What it costs to study in Switzerland: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CHF 1,000 to CHF 4,000 a year at public universities |
| Postgraduate | 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 |
Private business schools charge CHF 20,000 to CHF 40,000.
Living costs
| 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 |
Total: CHF 1,800 to CHF 2,600 a month; immigration expects CHF 21,000 a year.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | About CHF 90 visa; permit fees vary by canton |
| Health cover | Compulsory Swiss health insurance or an approved foreign equivalent |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
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
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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.