in Switzerland are allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours per week during their studies, and as much as they like during semester breaks. However, if you do intend to work while you are studying, you must report this to your responsible immigration authority. 

If you are coming to Switzerland from outside the EU/EFTA, you are only allowed to start working six months after you have started your studies. Your employer must also request an employment check, in order to issue you with a work permit, before you can begin working. 

Student health insurance

Everyone in Switzerland is required to have health insurance, including students. Indeed, it may be a prerequisite for you to receive a residence permit and enrol in your university. You can find out more about taking out student health insurance in Switzerland on our dedicated guide.

Moving to Switzerland

If you are moving to Switzerland from abroad, you may want to engage the services of a moving company specialised in international moves. They can help sort out all the paperwork to ensure your stuff doesn’t get held up at customs. 

In general, you are allowed to bring household effects, pets, vehicles and personal items with you duty-free. 

Student housing in Switzerland

One of your first priorities after arriving in Switzerland (or perhaps even before you arrive) will be to sort out your student accommodation. In Switzerland, a small number of universities do offer halls of residence, allowing you to live directly on campus (and priority for places is usually given to international students and mature students). However, places are limited so it’s essential that you apply early. 

Alternatively, you can choose to rent a room or apartment privately. You can find out more about finding somewhere to live as a student in Switzerland on our student housing in Switzerland page. If you are ever struggling with finding somewhere, make sure you speak to your university admissions team, as they may have a solution for you. 

Cost of studying in Switzerland

It’s no secret that Switzerland is one of the more expensive places to live in the world. When you are living in Switzerland as a student, it is essential that you have the adequate funds to sustain yourself during university life. This extends to life outside university if you plan to stay in Switzerland during school holidays. 

On average, a student in Switzerland will spend 1.500 to 3.000 Swiss francs a month on living costs, rent and tuition.

You also need to factor in additional costs, such as: 

• Fees for visa/residence permits
• Travel costs to come to Switzerland
• Health insurance
• Study materials, including a laptop, textbooks and other equipment
• Language courses

When you apply for a student visa, you will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover these costs. 

University terms in Switzerland 2024-2025 & 2025-6

Swiss universities split their terms into two large semesters, one in the autumn and one in the spring. The terms in the academic year 2024-2025 are:

• Autumn semester: September 16 - December 20
• Spring semester: February 17 - May 30

The terms in the academic year 2025-2026 are:

• Autumn semester: September 15 - December 19
• Spring semester: February 16 - May 29

When you are not studying in Switzerland, you may have free time to study or branch out into other activities. The break times between semesters are typically used for studying, exams, or finding a job or internship.