Study in Switzerland
Study in Switzerland is a commitment to an education as stunning as its scenery, from the Alp’s summits to the most innovative laboratories in the world.
A Legacy of Excellence: Why Switzerland Study Abroad?
Switzerland is known for its accuracy, innovations and breathtaking beauty. By hosting some of the world’s most elite universities and research institutes, Switzerland is a global leader in the education field. You are continuing the legacy of pioneers who sought an education above the norm, when you decide Switzerland study abroad. In fact, a young and famous Abert Einstein also chose to study in Switzerland rather than Munich, seeking a more practical and stimulating environment at ETH Zurich. Its longstanding reputation for academic independence and innovative research is the evidence of his decision to embrace the Swiss system. Here’s why should also make the same choice:
- World-Class Education and Research: Swiss universities frequently ranked among the best in the world. The country’s educational system prioritizes research, encouraging the students to participate in critical thinking and practical application.
- A Hub of Innovation: Switzerland is known as a powerhouse for fields like technology and finance. The strong relationships between academia and business gives the students access to some of the top companies in the world and unmatched networking possibilities.
- A Multicultural Environment: Switzerland is truly a global-hub with a large international population and four official languages. Your Switzerland study abroad will introduce you to a variety of cultures and viewpoints, which will prepare you for your career globally.
- Central European Location: Switzerland is a great starting point for travel because of its central location in Europe. With its excellent transportation you can easily visit neighbouring countries, boosting your academic experience with unforgettable cultural experiences.
- An Unbeatable Quality of Life: Switzerland also provides a very high standard of living, in addition to its academic excellence. It offers a safe and exciting atmosphere for your study in Switzerland journey, with a stable economy, low crime rates and breathtaking natural scenery.
Your Academic Journey: Study in Switzerland for Indian Students
We understand that as a student you have questions about the academic and application process. Rest assured we provide specialized guidance to make your study in Switzerland for Indian students journey as smooth as possible.
Top Courses for a Global Career
Switzerland’s academic strengths are as varied as its landscapes. The following are some of the popular fields for international students.
- Technology and Engineering: Switzerland is a leader in computer science, robotics and mechanical engineering, with institutions like ETH Zurich.
- Business and Finance: Because it is a worldwide financial hub, the country is a great place to study banking, finance and international business.
- Hospitality Management: Switzerland has long been a pioneer in the hospitality industry, and its schools are well known around the world for offering excellent instructions.
Your Official Gateway: The Switzerland Study Visa Process
One of the most important step in your journey is to get the Switzerland study visa. Rest assured we are here to make things easier and make sure you fulfil all the requirements. The visa you will need to stay for longer than 90 days is the National Visa (Type D). With proper direction, the procedure is precise but simple.
Essential Requirements for Your Switzerland Study Visa
To get your Switzerland study visa approved you must have the following things:
- Proof of Admission: You must have a valid and official acceptance letter from a recognized Swiss educational institution.
- Financial Resources: You must provide proof that you have enough funds in your account to support yourself during your stay. You must show the bank statement with a minimum of CHF 21,000 for one year, because the cost of studying in Switzerland is very high.
- Motivation Letter and CV: It is crucial to write a motivation letter outlining your reasons why you want to study in Switzerland and how the chosen course will help you achieve your career goals.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in either English, German, or French, the language of instructions, will be required.
- Passport and Biometrics: You will need to provide biometric information at your visa appointment, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your stay.
Although the application procedure for a Switzerland study visa requires proper attention to the details, with our help you can be sure that application submission is complete and accurate.
Cost of Living and Scholarships: Understanding Study in Switzerland Cost
It’s no secret that the cost of studying in Switzerland can be expensive, but the investment pays off handsomely because it’s a top-notch education. Understanding the breakdown is essential for your effective financial planning.
- Tuition Fees: At public universities tuition fees are surprisingly affordable around CHF 800 to CHF 1,200 per semester. However, the study in Switzerland cost for Indian students is mostly caused by the high cost of living.
- Living Expenses: A Student should have the minimum budget around CHF 1,600 to CHF 2,500 per month for their living expenses, including accommodation, food and transport. This varies greatly depending on the City.
- Scholarship: While the cost of living in Switzerland is high, many universities offer scholarships to the deserving students. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for international students are also available for postgraduate studies.
Post Study Opportunities: Launch Your Career
Even though there is a competition for jobs, Switzerland study abroad experience offers a clear benefit. After your graduation, you can apply for a short-term residence permit to stay for six months to search for a job. If you find a job your employer will need to prove that the role could not be filled by a Swiss or EU citizen, after which they can provide the work permit.
Ready to Begin Your Swiss Journey?
With our Switzerland study abroad expert guidance, your Switzerland study visa journey will be smooth and stress-free ensuring that this will not hold you back from your dream.
Call to Action Button: Get Free Consultants with Our Swiss Experts
Success Stories
Student
I always dreamed of study in Switzerland for Indian students, and NEF made it easy. Their experts explained the cost of studying in Switzerland and guided me with scholarships too.
Student
NEF made my dream to study in Switzerland a reality. They explained the Switzerland study abroad options, guided me on Switzerland study visa cost, and supported me at every step.
Student
Top Courses
Top courses to study in Switzerland (Undergraduate Level):
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Event Management
- Culinary Arts
- Hotel Management
- Business Administration
- Tourism Marketing Management
- Banking
- Communication Design
- Human Resources
- Accounting
- Sporting Management
- Media Science
- Systems Engineering
- Civil Engineering and Multimedia Production
Top courses for Master’s in Switzerland for Indian students:
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism
- Event Management
- Culinary Arts
- Hotel Management
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship Management
- Information Science
- Engineering
Career Opportunities
If you have a valid residence permit and enough financial resources to study in Switzerland, you are allowed to work while studying. Your student residence permit allows you to earn money, as long as your university confirms that your job won’t extend the length of your studies.
Many local and international students work part-time in Switzerland to earn extra money and gain work experience. For foreign students, the number of work hours is typically limited to 15 hours per week, but this can vary by region (in Geneva, for example, you can work up to 30 hours per week). However, many advise against working too much since university studies can be demanding.
Finding a job is easier in larger cities like Geneva and Zurich. Most universities have job placement offices to help students find work. Wages generally range from SFR 20 to SFR 35, depending on the type of work and your skills.
Education Costs
For Indian students planning to study in Switzerland, the following table provides an overview of tuition fees:
Programme | Swiss Currency (CHF) | Indian Currency (INR) |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 15,000 – 20,000 CHF | 6 lakhs – 8 lakhs |
Postgraduate (Master’s) | 22,000 – 25,000 CHF | 8 lakhs – 11 lakhs |
MBA (Hospitality) | 29,300 – 32,200 CHF | 12 lakhs – 15 lakhs |
Cost of Living in Switzerland: International students in Switzerland should budget around 18,000 – 28,000 CHF per year (7 lakhs to 11 lakhs INR) for living expenses.
Scholarships
For more information about scholarships to study in Switzerland, contact your NEF GLOBAL counsellor.
Application Procedure
Below is the detailed application process to study in Switzerland.
Undergraduate Level:
- Successful completion of Senior Secondary Certificate (10+2) with at least 65% in the best 4 subjects (excluding local languages).
- IELTS or TOEFL scores are required.
Master’s in Switzerland for Indian students:
- A good Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- First-class academic record. Two to three years of work experience is preferred.
- IELTS or TOEFL scores are required.
Application Procedure:
Undergraduate Level:
- Submit certified true copies of relevant documents along with your application form.
- If successful, the university will send provisional acceptance within a week.
- A deposit of 3000 CHF must be paid within four weeks.
- Confirmation will be sent once the deposit payment is received. This document is necessary to apply for a visa.
- In some countries, students need to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland, which may take up to 8 weeks.
Documents Required to Study in Switzerland:
- Photographs
- Passport photocopy
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Degree/provisional certificate
- IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Letter from college
- Mark sheets (Xth to most recent qualification)
- Work experience certificate
Education System in Switzerland
In Switzerland, most children attend public schools, which include Kindergarten, elementary school (Volksschule), secondary school (Gymnasium), and universities (Universitäten). Private schools are expensive, and there is a general perception that private school students may not have succeeded in public schools.
School: Every child in Switzerland must attend elementary school. The education system varies across the different regions (cantons), so the names of schools, subjects, starting age, and duration can differ.
Kindergarten: Children can attend Kindergarten for one or two years.
Volksschule (Elementary School): Elementary school is mandatory for all Swiss children, beginning at age seven and lasting for at least eight to nine years. Children can attend either public or private schools.
Berufslehre (Apprenticeship): After elementary school, most students start an apprenticeship (Berufslehre), which can last two to four years, depending on the profession. Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of fields, including crafts (like mechanics, carpentry, baking, and hairdressing) and office work (like bookkeeping and IT).
Gymnasium (Secondary School): Secondary schools, or Gymnasia, offer various programs with different focuses and major subjects.
Universities (Universitäten): Switzerland has eleven universities, nine managed by cantons and two by the federal government. Canton-run universities typically offer non-technical subjects, while the federal-run universities, known as “Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology,” focus on technical fields.
Swiss higher education is divided into two parts, similar to the U.S. system:
- Bachelor’s degree: Takes three years to complete.
- Master’s degree: Takes one and a half to two years to complete.
After completing a Master’s degree, students can work on a thesis to earn a doctorate, which usually takes three to four years.
Fachhochschulen (Technical Colleges): After completing an apprenticeship, students can pursue an academic career by attending a Fachhochschule (Technical College). These institutions offer a similar education to the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology but with a stronger focus on practical experience, as students typically have completed a four-year apprenticeship. The program lasts three and a half years.
Visa
To study in Switzerland, you need a student visa, known as a B permit. You must apply for this visa at the nearest Swiss Embassy or Consulate.
Where to Apply:
- Submit your application to the Consulate General in Mumbai or VFS in New Delhi.
Process:
- When to Apply and Processing Time:
- Application timelines vary by embassy. In some cases, a personal interview is required as part of the process. It is recommended to apply for a student visa at least 90 days before your intended departure.
- Documents Checklist:
- Completed application form.
- Passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay.
- Academic records.
- Return or onward ticket and visa for your next destination (if applicable).
- Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statement).
- Offer letter from the university and receipt of payments.
- Visa Application Fees:
- The student visa fee is approximately ₹4,600 (subject to change).
- Processing Time:
- Allow at least 8 weeks for processing, as it may take up to 2 months for your visa to be issued.
English Language Requirements: IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for international students applying to study in Switzerland.
For more information, you can contact the Visa counsellor at NEF GLOBAL.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a visa to study in Switzerland?
- The visa processing time can take up to 8 weeks, so plan accordingly.
What are the estimated costs of living and studying each year for international students in Switzerland?
- The estimated costs are approximately CHF 16,000 to CHF 26,000 per year.
Am I allowed to work as a student in Switzerland?
- Yes, students are allowed to work in Switzerland, but they cannot work more than 15 hours per week.
What is the IELTS score requirement for a Switzerland student visa?
- A minimum IELTS score of 6 is required for postgraduate courses (under SPP). For MBA programs, Indian students must have at least a 5.5 band score in one module.
NEF guided me step by step to study in Switzerland. They explained the Switzerland study visa process clearly and supported me with applications. The best choice for students planning to study abroad.