Study in Switzerland

Study in Switzerland

A mountainous Central European country, home to various lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps, Switzerland is one of Europe’s most preferred study destinations among international students. Switzerland accounts for having the most esteemed higher education systems in Europe, with two of its universities; ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the QS World University Rankings 2018. Not just the education, but Switzerland is known for its mesmerizing beauty, breathtaking mountains and dazzling lakes. Wouldn’t studying in such a beautiful place offering the best quality education be interesting?

Most Swiss universities have bagged positions in the list of top rated universities in the world making the education system of Switzerland exclusive and reliable. Having a presence in the international ranking tables, Swiss universities are also very professional and global with regard to their student and academic communities, making study in Switzerland more relevant and beneficial.

Several courses are available in all the universities ranging from Hospitality, science, law, philosophy, and theology to medicine. Higher education includes degree courses from graduation to graduation and master’s to doctorate levels.

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Switzerland As a Study Destination: Highlights

Here’s an overview of all the factors that an international student must know about when pursuing higher studies in Switzerland: 

Why Study in Switzerland?

With excellent universities, ground-breaking research facilities, higher education in Switzerland is considered to be amongst the best in the world. However, these are not the only benefits of choosing Switzerland for higher studies. Here are the top reasons to study in Switzerland for Indian students and other international students:

  • Switzerland is home to highly ranked universities with the teaching style being interactive. 
  • Switzerland is a safe and friendly country which is open to welcoming new cultures. 
  • The main reason to study in Switzerland for Indian students is the multilingual advantage. Learning French, German and Italian can help students converse better with the locals and add to the resume. 
  • The great social life is another major reason to study abroad in Switzerland. There are multiple festivals, places to visit, and travel opportunities for students. 
  • The decision to study abroad in Switzerland can lead to high-paying job offers. The residents in Switzerland are known for their high standards of living which is proof of their income. 

Education System

Switzerland’s education system is the biggest reason why international students are drawn towards applying to this country. Multiple institutes in Switzerland offer higher education. These universities provide different types of degrees such as:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: It is a full-time undergraduate degree which generally has a 3-year duration.

  • Masters Degree: A graduate mostly comprises 1.5-2 years of full-time study. 

  • Master of Advanced Studies (MAS): It is a postgraduate degree that generally lasts for 1-2 years and usually consists of coursework, independent study and a master’s thesis.

  • Doctorate Degree: A doctorate takes a total of 3 to 5 years to complete.

The detailed view of different types of universities in Switzerland is discussed below:

Type of Institution 

Key Points

Universities

Research institutions that offer bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees

Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts

Offer practice-based Bachelors, Masters degree programs

Universities of Teacher Education

Offer programs in teaching for pre-primary level, primary level, secondary level I, secondary level II and special needs education

Apart from the universities, there are other higher educational institutions in Switzerland such as Business Schools, Medical Schools, Music Schools and Hospitality Schools.

Credit System in Switzerland

All universities in Switzerland follow the Bologna process based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS credits) same credit system. The credits that a student earns during the course are taken into consideration to calculate the final result.

  • For Bachelor’s programs in Switzerland lasting 3 years, students have to complete a total of 180 ECTS credits. 
  • To complete a Master’s level degree around 90-120 credit hours are required. For a MAS degree, 60-120 ECTS are required. 
  • Doctorate degrees require students to be able to complete 240 ECTS credits.

Top Courses

Multiple courses in Switzerland will confidently cater to the needs of international students. 

The best courses in Switzerland for international students are:

  • Business Management
  • Hotel & Hospitality Management 
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Banking & Finance
  • Quantitative & Systems Biology
  • International Law
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Interdisciplinary Sciences

Program 

Duration 

Average Tuition Fees

BA Hons (International Hospitality Management)

2-3 years

12,000 CHF/ semester

Bachelor of Business Administration

3 years

13,500 CHF/ semester

MA Banking and Finance

1 -2 years

3,000 CHF/ semester

MSc Mechanical Engineering

2 years

1,200 CHF/ semester

Master in Interactive Design 

3 semesters

1,600 CHF/semester

Masters of International Business

18 months

36,400 CHF/ year

MBA (Global Banking & Finance)

3 terms

12,600 CHF/ term

MSc Artificial Intelligence

4 terms

4,000 CHF/  semester

Admission Process

The process of admission in Switzerland differs from university to university. However, there is a common process that is followed by all.  A step-by-step process of how to study in Switzerland is discussed below:

  1. Research and understand the education system and the type of universities in Switzerland.
  2. Find the universities offering programs related to your interest and field of study. Shortlist universities based on the programs and curriculum. 
  3. Compare fee structures and evaluate scholarship options in each of the universities you have shortlisted. 
  4. Check eligibility criteria for individual programs and make a list of documents required for the application process. 
  5. Fill out the application form and upload all required documents and certificates. Pay the required application fees.
  6. Wait for the universities to revert. Once accepted, you can apply for a student visa. 

Admission Requirements

Based on the degree type, the requirements are listed. Ensure all of them are checked when applying for further studies in Switzerland:

Degree Type 

Requirements 

Bachelor’s Degrees 

  • High school academic transcripts
  • Language proficiency in English, German or French

Master’s Degrees 

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • SOP
  • Resume
  • Language Proficiency test in German, French, or English
  • GRE/ GMAT

Master of Advanced Studies

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Work Experience 
  • Language Proficiency test in German, French, or English
  • GRE/ GMAT

Doctorate 

  • Master’s degree and all other academic transcripts
  • Work experience
  • References
  • SOP stating your academics and the program details you’re applying for

Job Outlook for International Students after Studies

Switzerland is known for having one of the highest average salaries in Europe. The unemployment rate is around 3 percent and there are several job opportunities available across industries. Let us take a look at the top fields offering job opportunities in Switzerland after MS:

Area of Specialisation

Average Annual Salary

Engineering

99,000 CHF

Pharmaceuticals

93,000 CHF

Computer Science & IT

88,000 CHF

Banking & Insurance

1,00,000 CHF

Hospitality

58,253 CHF

Post Study Work Visa & PR In Switzerland

International Students in Switzerland are allowed to remain in the country for six months after completion of their degree. A Switzerland Work visa is granted to those who are able to find a job. Visa for a work permit is given to successful job applicants. The Work Permit will be valid as long as you are employed with a Swiss Employer.

Students who want to stay for a longer period and obtain Permanent Residence (PR), need to reside in Switzerland for 10 years. PR can be availed in five years if the below criteria are met:

  • No crime records
  • A2 level language skills in the area you are living (oral)
  • A1 in written language (Should take Language proficiency test if no skills are shown)
  • International students choosing to study in Switzerland can benefit immensely from access to high educational standards and promising career opportunities. Apart from this, students also get to experience multiculturalism, quality of life, innovative technology and picturesque scenery in the country.  Switzerland has always opened doors to new cultures living amongst them, thus making your journey easier in Switzerland. In case you’re looking for any assistance during your admissions process, CIC-INDIA is here to help. 

FAQs

Can international students apply for both semesters?

Ans: International students (including Indian students) can apply only for the autumn semester.


Are students allowed to work in Switzerland?

Ans: EU students are permitted to work 15 hours a week, without a work permit. After completion of their degrees, students are allowed to stay back for 6 months and search for a job and on securing one get a work visa.


What is the minimum wage students can earn in Switzerland?

Ans: There is no minimum wage limit. Normally as per voluntary collective bargaining agreements, unskilled workers earn up to 2,200 to 4,200 francs per month and skilled workers earn up to 2,800 to 5,300 francs per month

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