With the most stable economy in the world, Switzerland is one of the best destinations for international students. The pedagogy at the Swiss universities is top-notch and research-oriented. The universities are student-centric and are equipped for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs.
Switzerland has a mix of public and private universities and holds credibility throughout the world, owing to the Bologna process. The top universities in Switzerland are one of the primary reasons for attracting international students.
Prestigious Education System:
The fact that many Nobel prize winners in Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology are of Swiss nationality is a testament to its system of education.
Safety:
With a stable economy, the crime rate in Switzerland is negligible. This is the foremost benefit for students who are away from home.
Global Recognition:
The Bologna process is followed here. This means that the degree obtained in Switzerland in any field will be recognized in your home country as well as other parts of the world.
Let’s find what a dream destination like Switzerland offers academically in the following realms:
Hospitality/Hotel Management in Switzerland
Top universities in Switzerland that offer courses in Hospitality Management, for international students with rankings, will help you to discern.
University Name
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
Program Name
Annual Tuition Fee
Duration
EHL Hospitality Business School
# 1
BSc in International Hospitality Management
CHF 12,239
4 years
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
# 2
Bachelors and Masters in Hospitality Management
CHF 14,990
4 years
SHMS - Swiss Hotel Management School
# 3
Bachelors and Master of International business in hotel, resort, and wellness management
CHF 35,200 to CHF 40,900
1 year to 3 years
Physics and Astrophysics Courses in Switzerland
Switzerland has some top-ranking universities in applied sciences and physics that provide education in English, French, and German.
University Name
QS Subject Ranking 2023
Program Name
Tuition Fee (Per Semester)
Duration
ETH Zurich
#8
Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics
CHF 730
3 years
EPFL
#13
Master in Physics and Applied Sciences
CHF 780
1.5 years
University of Geneva
#68
Master in Astrophysics
CHF 500
1.5 years
Master’s in Engineering and Technology programs have two major intakes:
Fall Intake: between September to February
Spring Intake: between February to June
Deadline for fall intake is at the end of March.
Law and Legal Studies in Switzerland
Top universities in Switzerland proffer a faculty of law studies for masters and bachelors.
University Name
QS Subject Ranking 2023
Program Name
Tuition Fee (Per Semester)
Duration
ETH Zurich
101-150
Basic Law, Private Law, Public Law, and IP & IT-related Courses,
CHF 730
1 year
University of Bern
101-150
Master of Law
CHF 950
1.5 years
University of Geneva
101-150
LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement, LL.M. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and Executive Master of International Law in Armed Conflict
CHF 500
1 year
Intake for LLM Program:
Although the application can be given throughout the year for many colleges, there are two major intakes:
Fall Intake: between September to February
Spring Intake: between February to June
The deadline for fall intake is at the end of March.
Universities in Switzerland for MBA
MBA in Switzerland offers various specializations in Marketing, Finance, Supply chain, etc that are recognized all over the world. Below mentioned are the top three colleges for MBA:
There are two intakes for a master’s in Business Administration. September Intake has rolling deadlines, and the months to apply for are February, May, March, and November.
Medical Universities in Switzerland
Below mentioned are top universities in Switzerland that offer master’s and bachelor’s in Medicine.
University Name
QS Subject Ranking 2023
Program Name
Tuition Fee (Per Semester)
Duration
University of Zurich
56
MS
CHF 1,220
3 years
ETH Zurich
68
MS
CHF 730
3 years
University of Bern
91
MS
CHF 950
3 years
The universities offer education in English and have two intakes.
Spring Intake: Deadline 15th May
Fall Intake: Deadline 1st December
How to Apply for Best Universities in Switzerland
Most public universities are autonomous and have their own set of requirements. For most of them, the following are the prerequisites before applying:
Bachelor’s
School leaving certificate
Previous studies in the same domain
Master’s
60 % score in under graduation
Bachelor’s to be completed in the same domain
Mandatory tests for any degree in Switzerland
English Proficiency test is mandatory, students can take IELTS or TOEFL
Cost of Attendance, Pre-Arrival Cost, and Living Cost in Switzerland
Living Expense:
The following table will help you plan your budget to stay in Switzerland during studies.
List
Amount per month
Accommodation
CHF 400 to CHF 1,600
Health insurance
CHF 300
Household items
CHF 30
Phone/internet/TV
CHF 120
Electricity/gas
CHF 40
Public Transport
CHF 100
Food
CHF 400
Clothes, shoes, and leisure activities
CHF 250
Miscellaneous (medical treatments, gifts, and more)
CHF 180
Pre-Arrival:
Cost includes the visa application fee and embassy or consulate fee for transitioning from India to Switzerland. It is approximately between CHF 307 to CHF 357.
Scholarship Programs at Top Universities in Switzerland
Some of the top universities in Switzerland provide scholarships for international students. These are as follows:
Name of the Scholarship
Duration
Eligibility
Award Size
EPFL Excellence and Fellowships
The award is for 4 semesters
Anyone applying for a Master’s degree is eligible.
CHF 10,000 /semester, Also, one room at the student residency at the campus
Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships
10 Months
Students applying for Law (Bachelor’s and Master’s), with good merit scores, excellent extracurricular activities, and the need for finance
Covers tuition fees and living expenses
Nestle Scholarship for Women
One time
Women from developing countries, applying for Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Nestle employees are not eligible.
CHF 25000
Master of Excellence scholarships offered by the University of Geneva
One year is extended further based on the performance
All international and national students with excellent scores in Bachelor can apply before 15th March 2023.
CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000/year
Internship at CERN Switzerland’s program
One time
Eligible for those who haven’t appeared for IELTS or TOEFL tests.
Prepare for English Proficiency Test.
Student Visa Process
Students from the Non-EU/ETA countries require visas and residence permits. The former can be applied at the consulate. The latter is needed after reaching Switzerland. Students come for short stays and long stays, depending upon their degree. Thus, there are two types of visas:
Short stay visas- takes 10 to 15 days to arrive and are issued for 90 days.
Long-stay visas- take about 8 to 10 weeks and are valid if you are applying for a full-time degree.
Program Specific Work Permit
Upon degree completion, students can stay for up to 6 months and can work for 15 hours a week. However, a work permit is received once the student gets a permanent job.
Study Abroad with upGrad Abroad
New-age, cost-effective programs are upGrad Abroad’s USP. The courses follow a unique blended model where students complete some portion of the course online before moving to the abroad destination. To enroll in these courses in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, or Canada, get in touch with our counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education affordable in Switzerland?
Studying in a public university in Switzerland is affordable. These are funded by the government so the tuition fee is low.
Can students stay back in Switzerland after completing their course?
Yes, students can stay back for 6 months and post that they need to re-apply for the visa at the cantonal migration office.
Are Indians eligible for PR in Switzerland?
Indians can get PR. This transition is natural after completing 10 years in Switzerland. They get a C permit showing a settlement permit.
Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-quality, engaging content for websites, blogs, news articles, video scripts, brochures, and ebooks.