Where in Switzerland can I find the lowest tuition per semester, and what other costs should I budget for?
Geneva (about CHF 435 per semester, tuition only), Lausanne (around CHF 500 to 580), Basel (CHF 850) and Fribourg (CHF 870) typically have the lowest fees among the Swiss universities listed. Also budget for compulsory health insurance of CHF 3,600 to 4,800 a year. Check official fee pages.
Public university tuition in Switzerland is typically low, and the lowest fees among the universities listed are at Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and Fribourg. You should still budget for living costs, which add up quickly.
Lowest Tuition Among Listed Universities
| University | Fee per semester | Fee per year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Geneva | CHF 435 (approx INR 49,947) for the tuition part, with total fees of around CHF 500 (approx INR 57,410) | CHF 870 (approx INR 99,893) |
| University of Lausanne | CHF 500 to 580 (approx INR 57,410 to 66,596); varies by year | Around CHF 1,000 (approx INR 1.15 L), varies by year |
| University of Basel | CHF 850 (approx INR 97,597) | CHF 1,700 (approx INR 1.95 L) |
| University of Fribourg | CHF 870 (approx INR 99,893) | CHF 1,740 (approx INR 2.00 L) |
Other Costs to Budget For
| Cost | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Health insurance (compulsory for everyone) | CHF 3,600 to 4,800 per year (approx INR 4.13 L to 5.51 L) |
| Residence permit fee | CHF 200 to 330 per year (approx INR 22,964 to 37,891) |
| Public transport pass | Around CHF 82.50 per month (approx INR 9,473) |
| Study materials and books | Varies by course |
Fees rise for other institutions: ETH Zurich and EPFL are listed at CHF 2,190 (approx INR 2.51 L) per semester, and the University of Bern at CHF 2,550 (approx INR 2.93 L) per semester.
My Advice
Compare tuition and living costs together, because a low-fee university can still be costly once insurance and permits are added. Confirm every figure on the official fee pages before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
Looking for a specific course in Switzerland?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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