Overview
A landlocked country in South-Central Europe, Switzerland is a mountainous country. It shares its borders with Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenstein. The capital of Switzerland is Bern. The largest city, though, is Zurich. Switzerland is famous for its bank accounts, cheese, chocolates, watches, a white swathe of mountain ranges and meadows. Its idyllic beauty of and lifestyle has made Switzerland the third happiest country in the world.
Why Study in Switzerland?
- Switzerland has one of the most advanced education standards in the world-Â Switzerland universities are recognised for being the highest standards in many courses, especially applied sciences, music and arts. The knowledge and skill received here set benchmarks.Â
-  Switzerland has consistently been ranked second best in places to study abroad in Europe. This is because degrees from Swiss universities are held in high regard by prospective employers.Â
- The land is a melting pot of multiple cultures and languages. Living in Switzerland gives international students opportunities to befriend and meet people of different cultures.
- It has one of the cheapest and most affordable tuitions in Europe. The tuition fees are as low as 1000 Euros in some public universities.Â
- The career opportunities here are immense. Switzerland has one of the highest average salaries across Europe. The opportunities are prestigious and ones that can pave the career.
- The quality of life is highest in the world for not just citizens but International students as well. The transport infrastructure here is brilliant, the countryside picturesque, and the beautiful snow capped Alps and good food make it all better.
- With just a train ride students can visit a large chunk of Europe. Backpacking is easily done while studying here.
- The healthcare system in Switzerland is by far one of the best in the world.
Education System
Swiss education is organised by cantons (geographical division similar to states in India) and regulated by a framework specified by the central government. Each canton has its calendar, curriculum and criteria. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) regulates it. The education system here is decentralised.Â
The higher education system is as:-
University education- the universities offer bachelors, masters and post-doctorate degrees. .Â
It also has Fachhochschule or Höhere Fachschule or the university of applied sciences. These universities offer technical training and job oriented and practical education.
Eligibility
For the Bachelor’s program- international students must hold a degree similar to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. By international standards, it is equivalent to senior secondary examination certificates.Â
For the master’s degree, a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Masters in Switzerland is a consecutive plan. This means that post-graduate can be done only in the same subject as that of the masters.
It is important to remember that each canton makes its own rules and criteria, therefore, while applying, the student needs to check the requirements at the university website.
Popular Courses
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering courses
- Hospitality management
- Business management
- Social Work
- Pharmacy
- Mathematics degree
Living Expenses
Cost of living in Switzerland is relatively higher than the cost of living in other countries in Europe. The low tuition fee, though, makes studying in Switzerland affordable. The universities and learning institutions help provide jobs and opportunities to students with meritorious talent.Â
Swiss universities are the few which have the same tuition for students from any country.Â
Average tuition fees:-
- Public universities-Â
- Bachelor’s and Master’s program 400 – 3,700 Euros per year
- PhD degree 100 – 900 Euro per year
- Private universities-
- Upper limit of 43000 Euros per year
Accommodation-
- Rent- 450 – 1200 Euro per year
- Food- 400- 550 Euros per year
- Public transport monthly pass- 55 Euros
- Medical Insurance- 250- 330 Euros per month
- Books and Supplies- 100 Euro per month
Visa Requirements
- A valid passport.
- Residence permit application form.Â
- Letter of acceptance from a Swiss university.
- Proof of funds for financing education
- Proof of payment of the university fees.
- Resume.Â
- A written statement of intent to leave Switzerland after finishing the studies.
Work Opportunities
Switzerland has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. It is also a growing economy, therefore the need for skilled labour is quite high. The industries and areas where international students can best make their career in Switzerland are:-
- Engineering- namely information technology and electronic engineering.
- Architecture and construction industry
- Hospitality and tourism industry
- Banking and finance
- Marketing and other allied industriesÂ
Part-time work opportunities
 Working while studying helps international students supplement their finances, get professional work experience, grow culturally and become self-sufficient. .Â
- Non-European Union students can work for 15 hours a week every semester.Â
- The students can only be employed if they have lived in Switzerland for a minimum of 6 months.Â
- For students with a master’s degree or any other highly professional degree, the waiting period of 6 months may not be needed.Â
- Students are allowed to work full time during holidays and vacations
The kind of jobs available to students are:-
- Teaching, research, library assistant
- profiles in the tourism industry
- Service industry like waitstaff, hotel concierge, supermarket staff amongst othersÂ
- Child care and babysitting
PSW Visa
On graduation, international students have an option to apply for a residency permit which is valid for 6 months. This allows students the time to look for work after graduation in fields that reflect their education.Â
The conditions for applying for a permit:-
- The student must provide a certifying letter from the EPFL which confirms the completion of the duration of the study.
- The student must have the financial means to study.
- Residential accommodation details are provided.
The permit can:-
- Only be issued for 6 months and is not extendable.
- The maximum duration for which they can work during this duration is 15 hours a week.
Life & Culture
Student life
When a student chooses to study in Switzerland, they choose a multicultural country with the most picturesque mountains and valleys, snow-capped peaks, peaceful living and good food.Â
The technological environment here is innovative and modern, therefore, the education provided is very advanced. More than 100 Nobel prize winners have hailed from Switzerland.
The people are friendly, and there are easily available f employment opportunities to make this experience a memorable one. .
Culture
Switzerland is one of the cleanest countries in the world with a populace which is environmentally conscious and does not waste resources. Recycling is a way of life .
The people of Switzerland have a deep set of beliefs for privacy and individual rights. This makes the climate peaceful, tolerant and congruous. The people are very friendly, warm and welcoming.Â
Switzerland has arguably the best transport and healthcare infrastructure in the world. The bus and train connections are superior and unrivalled.Â
The food culture of Switzerland is inviting. The variety of meal options makes it a food lover’s paradise. It is a dairy heaven with some of the best dairy produce.
Hiking and skiing are the two popular sports here. These are popular both among the tourists and the locals.
Famous places
Switzerland is a small country packed with famous tourist attractions, making it arguably the most visited country in the world.Â
Some of the best places to visit are-
- The Matterhorn- this pyramid-shaped mountain is the most iconic and photographed mountain in the world. This mountain is also the one which is most attempted to summit by climbers. It also has the highest cable car.Â
- Château de Chillon- This historical castle dates back to the 10th century. It is located in Lake Geneva.Â
- Schweizerischer Nationalpark- the Swiss National Park near Zernez. has snow capped glaciers and nearly 21 hiking routes.
- Lake Geneva- also home to the famous Geneva convention, this lake is a bustle of activity. Surrounded by vineyards, it hosts kayaking and surfing along with a picturesque night ski trail.Â
- A tour of some of the best chocolate factories in the world is one tour you wouldn’t want to miss.Hop on, Willy Wonka!
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