Switzerland is an inland country in Central Europe with a population of around 9 million people. It is one of the most stable and developed countries in the world, sharing borders with Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Due to this, the official languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The majority of the population speaks German (64%) in the northern and central regions, followed by French speakers (19%) in the west, Italian speakers (8%) in the south, and the minority Romansh speakers (1%).
ECONOMIE
Besides being a global hub for banking and insurance, with major banks like UBS and Credit Suisse, Switzerland is a leader in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and high-tech materials, with companies such as Novartis, Roche, and others. The country also has a strong tourism industry, and other highly developed sectors include watchmaking and chocolate production.
UNITĂȚI DE ÎNVĂȚĂMÂNT
Like a precious gem, Switzerland is as small as it is rich in high-quality public higher education institutions. Six universities are ranked in the top 150 in the world, namely:
- ETH - 6th in the world for Engineering Sciences;
- University of Bern - 9th in the world for Dentistry;
- EPFL - 14th in the world for Architecture;
- Universitatea din Zurich - 32nd in the world for Media and Communications;
- University of St. Gallen - 48th in the world for Business;
- University of Geneva - 86th in the world for Pharmacy.
Here are some of the most popular
private universities:
- University of St. Gallen,
- EU Business School Geneva,
- EU Business School Montreux,
- Școala elvețiană de afaceri,
- EHL – Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne,
- Glion Institute of Higher Education,
- César Ritz Colleges Switzerland,
- Les Roches International School of Hotel Management.
PROGRAMS & SPECIALITIES
Some of the most sought-after majors in Switzerland are engineering sciences, finance, business, architecture, biomedicine, and pharmacy. It is important to note that about 99% of the programs are taught in German or French, not in English. Another important clarification is that the Medicine program cannot be applied for by international students, but only by those who have residence status in Switzerland or a Swiss passport.
DURATION OF DEGREES
Bachelor’s programs: 3 yrs.
Master’s programs: 2 yrs.
APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS
Applying to Switzerland is not centralized, unlike in France. This means that each university has its own deadlines and requirements. Therefore, it is important to check individually for each university and program. A comparative reference for deadlines is
January to February of the 12th grade, but there may also be earlier deadlines.
When applying, the standard documents are submitted:
- grades from year 9 to year 12,
- language certificates,
- motivation letter,
- CV, and
- letters of recommendation
As the languages spoken vary across different cantons, so too do the languages of instruction for bachelor’s degrees. Most programs are
taught in German and French, while English-language programs are more common at the master’s level.
The required level of German is generally C1, at least at prestigious universities, and recognized certificates include:
TestDaF, DSD, ÖSD, and Goethe. Keep in mind that universities may require C2 if you present Goethe or ÖSD certificates.
For French, a minimum B2 level is required, demonstrated through
DELF B2, and for C1, DALF C1.
Commonly recognized English certificates in Switzerland include:
TOEFL with at least 90 points,
IELTS with at least 6.5,
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE). The
Duolingo English Test is still not accepted by most Swiss universities.
Besides these standard documents, if accepted into a program, the Swiss university will send you a list of recognized universities and programs from your country that are acknowledged by them. You will be asked to submit an acceptance letter from your university, proving that you have been
accepted there for the same or a similar program. Only with an acceptance validated by your home country will the Swiss university allow you to enroll and start your studies.
Another feature of the Swiss system is the specific requirements for subjects and the number of hours completed at your previous school. You must ensure that your coursework, grades, and hours
correspond to the requirements of the chosen program in Switzerland. If these requirements are not met, your application may be rejected. Unlike countries like the Netherlands or Denmark, Switzerland does NOT offer equivalency exams or options to compensate for missing subjects through additional tests or courses.
TUITION FEES
The application fee for public universities in Switzerland ranges from 100 to 250 Swiss francs, and the annual tuition fee is approximately 1,200 francs at public universities.
If you plan to study in Switzerland and want to combine your academic life with additional income, it is important to know that the country offers various opportunities for student work. Switzerland has clearly established rules for working during studies, which allow students to earn extra money and participate in the local economy.
For EU citizens, working up to 20 hours per week is permitted without a special permit if you have a residence permit for student purposes. Opportunities for work in Switzerland include:
- Part-time employment: Students can work up to 15-20 hours per week during the academic year. This includes positions in restaurants, cafes, shops, help desks, student organizations, and campuses.
- Summer and vacation jobs: During holiday months, full-time work is possible. Popular positions are in the tourism sector, for example, in hotels.
- Working in tech companies: Students with technical, scientific, or business qualifications have the chance to participate in internship programs or assist with research projects.
Average salary: Compensation ranges from 20 to 25 Swiss francs per hour (approximately 20-25 euros), depending on the field and the type of position. Monthly income from combining study and work could be around 800-1,200 euros.
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND STUDENT LOANS
Swiss Excellence Scholarships
This is one of the most prestigious programs, funded by the Swiss government, designed for international students with exceptional academic achievements. Typically, this scholarship covers part or all of the tuition fees, as well as monthly stipends to help cover living expenses. The amount varies between 1,500 and 16,000 Swiss francs per year, depending on the program.
Municipal and regional aid:
In some cantons (regional areas in Switzerland), there are programs providing financial support or housing grants for students with low income. These are usually awarded based on demonstrated financial need and can cover part of rent or living costs.
Swiss student loans:
For international students, it is more difficult to obtain direct loans from Swiss banks, as they typically require permanent residence status and proof of financial stability. However, some international organizations offer low-interest loans that can be repaid after graduation, along with various financial aid programs.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
- Universitatea din Zurich
- Harvard University (USA),
- London School of Economics (UK),
- University of Cambridge (UK),
- University of California, Berkeley (USA),
- Sciences Po (France)
- ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
- MIT (USA),
- Stanford University (USA),
- Imperial College London (UK),
- Tsinghua University (China),
- Stanford University (USA)
- University of Geneva
- University of Oxford (UK),
- University of California, Los Angeles (USA),
- Sciences Po (France),
- University of Toronto (Canada),
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- University of Basel
- University of Cambridge (UK),
- University of Toronto (Canada),
- University of Edinburgh (UK),
- University of Cambridge (UK),
- University of Michigan (USA)
- University of Lausanne
- University of Cambridge (UK),
- University of Oxford (UK),
- University of California, Berkeley (USA),
- University of Edinburgh (UK),
- Heidelberg University (Germany)
- University of Bern
- University of Vienna (Austria),
- University of Edinburgh (UK),
- University of Heidelberg (Germany),
- University of Michigan (USA),
- University of Oslo (Norway)
