Why study in Switzerland?
Over 300 days of sunshine a year and a summer stretching from May to October, with a Mediterranean climate , natural beauty, unique vegetation, golden beaches, and clear waters, Cyprus is ready to accompany you to make your educational and social life abroad a unique experience.
Why study in the Switzerland?
Switzerland was named the most innovative country in the word eight years running by the Global Innovation Index. Much of its ongoing success can be attributed to three things: excellent universities, large investments in research and development, and world-class infrastructure.
Switzerland is also becoming a European hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Zug, a small town south of Zurich, is often referred to as ‘Crypto Valley’ by industry insiders and is a European base for Ethereum, one of the major players in the blockchain sphere
1. Wide Range of Study Programs
With a long list of higher education institutions, the country offers a wide range of fields of study for you to choose the one that is best for you. There are 12 public universities, 9 universities of applied sciences, and several other higher education institutions dedicated to music and arts.
The top universities of Switzerland that rank high among universities of the world are considered to be:
- ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
- EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
- University of Zurich
- University of Geneva
- University of Bern
- University of Basel
2. Get an Internationally Recognized Degree
Besides the knowledge and skills that you gain throughout your academic journey, what’s the cherry on top is the degree you receive when finishing your studies as a reward for your hard work. Since Switzerland has a highly regarded educational system, a degree from one of its universities will open many doors in your career in any place of the world.
3. Explore Different Cultures and Languages
Switzerland is known for its multilingualism and cultural diversity. It has 4 official languages, German, French, Italian, and Romansh. As a developed and peaceful country, Switzerland is the second home of immigrants from different parts of the world. Living and studying in this place, you’ll have the chance to befriend people of many cultures and be exposed to many different languages.
According to a survey by educations.com, Switzerland ranked second as the best place to study abroad in Europe in 2020, based on factors such as career achievement, personal development, and access to higher-quality teaching.
4. Explore the Beauty of the Country
Whether you are a nature lover or more of an appreciator of art, architecture, and crafts, Switzerland offers you a wide variety of options of entertainment to explore on your days off. The nature of Switzerland, with its mesmerizing mountains, lakes, and rivers, is a perfect getaway from the stress of your student life. During warm summer days, you can go for a hike on one of the peaks, ride a bike along the trails, or canoe in the river; in the winter you can ski and snowboard down the gorgeous Swiss mountains.
As for the art lovers, visiting the museums, theatres, and operas of the country will surely be a pleasant experience. The Swiss are also known for their fine chocolate and cheese, so you do not want to miss the chance to have a taste of them and other national Swiss foods while you’re here.
5. Visit the Nearby Beauties of the World
If you love traveling you must have many countries of Europe that need to be checked off your bucket list. There is so much of Europe’s history, culture, architecture, and nature that you must get to see.
Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is neighboured by some of the most beautiful countries of Europe you might also want to visit. With a cheap train trip, you can visit Italy, Germany, or France in just a couple of hours. You’ll reach your desired destination while also enjoying a scenic journey on your way there.
6. Enjoy a High Standard of Living
Switzerland has a reputation for being a peaceful, clean, economically developed, and forward-thinking country. The country has maintained its neutrality in times of war, and with its strict laws and respectful citizens, it has remained a peaceful place nowadays as well. The safety in Switzerland is very high, the country has a very low crime rate and most of the crimes are mild.
7. Good Healthcare System
Swiss healthcare is one of the best in the world. The majority of people that live in Switzerland have good health, that is because of the well-developed health system. Another aspect in which Switzerland is well-developed is the economy. With low unemployment and poverty rates, and high salaries, Switzerland is a great place for you to build a career after your studies.
Universities in Switzerland
| Title | Summary |
|---|
Top Courses in the Switzerland
- Business Management.
- Hotel & Hospitality Management.
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Banking & Finance.
- Quantitative & Systems Biology.
- International Law.
- Applied Mathematics.
- Interdisciplinary Sciences.
Education Cost in Switzerland
In most European countries, tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens are higher than those for EU/EEA students. Switzerland is an exception; here, tuition at most public universities is the same for all international students, regardless of their nationality. However, there are some exceptions:
- Université de Fribourg
- University of Lucerne
- University of Neuchâtel
- University of St. Gallen
- University of Lugano
- University of Zurich
At these universities, you can encounter two situations:
- Tuition fees are higher for non-EU/EEA citizens
- Tuition fees are higher for all international students when compared to fees for national (Swiss) students
uition fees at public universities
Public Swiss universities receive significant funding from the government. That’s why tuition fees are more affordable when compared to fees charged by universities from the UK or the US. International students who come to Switzerland on an exchange programme don’t pay any tuition fee.
Average tuition fees at Swiss public universities:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes: 400 – 3,700 EUR/year
- PhD degrees: 100 – 900 EUR/year
Tuition fees at private universities
Swiss Private universities usually have higher tuition fees that can reach 43,000 EUR per year. Some universities offer a discount if students pay the full amount when they begin the study programme. For some degrees, tuition is calculated based on the total number of courses or credits.
Most affordable Swiss universities
These are some of the most affordable higher education institutions in Switzerland:
- University of Geneva – average tuition fees: 900 EUR/year
- University of Bern – average tuition fees: 1,700 EUR/year
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW – average tuition fees: 1,260 EUR/year
- University of Lausanne – average tuition fees: 1,040 EUR/year
Universities we recommend in Switzerland
- Geneva Business School
- Robert Kennedy College
- Sustainability Management School (SUMAS)
- University of St. Gallen (HSG)
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Depending on your country of origin, this may sound expensive. The fact is, non-EU/EEA/EFTA (EU nationals and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) students are likely to pay more than those from the European Union/EEA/EFTA.
Scholarships in the Swizterland
International students can get scholarships offered by the Swiss government, based on partnerships established with several countries. Most of these scholarships are granted to postgraduate candidates and researchers. Other funding opportunities are offered by individual universities and other organisations.
- You should check if you are entitled to receive a scholarship by contacting the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Other scholarships are offered by some of the Swiss universities; you can benefit from grants ranging from 9,200 EUR to 13,700 EUR, available only for one year, with the possibility of extension, provided you will be academically successful at the end of your first semester of studies. Here are some scholarships offered by the University of Geneva.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists – scholarships awarded by the Federal Commission to foreign artists with a Bachelor’s degree or young researchers with a Master’s or PhD degree.
- You can explore many other scholarship programmes on Studyinswitzerland.plus.
- In some universities, you can apply for an interest-free loan of up to 11,000 EUR per year, which covers up to 40 % of fees and living costs. In Zurich, you can also opt for the solidarity fund for foreign students
Start by choosing a degree program that is right for you. Select the level of studies you are looking for (bachelor, master, PhD), and your field of study. Keep in mind that you may be required to take a proficiency test or extra language lessons. Start by choosing the degree program that is right for you. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, there are degrees in a multitude of fields across disciplines.
Interested in studying abroad in Switzerland? We’re here to help make the process a little simpler. The admission process may be different from what you’re used to, so make sure you consult the university at which you are applying if you have specific questions. In the meantime, take the following steps to get started:
1. Choose a Program
2. Prepare the Paperwork
3. Check Specific Admission Requirements
4. Submit Your Application
5. Wait to Be Admitted
6. Apply for a Visa
7. Arrive in Switzerland
Education System in the Swizterland
The education system in Cyprus offers three degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Cyprus offers a wide-range of degree programs in numerous fields and disciplines. As an international student, you are welcome to complete all or part of your education in Cyprus. Like other countries, there are both public and private universities.
Swiss Student Visa
Documents Required for Cyprus Student Visa
- students from the European Union (EU) don’t need a visa if they plan to stay for less than 90 days. To stay longer, they need to contact the competent Cantonal Authority and apply for a residence permit within 14 days after arriving in Switzerland.
- students from EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) follow the same rules as EU students. No visa is required for stays shorter than 3 months, but they need a residence permit for longer periods.
- students from non-EU/EFTA countries need to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland. They can apply at the local Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country. After arriving in Switzerland, they also need to apply for a residence permit.
- Non-EU/EFTA students can apply for 2 types of visas:
- short-term visa (up to 90 days, Schengen visa): if you plan to study a short-course or a language programme. You can submit a short-term visa application online.
- long-term visa (over 90 days, National visa): if you plan to study a full-time degree. You can submit a long-term visa application only in-person, at a local Swiss embassy or consulate in your country.
The residence permit is valid for the entire duration of your studies or for one year. You can renew the permit until you finish the academic studies. Remember to apply for the renewal at least 2 weeks before the expiry date!
If you need a long-term visa, you should schedule an appointment at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your area as soon as you get the acceptance letter from the Swiss university. Schedule the appointment for a visa interview as early as 6 months prior to studying in Switzerland but no later than 10 weeks before your departure.
Unless the application form and all required documents are in French, German or English, you will need a certified translation of all documents in one of these languages.
Processing time:
- Short-stay visas: 10–15 days
- Long-stay visas: at least 8–10 weeks
Documents required for the student visa in Switzerland
- Three forms of “Application for long-stay visa” filled and signed
- Four passport-size photographs
- Passport (valid 3 months beyond the planned stay)
- Letter of acceptance issued by a Swiss university
- Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees – original and copy
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living costs in Switzerland for the duration of your studies (provide evidence of having 21,000 CHF or 19,200 EUR at the beginning of each year of your studies)
- Letter of institution in case all expenses for the study will be covered by a scholarship or loan
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Commitment to leave Switzerland after completing your studies