Which costs beyond tuition should I plan for before I move to Switzerland for my Master's?
Besides tuition, budget for the student visa application, flights from India, an accommodation deposit, first month's rent, insurance if needed, books, household items, winter clothes and emergency savings. Flights typically run CHF 300 to 800 and deposits CHF 1,000 to 2,400, so check current prices.
Tuition is not your only expense before moving to Switzerland. You should also plan for the visa process, flights, an accommodation deposit, insurance and other set-up costs paid before or soon after you leave India.
Additional Expenses Before You Move
| Expense | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Student visa application | Check the current fee and service charges for your application |
| Flight tickets from India | CHF 300 to 800 (approx INR 34,446 to 91,856) |
| Accommodation deposit | CHF 1,000 to 2,400 (approx INR 1.15 to 2.76 L) |
| First month's rent | CHF 600 to 1,200 (approx INR 68,892 to 1.38 L) |
| Health or travel insurance, if needed | CHF 100 to 350 (approx INR 11,482 to 40,187) |
| Books and study supplies | CHF 100 to 300 (approx INR 11,482 to 34,446) |
| Household items and winter clothes | CHF 200 to 500 (approx INR 22,964 to 57,410) |
| Emergency savings | CHF 1,000 to 2,000 (approx INR 1.15 to 2.30 L) |
How to Use This List
- Treat the figures as approximate, since actual costs depend on your city, flight dates and housing type.
- Check the official visa page for the current fee before you budget for it.
My Advice
Add these set-up costs to your first-year budget so that you are not short in the first month. Keep emergency savings separate from tuition money, and confirm visa fees and insurance rules on official pages before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
How much will a month in Switzerland cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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