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

Did you know? Switzerland is not just a beautiful country with stunning landscapes; it’s also a vibrant hub for international students, including many from India. 

According to the Embassy reports, Switzerland hosts a thriving Indian community, with approximately 27,300 individuals, including over 8,750 persons of Indian origin. Among them are professionals in lucrative fields like Engineering, IT, pharmaceuticals, and paramedicine. 

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Moreover, in recent years, 750 Indian students have chosen Switzerland as their top study destination, drawn by its high-quality education system. 

Switzerland is home to 12 universities, of which seven are ranked within the top 200 in the QS World Rankings 2024. Needless to say, studying at these Switzerland top universities can help you secure very high-paying job roles such as: 

• Sales and Marketing Director – INR 70L 
• Accountant and Chief Financial Officer- INR 70L
• Software Engineer – INR 70L
• Surgeons/Doctors – INR 75L 
• HR – INR 90L

Plus, Switzerland ranks among the countries with the highest salaries globally. In 2024, salaries for freshers and experienced professionals will increase by 3.6%.

So, are you feeling more confident about your decision to study in Switzerland? This detailed guide, crafted for Indian students like you, provides all the necessary information.

Key Highlights

Here’s a walkthrough of everything you can expect to read in this blog post on studying in Switzerland for Indian students: top Switzerland universities for international students, scholarships and costs of studying in Switzerland for Indian students, and more.

Why Study in Switzerland for Indian Students?

In the last five years, Switzerland’s university system has seen significant improvements, especially in academic reputation. A global survey involving 94,000 university students revealed that Switzerland’s universities are gaining increasing recognition and prestige.

Read on if you’re looking for more reasons to study at top Switzerland universities for master’s and bachelor’s.

• Economy: Predictions indicate that Switzerland’s GDP will grow by 0.6% annually from 2024 to 2029. Switzerland might not immediately come to mind when you think of studying abroad, but it’s full of surprises! 

Despite its small population of only around eight million people, Switzerland boasts a robust and thriving economy that stands firm on the global stage. Ranking 30th out of 59 countries in the Expat Insider 2021 survey, Switzerland performs best in the Quality of Life Index (9th).

• Education System: According to QS World Rankings reports, 26 courses from eight Swiss higher education institutions rank in the top ten for their respective subjects. This marks the highest concentration of top-tier degree programs in Switzerland. 

• Research Excellence: It’s a hub of academic excellence, confirmed by the many Nobel prizes Swiss scholars have won, particularly in physics, chemistry, and physiology. For instance, ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva stand out for their significant contributions to these fields.

• Multilingual Environment: Do you speak French? Or German? Maybe Italiano is more your style? In Switzerland, you can immerse yourself in a multilingual environment, mastering languages like French, German, or Italian alongside your studies. 

• Safety: For your family back home, here’s a reassuring fact: Switzerland consistently ranks high in global economic stability and safety indices, reinforcing its appeal as a prime destination for international students. For example, the Global Peace Index 2024 ranked it as the 8th safest country in the world.

• Nature: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Switzerland is a paradise. The magnificent Swiss Alps provide a playground for adventure seekers right at your doorstep. 

Here are some specific attractions you might enjoy:

1. Matterhorn: One of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, perfect for hiking, climbing, and photography
2. Lake Geneva: Ideal for water sports, cycling around the lake, and enjoying the scenic vineyards and quaint towns along its shores
3. Jungfrau Region: Offers some of the best hiking, skiing, and snowboarding experiences in Switzerland

• Location: Switzerland’s central location in Europe, bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Austria, makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent. 

For students, affordable transportation options like the Eurail Pass, cheap regional flights, and extensive bus networks like FlixBus allow for easy and economical travel throughout Europe.

Switzerland is not just a scenic place to study but a smart one, equipped with all the resources and opportunities to enrich your academic and personal life. 

Top 5 Switzerland Universities for International Students

Google, Microsoft, CERN, SBB CFF FFS, and UBS are among the top 5 employers that recruit from Swiss universities, notably the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of St. Gallen. These institutions are renowned for producing highly qualified candidates preferred by leading global and local organisations.

Now, let’s take a quick overview of the five top universities in Switzerland, along with their QS  and THE university rankings. 

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 vibrant educational environment. 

Here are some key points about the university:

Average Tuition Fees: Ranges from INR 5L to INR 6L

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

Doctorate Programmes: Pursuing a doctorate at ETH Zurich is highly beneficial for those aiming for a career in scientific research

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.

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. The average tuition fee at EPFL is approximately INR 6 lakhs.

Here are some key details about the university:

Reasons for Popularity: 

• A rich 160-year history
• Domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Consistently ranked among the world’s best institutions

Course Offerings:

• EPFL offers Bachelor’s degrees in 13 disciplines and 29 Master’s programmes, which can be highly specialised or interdisciplinary
• It also provides double diplomas and joint degrees with international partners
• EPFL’s Doctoral School supervises 22 doctoral programmes, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all research fields

Student Success Story: 

Shadi Hadj-Youssef, a student from McGill University, completed an internship at the EPFL‘s Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration. During his time at EPFL, he felt fortunate to have the opportunity to attend many events and seminars, such as Research Day, a PhD symposium, and lectures by prominent global researchers. 

3. University of Zurich

University of Zurich (UZH) is particularly noted for its prowess in science and technology. Home to a distinguished list of alumni, including Albert Einstein, UZH is an ideal destination for students and researchers aiming to make significant contributions in their fields. Average tuition fees in this institution generally range from INR 7L to INR 9L per semester for most programmes.

Following are some key details about the university:

Other Notable Alumni: 

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

Unique Features: The Central Informatics Department offers extensive IT and media training

Popularity Reasons: 

• High global rankings
• Cutting-edge research facilities
• A rich history

The table below summarises the standard Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes offered by UZH and their approximate fee range:

4. University of Bern

The University of Bern is a public university in Switzerland founded in 1834. With eight faculties and around 150 institutes, there’s plenty to choose from to match your interests and career goals. Whether you’re looking into sciences, arts, or any other field, the University of Bern has something for you, with average tuition fees ranging from INR 6 lakhs to INR 7 lakhs.

University Acceptance Rate: 19%, which indicates that securing admission to this university is a very competitive affair

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

Course Offerings: The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes across a wide range of fields, including, but not limited to, the following:

Note: Students aiming to get into this university must have an exceptional academic background

Student Success Story: 

Iwan Paolucci, a BME alumnus of the University of Bern, was captivated by the live neurosurgery demonstrations that used advanced image-guidance technology. This experience solidified his decision to pursue his PhD at the ARTORG Center. He wrote his thesis on image guidance for liver cancer treatments in 2020.

5. University of Basel

The University of Basel is a public university in Switzerland with a rich history. Known for its top-notch education and research, it is considered one of the best places to study in the country. Average tuition fees range from INR 6 lakhs to INR 8 lakhs. 

If you’re looking for a place with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, this could be the perfect fit!

Read on to learn more about the university:

Number of Students Enrolled: Around 13,000 students from over a hundred nations, including 3,000 PhD students

Reason for Popularity: Since 1460, it’s the oldest Swiss university and one of the oldest surviving universities in the world

Special Attributes: Pays particular attention to aspects of sustainability, equal opportunity and knowledge transfer

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

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Top Bachelors and Masters Courses in Switzerland

Did you know that enrollment at Swiss higher education institutions (UIT, UAS, or UTE) has increased by 18% over the past decade? As of the 2023/24 academic year, approximately 276,500 students are enrolled in these institutions.

Read on to learn some of the popular courses pursued in Switzerland over time, along with the Swiss universities for international students.

Top Bachelors Courses in Switzerland

According to a survey by EPFL, a premier Swiss institution, the number of Bachelor’s and Master’s students has nearly doubled over the past 15 years, reaching approximately 11,000. 

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Top Courses for Masters in Switzerland for Indian Students

Switzerland has over 300,000 job vacancies, highlighting robust employment prospects across various sectors. Google, Novartis and Roche, ABB, UBS and Credit Suisse, and Nestlé are keen on hiring master’s graduates from Swiss universities. 

If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Switzerland, here’s a table with all the information. Have a look.

Also Read: Average Salary and Part-Time Job Earnings in Switzerland for Indian Students

Cost of Studying in Switzerland

The cost of studying in Switzerland is among the highest in the world, but workers also earn among the highest salaries. Given the country’s reputation for lucrative salaries, it’s natural to wonder about potential earnings. Understanding the cost of studying in Switzerland is key. 

• Average cost of study: INR 50,000 to INR 2L per semester
• Living expenses: INR 1L to INR 1.5L per month

Know this too — In 2022, the median pre-tax monthly salary for full-time employment in Switzerland stood at a respectable INR 5.7L, per the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This reflects a modest increase of INR 10,000 per month from 2020.

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Study in Switzerland for Indian Students

About 350 gifted international students and researchers receive Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships every year. 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 to make your studies easy and affordable.

1. 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

2. 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 6,800 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

3. 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 (approximately INR 15L) 
• Living expenses in Geneva for ten months
• Partial scholarships cover tuition fees (approximately INR 15L)

Application requirements:

• Scholarship requests must accompany the candidate’s application
• When applying, you have two options: apply with a scholarship (partial or full) or without a scholarship
• If you apply to both 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 8,800

4. 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, which has been supporting aspiring female leaders ever since.

Scholarship Details

• Around INR 21L was awarded to an individual 
• Priority will be 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)

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 degree or PhD and foreign artists with a bachelor’s degree.

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

Common Admission Criteria to Study in Switzerland

When planning to study in Switzerland, it is paramount to assess the common admission criteria across various educational levels and the processes involved in securing a student visa.

Academic Qualifications

• For Bachelor’s level: Complete secondary education equivalent to Swiss Matura (high school diploma). Accept international qualifications like A-levels, IB, or equivalent
• For Master’s level: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university
• For PhD level: Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field

Language Proficiency

Depending on the primary language of instruction of your chosen program, you may need to prove your language proficiency through one of the following tests:

German-taught programmes:

• TestDaF: Minimum score of TDN 3 on all four sections of the TestDaF exam. Some more selective programs might require TDN 4
• DSH: Minimum of DSH-2, which corresponds to an upper intermediate level

Italian-taught programmes:

• CELI: At least a CELI 3, indicating a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• CILS: B2 level is generally the minimum requirement. However, more competitive programs might demand at least a CILS C1 level

English-taught programmes:

• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT)
• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 is usually required, with some institutions possibly demanding at least 6.5

French-taught programmes:

• DELF/DALF: B2 level is required, though more competitive programmes might require C1

Note: Always check with the specific university for exact requirements, as they can vary depending on the program and level of study

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:

• Spring Intake: Runs from February to June with an application deadline of August 31st
• Fall Intake: Goes from September to February with a deadline of March 31st

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.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Switzerland 2024

Application and Visa Process

Did you know there are two types of study visas in Switzerland: Type C and Type D? These visas cater to different lengths of stay for educational purposes, and choosing the right one depends on the duration of your course or program.

Type C (Short-term Visa)

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

• The cost for applying for a Type C visa is approximately INR 7,000
• The processing time for a Type C visa is typically about 10-15 days. This quicker processing time makes it suitable for those attending summer schools, language courses, or short seminars

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 7,000
• 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.

To Conclude

Deciding to study in Switzerland is a step toward an exceptional academic and personal growth journey. Here’s why making this choice might be one of the best decisions you ever make:

• World-Class Education: Switzerland’s universities are consistently ranked among the top globally, with Swiss institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL featuring in the top 20 of the QS World University Rankings 2023. This reflects the high-quality education and extensive research opportunities that await you.

• Innovation and Career Opportunities: According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Switzerland ranks as one of the top countries for career opportunities after graduation for the 10th year in a row. This is an example of its innovation and strong economy. It’s home to multinational corporations and startups, providing abundant post-graduation internships and job opportunities. 

Choosing to study in Switzerland is about transforming yourself into a globally-minded leader ready to face the world’s challenges. 

So, are you ready to shape your future in Switzerland? This could be the journey that transforms your career and yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions