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.
Study in Switzerland
USA - The Education System
School education
School education in USA is for 12 years. American children begin schooling at the age of three or four years and till the age of five years most children attend kindergarten. Elementary school begins at the age of 6 years. Schools follow two patterns : (a) elementary grades go upto class four followed by middle school for 3 years and then comes senior school from grade 9 to 12, (b) in another system elementary grades extend upto grade 6 followed by a combined Junior and Senior High School, i.e., from grade 7 to grade 12. With a secondary school (`high school') diploma or certificate, a student can enter college, university, vocational (job training) school, secretarial school and other professional schools. Some secondary level programs of other countries are recognized as being higher than USA secondary program.
Schools in USA are managed both privately and by the State; in fact the public school system is run by the State Government which controls almost 80% of the country's elementary and high schools. The rest are private schools run by religious organizations or private groups. Public schools in USA are supported mainly by taxation. Private schools get their operating funds chiefly from tuition and contribution of private citizens.
Higher education
Undergraduate Education - Bachelor's degree in USA usually takes 4 years of study. There are Community/junior colleges or technical/vocational training institutions that grant a diploma or certificate which can not be equated with college degrees. Community and junior colleges offer academic and non academic subjects in 2-year programs granting associate degrees in Science or Art. The non academic associate degrees are for immediate employment and can not be transferred as a credit for a 4-year college degree course, where as academic transfer associate degree programs do allow students to transfer to degree courses at a university.
Graduate Education takes 2 years and requires 16 years of education for entry.
University and colleges - University education begins at 18 years after secondary education for undergraduate study. In higher education universities have autonomy to design their programs, curriculum and standards for admission. There is no `national university' or federal education ministry. Legal authority for the governance of most USA higher educational institutions rests with a Board of trustees who are honorary appointees. They generally delegate the day-to-day management to the administrative staff and faculty particularly for curriculum development, instruction and research. Every college or university - whether in a large city or in a smaller community - has a campus on a land which it owns. On this campus are located libraries, classrooms, laboratories, administrative and service buildings, hostels with dormitories, apartments, canteens and staff quarters. Facilities for sports and games, entertainment, e.g., club houses, theatre, student centre, etc. There is generally also an infirmary or hospital and a bookstore along with other special facilities a campus may provide.
A unique characteristic of a USA university campus is that it is a physically and socially unified community within a larger community. This has had a profound influence on the development of an individual's personality. Campus living encourages a close association among the students and the faculty. Many students find this association informal, friendly and supportive.
Generally the administrative organization of any university depends upon the number and size of schools or colleges on a campus. Many universities offer programs of professional preparation and hence have separate schools or colleges such as college of engineering, school of law, school of medicine. Each school has a chief executive officer known as `Dean'. Schools have departments and administrative sub-divisions, e.g., department of computer engineering, department of mathematics, economics and the like. Many universities have a general program called `liberal' program which is a separate school and has departments of subjects such as philosophy, mathematics, history, psychology, etc. The executive officer of each department is addressed as `chairperson' or `head'.
Objectives of higher education - The special objectives which higher education institutions hope to achieve are theoretically and even practically similar to ours in India. They aim to equip students with the necessary skills to take their places in a highly demanding, complex and multifaceted society. The courses have been designed for developing critical and practical skills for being useful contributors to society. They believe in placing greater emphasis on experiential learning through observation and measurement. Hence any student who plans to study in USA must be sure not to expect a directive `spoon feeding' approach in teaching but an approach which demands active participation and a self-steering attitude.
Academic year - The academic year is usually divided into two semesters: Fall is the August beginning semester and spring is the January beginning semester. All universities accept students in the fall semester. Only a few admit foreign students in the spring or January session.
The academic year is roughly 32 weeks long and sessions may begin from last week of August or during September. Each session is divided into academic terms or semesters. A two semester calendar seems to be the most popular option, each semester being of 16 weeks duration. The quarter system has 3 terms in an academic year each of about 10 weeks duration. There is a rare chance for a university to offer a trimester calendar for undergraduate study. In this system the whole calendar year is divided into three equal terms of 12 weeks duration. A few holiday periods range from one week to a month. Most universities have summer programs which last for the vacation period of 6-10 weeks. Many foreign students use this vacation time for planned study to complete a four year course in 3 years.
New Zealand- The Education System
In New Zealand Higher education is a billion dollar industry now. The growth has been phenomenal over the past 5 years. Education now earns New Zealand as much forex as wool or butter or cheese, which have traditionally been New Zealand's strongest export commodities. The strong growth in expected to continue in years to come.
New Zealand education programs and degrees are recognized and accredited very much like - the British system.
EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE
School education
School education in New Zealand is for 13 years, beginning at the age of 5 years. Most schools are established and funded by the New Zealand Government but there are a number of secondary schools with special philosophical or religious traditions. These receive limited state funding. All schools prepare students for state examinations and are subject to stringent quality assurance assessments.
Education is free and compulsory between the age of 6 and 15 years. Secondary schools in New Zealand provide the last five years of formal education which prepares students for university and other types of tertiary education and vocational training. Secondary school includes Form 3 to Form 7. Students attending secondary schools are between ages of 13 and 18 years.
Secondary education
Forms (classes) 3 to 7 are the secondary classes in New Zealand which students enter at the age of 13 years. The curriculum in secondary schools is based on guidelines set by the Ministry of Education. In Forms 3 and 4 core subjects such as English, Science, Maths, Social Sciences and co-curricular subjects such as Music, Art and Craft and Physical Education are taught. In Form 5 English, Maths and Science are compulsory and students make a choice from Art, Commerce, Technology related subject and Languages. Form 5 is equivalent to our class X. Students take their first public examination in at least 6 subjects in Form 5. Those who get satisfactory grades are sent upto Form 6. In Form 6 students have to study 6 subjects and popular choices are English, Mathematics, Sciences, Commerce and Economics. Form 6 examination is an internal examination after which they are awarded a Sixth Form Certificate which is a grade card.
University Entrance Bursary and Scholarship Exams
Equivalent to our Senior Secondary or class XII examination are the Form 7 examinations. These examinations are the only accepted method for entry to New Zealand degree courses for students completing Forms 6 and 7 in New Zealand. For overseas students equivalent qualifications are recognized. In Form 7 students may select subjects which they intend to pursue at the tertiary level
Aggregate of 4 subjects is calculated for placement. To get admission into a degree program in New Zealand a minimum of 250 aggregate marks are required.
Learning English at a British University
Learning English at a British University is a special experience. The courses are a very high standard. You will meet with local students and mix with other students from many different parts of the world. You will discover English culture and life style in an interesting environment.
Each year thousands of students choose to study English in British Universities. They know that a university can provide them with the direct experience of student life. They also know that the quality of the courses that they choose will be very good. Universities are most often situated in large cities or smaller towns that have an interesting history. This gives the students the opportunity to learn about British culture and society in a direct way. There are lots of universities to choose from, so you need to consider certain questions before you apply to a course.
Which Course?
If you wish to improve your skills in using English to help your career or gain a qualification, you will be looking for a General English or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course. Many universities offer EFL or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses which can last for a few weeks or longer if you wish. They will often offer you a choice in how long you can study. If you are intending to study for a degree in a British University either as an undergraduate (B.A. or B.Sc.), it is wise to apply for a pre-university or pre-sessional course. These courses are very popular and are usually offered between June-September each year and they can also last for different lengths of time depending on your needs. Some Universities refer to this type of course as English for Academic Purposes and they offer a good introduction to University life.
Have you thought of studying for your first degree in English? This is becoming very popular for many students. You can find out which British Universities welcome non-native speakers onto their degree courses by obtaining information on these Universities from your nearest British Council Office. You will need to take an English Language test before applying, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the British Council can advise you about this. Some Universities welcome students who wish to study any subject and some offer full-time degree courses specially designed for non-native speakers. There are a few places, such as Stirling University, which actually offer a three-year degree in English as Business and Management or whatever. You may wish to study English before beginning University studies, to study English as part of a full-time degree, and even want to stay on for further study for a Masters degree, You can do this all at the same University if you prefer, but you will need to make sure that the University you want to go to will provide you with the courses you need. Many students come to British Universities to obtain a qualification in English Language Teaching (ELT). Most will study for a Masters degree, but a small number of Universities do fofer an undergraduate degree or other qualifications in ELT.
Which University?
This is a big question! It depends on where you would like to be and your own personal interests. Do you prefer living in a large city? Remember London is not the only interesting city in Britain! If you prefer a large city which is very lively and where lots of people work in different jobs and professions, you might choose to study in places like Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds or Edinburgh for example. Many British Universities are in smaller cities or towns with a very interesting history, such as Cambridge, Oxford, York, or Bath for example. You might prefer to be in a town that is very close to the wonderful countryside and lots of fresh air. Examples would include Lancaster near the beautiful English Lake District, Brighton near both the sea and the Sussex Downs, or Stirling on the edge of the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
Choosing the city or town is important especially if you want to experience different aspects of culture, history or the environment. If you plan to study for a year or more, your choice of place is very important because it will be your 'home from home.' Also make sure that the particular University provides the course or courses you want. Obtain as much information as you can, either directly from the particular University itself (write to the Admissions Office) or through the British Council Office nearest to you.
Why a University Course?
Choosing a University English Language Program
University English language programs offer a variety of services, options and costs. How do you decide which one is the best for you?
First, consider what your ultimate goal is in studying in the U.S. Is it to obtain a university degree, improve your English for business reasons or
enhance your personal growth and intercultural experience? Almost every university in California offers English instruction to international
students. However, the English programs are as varied in what they offer students as the individual universities are themselves.
Some English programs are highly academic and prepare you for graduate school; others have business English and conversation partners. Some have academic counseling and immigration services; others have recreational activities and cultural field trips. Some offer university courses while
studying English; others offer a TOEFL waiver upon completion of the English program. Some offer lower prices and fewer hours; others offer a highly trained staff. Some have TOEFL, GMAT and GRE preparation; others offer conditional admission to the university.
Aside from the instructional aspects of a program, you should also consider more practical matters, such as the location of the school and its
surroundings. Is it in a metropolitan city, in a suburb, by the beach or in the mountains? What can you do in your free time? How safe is the area?
How close to the campus are clubs, restaurants, theaters, grocery stores and shopping malls? Does the English program arrange off-campus trips to visit museums, musicals, amusement parks and other places of interest? How much interaction do the English language students have with the university students on campus, and which campus facilities and services are available to them?
Another important factor to consider is which housing options are available at the English program. Is this your first time away from home? If so,
then you probably don't want homestay. You want to be around other students your age, attend weekend parties, and practice English with fellow students at the university. A campus dormitory may be the place for you. However, if you value your privacy and would like a quieter atmosphere, then an apartment is the right choice. Homestay is for students who want to experience American culture from the inside. You will learn expressions, vocabulary, and various nuances of American life that you will never experience in a dormitory or apartment.
If you are planning to obtain a university degree, you may consider studying English at the same university. While studying English you will acquaint
yourself with the campus, make friends with fellow students, join a student club, and adjust somewhat to life in California, before you start the heavy
academic load of a modern university student.
Friends and relatives who live or have studied in California can be very helpful in choosing an English program. Many students attend a program
based, not on all of the information above, but on their friend's or relative's recommendation. If your friend or relative is studying in
California, ask him or her for details about the school they are attending and about the surrounding area.
Whether you are looking for an intensive academic experience, TOEFL preparation or conversation and business writing, you can find such a
program at a university in California.
Induction Programmes - for Overseas Students
Most, if not all, British Universities and Colleges organise some type of Induction Programme for its new intake of overseas students. Such Programmes can range from a one-day get-together, with little or no basic framework, to a week-long programme that is highly structured and highly organised.
Meeting and Greeting
Many Universities and Colleges meet and greet their overseas students when they arrive in the UK - this is usually done via the British Council’s Meeting & Greeting Service at London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports. Before you leave home, you will probably be asked to let your British Higher Educational Institution know the date you are expected to arrive in the UK together with a note of the airport, the flight number and its expected time or arrival. A representative or a member of staff or even an overseas student from your Educational Institution will then meet you at the airport and advise you about the best mode of transport from the airport to the town or city in which your Educational Institution is located. Some Universities and Colleges provide coaches so that you and your luggage can be transported, often free of charge, to the place where you are going to study.
Reception Centre
During the time that overseas students arrive (usually during the week prior to Freshers’ Week), most Educational Institutions run some sort of Reception Centre for its overseas students. This serves two purposes. Firstly, it acts as an accommodation reception point. Secondly, it acts as a Centre to where overseas students can go and ask questions of the staff (usually from the Welfare Services as well as from the Registry) who help run the Centre. Do not be afraid to ask questions of the staff at these Receptions Centres. These questions can range from "Where can I purchase a good quality warm coat for the winter?" to "How much does it cost to post a letter home?" to "Can you tell where is the nearest General Practitioner (i.e. Doctor) to my Hall of Residence?" The staff at the Centre should be able to answer such questions.
Temporary Accommodation
It is inevitable that some overseas students will not have made accommodation arrangements. This can be for a variety of reasons, although the usual ones are that you will have applied too late for your accommodation or you will have been accepted via Clearing and so will not have had time to make arrangements for your accommodation. In such cases temporary accommodation will be arranged for you. This will probably be in some small hotel or guest house where bed and breakfast is provided. Such accommodation will be temporary and if you find yourself in temporary accommodation, do not worry as you will almost certainly be given permanent accommodation within a few days.
If for some reason or another you arrive at your place of study very late at night - that is after the Accommodation Reception Staff have left - then you will also be put in temporary accommodation for that night only.
Getting to know your Educational Institution
GOne of the purposes of any Induction Programme is to introduce you to the Educational Institution where you are going to study. This usually takes the form of guided tours, sometimes with an illustrated lecture or video beforehand. Second and third year overseas students often act as tour guides. Do not be afraid to ask them questions - if they cannot answer your questions immediately, they will usually be able to direct you to someone who can.
During the Induction Programme, there will also be an opportunity for you to meet some of the senior members of the University or College where you will be studying. There is always a reception at which the Vice-Chancellor, some of the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, some of the Deans of Faculties, and some of the senior members of the Administration, including the Director of the International Office, are present. They will usually mingle at these receptions and will literally try to meet every overseas student present. Be sure to take your camera with you to such receptions so that you can get one of your new friends to take a photograph of you with the Vice-Chancellor so that it can be sent home to impress your parents and their friends!
Similarly, during the Induction Programme, there is always an organised tours of the Students Union buildings with an explanation of the role and purpose of the Students Union. Meetings with the Presidents and the various Committee members of International Societies are also held - this will enable you to find out when the various International Societies meet and what they do. During the evenings of the Induction Programme, discos and other social events (for example, film shows) are usually held in the Students Union building. These functions serve as an excellent medium for you to make friends.
Getting to know the Town or City where your Institution is Located
The history and geographical location of the town or city where your Educational Institution is located will often take the form of a formal illustrated lecture given by some local historian followed by a guided tour. Sometimes this tour will take the form of a walk through the town when your tour guide will point out landmarks and sites of interest. At other times, it will take the form of guided coach tour of the area - sometimes this will last half a day, sometimes a whole day. Again, be ready to ask questions of your tour guide, no matter how trivial they appear to be.
Many Universities and Colleges have excellent relations with the civic authorities and many cities and towns put on a civic reception for overseas students. This will allow you to be welcomed by the Lord Mayor or Mayor, together with some other important civic dignitaries, including members of local Council (i.e. the elected members of local Government). Again, remember to take your camera with you to such a reception so that you can hopefully obtain a photograph of you with the mayor complete with the ceremonial chain of office which he or she will always wear on such an occasion.
During the first few days of study, your department will organise tours of the libraries and Computing Centre in order for you to acquaint yourself with what facilities are available for your use while you are a student. In addition, you will be given a detailed course guide and an explanation of the examinations you will have to take and pass in order for you to gain your qualifications. You should also be given an explanation of the mode of teaching including any laboratory classes, tutorials and seminars.
Studying Music Technology at University
Music Technology is a rapidly expanding area of study offering a multitude of career options for graduates interested in working in the music and media industry. The range of degree courses available cover all aspects of the subject, but each will have a specialist approach. The prospective student would be advised to consider each course carefully before making a decision.
Music Technology now forms an integral part of most traditional Music degree courses, providing an introduction to the subject within the framework of an academic course covering aspects of music, history, performance and composition.
However, an increasing number of specialist Music Technology courses are available. There are, broadly speaking speaking two categories of course and the prospective student should be aware of the differences at nearly stage as the entry requirements may not be the same. The first type of course approaches the subject from theoretical point of view is vocational in origin, aiming to equip to graduates for a career in the recording and broadcast industries at the operational level. Integral to some courses will be an examination of the electronics side of the subject together with the study of acoustic theory. Entry requirements may include A-level Physics and/or Mathematics, in addition to A-level Music and may lead to the award of a BSc.
A second type of course examines the more creative aspects of the subject with composition given a prominent place. Recently established courses, developing out of the BTec Performing Arts, Popular Music and Music Technology courses are more concerned with the creative application of the technology within a commercial environment. Song writing and live recording skills are explored practically alongside an examination of the business aspects of the subject. Entry requirements here may be more flexible, perhaps not requiring students to have taken the traditional A-level Music route.
Some of the courses biased towards the recording aspect of the subject are developed and taught in partnership with recording industry specialists, often within a commercial recording studio environment. Other courses are moving towards the integration of music and video technologies, in accordance with developments in the industry, giving students the opportunity to explore the production of music and sound for film and television soundtracks as well as developing skills in aspects of camera operation, direction and production.
Choosing to study a Music Technology at University, whether as part of a Music degree or as specialist course, can open up an exciting career in the music and broadcast industries and could lead to your name being listed on the production credits of that of highly successful T.V. series or hit album.
Institutions have been accorded registration by AICTE for conducting programmes in collaboration with foreign university / institution
| S.No. | Name & Address of the Institution | Name of the Foreign University | Programme | Approved Intake | Period of Validity |
| 1. | Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Maulana Azad Educational Campus, Rauza Bagh, | | 1. B.A. (Hons.) in Hotel Management 2. BA Culinary Arts | 120 60 | 2007-08 2007-08 |
| 2. | Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT), P.O. Box No. 66, | | 1. B.Eng. (Hons) Computing 2. B.Eng. (Hons) Computing in Software Engg. Specialisation 3. B.Eng. (Hons) Computing in Multimedia Specialisation | 60 40 40 | 2007-08 2007-08 2007-08 |
| 3. | Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology Vill. – Yamanampet, Taluk – Ghatkesar, Dist. – Rangareddy, Andhra Pradesh – 501 301 | | 1. B.S. Airlines Management 2. 3. B.S. Electronics Engg. (Avonics option) | 60 60 60 | 2007-08 2007-08 2007-08 |
