A Guide to Cost of Studying in Switzerland in 2024

Are you aware that an increasing number of students are selecting Switzerland as their top destination? Government projections indicate a steady annual growth of about 1.5% in student enrolment. 

The Swiss Embassy in India has been notably busy processing visa applications. In the first half of 2023 alone, it processed an impressive 1,29,446 applications, highlighting the growing interest among Indian students and professionals in pursuing educational and career opportunities in Switzerland.

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In the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 76,000 international students have chosen Switzerland for their higher education, drawn by its exceptional academic standards and safe, beautiful surroundings. 

You must have become curious about what makes Switzerland such a popular destination among international students despite the cost of studying in Switzerland being a tad higher than it is in India. 

The answer is straightforward—this country is home to some of the best universities in the world. To be precise, Switzerland boasts 12 universities, 6 of which are ranked in the top 200 in the QS World Rankings 2025, with ETH Zurich University at the 7th rank.

According to Embassy reports, Switzerland is home to a thriving Indian community, encompassing around 27,300 individuals, including over 8,750 people of Indian origin. Among them are professionals in lucrative sectors such as Engineering, IT, pharmaceuticals, and paramedicine.

Furthermore, Switzerland is recognised as offering some of the highest salaries worldwide. In 2024, salaries for fresh graduates and experienced professionals rose by 3.6%.

Feeling more assured about your choice to study in Switzerland? This comprehensive guide, tailored for Indian students like yourself, offers all the essential details you need to know about the cost of Studying in Switzerland, including  Switzerland University fees, MBA fees, and more.

Key Highlights

Why Should You Choose to Study in Switzerland?

Over the past five years, Switzerland’s university system has significantly enhanced its academic reputation. A global survey involving 94,000 university students revealed that Swiss universities are gaining increasing recognition and prestige.

If you’re considering pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at one of Switzerland’s top universities, here are some compelling reasons to move.

1. Economy: Predictions suggest that Switzerland’s GDP will grow 1.4% in 2025. While Switzerland might not be the first country that comes to mind when considering studying abroad, it’s certainly full of surprises.

Despite its small population of around eight million people, Switzerland boasts a robust and thriving economy that is highly regarded on the global stage. 

2. Education System: According to the QS World Rankings 2025, 6 universities rank in the Top 200. This represents the highest concentration of top-tier degree programmes in Switzerland.
3. Research Excellence: Switzerland is a hub of academic excellence, as evidenced by the many Nobel prizes Swiss scholars have won, particularly in physics, chemistry, and physiology. ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva are especially notable for their significant contributions to these fields. 

According to the 2023 Global Innovation Index (GII) published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Switzerland has once again been ranked the most innovative country globally. This was the 13th consecutive year that Switzerland has topped the GII.

4. Multilingual Environment: Switzerland offers a rich multilingual environment where you can refine your French, German, or Italian language skills alongside your academic pursuits.
5. Safety: Switzerland consistently ranks highly in global economic stability and safety indices, reinforcing its appeal as a prime destination for international students like yourself. For instance, the Global Peace Index 2024 ranked it as the 6th safest country in the world.
   

Top 5 Universities to Study in Switzerland and the Cost for Indian Students

The top employers recruiting from Swiss universities include Google, Microsoft, CERN, SBB CFF FFS, and UBS. They focus on institutions like the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Basel. These universities are recognised for producing highly skilled graduates favoured by prominent global and local organisations.

Here’s a brief overview of the five leading universities, including their QS rankings and the average cost of studying in Switzerland.

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)

ETH Zurich is a public research university in Zurich, Switzerland, known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). If you’re drawn to these areas, ETH Zurich offers a comprehensive educational environment. 

Here are some key points about the university:

• Average Tuition Fees: INR 67k (CHF 730) per semester

• Scholarships Available: The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) provides up to INR 11L per semester and includes a tuition fee waiver for masters in Switzerland for Indian students

Bachelor’s Programmes: 

• Architecture and Civil Engineering
• Engineering Sciences
• Natural Sciences 
• Mathematics
• System-oriented Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Political and Social Sciences

Number of Doctoral Students: ETH Zurich is one of the most research-intensive universities in Europe, with 4,500 doctoral students out of over 25,000 students.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the details to check if you can enrol at ETH Zurich University.

Also Read: Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) at ETH Zurich

2. EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), located in Lausanne, is a prestigious public university in Switzerland known for its research, education, and innovation excellence. It boasts a rich 160-year history and excels in technology, science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), consistently ranking among the world’s best institutions.

Here are some key details about the university: The average tuition fee at EPFL is approximately INR 72k (CHF 780) per semester.

Course Offerings

Did you know that EPFL’s Doctoral School supervises 22 doctoral programmes, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all research fields? 

Moreover, the university offers the following courses.

• Bachelor’s degrees in 13 disciplines
• 29 Master’s programmes, which can be highly specialised or interdisciplinary
• Double diplomas and joint degrees with international partners

Below are the requirements for the different degree types.

3. University of Zurich

University of Zurich (UZH) is particularly noted for its prowess in science and technology. Home to a distinguished list of alums, including Albert Einstein, UZH is an ideal destination for students and researchers aiming to make significant contributions in their fields. 

Here are some key details about the cost of studying in Switzerland at this university: The average MBA fee in Switzerland at UZH is approximately INR 75k (CHF 820) per semester.

Some Notable Alumni besides Einstein include the following.

• Alfred Werner, a Swiss chemist 
• Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German mechanical engineer and physicist

Popular courses (with approximate tuition fees of INR 63 per semester) are as follows.

• Law
• Literature
• Natural Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Medicine
• Religious Studies
• Theology

Eligibility Requirements

*Please Note: ECTS refers to the European Credit Transfer System. It is a tool of the European Higher Education Area for making studies and courses more transparent. It helps students like you to move between countries and has the benefit of recognising your academic qualifications and study periods abroad.

4. University of Basel

The University of Basel, a public institution in Switzerland, has a distinguished history dating back to 1460. It is the oldest Swiss university and one of the world’s oldest. Renowned for its exceptional education and research, it is one of Switzerland’s premier destinations for academic pursuits. 

If you seek a university with a longstanding tradition of academic excellence, this is an ideal choice.

The average tuition fee in Switzerland for international students is INR 78.5k (CHF 850) per semester.

In fact, this university has around 13,000 international students from over a hundred nations, including 3,000 PhD students.

Below is a table discussing some of the best programs for students at the University of Basel, along with their respective tuition fee ranges.

Eligibility Criteria:
Here are the eligibility requirements at the University of Basel.

5. University of Bern

Established in 1834, the University of Bern is a prominent public institution in Switzerland. Featuring eight faculties and approximately 150 institutes, it provides a wide array of choices to align with your interests and career aspirations. Whether your focus is on sciences, arts, or any other field, the University of Bern offers extensive opportunities for academic exploration.

The acceptance rate at this university is 19%, which indicates that securing admission is very competitive.

Switzerland University fees at the University of Bern are approximately INR 90k (CHF 950) per semester for Indian students like yourself. 

Eligibility Criteria:
Presented below are the key details to secure your admission to the University of Bern.

Popular courses: The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes across various fields. Some of the popular programmes are listed below with an average fee of INR 66k per semester.

• Archaeology 
• Art History 
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Medicine
• Law
• Veterinary Medicine

Also Read: Study in Switzerland for Indian Students: Top Universities & Cost of Studying in Switzerland

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Switzerland for Indian Students
About 350 gifted international students and researchers receive Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships annually to manage their study costs in Switzerland. The Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS) selects and awards these scholarships.

The best aspect of why Switzerland’s university education shines is its extensive array of scholarships and grants. Look at the details below – these are the five best scholarships for international students to reduce the tuition fee in Switzerland.

1. UNIL Master’s Grants in Switzerland

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) offers Master’s grants for international students. These grants aim to support outstanding students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at UNIL. 

Scholarship Details

• Approximately INR 1.5L per month for ten months a year
• Exemption from course registration fees (Only a fee of about INR 7k per semester needs to be paid)
• 10 awards given
• International students from any country are eligible to apply
• Recipients are expected to maintain high academic performance throughout their studies

Application Deadline: 1st November, 2024

2. ETH Excellence Scholarship

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) at ETH Zurich supports students with scholarships, mentorship, and a network of the ETH Foundation. This scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich. 

Scholarship Details

• Full living and study expenses (approximately 10L per semester) during the Master’s degree course
• Tuition fee waiver

Application Window: Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2024

3. Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women from Developing Countries

In 1956, Nestlé, in coordination with Harvard Business School, founded IMEDE in Lausanne. In 1989, IMEDE merged with IMI Geneva to form IMD, based in Lausanne, to develop global leaders. In 1997, IMD and Nestlé introduced the IMD MBA Nestlé Scholarship for Women, supporting aspiring female leaders ever since.

Scholarship Details

• Around INR 21L is awarded to an individual 
• Priority is given to women from developing countries

Admission criteria: 

• Demonstrate academic and/or professional excellence, including GPA and GMAT/GRE scores
• Show ambition and potential to use education for leadership roles
• Evidence of career progression and international exposure
• Ability to enhance the overall learning experience of the class
• Performance during Assessment Day

Application Deadline: Throughout 2024 (available until allocated)

4. International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Scholarships

Geneva Academy offers more than 25 partial and full scholarships yearly for its LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (LLM) and full scholarships for Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

Scholarship Details

• Full scholarships include tuition fees and living expenses for 10 months (approximately INR 15L plus the living expenses for 10 months) 
• Living expenses in Geneva for ten months
• Partial scholarships cover tuition fees (approximately INR 15L)

Application requirements:

• Scholarship requests must accompany your application
• When applying, you have two options: apply with a scholarship (partial or full) or without a scholarship
• If you apply to both these tracks, your application will default to the non-scholarship track
• Once chosen, the non-scholarship track applicants cannot later switch to be considered for a scholarship

Admission Fee: Approximately INR 8.8k

5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students

The Swiss Confederation annually offers Government Excellence Scholarships to foster international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries. These scholarships target young researchers from abroad who have completed a master’s or PhD and foreign artists with bachelor’s degrees.

Scholarship Details

• Postgraduate opportunities for scholars and researchers from over 180 countries
• Health insurance
• Airfare
• Housing allowance
• Monthly Payment
• Excludes tuition fees

Application Window: September to December, 2024

Also Read: Best Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships Available for 2024-25

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Intakes in Switzerland 2024

In Switzerland, universities have two primary enrollment periods, spring and fall, designed to align with the arrival of international students.

If you plan to study in Switzerland, it is important to decide which term to start after choosing your course and university. 

The application deadlines are as follows.

Each intake period offers benefits, including plenty of time to arrange your move and handle visa procedures. While both are great options, the fall term is often more aligned with the academic schedules of many countries and tends to be the preferred choice for starting university studies.

Application and Visa Process

Switzerland’s visa acceptance rate is impressively high, around 97%, significantly boosting your chances. However, a thorough and accurate application is crucial to ensure your place among the successful applicants.

There are 2 types of visas in Switzerland — Type C and Type D that cater to different lengths of stay for educational purposes, and choosing the right one depends on the duration of your course or program. 

Below you can explore the different types of visas available and also the Switzerland study visa cost.

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1. Type C (Short-term Visa)

This visa is designed for short courses or programs that last up to 90 days.

• The Switzerland study visa cost for applying for a Type C visa is approximately INR 7k (plug cost in actual currency here)
• The processing time for a Type C visa is typically about 10-15 days. This quicker processing time suits those attending summer schools, language courses, or short seminars.

2. Type D (Long-term Visa)

The Type D visa is intended for students enrolling in courses or programs that extend beyond 90 days. It is essential for those pursuing full academic programs like bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees.

• Just like the Type C, the Type D visa costs approximately INR 7k (original currency cost).
• The processing for a Type D visa usually takes 8-12 weeks. Due to its longer processing time, it’s crucial to apply well in advance of your planned start date to avoid any delays that might affect your studies.

Note: Understanding these criteria and preparing your application documents early can ease your transition to studying in Switzerland. This can set the stage for a fruitful and enriching educational experience.

Cost of Living in Switzerland for Indian Students

Beyond the cost of studying in Switzerland, you will also have to pay for other expenses such as accommodation, food, and travel. Although the country is known for its high quality of life, the cost of living in Switzerland is 38% higher than the cost of living in the USA. But salaries are lower, too: an average of 43% lower, so again, the expense of Switzerland is made up for by the high salaries. 

That being said, what you invest in studying at top universities in Switzerland will be recovered within a year after your placement. 

Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses you might incur while living in Switzerland, along with a comparison between the US and the UK.

Expenses in Switzerland vs USA

Expenses in Switzerland vs UK

Living in Switzerland as an Indian student will require careful financial planning due to the high cost of living. However, the country offers a high quality of life, excellent education, and a safe environment. Switzerland generally has higher living expenses than the US and UK, but the experience and opportunities can justify the investment!

Also Read: Cost of Living in Switzerland 2024

Working While Studying in Switzerland

Switzerland allows international students to work part-time under specific conditions. Balancing work and study can help manage living expenses and gain valuable experience. The highest-paying job sectors include the following.

Jobs and Average Salaries

Following are the Regulations on Part-time Work for International Students:

• Working Hours: International students can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays. This allows students to earn additional income without compromising their studies.
• Waiting Period: Students must wait six months after starting their studies to begin part-time work. This regulation ensures that students initially focus on their academic responsibilities and settle into their new environment.
• Work Permit: Students from non-EU/EFTA countries need to obtain a work permit. The employer usually assists in obtaining this permit, which involves coordination with the local immigration office.
• Language Requirements: While many jobs, especially in hospitality and retail, do not require proficiency in a local language, knowing German, French, or Italian (depending on the region) can significantly improve job prospects.

When Will You Recover The Cost of Studying in Switzerland?

It was briefly touched upon that the cost of living in Switzerland breaks even within a year. This section will make the details even clearer.

Consider that you paid INR 2.5L (CHF 2,700) as the tuition fee for international students in Switzerland. You would be delighted to know that graduates in Switzerland receive a whopping salary of approximately INR 60L (CHF 54,000) annually.

Needless to say, in the above scenario, your initial investment in studying will recover within less than a year.

Here’s a table that gives the details about the ROI. Have a look.

Conclusion

Choosing to study in Switzerland is a significant investment in your future. It offers unparalleled academic excellence, diverse cultural experiences, and numerous career opportunities. Swiss universities provide world-class education, extensive research opportunities, and a high standard of living. Scholarships and financial aid can significantly alleviate the financial burden, making it more accessible for you and reducing the cost of studying in Switzerland.

Interestingly, Switzerland is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, with ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich constantly appearing in global rankings. This highlights the country’s commitment to high-quality education.

With its growing economy, multilingual environment, and scenic beauty, Switzerland promises not only a superior educational experience but also an enriching life beyond academics. This section provides detailed information on the cost of studying in Switzerland, including tuition fees, visa processes, living costs, and scholarship opportunities, to help you make an informed decision. 

Understanding the cost of studying in Switzerland will allow you to plan effectively and take advantage of the opportunities this exceptional country offers.

Frequently Asked Questions