Country Guide
Study in Switzerland
Switzerland is home to some of the world's highest-ranked universities, offering outstanding education, cutting-edge research, and excellent career opportunities.
Study Destination
Switzerland
Search Universities and Courses in Switzerland
Search institutions, bachelor's degrees, master's programmes, and PhD programmes available in Switzerland.
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Tuition Fees
Each Swiss university sets its own fees, so there is no single national tuition fee. Many universities charge foreign students more than Swiss students. swissuniversities publishes an overview of fees at the cantonal universities and federal institutes of technology. The figures below are for foreign students, per semester, and do not include extra compulsory fees.
- Range for foreign students at public universities (2026-27)
- About CHF 435 – 4,000 per semester
- ETH Zurich and EPFL (2026-27)
- CHF 2,190 per semester
Sources: swissuniversities: Tuition fees at universities
Last checked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with the official source.
Living Costs
Federal law says students must have the financial means they need for their stay. The exact amount is set by the cantonal migration office, so there is no national figure. Check with your university and the canton where you will study.
- Visa proof of funds
- Not centrally published – set by each canton
Sources: Fedlex: Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (AIG), Art. 27
Last checked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with the official source.
Student Jobs
Students from outside the EU/EFTA may start working only 6 months after their course begins. The weekly limit applies outside holidays. The university must confirm that the job will not slow down your studies, and the employer must apply for the permit. After graduating, you have 6 months to look for a job that matches your qualifications.
- During studies (from 6 months after the start)
- Up to 15 hours per week outside holidays
- Post-study job search
- 6 months after finishing your studies
Sources: SEM: FAQ – Working in Switzerland
Last checked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with the official source.
Popular Universities in Switzerland
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
Public University
ETH Zurich is internationally renowned for research, innovation, and engineering excellence. It has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners and attracts students from around the globe.
View university details →École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Public University
EPFL is internationally recognized for engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and entrepreneurship.
View university details →University of Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
Public University
The University of Zurich is well known for research excellence in medicine, business, law, life sciences, and technology.
View university details →University of Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland
Public University
The University of Geneva is internationally recognized for international relations, law, business, medicine, and scientific research.
View university details →University of Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Public University
The University of Lausanne offers internationally respected programmes and strong research across business, economics, law, environmental sciences, and biology.
View university details →University of Basel
Basel, Switzerland
Public University
The University of Basel is one of Europe's oldest universities and is recognized worldwide for excellence in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences, and biomedical research.
View university details →University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
Public University
The University of Bern offers internationally respected programmes across medicine, business, law, natural sciences, and humanities.
View university details →Università della Svizzera italiana
Lugano, Switzerland
Public University
USI is known for computer science, architecture, business, communication, and interdisciplinary research in an international learning environment.
View university details →University of Fribourg
Fribourg, Switzerland
Public University
The University of Fribourg is recognized for its bilingual education, international outlook, and strong programmes in business, law, economics, and computer science.
View university details →Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Lucerne, Switzerland
University of Applied Sciences
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts provides career-focused education in engineering, business, information technology, design, and the arts.
View university details →