Study in Switzerland
ETH Zurich and EPFL at public-university prices, the world's best hospitality schools, and salaries that make the high living costs work out.
Why students choose Switzerland
Switzerland is the quiet outlier: two of the world's best technical universities charge public fees, hospitality management schools set the global standard, and graduate salaries are the highest in Europe. Living costs are the highest too, and part-time work is limited in the first six months, so students need funding in place. English-taught programmes are mostly at master's level.
Intakes
Main intake. Public universities close applications between December and April.
Some master's and most hospitality schools.
What international students study in Switzerland
After you graduate
Graduates from Swiss universities can stay for six months to look for work, and employers do not have to prove there was no Swiss or EU candidate for jobs of high scientific or economic interest. Hospitality graduates commonly complete paid internships in Swiss hotels as part of the degree.
Job-seeking residence permit
6 months. Applies to graduates of Swiss higher education institutions. Employers can hire you without a labour-market test for roles of high interest.
Part-time work
15 hours a week after the first 6 months (immediately for master's students at Swiss universities), full time in holidays. Wages of No national minimum; cantonal minimums of CHF 20 to 24 an hour in Geneva, Neuchâtel and Jura.
Employment by sector
Pharmaceuticals and life sciences (high), Banking and finance (high), Engineering and precision manufacturing (high). Full picture.
What it costs to study in Switzerland
Living costs of CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,600 a month; immigration expects CHF 21,000 a year. Tuition of CHF 1,000 to CHF 4,000 a year at public universities for undergraduate and CHF 1,500 to CHF 4,000 at public universities (ETH Zurich charges more to foreign students from 2025); CHF 30,000 to CHF 60,000 a year at hospitality schools for postgraduate study. Private business schools charge CHF 20,000 to CHF 40,000.
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | CHF 700 to CHF 1,400 |
| Food and groceries | CHF 400 to CHF 550 |
| Transport | CHF 80 to CHF 150 with a Half-Fare travelcard |
| Utilities and phone | CHF 100 to CHF 180 |
| Health insurance | CHF 100 to CHF 200 a month, compulsory |
Fees and costs are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
National visa D for studies and cantonal residence permit B
Documents you will need
- Admission confirmation
- Proof of funds
- Motivation letter and CV
- Commitment to leave Switzerland at the end of studies
- Passport, photos, academic certificates
- Language proof for the programme language
Funding for international students in Switzerland
| Scholarship | What it offers | Who awards it |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Monthly stipend plus fee waiver for postgraduate researchers and artists from over 180 countries. | Swiss Confederation |
| ETH Excellence Scholarship | Full study and living costs for outstanding master's students. | ETH Zurich |
| EPFL Excellence Fellowships | CHF 10,000 to CHF 16,000 a semester for master's students. | EPFL |
| Hospitality school scholarships | Partial fee awards at EHL, Les Roches and Glion. | Schools |
Switzerland in eight facts
Switzerland has four national languages; Zurich is German-speaking, Geneva and Lausanne French, Lugano Italian.
ETH Zurich has produced more than 20 Nobel laureates.
Public universities admit on the strength of your previous degree; entrance exams apply to some bachelor's applicants.
Hospitality degrees include paid internships of four to six months in Swiss hotels.
The Half-Fare card cuts train fares by 50 percent for CHF 190 a year.
Rubbish bags are taxed; recycling is taken seriously.
Salaries for graduates commonly start at CHF 70,000 to CHF 90,000.
Most shops close by 7pm and on Sundays.
Where to study in Switzerland
Everything else about studying in Switzerland
Student visa
How to get a Switzerland student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Cost of studying
What it costs to study in Switzerland: tuition, living and one-off fees
Cost of living
Monthly cost of living for students in Switzerland
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students in Switzerland
Work after graduation
Working in Switzerland during and after your degree
Education system
How the Swiss education system works
Student life
Student life in Switzerland: housing, work, weather and culture
Best student cities
Best cities to study in Switzerland
Exams required
Which exams you need to study in Switzerland
Master's degrees
Studying a master's in Switzerland
Studying in Switzerland: what students ask
Is Switzerland expensive for students?
Yes. Budget CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,600 a month. Tuition at public universities is low, so the total cost is comparable to the UK once fees are included.
Can international students work in Switzerland?
Yes, up to 15 hours a week after six months (immediately for master's students who completed a bachelor's at a Swiss university), and full time in holidays.
Do I need German or French?
For bachelor's programmes at public universities, usually yes. Most master's at ETH, EPFL and the business and hospitality schools are in English.
Ready to plan Switzerland?
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