Switzerland is a small, landlocked country with approximately 8.5 million inhabitants. It is known for its picturesque nature, such as great mountain ranges and alpine lakes. Switzerland retains a strong sense of independence and neutrality, as well as international centers of industry and commerce. The country harbors headquarters from governmental and non-governmental organizations, like the United Nations. It is also well-known for being a welcoming nation, where almost 30% of its population are immigrants – one of the highest rates of any country in the world.
Switzerland is also home to high-quality universities, with an emphasis on cutting-edge research. Whether you choose to place yourself in the financial hub of Zurich, the center of international diplomacy in Geneva, or the historical capital of Bern, studying in Switzerland will set you up for success – amidst a beautiful backdrop to boot!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in Switzerland?
Switzerland is notorious for being one of the most expensive places in the world to live. However, when it comes to tuition fees, it is more affordable than many European countries. Uniquely, the majority of universities in Switzerland charge the same fees to students regardless of nationality. Given the international prestige of its business schools, paying an average of EUR€30,000 for an MBA in Switzerland could be a very appealing prospect for students. Expect to budget between CHF1,500 (US$1,535) and CHF2,800 (US$2,866) per month.
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in Switzerland?
EU/EEA citizens only need to register with local authorities upon arrival to obtain a student visa. They must provide proof of enrollment, as well as health insurance and proof that they can support themselves financially during their studies. Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a visa from the Swiss embassy in their home country with similar documentation.
How reputable are universities in Switzerland?
Switzerland’s universities and business schools rank among the best in the world, with the likes of ETH Zurich, IMD Business School, HEC Lausanne, and the University of St.Gallen all internationally-recognized educational centers.
What is the job market like for graduates in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to a wealth of multinational corporations and organizations, such as Zurich, Nestlé, Credit Suisse, the United Nations, and the Red Cross. This means graduate job opportunities will not be in short supply. It remains a small country, so competition for these roles is high, but with high wages and low taxes, Switzerland is financially one of the most attractive post-grad options in the continent.
Are there a lot of international students in Switzerland?
In such a multicultural and multilingual country, it should come as little surprise that Switzerland attracts a high number of international students every year. Almost 20% of the total student population in Switzerland are international students.
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About Switzerland
1
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. English is widely spoken by its multilingual population.
2
Switzerland has one of the highest average national salaries (around US$112,000 per year).
3
In the 2021 Global Innovation Index, Switzerland topped the list for the 11th time in a row as the world's most innovative economy.
4
25% of Switzerland's population is international, with more than 80% of the foreigners living in Switzerland hailing from other European countries
5
Switzerland has one of the highest Nobel laureates per capita, covering various fields from medicine to chemistry to literature.
EU/EEA students To complete an MBA in Switzerland, you need to submit proof of acceptance from the higher education institution where you will be studying. You can then apply for a residence permit in a Swiss canton or submit a visa application, depending on your nationality.
You are allowed to work alongside your studies for a maximum of 15 hours per week.
Non-EU/EEA students If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you need to apply for a residence permit at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your own country. This procedure costs EUR€60 and will take at least two months, so make sure you plan accordingly!
You are allowed to work only six months after you start your studies, and you will need to notify the local authorities or canton, regardless of whether your job is paid or unpaid. You can apply for a work permit through your employer.
Banking in Switzerland
Students in Switzerland are eligible for special student accounts at banks in Switzerland. You will need a bank account to pay your bills, withdraw money, and/or receive money from your job. To open a bank account in Switzerland, prepare to submit a lot of paperwork – including verification of identity and sources of income and confirmation of your address. Non-EU/EEA students will also have to present their residence permits.
You can open an account at cantonal banks, private banks, or one of the two main Swiss banks (UBS Group and Credit Suisse). Other well-known Swiss retail banks are Migros Bank, PostFinance, and Raiffeisen. You can expect to pay a monthly fee between CHF10-30 to maintain your Swiss bank account.
What do I need to know about healthcare in Switzerland
You can expect premium-quality healthcare services in Switzerland, with sophisticated infrastructure and pioneering doctors and healthcare professionals. Health insurance is mandatory for everyone residing in Switzerland for more than three months. Students from EU/EEA countries can extend their home country’s insurance with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Insurance companies offer special insurance plans for non-EU/EEA students, which will vary depending on the type of plan and your age. Note that health insurance companies are obliged to give a 50% reduction on health insurance for young adults in education. You can also reduce your premium by increasing your annual personal contribution and checking if you are eligible for a reduction due to low income.
Housing options for students in Switzerland
International students in Switzerland typically share an apartment with other students. While costs vary from city to city (and within each neighborhood), monthly rent can cost between CHF1,400 and CHF5,000. Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Basel are the most popular and expensive student cities in the country.
As the rental market is quite competitive in Switzerland, many Swiss universities provide student housing at a discounted rate. The cost of on-campus housing can range from CHF500 to CHF800 per month. However, this type of accommodation is often limited, so it’s best to apply as early as possible!
What are the public transport options in Switzerland
Public transport in Switzerland comes in many forms, from buses to ferries to trains. The average Swiss resident takes the train about 70 times a year – more than any other European country! Whether you travel between major cities or remote villages, train and bus timetables are optimized to enable commuters to get to their respective destinations in the shortest possible time. Discounts are available for young adults and students (aged between 16 and 24) for the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex. SwitzerlandMobility is a unique network for non-motorized traffic for leisure travel, made up of hiking paths, cycle lanes, mountain bike tracks, and even canoeing routes.
How much does a Big Mac cost in Switzerland
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in Switzerland is approximately CHF6.50 (equivalent to US$5.81, EUR€6.21, and JP¥852). For US$50, you can buy eight Big Macs.
Switzerland has a notoriously high cost of living. Students should budget between CHF1,500 (US$1,535) and CHF2,800 (US$2,866) per month. Most of this budget will go toward accommodation (rent), as well as food.
