Being a promoter of global participation, Switzerland is the ideal study abroad destination for international students. A country whose natural beauty needs no introduction is also among the most diverse in Europe. Owing to its scenic beauty and diversity, international students will never get bored of Switzerland. The country also offers some of the best outdoor experiences that range from skiing to mountain climbing—making it a favourite among adventure junkies. Switzerland also boasts some of the most sophisticated and beautiful urban centres. International students account for about 25% of the total student population in Switzerland, which speaks volume about its academic environment. Switzerland has world-class education system that prepares its students to become global leaders. Top universities in Switzerland include University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Bern, etc.

1) Why should you study in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a great international study option for foreign students since it promotes global engagement. A country with remarkable natural beauty is also one of Europe's most varied. The country also provides some of the greatest outdoor adventures, ranging from skiing to mountain climbing, making it a popular destination for adventure lovers. Switzerland also has some of the most elegant and picturesque cities in the world. International students make up over a quarter of Switzerland's total student population, which says much about the country's academic climate. Switzerland's education system is global, preparing students to be top players.

 

2)  What are the University Rankings in Switzerland like?

Switzerland has one of the most prominent higher education systems in Europe. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Europe's two highest entries in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, are both ranked among the top 30 universities in the world.

 

3) How open is the country to international students?

Swiss Nationals may not come off as reserved initially, but they are friendly. Year by year, the number of International Students arriving in Switzerland to pursue their higher studies stands as a testimony to their high standards of education and quality of life.

 

4) What is the Higher Education System like in Switzerland?

Switzerland too, like the rest of the European countries, follows the Bologna system.

Higher Education is divided into 3 cycles.

First cycle being Bachelor’s Degree for either 3-4 years. Professional Degrees like Engineering, Law and Medicine are up to 5 years though. For your Swiss Bachelor's degree, you must take mandatory courses in your field (major), elective courses in another subject of your interest (minor), and free elective courses. The final year of Bachelors is dedicated to your dissertation.

The second cycle is Masters for 1-2 years where you are required to specifically work individually as well as in groups to complete your dissertation in the final year.

And the third cycle is Doctorate which may span over 3-5 years.
 

5) What are the standardized tests to be taken to study in Switzerland?

Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Due to the high influx of international students, majority of the courses are taken in English. For this, both undergraduate and graduate students must clear any standardized English Proficiency Test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Apart from this, to get into a university or to even be considered, you must take the SAT exam at undergraduate level.

In order to get into a Medical School, a separate exam called MCAT is conducted.

And finally, for postgraduate level, GRE for non-business courses and GMAT to get into the top business schools.

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6) What are the Popular Fields to pursue in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers a variety of courses in every field such as Engineering, Law, Medicine, Business and Arts. These specific fields within each field are provided in top-notch quality at Switzerland Universities.

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7) What are the Average Tuition Fees and Living Costs like?

Average tuition fees at Swiss public universities:

• Bachelor's and Master's programs: 400 to 3,700 EUR/year

• PhD degrees: 100 – 900 EUR/year

• Private institutions in Switzerland often charge higher tuition costs, which might exceed 43,000 EUR per year. Some colleges provide students a discount if they pay in full when they start their studies. Tuition for various degrees is depending on the total number of credits.

• Living costs for an international student in Switzerland can amount to 1,300 – 1,700 EUR/month on an average which includes accommodation, food, leisure etc.

 

 8) Are there scholarships available to study in Switzerland?

Every student applying to universities abroad would wonder if there are any scholarship opportunities to avail. Switzerland too offers a range of scholarships that can be from the Swiss Government, from private Swiss Universities and even from other organizations.

Each scholarship has an eligibility criterion for it so be sure to check out the requirements.

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9) What are the Part-Time Work Opportunities available and the rules regarding it?

Students from outside the EU will be allowed to start their part-time work only after completing 6 months of their studies. First, their employer must submit a request to the appropriate authorities for the purpose of employment checks from time to time. Students will need to inform/seek the appropriate work permit from authorities which depends on the nationality. 

A student will be allowed to work for 15 hours per week via part time job and up to 100% capacity during semester break.

Hourly wage is 39.38 EUR doing jobs such as tutoring, waitressing, dog-walking, or being a cashier at a barista for example.

work in Switzerland need to notify the competent authorities and/or apply for a work permit (depending on their nationality), independently of whether 

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10) What are the Post-graduation Work Rules and Visa Requirements in Switzerland?

If you are looking to continue staying in Switzerland after finishing your studies to work, you are given a permit of 6 months to find employment during this time after finishing graduation. Upon a successful employment contract received, you can secure the Switzerland visa for work permit. If you find a work, the company will apply for your visa for a Swiss Work Visa. During the job search following graduation, one might work 15 hours per week as a part-time employee.

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11) How to obtain Permanent Residency in Switzerland?

When it comes to obtaining Permanent Residency prospects, you can receive it only after living in Switzerland for a period of 10 years.