STUDYING IN SWITZERLAND

NUMBER OF UNIVERSITIES AND STUDENTS 

  • 10 universities and 2 Federal Polytechnic Schools, 9 specialist "Hautes Ecoles".

  • Switzerland has a high reputation for its courses in the following areas: international relations, interpreting, hospitality, trade, engineering and science.

  • Approximately  250,000 students (2020 figures provided by RTS Info). Including 20% of international students.

QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED

  • Bachelor's degree in 3 years. 

  • Master's degree in 1 year or 2  years depending on the institution.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

  • Selective admission handled directly by the institutions.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

  • French Baccalauréat S (Science pathway), ES (Economic & Social Studies pathway) ou L (literature pathway) Honours may be required.

  • depending on the institution, school reports for the last 3 years, a test, exams, an interview.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

  • The year is usually divided into 2 semesters (autumn and summer) which can allow 2 intakes each year depending on the institution. 

  • For the autumn semester intake, applications can be submitted from January to April.

  • For the summer semester intake, applications can be submitted from September to November.

REQUIRED LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH 

  • For some study programmes, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or le TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) may be required even if the programme is taught in French. 

TUITION FEES

  • Approximately 1,000 CHF to 2,200 CHF a year (2019 figures) for universities and EPFs (Federal Polytechnic Schools).

  • Highly variable for other institution. 

ACCOMMODATION

  • On campus oor in shared accommodation.

  • Accommodation can be very difficult to find.

  • Tourist tax is mandatory.

EMPLOI ETUDIANT

  • EU citizens can obtain a work permit for a limited number of hours per week for the period of study.  

VISA

  • Permission to reside must be sought from cantonal authorities of the place of residence.

  • This will issued subject to proof of sufficient available financial resources and having health insurance in place.