Working in Switzerland during and after your degree
Working during your degree
15 hours a week after the first 6 months (immediately for master's students at Swiss universities), full time in holidays. Wages: No national minimum; cantonal minimums of CHF 20 to 24 an hour in Geneva, Neuchâtel and Jura.
Working after you graduate
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.
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.
Sectors hiring graduates
| Sector | Demand |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals and life sciences | High |
| Banking and finance | High |
| Engineering and precision manufacturing | High |
| Hospitality and luxury | High |
| IT and software | Medium to high |
| International organisations (Geneva) | Medium |
Subjects that lead to these jobs
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.