Monthly cost of living for students in Switzerland
Monthly budget
| 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 |
Total: CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,600 a month; immigration expects CHF 21,000 a year.
By city
| City | Room rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 800 to CHF 1,400 for a room | Trams, buses and trains on a single ticket. |
Offsetting costs with part-time work
15 hours a week after the first 6 months (immediately for master's students at Swiss universities), full time in holidays. At No national minimum; cantonal minimums of CHF 20 to 24 an hour in Geneva, Neuchâtel and Jura, twelve to fifteen hours a week covers a meaningful share of living costs but never tuition.
Practical tips
- 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.
Figures 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.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
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.