Looking for an international education that balances academic excellence with adventure? Here’s why Switzerland could be the ideal destination for your studies. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Switzerland provides international students access to top-tier Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs, all while offering exceptional research opportunities and an enriching academic environment.
Switzerland offers tailored programs across a variety of disciplines, including engineering, business, medicine, and the arts, designed to suit the needs and aspirations of international students. This guide will walk you through the top universities, living expenses, and scholarship options to help you make the most of your international education experience.
Study in Switzerland: Highlights
Here are the essential points about studying in Switzerland that every aspiring student should be aware of:
| Language of teaching | German (Predominant), French (Significant), English (Most Masters courses). |
| Average cost of study | CHF 1,000 – 20,000 / year |
| Average cost of living | CHF 16,800 / year |
| Funding options | Scholarships, education loans and part-time jobs |
| Entrance exams required | IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaf/DELF/CELI, SAT and more |
| Intakes | September and February |
| Top courses in Switzerland | Business, Finance, Engineering, Hospitality, Medicine, Computer Science, Architecture, Environmental Science |
| Types of degrees | Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree (PhD), and Diploma and Certificate Programs |
Why is Switzerland a preferred destination for students?
Studying in Switzerland offers numerous advantages. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
- Safe and secure environment: With a low crime rate and strict laws, Switzerland ensures a safe setting for students to live and study.
- Multilingual and multicultural: With four official languages and widespread English, Switzerland offers a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for international students.
- Affordable tuition fees: Switzerland offers competitive tuition fees while maintaining excellent education quality, making it an attractive option for students.
- High quality of life: The country’s efficient public transport, stunning landscapes, and clean cities provide students with a balanced lifestyle.
Top universities in Switzerland
| University | Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (CHF) | Tuition Fees (INR) | QS World
University Rankings (2025) |
| ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) | Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Business, Mathematics, and more | CHF 730 per semester (approx.) | ₹68,620 | 7th |
| EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) | Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Architecture, Business, and more | CHF 730 per semester (approx.) | ₹68,620 | 26th |
| IMD Business School | MBA, Executive MBA, EMBA, Executive Education | CHF 97,500 (Full-time MBA) | ₹9,18,500 | 108th |
| University of Zurich | Business Administration, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Medicine, etc. | CHF 800–4500 per semester (approx.) | ₹75,200 – ₹4,23,000 | 109th |
Disclaimer: The costs in INR are based on the current exchange rate.
Top Courses to Study in Switzerland
Switzerland offers a wide variety of high-quality programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the top courses, preferred by both international and Swiss students:
- Business and Management
- Engineering
- Banking and Finance
- Computer Science and IT
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Law
- Architecture
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
Eligibility criteria to study in Switzerland
| Diploma courses |
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| Bachelor’s degree |
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| Master’s degree |
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| Doctorate degree |
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Study in Switzerland: Tuition Fee
The tuition fees for studying in Switzerland are generally more affordable compared to the USA and many European countries. Below is an overview of the average cost of education in Switzerland for popular degree programs:
| Degree | University Type | Tuition Fees (CHF) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Public Universities | CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,440 per year | ₹94,000 to ₹2,29,360 |
| Private Universities | CHF 5,400 to CHF 30,000 per year | ₹5,07,600 to ₹28,20,000 | |
| Master’s Degree | Public Universities | CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000 per year | ₹94,000 to ₹1,88,000 |
| Private Universities | CHF 10,000 to CHF 20,000 per year | ₹9,40,000 to ₹18,80,000 |
