Study in Switzerland

How can I study in Switzerland?

"If you plan to study in Switzerland, you will need to know the details of all the Swiss institutions of higher learning to decide where to apply. Don't forget that English is not one of Switzerland's national languages, so only a restricted number of courses are taught in it. If you don't speak German, French or Italian, you should be sure to ask about the language of instruction.

If you want to study at a private college, you should check its credentials before paying any money. If in doubt, enquire at your local Swiss embassy or consulate.

You are not allowed to finance your studies through work, although you can normally work to earn extra money. There are restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to do this; the precise rules depend on the canton."
Do I have to know German, French or Italian for studying in Switzerland? How can I get a visa, and how long does it take?

While for programmes imparted in English you will only be requested to have good proficiency in English, for some other courses proficiency in one the Swiss official languages might be a pre-requisite. Please check with the Universities’ webpages.

Once you are accepted from a Swiss University, you need to request a visa through the Swiss representations in India. For visa-related information, please refer to the Visa webpage of the Swiss representation in India.

Where and how do I apply for studies and PHDs in Switzerland? Is my degree sufficient for getting admitted in a Swiss University, or do I need to go through an entrance test?

In Switzerland, there is no centralized system of application for foreign students, so you need to apply direclty to the University you are interested in. We recommend you to check admission requirements provided on the Universities’ websites in the first place, and for additional information to contact the Universities’ administration. Please note that the registration process generally takes several months, so it is better if you begin the procedure well before the date you intend to start your studies.

Since there are slightly different admission requirements across Swiss Universities, the best way to verify whether your degree is accepted and if you need to go through an entrance test is to check the regulations of the University you are interested in, which are generally available on the Internet.

Is there any large Indian community in Switzerland? Can I stay in Switzerland after completion of my studies?

In some Swiss cities there is a strong presence of Indian nationals, and in higher education institutions it would be exceptional if you don’t stumble on one of your compatriots. Swiss Universities are a favourite destination of international students, and offer a multicultural environment.

As a general rule, if you receive support from a Swiss University for further studies, or from a private business for working in Switzerland, you are eligible for extending your stay in Switzerland.

How much does it cost to study in Switzerland and can I work part-time while studying in Switzerland?

As a rule of the thumb, you will need between CHF 18,000 and 28,000 per year (between around Rs 6.5 to 10 lakhs) for studying in Switzerland depending to the location of the university and personal demands. This amount covers housing, food, clothing, health insurance, and some leisure activities. Annual tuition fees at Swiss Universities range around CHF 1,200 (Rs 44,000) While in Switzerland, you will be able to apply for part-time working permit. The procedure generally needs the support of the University and you will need to get permission from the specific Swiss Canton (the equivalent of a state in India) in which you are studying.

What is the academic year in Switzerland? How can I get a scholarship to study in Switzerland?

The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester of the academic year (“autumn semester”) spans from around the mid of September to the end of December; whereas the second semester (“spring semester”) is extends from around mid-February to beginning of June. The Swiss Government grants university scholarships to foreign students who have graduated from university or, to a limited extent, university of applied sciences or advanced arts programmes. Detailed information on the application requirements for the scholarships, the relevant countries, and how to apply are provided by the State Secretariat for Education and Research.