Apart from its natural resources, education and knowledge are highly valued in Switzerland. The country is known for having one of the world’s best education systems. For Indian students, studying in Switzerland is particularly notable for its Swiss Hospitality Schools. These schools, located in various towns and cities across Switzerland, are renowned for their high standards and are often considered a prerequisite for a top-tier education in hospitality. Switzerland has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Hospitality Education. Additionally, Switzerland is home to some of the world’s leading laboratories. The country’s environment ensures safety and stability, attracting many international companies for their headquarters due to its reputation for stability, safety, and multicultural understanding. Therefore, studying in Switzerland offers students the opportunity to significantly enhance their skills.
Switzerland
Why Study In Switzerland
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.