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Study in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its federal institutes of technology, world-famous hospitality schools and strong finance and life sciences sectors. Many master’s programmes are taught in English.

Main intakes
Universities mainly start in September; hospitality schools often have several intakes a year
Student visa
National (D) visa and residence permit
Region
Europe
Country
Flag of SwitzerlandSwitzerland

The education system in Switzerland

Higher education includes cantonal universities, the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL), universities of applied sciences and private hospitality schools.

Why students choose Switzerland

  • Internationally known hospitality management schools
  • Research excellence at ETH Zurich and EPFL
  • Links to international organisations and global companies

Popular courses and study areas

These fields are well established in Switzerland. Availability, language of instruction and entry requirements still vary by university and level.

  • Hospitality Management
  • Finance
  • Engineering
  • Life Sciences
  • International Relations
  • Computer Science

Universities in Switzerland

A few of the well-known universities students often consider. Drag or swipe to see more.

Listed for reference only — this is not a list of partner institutions. We shortlist from all recognised universities in Switzerland based on your profile, budget and goals.

Choosing a university in Switzerland

Rankings are a starting point, not the answer. When we build a shortlist for Switzerland, we compare:

  • Course modules, teaching style and any placement or project components
  • Entry requirements against your marks, backlogs and test scores
  • Total cost — tuition, living costs in that city and visa funds
  • Intake dates and deadlines that fit your timeline
  • Recognition of the institution and what your final certificate will state

See how we approach this in course and university selection.

Admission requirements

Public universities set strict academic requirements and may not accept every Indian qualification directly for bachelor’s entry. Hospitality schools set their own criteria.

Typical documents are listed in our guide to preparing university application documents.

Language requirements

Teaching languages include German, French, Italian and English depending on the region and programme.

Not sure which test to take? Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test, or read about German language certificates.

Tuition fees and living costs

Public universities charge moderate fees, while private hospitality schools charge significantly more. Living costs are among the highest in Europe.

Fees and required funds change, so we don’t publish fixed figures here. We confirm current costs for each programme on your shortlist using the university’s and government’s own websites.

Scholarships and funding

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

For researchers at doctoral and postdoctoral level.

Institutional scholarships

Some universities offer master’s excellence awards.

Eligibility, amounts and deadlines are set by each provider and change yearly. Read more about scholarship planning or ask about education loan guidance.

Student visa: National (D) visa and residence permit

Apply at the Swiss representation with your admission letter and proof of funds; the canton issues your residence permit.

Official resources

Application timeline

Universities mainly start in September; hospitality schools often have several intakes a year.

  1. 1
    10–12 months before

    Research & tests

    Profile review, destination and course research, book language or admission tests.

  2. 2
    8–10 months before

    Shortlist & documents

    Finalise your shortlist, prepare statements and request recommendations.

  3. 3
    6–9 months before

    Apply

    Submit applications and scholarship applications.

  4. 4
    3–6 months before

    Offer, funds & visa

    Accept an offer, arrange funds and apply for the National (D) visa and residence permit.

  5. 5
    1–2 months before

    Get ready to fly

    Accommodation, travel and our pre-departure briefing.

  6. Intake

    Start your course

Information on this page was last reviewed in October 2026. Always confirm requirements on the official websites linked above.

FAQs about studying in Switzerland

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