Switzerland is a top destination known for its world-class education, safety, and stunning natural beauty. With globally ranked universities and diverse career opportunities.
EDUCATION IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is one of the prime destinations for Bangladeshi students who would like to look beyond English-speaking countries to study abroad. Located in Central Europe, the land of the Swiss might sound like an unconventional destination, but when it comes to studying here, there’s no dearth of benefits and opportunities.
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
Almost 60% of the country’s land is mountainous, therefore one can expect to find picture-perfect rolling hills, open pastures, forests and lakes. For those who find joy in nature and outdoor activities, student life in Switzerland will be like a dream, with pleasant a summer season and manageable winters.
Home to two global cities and sharing borders with Italy, France and Austria, Switzerland’s cities are dynamic and overflowing with opportunities to interact with different cultures and languages. Since Switzerland is located centrally, travelling to any of the countries surrounding it is easy, with minimal expenses.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SWITZERLAND
Having four national languages and several dialects, Switzerland might look intimidating to students who aren’t multilingual. However, most universities offer Graduate and Postgraduate programs in English, particularly business schools. Most locals too are at least mildly fluent in English, so day-to-day interactions will not pose much of a challenge for Indian students studying there.
ECONOMY OF SWITZERLAND
Despite its small size, Switzerland’s economy is one of the most competitive economies in the world and a force to be reckoned with. Openness to foreign investment and low rates of corruption have made it one of the most stable economies, with the country regularly ranking highest on the lists of average individual wealth and quality of living.
EDUCATION SYSTEM IN SWITZERLAND
Its booming economy and trade make Switzerland an attractive destination for students wanting to pursue business and finance, from studying to working after graduation. Universities in Switzerland are renowned throughout the world for their commitment to high standards of education and research. Foreign students who opt to study in Switzerland have benefited from the small size of classes, hands-on approach to the syllabus and opportunities to pursue research.
Higher Studies in Switzerland are done mostly in Vocational and Technical institutes and Universities. Switzerland has four official languages. Mostly the Bachelor’s degree is taught in German, French or Italian and not English. Some Universities mix that with Local official languages and English. Such as in some Bachelor’s degrees at ETH Zurich, the first year is taught in German and the second and third are taught in English.
There are two semesters: The Autumn Semester and Spring Semester. Each semester runs for 14 weeks.
UNIVERSITIES IN SWITZERLAND
There are three types of Universities in Switzerland:
Other specific Universities in Switzerland offer University level education other than the above-categorised institutes.
Switzerland is known for intensive master’s and research programs in science and technology, from genetics and pharmaceuticals to biotechnology and medicine-related subjects. Two of its universities have ranked in the world’s top 15 according to QS World University Rankings 2018 – Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The fact that the country has produced a total of 31 Nobel laureates in the Sciences is a testament to its quality education. For students of humanities and law, the University of Zurich offers a wide range of programs.
STUDENT LIFE IN SWITZERLAND
There will never be a dull moment in the life of a student in Switzerland. Universities are proactive in organizing workshops and conferences so that students can engage with their courses even outside the classroom, and develop a professional network that will help them after graduation. Universities are well equipped with facilities like libraries, canteens and gyms, while also routinely organizing hiking trips for foreign students, to help them explore the country.
WORK AND STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
Most universities have job placement units that offer part-time jobs within the campus. Those on student resident permits are allowed to work, with the only requirement being that they produce a statement from university authorities stating that working while studying will not stretch the duration of their programs.
As courses are strenuous, foreign students are only allowed to work for a maximum of 15 hours per week. Wages can be anywhere between CHF 20 to 35, depending on skills and type of job.
WORK PERMIT IN SWITZERLAND
Graduated students have the option to apply for a six-month-long residency permit to explore job opportunities in the fields of their degree programs. Once employed, a work permit can be applied for. For those who wish to study further, a residency permit is renewed after admission is secured.
Students of International Relations and related majors will find no dearth of opportunities to advance their careers after finishing their studies, seeing as Switzerland is home to many international organizations like the United Nations and World Economic Forum. Foreign language students will also find jobs quickly as translators and interpreters in international organizations as well as MNCs.
Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a mountainous country located in western Europe. Mostly famous around the world for its idyllic ski towns and chocolate, it is also known for how high its standards of living, education and work are. Switzerland is fast becoming a lucrative destination for Bangladesh Students planning to study abroad.
Flanked by countries like Italy, France, Germany and Austria, Switzerland is a hub of cultures and languages with as many as four national languages. It is an ideal educational destination for those interested in degree programs related to language and culture. Known for having a rich topography, the country also provides a plethora of travel options for those living there.
STAY BACK IN SWITZERLAND
Who would want to leave Switzerland? There are some rules and regulations set by Swiss immigration for both EFTA/EU students and non-EU students. For any kind of extension in your stay, employment is necessary.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY IN SWITZERLAND
If the beautiful landscapes, excellent quality of life, and being the most neutral country in the world do not cut it for you, and if the excellent academics and world-class research output are not enough to convince you to opt for study in Switzerland, we have seven solid reasons that can change your mind.
Swiss Universities offer a wide range of courses across disciplines, at various levels (undergraduate, post-graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral), and at different institutions of higher education like academic universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education, etc. Some of the top-ranking educational institutions in the world are from this country. Whether one wants to study hotel management or hospital management, MBA or Master in Science or Arts, Switzerland will offer the best institutions and internationally accepted courses.
Top Universities in Switzerland:
ETH Zurich
Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
University of Zurich
University of Geneva
University of Bern
As can be seen above, Zurich and Geneva are home to some of the Top Ranked Universities in the world. Not only they are home to the Best Universities in Switzerland, but Zurich also has the famous Swiss Stock Market, the world’s fourth-largest. Lake Zurich and Geneva are the main attraction of the cities. Lausanne and Bern are other mention-worthy student cities, with Lausanne being a francophone culturally rich city and the Bern being declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Student Cities in Switzerland are the perfect mix of traditional and modern.
We have already talked about the Zurich stock market, but it does not stop there. It is home to many international organizations from around the world, including FIFA. The other internationally significant city in Switzerland is Geneva. Home to the most number of headquarters of NGOs, including the prestigious WHO and WTO, World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation respectively. This will take us to our next two points.
One needs only to count the number of Nobel prizes that have gone to the citizens of Switzerland to understand what we are indicating. It is not a country that believes in making education a dull and boring everyday affair that students must go through, for a certain number of years. Education in Switzerland is synonymous with thinking newly and differently and leads to innovations that help humankind.
This is the best part about studying in Switzerland. As a country whose standard and system of imparting education is not only renowned but also well respected across the world, a student passing out of any course finds himself or herself walking on the red carpet of professional life, straightaway. This is a huge advantage when the general norm is to struggle and find a foothold in an industry.
It is a peaceful European country, placed right in the lap of nature. With time, Switzerland has become modern but has managed to retain its beautiful equation with nature. Spanning eight countries, the Alps mountain range has become a postcard image for Switzerland over the years. For leisure travellers, hikers, campers, or adventure sportsmen, Switzerland is the place for everyone who loves nature.
The Swiss lifestyle is a perfect balance between the industrious German and the relaxed French lifestyles. The country actively encourages a culture where all work is done on time and without corruption, but at the same time, the quality and enjoyment of living life are not compromised. Swiss themselves are adventure-loving people, and you can find them roaming and hiking around the country, which makes it a lively place.
Switzerland is located in central Europe, and it is landlocked. Switzerland shares its borders with five countries of the EU: Austria, Liechtenstein, France, Italy, and Germany. Moreover, it is very well connected with all of these countries. You can hop on a train and take a trip to any of these countries. Switzerland literally puts rest of the Europe on your doorstep.
Studying in Switzerland is a synonym for diversity. Officially, there are 4 languages and 26 federal states. Add to that a large population of international students, and the country becomes a global village in a true sense. People from different ethnicity and cultures make Switzerland a country where one can make friends from different countries and learn many things with the interchange of cultural influences.
Last but not the least, with all the perks above, there is no doubt that Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world. Along with that, the Swiss policy of staying neutral makes it one of the safest countries in the world. Whether you are roaming around the streets or the Alps, you will feel safe in Switzerland. For international students, it is one of the most essential reasons.
COST OF STUDYING IN SWITZERLAND
As interest in Switzerland as a higher education destination for International students grows, there are queries about the affordability of living in the country.
Switzerland boasts 12 public universities, out of which 10 are cantonal and 2 are institutes of technology funded federally. In addition, there are several private universities offering graduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines including applied sciences, business, music and hospitality.
Since the government funds public universities, fees are on the lower side with small premiums for foreign students. This is why a large number of international students are attracted to the country and makeup 21% of the total student population.
Unlike undergraduate courses which are taught in one of the official languages of German, French or Italian, Master’s courses are taught in English. The cost of education differs between disciplines. Average annual tuition for international students can fall between £650 and £1,000, while for students of medicine, it can go up to £1600 a year.
Private universities are much costlier than public ones, with annual tuition fees ranging from £1500 to £16000. Since Switzerland is renowned for opportunities in research, its Postgraduate and PhD programs tend to be more popular, and fees for PhDs are nominal at about £200 a year.
For Bangladeshi students looking to study abroad, affordability is the biggest concern. Everyone wants to make an informed choice and be free of debt. This list compiles the most affordable universities in Switzerland:
| University | Tuition Fees |
| University of Geneva | £900/year |
| University of Bern | £1,500/year |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW | £1,300/year |
| University of Lausanne | £1,500/year |
Most swiss universities rank in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings 2018, and here are some of the best universities in Switzerland:
| University | Tuition Fees |
| ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | £1,600 Yearly |
| École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne | £1,100 Yearly |
| University of Basel | £1,600Yearly |
| University of Zurich | £1,400 Yearly |
While public universities are mostly affordable, scholarship programs are also available for international students. Most scholarships are reserved for postgraduate and research students.
For queries regarding eligibility, students should check with the Swiss Embassy office located in their city. The different kinds of scholarships students can consider are:
When Studying in Switzerland, it is compulsory for international students studying in Universities in Switzerland to have healthcare coverage or health insurance. Everyone who resides in Switzerland in general is asked by law to have compulsory health insurance for himself or herself.
Compulsory Swiss health insurance is a government healthcare plan for the citizen, and everyone applying for the same is insured regardless of the state of health one possesses. The health insurance premium amount in Switzerland can go up to as high as 600 CHF per month depending on the individual insured.
There is an option to apply for the exemption in the compulsory Swiss Healthcare plan. If you hold international health coverage equivalent to the same amount as a Swiss healthcare plan, you can apply. Moreover, you can choose a private provider to cover your healthcare requirements. Make sure with the authorities of the canton you are residing in for the exemption options.
Switzerland has one of the world’s highest quality of life, so it is only logical that the cost of living in the country is also high. Students planning to study abroad need to consider tuition, housing, transportation, food, supplies and leisure activities in their budget.
The cost of living depends on the city you live in, with the most expensive being Zurich and Geneva and the most affordable being Basel. The monthly budget in these cities falls between £1,000 to £1,500.
After tuition, it is an accommodation that you will spend a huge chunk of your money on. The most popular choices among foreign students in Switzerland are:
Monthly supermarket bills can amount to about £200. A trick is to shop after 5 pm when most supermarkets sell perishable items at a 25-50% discount. Restaurant meals can cost around £20, while university canteens are inexpensive at £7 per meal.
Switzerland’s efficient public transport is a boon for those on a tight budget, with monthly student passes costing only £50. Bicycle routes are also scattered throughout the country, and bicycles are fairly easy to rent. In major cities, only one ticket or pass is needed for access to any kind of transport, be it buses, trains or trams.
Students might have to spend about £300 on health insurance and medical exams, but these are usually one-time expenses at the beginning of every term. Books and supplies can be found at discounted prices in shops within or near campus, and usually cost up to £100. All in all, the yearly cost of living in Switzerland can be rounded off to £20,000.
A dedicated government towards education is what makes Swiss Education the excellent opportunity it is. Moreover, there are some public and private fully funded scholarships that make it possible for you to Study in Switzerland for free. The scholarships not only waive the tuition fee but also helps with other expenses
LIST OF UNIVERSITIES IN SWITZERLAND
City/Location Wise List of Universities in Switzerland
Mentioned below is the list of universities in Switzerland that are functional
| Sl. No | Name of the University | Location/City | Type | Language |
| 1 | University of Basel | Basel, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
| 2 | University of Bern | Bern, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
| 3 | University of Fribourg | Fribourg, Switzerland | Public | French, German |
| 4 | University of Geneva | Geneva, Switzerland | Public | French |
| 5 | University of Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, Switzerland | Public | French |
| 6 | University of Lausanne | Lausanne, Switzerland | Public | French |
| 7 | University of Lucerne | Lucerne, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
| 8 | University of Lugano | Lugano, Switzerland | Public | Italian, English |
| 9 | University of St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
| 10 | University of Zurich | Zurich, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
| 11 | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne | Lausanne, Switzerland | Public | French, English |
| 12 | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | Zurich, Switzerland | Public | German, English |
The Universities in Switzerland will have an online application procedure. Fill up the online application form for the course and pay the application fees. You will be asked to upload the proofs and required documents. Make sure you have filled out the application form and uploaded all the documents that are required.
Switzerland has four official languages. German, French, Italian, and Romansh. But the courses are offered in English, too. For Universities in Switzerland, most international students will apply for English, French and German courses. Here are the language requirements of Universities in Switzerland for international students:
Documents Required to Study in Switzerland
Here is the standard list of documents required to apply to Universities in Switzerland:
If you are applying for doctoral research to study in Switzerland, you will need an additional letter from the instructor and the person who will be overlooking your research.
It is important to apply for the Student Visa three months before the commencement of the course in order to avoid any last-minute hassles. As per the intakes in Switzerland, You should apply before March for the Fall semester, and for the Spring seme
ster, it will be advisable to apply before September ends.
If you are staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you will have to apply for a resident permit for the same. Switzerland Student Visa allows you to work and study in Switzerland part-time.
For more Visa-related information and Documents, continue reading below-
STUDENT VISA FOR SWITZERLAND
Known for its top-notch science, research and business programs, Switzerland is one of the emerging destinations for Indian students wanting to study abroad. The presence of international organizations like the United Nations and World Economic Forum also attracts international relations and law students to the country. It is one of the safest education destinations in the world.
International students planning to apply for a student visa need to be particularly mindful of the different kinds of visas and when to apply for them. The type of Visa you will require depends on your Time in Switzerland. Visa types and application processes are similar to a huge degree for most countries in the EU and EFTA. For example, applying for a visa to study in Germany will more or less be the same as listed in this article.
National Visa D to Study in Switzerland
If you’ve already been accepted at one of the Universities in Switzerland of your choice, you are eligible to apply for this study visa. The safest timeframe for visa application would be 3 months before your degree program is scheduled to commence. Visa processing time is usually unpredictable, it is, therefore, crucial to apply as early as possible in case of delays. If you are staying in Switzerland for more than 3 months, then you will have to apply for a residence permit for the same. The residence permit is taken from the Cantonal Migration Office of the Canton you will be residing in, within 14 days from the arrival.
Schengen Visa Switzerland
Schengen C is a short-term visa that international students can get for up to 3 months. If you’re only going to attend say, summer school or a language course, which will only take a few months at max, this is the type of visa you’re required to get. As Switzerland is one among the 26 countries that form the ‘Schengen’ group of countries, anyone with this kind of visa can move freely between the 26 countries, except in special cases. Keep in mind that Schengen Visa cannot be extended or renewed. You will have to return to your home country and apply for a visa to Switzerland again.
Dependent Visa
This kind of visa is allowed for immediate family members, including same-gender civil partners, of someone already living or working in Switzerland. A dependent visa allows also allows the holder to travel, study and work in Switzerland.
Visa requirements for a dependent visa include a valid national passport (with a validity of 3 months beyond the date of return), the applicant’s cover letter, the family member’s letter requesting a residence permit, marriage or civil partnership certificate and birth certificates of children. Switzerland Visa at Swiss VFS application costs about 6000 BDT for adults, 400 BDT for children between 6-12 years and for children under 6, there’s no cost.
Documents Required For Swiss Visa Application
Now that we’re clear on the different types of visas, let’s look at visa requirements and Switzerland visa requirements. For an education visa, students are required to apply for a visa form through the Swiss Embassy in their home country, usually by going in person.
Documents needed for both Schengen C and National Visa D are mostly the same, with some additional documents for the latter, since it is for a longer duration. Required documentation is listed below:
International students applying for National Visa D might be required to undertake a language test in any of the languages used as a mode of instruction in Swiss Universities, namely English, French or German.
The visa application fee for adults falls roughly around 6000 BDT, and it is the same no matter what country you’re applying to. Be it Switzerland or Germany visa costs are the same. Although for students applying to study, this fee is usually waived unless in special cases. All applicants are required to pay VFS Switzerland a service charge of about 3000 BDT, and payments are to be made in cash, though some consulates allow cards and bank transfers as well.
INTAKES IN SWITZERLAND
If you want to study in Switzerland and get a Switzerland visa to study abroad, the first thing you need to consider is the intake offered by Universities in Switzerland. Top universities in Switzerland like the University of Geneva and the University of Zurich have their own admission cycles. There are no definite intakes to study in Switzerland. However, Universities in Switzerland follow mostly two intakes: Autumn or Fall Intake, and Spring Intake.
| Universities in Switzerland | Intakes | Application Deadline |
| University of Geneva | Fall Intake | 31 March |
| Spring Intake | 31 August | |
| University of Zurich | Fall Intake | 1 January – 30 April |
| Spring Intake | 1 July – 30 November |
The Fall intake is for September to February. If you need a study permit for Switzerland Visa, the application process should start three months before that, and the deadlines to apply for Fall intake in Universities of Switzerland will be much before that, around 31st March.
The spring intake to Study in Switzerland is for February to June. Again, the Switzerland Visa process should start three months before, and the application deadline for Universities in Switzerland having May Intake will again come much before that, around 31st August.
Step 1: Start Now!
Step 2: Appear for the Exams: March to April
Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: April to May
Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: May – June
Step 5: Switzerland Visa Application / Education Loan: June to July 2
Step 6: Tickets and Departure: September
Step 1: Start Now!
Step 2: Appear for the Exams: September to October
Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: October to November
Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: November to December
Step 5: Apply for Visa / Education Loan: December to January
Step 6: Tickets and Departure: January to February
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